Helensburgh Half

While most of the club were at Islay a few Harriers made the trip 'doon the water to Helensburgh for the Half. Luckily the predicted torrential rain didn't materialise and although a bit humid there was really nothing to complain about weather wise. Its advertised as a fast, flat course (aren't they all) but apart from a couple of climbs generally it is.

For those that know Helensburgh it starts at the swimming pool and heads west along the coast toward Faslane. There was a short, sharp climb just at Faslane and you turn at the Peace camp to head back toward the town. On the way back around mile 9 the race turns up into the town and another short climb before winding through the backstreets. Finally a downhill section and a turn to run east back to the finish.

It might have been different on a windy day but the course lived up to its billing judging by the times.
Mark Saez smashed his PB with a 4+ minute reduction to come home in 1:28:15 (including a stop to tie laces), followed by Stephen Phimister with a 2 minute pb reduction to finish 1:28:59. Andy achieved his sub 1:30 target with 1:29:53 and Kenny ran 1:35:01 (to beat Billy's time from Islay).

Also good to see our new recruits to the Harriers, Jim (around 1:41) and Ruth (around 2 hours) TBC and Julie's sister 1:27.
Official results to follow.

It was well organised and a good race, complimented by a 2k (Mark Phimister claims 7:30 which would be faster than his dad !) and 5k family run. Free entry to the swimming was a nice touch.

Thanks to Stephen for the report and well done to all.
Alan