Alternative Half Marathon

The first of two reports from Kirkintilloch last Sunday. Thanks to Frances and Stuart for keeping us in the picture. Fine performances all round.

If you didn’t manage to get an entry or merely did not want to do the GSR on Sunday 5th October an alternative race to the GSR was held at Kirkintilloch courtesy of Kirkintilloch Olympians.   This race was the Neil McCover Memorial Half Marathon which was extremely well organised by the Club.  This is a tough hilly course taking in great views of the Campsies.  The race is also part of the SVHC grand prix and 3 Harriers were there to take part.  It was an early start of 9.00am and the chill in the air made it feel more like November.  A short warm-up left your hands ice cold and wondering if you should have brought gloves!   Although cold at the start the conditions were just perfect during the race.  Stuart Waugh was first Harrier home in an impressive time of 1.32.37.   Frances Maxwell was next in a time of 1.36.44 and taking 5 minutes of her previous half marathon at Loch Leven earlier this year.  This time also earned her the 1st FV50 category.   Kenny Leinster who is also training for the Dublin Marathon crossed the finish line in a time of 1.44.44 and was pleased that his injury did not flare up again.  The hospitality at the end of the race was great with loads of homebaking on sale for a small donation and all the proceeds going to The Teenage Cancer Trust.  One for the diary…..

Frances

On Sunday 5/10/2014 3Harriers (Frances Maxwell, Kenny Leinster and Stuart Waugh) made their way to Kirkintilloch for the annual Neil McCover Memorial Half Marathon Road Race , which also doubles as the SVHC Champs event. Very early start at 9am - cold compared to recent weeks, but otherwise conditions fairly good.

Very tough and challenging course - for those of a certain age you may remember the old Luddon 1/2 M course - every mile has hills , very undulating with miles 2 , 5 and 10 particularly uphill and a nasty short, sharp climb 3/4 mile from the finish.

Nevertheless all 3 Harriers survived to tell the tale with times of Stuart -  1:32:37 , 47 place ; Frances -  1:36:44 , 62 place ; and Kenny -  1:44:44 , 85 place.

Good preparation for Frances and Kenny for Dublin Marathon in a few weeks time.

Stuart Waugh