UPGRADED!!! - West District 10k Medallists - Watch this Space

Further to these great performances from club members way back in May, I am pleased to announce that following scrutineering by Scottish Athletics officials, various women competitors have been found to be non-members of Scottish Athletics and hence were ineligible for West District medals. The good news is that Julie Beveridge has therefore been upgraded to Senior Woman Bronze medalist and, wait for it, Frances Maxwell is now West District F50 Gold Medalist!! Well done again to the ladies and to Andy for representing the club so well at this championship event.
Alan

Andy Buchanan and Frances Maxwell proudly displaying their West District Bronze medals.

A great report from Andy on fantastic performances. 

It was clear from the start line of this race that Calderglen Harriers were made of stronger stuff than most.  There were more black and gold vests on show than any other club colours on the start line.  Despite gusting winds, low air temperature and varying formats of rain, 14 harriers awaited the starters horn in jovial spirits.

The  course, although not being particularly fast in terms of elevation or numerous tight turns, did offer plenty of intermittent exposure to the wind with its many direction changes.  The latter perhaps more preferable to long stretches spent battling headwinds.  Two significant climbs, one around 3k, another around 7k and lasting about a mile, were the other challenges popular with post race reflection between runners.

From the beginning of the race it was clear the top four would be decided from the pack containing myself and 3 Cambuslang Harriers featuring the eventual winner Robert Gilroy.  By 1km the field let us carry on uncontested judging by the gap back to the next group.  By 2k Robert Gilroy eased away, it seemed the three of us were  happily content to let him go on to break the course record. After the 3rd km came the first main climb that saw Kerry-Liam Wilson pull clear and the 3rd Cambuslang runner give pursuit but with some distance.  I remained in 4th place until 5k gradually reeling back 3rd place and moving clear.  Passing through 5k in 16.12 I felt very strong and comfortable with the only limiting factor being how quick I could turn my legs over, I knew I was on track for another PB.  I finished 3rd overall in 32.43, somewhat flabbergasted to take a further 56 seconds off my previous best set only 2 weeks ago.

Only slightly further back were other medal deserving and pb performances.  Frances Maxwell overcame the conditions and other veteran adversaries to take the bronze district medal for her age group.  Squealing in delight " I never win anything like this!" beside me at the prize giving.  Geo, delighted for his partner, could be heard quipping " you're on the fish suppers on the way home then" in reference to France's additional £20 cash prize.

Sandy Hayden improved her 10k PB in her 3rd outing at this distance to dive under the 50 mark to sprint finish in 49.49.  Martin Howell followed myself in 41.03, despite some difficulty seeing through his glasses in the persistent rain.  Stephen Philister followed one place behind in 41.31.  Julie Beveridge just missed out on a medal finishing 4th overall in the woman's race in 42.31.  Joanne McEvoy finished well in 43.09.  Jim Holmes completed the course in 44.01 and George Ferguson ran a good steady 45.44.  John McBride ran a solid 46.47 and Grand Prix contender Hugh Simpson came home in 49.12.  Ultra runner Davie Searil ran a tenth of his usual race distance in 50.16.  Phil Marshall came through the finish funnel in 51.52 and Russell couper completed the harriers line up keeping himself under the 55 mark with a 54.49.

Massive well done to all harriers that took part.

Andy B.