West District XC Relay - Here we Kilmacolm

A late change in venue meant that the hundreds of runners lining up for the first cross country of the season were given an easier ride around the perimeter of a picturesque little park in the heart of Kilmacolm rather than what should have been an agricultural course on the outskirts of Port Glasgow. The reason for the change of venue? The long, dry summer made the ground hard and rutted and hence posed a health and safety risk! Only in Scotland. Anyway, I didn't hear any Harriers complaining as the two lap course around the park suited us just fine.

Our ladies are a force to be reckoned with nowadays and finished an impressive 10th overall. Julie Beveridge got the team off to a strong start, flying round in 15:52, handing over to Karen Allen who is approaching her old form, finishing in 16:23. Finally, Frances "Marathon" Maxwell built on her superb form to finish in 16:52, beating the time of many of her regular age group rivals in the process.

Andy Buchanan was the star of our men's teams, leading the senior team off in 13:16. Hugh Simpson was put under pressure for the second week in a row, being asked to hold off the Calderglen vets team. It is always difficult to pace a relay when you are starting off amongst faster runners and this is the situation Hugh found himself in, even forgetting to start his watch. The official times reveal that Hugh finished in 18:11, handing over to Richard Lawton. Richard has made good progress in the last year, despite a recent injury and finished in 17:09. Finally, Russell Couper had a good training week and this run was to be the final session in that week, The time was unimportant but for the record it was 21:12.

The Calderglen vets team comprised the ever improving Mark Saez (14:53) on leg 1. Jim Holmes had the task of hauling in Hugh Simpson, which he did comfortably in 15:54. A still fragile Martin Duthie nursed his calf around in a fine 14:14, whilst a jet lagged and flu suffering Alan Derrick did the stupid thing (running), finishing in 14:39, placing the team as 8th vets team.

Well done to all. It was a great day in the sun. If anyone has photos, please pass them on. The GP and club championships are up to date now.
Alan