Gold for Andy

In typical unassuming Harriers' fashion, Andy Henderson picked up his first individual national championship today after a long and continuous running career. Andy won the M60 category at the National 4km Cross Country Championship at Bellahouston Park this afternoon, covering the course in a fine 17:05. Well done to Andy.

Although the weather conditions were fine, either the underfoot conditions were heavier or the length of the course was increased compared to last year as most of the Harriers times were down compared to last year, despite many of us being in proven good form.

Julie Beveridge and Frances Maxwell represented the ladies and were both well positioned relative to their usual rivals. Julie has been racing longer events recently and found herself lacking in pace but was nevertheless pleased with her time of 17:18. Frances' strength paid off the further into the race she went and had a great run to finish in 18:06.

Andy Buchanan was competing here for the first time but was running to a plan with the intention of running cautiously for the first 2/3 of a lap before piling it on. As it happened, Andy was continuously passing people from start to finish, including and impressive sprint past 6 or 7 on the way to the line. Andy finished in 14:23 and extends his lead in the club championship. After a week off racing with illness, Mark Saez made a good comeback here to finish in 16:01. Stephen Phimister had a long day having been at the park for his daughter's  race earlier in the morning but ran well to the line in 16:36.

Eddie Reid was the only Harrier to improve on last year, finishing in 16:51, some 35 seconds faster than last year. Andy Henderson had broken away from Jim Holmes after a race long tussle, Jim finishing in 17:11. Given that Jim Mearns had run a 33 mile race last weekend, he can take his time of 18:52 to be at least as good as last year's time, Hugh Simpson kept it steady to increase his grand prix lead, finishing in 20:09. Russell Couper had a race on his hands this year with  a handful of runners keeping him company requiring Russell to sprint to the line in 21:45.

Well done to all running and our supporters around the course. A few photos from the day are here.
Alan