The Full results from Fridays Trail Race will be online when fully scrutinised. If there are any errors on it please feel free to contact us and we will have a look at it. There was an issue with the 3k when some of the runners went off route. This will be looked at when we meet to go over all of the nights events and remedies will be put in place. All other races appear to have gone well despite the new courses.
Many thanks to all the Marshalls, those doing results, registration etc and all the other work that needs done. We cant put these events on without everyones help.
Many thanks to all the runners that came along to take part. Without you we have no event.
Many thanks also go to our supporters, RUN4IT, EKGTA, EKES and ACTIVE ROOT.
You may have seen Active Root between the start and Sports Club. They are a new drinks company with a Root Ginger drink. Keep an eye out for them at other events.
Run4It where also between the start and Club and have kindly helped us with vouchers some of which were handed out on the night. The rest will be posted in due course.
East Kilbride Group Training Assoc and East Kilbride Engineering Solutions for financial support that allows us to have a large prize list.
Its great to see so many running in Calderglen Country Park, a place our Club takes for granted at times but it is such a wonderful place to run.
Everyone at Calderglen Harriers invites you back next year to do it all again and in the meantime wishes every one of you all the best with your running till we meet again.
Russell Couper
Race Director
Saturday, 27 June 2015
Friday, 26 June 2015
Preliminary Trail Race Results
Calderglen 10k Trail Race Live Data
We are trialing live posting of provisional results during the Calderglen 10k Trail Race tonight. Follow these instructions (note the race will only appear on this site once the race has started).
You can also see the pre-entry list (will be updated with all the entries once the race has started):
You can also follow live finish line results by downloading this free app Webscorer FAN:
Once you have downloaded the Webscorer FAN app follow the 10k race "live":
How to follow LIVE results on Webscorer.com:
- Navigate to http://www.webscorer.com/findraces?pg=results
- If you can’t see your race on the list (Calderglen Harriers 10k Trail Race):
- Race with LIVE results will appear only after the race has started
- The page will auto-refresh so you can wait for the race to appear
- You can use the map and sports filters to narrow down the race list
- Once you find your race, click on the race name
- In a race with multiple distances / categories, click on the distance / category you want to follow
- Tap “View splits” for split times in a race with laps
- The results page will auto-refresh every 60 seconds so you can wait for the racers & times to appear
You can also see the pre-entry list (will be updated with all the entries once the race has started):
You can also follow live finish line results by downloading this free app Webscorer FAN:
Once you have downloaded the Webscorer FAN app follow the 10k race "live":
- Live results will be posted to Webscorer.com during the race, within seconds of each racer finishing
- Webscorer FAN can follow such a race live, all you need in an active internet connection.
- Once started, you can find the the live race on your Webscorer FAN by tapping Download races / Recent results
- You can stay on the Recent results panel waiting for the live race to appear - the panel updates itself automatically
- Tap the race to download it, then tap the distance / category / lap you want to follow and just watch the results appear automatically
- By default, the app will check for live results every 30 seconds; you can change this to every 10 seconds via the Settings toolbar option
- Note that there may be a few gaps in these provisional results, particularly for close finishes but these will be corrected at the end of the race.
Alan
Thursday, 25 June 2015
SVHC 5km Road Race Championship - Clydebank
On a balmy, calm night in the familiar surroundings of Clydebank Business Park, 85 veteran athletes lined up for the annual Scottish Veteran Harriers Club 5km Road Race Championship. For some reason this was a significantly bigger field than in recent years which was all to the good as it meant that there would be head to head competitions throughout the field. The course takes in about 3.5 laps of a wheel measured course entirely within the business park. The only point of note to mention is that the previously severely pot holed road had been resurfaced with smooth Tarmac recently.
The race walkers were set off 5 minutes in advance and all too soon it was time for Harriers Frances Maxwell and Alan Derrick to step onto the line for the 5k race. The flat course and wide range of ability means that inevitably the initial pace is too fast and most people blow up well before the finish. I was determined not to let this happen this year but was also determined to try for my first sub-17 for several years. There was no comfortable option for me.
As expected the field streaked away at the start but I hung back off the pack a little and sure enough, after 400m, I was gliding past people who were blowing out their ears. However, I also knew that I was probably going too fast. Gradually the positions settled down and my rate of progress through the field was slower but still positive. After one and a half laps I already felt that I was hanging on to the pace but was determined to keep the pedal to the metal for the penultimate lap and see what was left for the final round. By this time I had latched on to a pack of runners who I had not been beating in recent years and once again found myself drifting past them and chasing down a few more isolated runners ahead. For the final lap I was chasing one more runner and on the limit. The final half lap was a further gradual acceleration to around 5 minute mile pace (I see retrospectively) and it felt like it. As usual I lacked the final sprint for the line but off that pace, a sprint was never going to happen and would make little difference to the time. As I ran through the finish I heard the time keeper saying 51, 52 and immediately thought it was 17:52 and I had blown it in the middle laps. However a glance at my watch gave me the very pleasant surprise of a 16:53, my first sub-17 for several years and some 30 seconds faster than I achieved on this course last year. Once again this year, I was lucky enough to be first M50 and subsequent checking of the Power of Ten UK Rankings confirms the time as ranked 11th in the UK for an M50 this year, so double delight! Just got to find another 3 seconds through better pace judgement to get into the top ten.
I have no idea how Frances was able to contemplate this short, sharp race after her 40 miles of WHW support crew duty at the weekend. But, as a true Harrier, compete she did and finished in 21:28, which is her second fastest 5k of the year! Frances was second F50 and does her chances in the SVHC Grand Prix no harm at all.
The race was won by the ever present Robert Gilroy (who will be at our Trail Race on Friday) in the fantastic time of 14:59, competing in the M35 age group.
Alan
The race walkers were set off 5 minutes in advance and all too soon it was time for Harriers Frances Maxwell and Alan Derrick to step onto the line for the 5k race. The flat course and wide range of ability means that inevitably the initial pace is too fast and most people blow up well before the finish. I was determined not to let this happen this year but was also determined to try for my first sub-17 for several years. There was no comfortable option for me.
As expected the field streaked away at the start but I hung back off the pack a little and sure enough, after 400m, I was gliding past people who were blowing out their ears. However, I also knew that I was probably going too fast. Gradually the positions settled down and my rate of progress through the field was slower but still positive. After one and a half laps I already felt that I was hanging on to the pace but was determined to keep the pedal to the metal for the penultimate lap and see what was left for the final round. By this time I had latched on to a pack of runners who I had not been beating in recent years and once again found myself drifting past them and chasing down a few more isolated runners ahead. For the final lap I was chasing one more runner and on the limit. The final half lap was a further gradual acceleration to around 5 minute mile pace (I see retrospectively) and it felt like it. As usual I lacked the final sprint for the line but off that pace, a sprint was never going to happen and would make little difference to the time. As I ran through the finish I heard the time keeper saying 51, 52 and immediately thought it was 17:52 and I had blown it in the middle laps. However a glance at my watch gave me the very pleasant surprise of a 16:53, my first sub-17 for several years and some 30 seconds faster than I achieved on this course last year. Once again this year, I was lucky enough to be first M50 and subsequent checking of the Power of Ten UK Rankings confirms the time as ranked 11th in the UK for an M50 this year, so double delight! Just got to find another 3 seconds through better pace judgement to get into the top ten.
I have no idea how Frances was able to contemplate this short, sharp race after her 40 miles of WHW support crew duty at the weekend. But, as a true Harrier, compete she did and finished in 21:28, which is her second fastest 5k of the year! Frances was second F50 and does her chances in the SVHC Grand Prix no harm at all.
The race was won by the ever present Robert Gilroy (who will be at our Trail Race on Friday) in the fantastic time of 14:59, competing in the M35 age group.
Alan
Tuesday, 23 June 2015
Vertical Mile and Grand Prix Decided
We were blessed with a return to fine, sunny conditions for the traditional final race of the Grand Prix; The Vertical Mile. This would be the Grand Prix decider in the men's event and could also settle final places in the ladies' event. However, things got off to a shaky start when, having laid down the law as regards who should be in what pack for the gentle 3 mile run down to the start, Sandy Hayden returned somewhat embarrassed a few minutes after being sent out with the hand picked first pack to say that nobody in the first pack knew how to get to the start. Fortunately Richard Lawton was waiting silently in the wings to gratefully provide his services as a navigator! The fast back had its share of misfortune too when Ian Hughes took a nasty trip when running through the glen but we did eventually all get to the start.
A smaller than usual field of 16 lined up for the tortuous 1 mile ascent of Auchentibber hill although there was a bigger than usual non-running support and timing crew on hand. This included newcomer Alister Ferguson on only his second night at the club and already showing tremendous enthusiasm and potential. Unfortunately defending champion Andy Buchanan could not participate due to injury, so the race was open for a possible new winner or indeed a return to the winner's rostrum for multiple winner Ian Hughes, injured arm allowing. After a longer than usual wait for a gap in the sporadic traffic, the race was off and almost catching the lead car, which was heavily laden with support crew. Thereafter the race remains a mystery until the runners rounded the final bend with 150m to go. At this point Ian had a clear lead and first timer Chris' lack of knowledge of the course perhaps meant he left his burst too late. Ian crossed the line first in an excellent 7 minutes dead with Chris some 16 seconds behind in a near photo finish with Stephen Phimister and Jim Holmes in that order. Jim Holmes was in the Grand Prix title race and every point would count for him and he subsequently conceded that he had started off a little too easily and left too much to do in the final 200m.
Julie Beveridge was next across the line and first lady in a fine 7:41 but was being rapidly closed down by a fast finishing Joanne McEvoy (7:49). David Herbertson was next in, maintaining a comfortable 10 second gap on Billy Buchanan. Then followed the battle of the Fergusons with Geo Ferguson just holding off newcomer Alister Ferguson in a race to the line with Richard Lawton not far behind. Sandy Hayden was making her first appearance at the Vertical Mile and, knowing that she dislikes hills, was keen to say that she did run all the way to finish in a good debut time of 9:03. Grand Prix leader (GPL) Hugh Simpson was not sure if he had done enough to win the Grand Prix, finishing in 9:26. Not finally for a change, the serially injured Russell Couper became the only Harrier to complete all 16 GP races and not only that run his fastest time for many years, finishing in 9:49, trailed some seconds later and finally by an below par Colin Banks (9:52).
Well done to all on fine efforts over the shortest race distance we do all year.
And so Hugh Simpson did do enough to win the GP, with Jim Holmes in second place and Russell Couper third. In the ladies' GP, Frances Maxwell, Julie Beveridge and Joanne McEvoy occupied the first three spots. In the scratch championship, Andy Buchanan becomes the men's champion whilst the finishing order in the ladies club championship was the same as in the GP. Final positions and category awards will be announced at a later date when the committee has reviewed the results.
Alan
A smaller than usual field of 16 lined up for the tortuous 1 mile ascent of Auchentibber hill although there was a bigger than usual non-running support and timing crew on hand. This included newcomer Alister Ferguson on only his second night at the club and already showing tremendous enthusiasm and potential. Unfortunately defending champion Andy Buchanan could not participate due to injury, so the race was open for a possible new winner or indeed a return to the winner's rostrum for multiple winner Ian Hughes, injured arm allowing. After a longer than usual wait for a gap in the sporadic traffic, the race was off and almost catching the lead car, which was heavily laden with support crew. Thereafter the race remains a mystery until the runners rounded the final bend with 150m to go. At this point Ian had a clear lead and first timer Chris' lack of knowledge of the course perhaps meant he left his burst too late. Ian crossed the line first in an excellent 7 minutes dead with Chris some 16 seconds behind in a near photo finish with Stephen Phimister and Jim Holmes in that order. Jim Holmes was in the Grand Prix title race and every point would count for him and he subsequently conceded that he had started off a little too easily and left too much to do in the final 200m.
Julie Beveridge was next across the line and first lady in a fine 7:41 but was being rapidly closed down by a fast finishing Joanne McEvoy (7:49). David Herbertson was next in, maintaining a comfortable 10 second gap on Billy Buchanan. Then followed the battle of the Fergusons with Geo Ferguson just holding off newcomer Alister Ferguson in a race to the line with Richard Lawton not far behind. Sandy Hayden was making her first appearance at the Vertical Mile and, knowing that she dislikes hills, was keen to say that she did run all the way to finish in a good debut time of 9:03. Grand Prix leader (GPL) Hugh Simpson was not sure if he had done enough to win the Grand Prix, finishing in 9:26. Not finally for a change, the serially injured Russell Couper became the only Harrier to complete all 16 GP races and not only that run his fastest time for many years, finishing in 9:49, trailed some seconds later and finally by an below par Colin Banks (9:52).
Well done to all on fine efforts over the shortest race distance we do all year.
And so Hugh Simpson did do enough to win the GP, with Jim Holmes in second place and Russell Couper third. In the ladies' GP, Frances Maxwell, Julie Beveridge and Joanne McEvoy occupied the first three spots. In the scratch championship, Andy Buchanan becomes the men's champion whilst the finishing order in the ladies club championship was the same as in the GP. Final positions and category awards will be announced at a later date when the committee has reviewed the results.
Alan
Vertical Mile Provisional Results
Click here for preliminary results. Any time corrections gladly received. There were a few hectic finish line moments!
Alan
Monday, 22 June 2015
Men’s Health 10k – Glasgow - 21 June 2015
Today me and three other of the Calderglen Harriers set off bright and early for the Men’s Health 10K which this year was a total transformation on last years event.
Making our way to the Riverside Museum of Transport early really paid off in terms of getting a parking space and allowed us to have a relaxing saunter around and (me) a coffee before getting down to the business of a warm up ahead of the the gun.
Taking our places (legitimately) in the Purple Zone (elites and club runners no less!) we awaited the claxon. Without too much pomp and circumstance the starter got us underway. The usual stampede saw us going East to a (very small) roundabout, around which we had to swing (at a 45 degree tilt) before heading back along past the Museum and out on to the inside road leading to the SECC.
Mark Saez (MS) set off with a blistering pace, myself and Stephen Phimister (SP) happy to pace each other through the early stages whilst Graham Ramage (GR) sticking with us for the best part of 1.5 miles before deciding to reign in the bridle on the basis of his recent severe injury to both knees and overall long game plan of finishing in good shape and in a decent time.
Following the route along past the SECC we swung left in to Minerva Street and on in to St Vincent St before taking a right and down past the Hilton Hotel and on over the Kingston Bridge which has a surprisingly stinger of a climb followed by flat and then another wee climb. After the first mile I suggested to SP that we were maybe progressing at too keen a pace and whilst we both agreed we did nothing about it!
Coming down off the bridge and past the Saab garage I managed to sneak 10m on SP and felt fine although MS was a good way off. We ran along the south bank of the Clyde and turned left on King George V bridge (or is that Glasgow Bridge?) and on in to Hope Street before swing right in to Argyle Street under the Central Station tunnel and the inevitable smell of the Blue Lagoon chippy. Now, I normally enjoy a pudding supper from the Lagoon but this morning it was the farthest thing on my mind.
Along Argyle St and left in to Buchanan St we ran right up the pedestrian precinct before turning right, again in to St Vincent St and on in to George Sq. Rounding that turn I suddenly realised that I was no more than 10 paces behind MS eventually catching up with him as we ran in to Glassford Street. Mark told me his foot arches were extremely painful and he was going to back off the pace rather than inflict a damaging injury.
Heading on down past the old High Court I began to tire, this was 5 miles and I thought that my race was going to crumble and then, as if by magic, the inevitable always present, heavy breather started approaching from the rear and my primary mindset was, as instructed by John McGregor, I'm not letting this bugger past me. He pushed and pushed and pushed (no doubt being helped on, as I was, by decent doses of Ventolin) never managing to muster enough heavy breaths to pass me, even with a sprint (ish) to the line.
Hadn't it been for the heavy breather I wouldn't have managed sub 40, 39.56 being my official time.
Following my recent nightmare performance at Roukenglen, needless to say I was delighted to have returned to decent form so quickly having indulged in some honest graft and miles round the back roads!
Here’s how we all did from the official timings;
Martin Howell 39.56 46 / 1512 6th in age category
Stephen Phimister 40.31 68 / 1512 9th “ “ “
Mark Saez 40.39 73 / 1512 9th “ “ “
Graham Ramage 46.04 367 / 1512
Curiously Stephen was running as Martin Howell the 2nd as I made a schoolboy error in diary management earlier in the year and entered twice like a right trumpet! Good though that the number was put to good use and allowed Stephen to take part.
Weather wise, we dodged some pretty squalid showers and during the race it got quite warm in places when the wind was coming from our backs. A brief shower sorted us all out just after the finish and before we boarded the bus to go back to the Museum where Stephens car was parked.
Managing to relax with a cuppa and a slice of cake before heading home, we all agreed that all in all we had had a decent event – save for Mark’s cautious 2nd half.
Here’s a photo taken by a tourist for us at the Museum;
Thanks to Mary Goldsmith and family for their vocal support along the route.
Martin
Making our way to the Riverside Museum of Transport early really paid off in terms of getting a parking space and allowed us to have a relaxing saunter around and (me) a coffee before getting down to the business of a warm up ahead of the the gun.
Taking our places (legitimately) in the Purple Zone (elites and club runners no less!) we awaited the claxon. Without too much pomp and circumstance the starter got us underway. The usual stampede saw us going East to a (very small) roundabout, around which we had to swing (at a 45 degree tilt) before heading back along past the Museum and out on to the inside road leading to the SECC.
Mark Saez (MS) set off with a blistering pace, myself and Stephen Phimister (SP) happy to pace each other through the early stages whilst Graham Ramage (GR) sticking with us for the best part of 1.5 miles before deciding to reign in the bridle on the basis of his recent severe injury to both knees and overall long game plan of finishing in good shape and in a decent time.
Following the route along past the SECC we swung left in to Minerva Street and on in to St Vincent St before taking a right and down past the Hilton Hotel and on over the Kingston Bridge which has a surprisingly stinger of a climb followed by flat and then another wee climb. After the first mile I suggested to SP that we were maybe progressing at too keen a pace and whilst we both agreed we did nothing about it!
Coming down off the bridge and past the Saab garage I managed to sneak 10m on SP and felt fine although MS was a good way off. We ran along the south bank of the Clyde and turned left on King George V bridge (or is that Glasgow Bridge?) and on in to Hope Street before swing right in to Argyle Street under the Central Station tunnel and the inevitable smell of the Blue Lagoon chippy. Now, I normally enjoy a pudding supper from the Lagoon but this morning it was the farthest thing on my mind.
Along Argyle St and left in to Buchanan St we ran right up the pedestrian precinct before turning right, again in to St Vincent St and on in to George Sq. Rounding that turn I suddenly realised that I was no more than 10 paces behind MS eventually catching up with him as we ran in to Glassford Street. Mark told me his foot arches were extremely painful and he was going to back off the pace rather than inflict a damaging injury.
Heading on down past the old High Court I began to tire, this was 5 miles and I thought that my race was going to crumble and then, as if by magic, the inevitable always present, heavy breather started approaching from the rear and my primary mindset was, as instructed by John McGregor, I'm not letting this bugger past me. He pushed and pushed and pushed (no doubt being helped on, as I was, by decent doses of Ventolin) never managing to muster enough heavy breaths to pass me, even with a sprint (ish) to the line.
Hadn't it been for the heavy breather I wouldn't have managed sub 40, 39.56 being my official time.
Following my recent nightmare performance at Roukenglen, needless to say I was delighted to have returned to decent form so quickly having indulged in some honest graft and miles round the back roads!
Here’s how we all did from the official timings;
Martin Howell 39.56 46 / 1512 6th in age category
Stephen Phimister 40.31 68 / 1512 9th “ “ “
Mark Saez 40.39 73 / 1512 9th “ “ “
Graham Ramage 46.04 367 / 1512
Curiously Stephen was running as Martin Howell the 2nd as I made a schoolboy error in diary management earlier in the year and entered twice like a right trumpet! Good though that the number was put to good use and allowed Stephen to take part.
Weather wise, we dodged some pretty squalid showers and during the race it got quite warm in places when the wind was coming from our backs. A brief shower sorted us all out just after the finish and before we boarded the bus to go back to the Museum where Stephens car was parked.
Managing to relax with a cuppa and a slice of cake before heading home, we all agreed that all in all we had had a decent event – save for Mark’s cautious 2nd half.
Here’s a photo taken by a tourist for us at the Museum;
Martin
Sunday, 21 June 2015
Who wants to run in the Trail Race
There may be an option to allow some of our members to run in the Trail Race. This is still dependent on everyone volunteering. In preparation for this possibility would anyone that would want to run please leave your name HERE and we will try to accommodate. Remember you will still have to do voluntary roles before the race but I will try to release you asap from them.
TRAIL RACE ROLES
With less than 3 weeks to go to the Trail Races I need EVERYBODY to confirm that they are going to be there at 5pm at the latest on the day. I also want you to tell me what your preferred role would be and I will try to accommodate. Please leave your name, time of arrival and preferred role HERE.
WHW RESULTS
Well done to both our runners in the WHW race. Ian Rae finished a little after 1am in a time of 24:24:17 and David Searil has just crossed the line in 32.11.41 . Quite an incredible feat of endurance. If you try to imagine how you feel just trying to stay awake for that length of time never mind covering 96 miles in the process. I can only think of one word "RESPECT".
Im sure Ian and David would like me to pass on their thanks to their support crews, Frances Maxwell, Geo Ferguson, Ruth Kelly and Jim Mearns. Good job guys.
Im sure Ian and David would like me to pass on their thanks to their support crews, Frances Maxwell, Geo Ferguson, Ruth Kelly and Jim Mearns. Good job guys.
Saturday, 20 June 2015
Brian Goodwin 10k
Three Harriers - Julie Beveridge, Andy Buchanan and Alan Bow headed to Pollok Park to take part in this race.
By my own standards I had not been running well lately and was particularly disappointed with my Auldhouse time trial run. This 10K was to be my fourth within 5 weeks. However it was not a spur of the moment entry as I discovered I had entered this back at the beginning of April. Surprisingly this was a race I had never considered running before. Therefore I headed to this race not expecting too much and had said pre-race that I would be happy with a time around about 42 minutes based on previous 10Ks. Conditions were quite good for running, with it being dry and slightly cool.
The race consists of a two lap course starting from Cartha Queens Park Rugby Club. The route then follows a road through the country park which brings you to the edge of Pollok House (anyone who has run the Southside Six will know this first part of the route as you do this in reverse). From here you are following the road right through until you come out of the park at the entrance off of Pollokshaws Road (anyone who has been to Pollok Parkrun will likely have driven along this part of the park). From here it is roughly 2K along Haggs Road and Drumbreck Road until you are back at the rugby club ready to start the 2nd lap.
I started conservatively and settled in amongst a group of other runners. I would say this race had quite a good size field (380 finishers ) and I felt throughout the race there were plenty of runners around about me which helped. I felt the kilometres flew by and as I was enjoying the race I never felt the 2nd lap (knowing what was coming up ahead) was a struggle.
Overall I was pleased with how this run went given my recent running form and my final time was 40.58 which was actually a PB, albeit by 2 secs. But given the times I have been running recently I had to be satisfied with this.
Andy Buchanan finished in 33.24 (6th overall) and Alan Bow finished in 44.23.
The first male finisher was Tewodle Mehgisteab in a time of 30.33 and the first female finisher was Edel Mooney in a time of 37.08.
This was a very good value for money race with all finishers receiving a t-shirt (plain), burger and beer!
Thanks to Russell, Sandy and my mum & dad for their support during the race and all four for their help with trail race leaflet distribution after the race.
I think as a club we should seriously consider this as a Grand Prix race next year. The course and size of the field lends itself to a potentially good run and PB opportunities.
Julie
By my own standards I had not been running well lately and was particularly disappointed with my Auldhouse time trial run. This 10K was to be my fourth within 5 weeks. However it was not a spur of the moment entry as I discovered I had entered this back at the beginning of April. Surprisingly this was a race I had never considered running before. Therefore I headed to this race not expecting too much and had said pre-race that I would be happy with a time around about 42 minutes based on previous 10Ks. Conditions were quite good for running, with it being dry and slightly cool.
The race consists of a two lap course starting from Cartha Queens Park Rugby Club. The route then follows a road through the country park which brings you to the edge of Pollok House (anyone who has run the Southside Six will know this first part of the route as you do this in reverse). From here you are following the road right through until you come out of the park at the entrance off of Pollokshaws Road (anyone who has been to Pollok Parkrun will likely have driven along this part of the park). From here it is roughly 2K along Haggs Road and Drumbreck Road until you are back at the rugby club ready to start the 2nd lap.
I started conservatively and settled in amongst a group of other runners. I would say this race had quite a good size field (380 finishers ) and I felt throughout the race there were plenty of runners around about me which helped. I felt the kilometres flew by and as I was enjoying the race I never felt the 2nd lap (knowing what was coming up ahead) was a struggle.
Overall I was pleased with how this run went given my recent running form and my final time was 40.58 which was actually a PB, albeit by 2 secs. But given the times I have been running recently I had to be satisfied with this.
Andy Buchanan finished in 33.24 (6th overall) and Alan Bow finished in 44.23.
The first male finisher was Tewodle Mehgisteab in a time of 30.33 and the first female finisher was Edel Mooney in a time of 37.08.
This was a very good value for money race with all finishers receiving a t-shirt (plain), burger and beer!
Thanks to Russell, Sandy and my mum & dad for their support during the race and all four for their help with trail race leaflet distribution after the race.
I think as a club we should seriously consider this as a Grand Prix race next year. The course and size of the field lends itself to a potentially good run and PB opportunities.
Julie
Chatelherault World Championship 2015 - Harriers of Steel
Around 24 Harriers assembled at the start (some were not racing as it was pre-West Highland Way race week for Davy Searil and his support crew and some were injured but there to support) in near perfect conditions; mild, calm and relatively midge free. After the obligatory team photo we lined up about 6 deep at the narrow archway which signifies the start/finish line for the 7 mile lap.
Then we were off! Davy Watt, Andy Buchanan and I started off at what I could already tell was a suicidal pace for me along the first half mile of flat trail. By all accounts, similar errors of judgement were being made throughout the field behind. At the first steep climb I knew I had already blown any chance of a well paced run as the quads were screaming. Davy and Andy pulled away and opened a gap on this climb and shortly after I could see Andy easing away from Davy. Thereafter it was a lonely and painful run, always on the limit and with Davy always in sight about 20 to 30 seconds in front. My strong point is usually the log jam and here I closed right up on Davy only for him to pull away again once we were over the top. Eddie and Kenny (both injured) were at the top of the log jam offering words of encouragement and taking photos. The second half of the lap is easier and faster than the first half and a more sustained, even effort was possible. Every so often the trail straightened out enough to see Davy ahead but I was making no headway on closing the gap. The pace picked up again on the descent from Chatelherault House and from there I was on the limit for the final, tough mile hoping to close in on Davy.
Behind me course bests were being set by many. Stephen Phimister was fourth across the line in 53:09 but has run faster this season already, suffering from a fast start. Jim Holmes crossed the line in 54:24, closing in on the Grand Prix lead and commented "Hard work from start to finish, but I would expect nothing less in a World Championship! Over committed in the first half and hanging on all the way back. Glad to see that bridge". Well done Jim on a season's best and fastest time for a few years.
Hugh Simpson maintained his Grand Prix lead with a steady (unknown time) run of around the hour. Ian McKenzie was unaware that the run was a race, so was thrown in at the deep end on his way back to fitness. Ian completed the lap in around 65 minutes. Finally, still running with a calf injury (!!), Russell Couper completed the lap in around 1:30. Geo Ferguson was not feeling right from the start, so sensibly dropped out part way around and kept Sandy Hayden company as this was only Sandy's second time at Chatelherault and she did not know the way around the lap. Davy Searil continued his taper for the WHW by running a reverse lap with support crew member Ruth Kelly. Meanwhile recovering from injuries, Eddie Reid and Kenny Leinster ran in reverse to the toughest climb of the course at the log jam to record our pain in pictures. Fortunately the conditions were too dark for Eddie's iPhone so the blurred images partially hide our suffering!
I wonder if this World Championship is on an annual, bi-annual or four year cycle?
All Eddie's photos are here.
Alan
Calderglen Country Park (Family Day)
Hi Guys
As some of you know the Harriers are taking part in the Family Day in the park. Its on from Noon till 5pm and the Harriers will be putting kids through some training drills up at the picnic area. For those that are coming to help myself and Richard will be at the Club at 11am then heading to the picnic area. After 11am you will not get a car into the park. Everyone is welcome to come and help a bit so please pop along whenever you can.
Russell
As some of you know the Harriers are taking part in the Family Day in the park. Its on from Noon till 5pm and the Harriers will be putting kids through some training drills up at the picnic area. For those that are coming to help myself and Richard will be at the Club at 11am then heading to the picnic area. After 11am you will not get a car into the park. Everyone is welcome to come and help a bit so please pop along whenever you can.
Russell
West Highland Way Live Tracking
Watch Ian and Davy's progress live here.
As mere mortals get ready for bed, here is where Ian and Davy are:
Tuesday, 16 June 2015
Trail Race Maps
Route maps for the Calderglen Harriers Trail Races are now available to download. Use the links below or also find them on the main Trail Race Web Page.
You can also download the route as a Google Earth kmz file with which you can interactively explore the route in Google Earth (which you can download for free).
Alan
Saturday, 13 June 2015
Chatelherault World Championship
With this Monday being the Inaugural Chatelherault World Championship it should be pointed out that club vests should be worn.
Friday, 12 June 2015
Rouken Glen 10k
At this time of year when Rouken Glen 10k is on, the weather can be unpredictable however the sun shone and shone last night with my Garmin registering the temperature at 20c. Running in the hot weather can affect any Scottish runner and has me in the past so I made sure I had my trusty baseball cap, sunglasses and lashings of sun cream.
Even though you’ve promised yourself I will finish work early or sharp you never do and the 7.30pm race start always seems a tight rush to get home, change into your running gear, getting some food/drink and get to Rouken Glen to get your number and chip. Thankfully I made it nicely just before 7 to get my number and chip, do my warm up and meet up with some of the Harriers and other running friends.
There was some pre-race chat about the route of this year’s race reflecting on last year’s race running that infamous fast & flat hill twice situated next to Deacons Bank Golf course. Even though there was a route map I am never any good at interpreting these so I ran in the knowledge there would plenty of runners in front of me so I won’t get lost.
So on the line up we all did the usual shaking hand Harrier ritual and I was lining up next to my Rouken Glen training partner Frank and my other friend Owen McQuade, who now runs for Bellahouston Roadrunners. After a delayed start we were off with a whimper (no ready steady go). We ran around the park to pass the Skateboard Park then into the middle path, sharp right leading us back to the start and started to run towards the boating pond. This initial loop I ran just over 7 minute mile which was too fast so quickly slowed down so I could survive the 10k and also at this point my throat was dry as a bone. We ran out of the park towards the boating pond and turned to the left of the pond running by the Boat House Cafe up a small incline and down to Davieland Road. From there we ran down onto Rouken Glen Road by the park and turned left up Stewarton Road and turned left into Deacons Bank Golf club car park leading to the infamous steep trail route. At this point John McBride had passed me and was about about 40 secs ahead of me and my training partner Frank was just ahead. As I started to climb the hill my strength from running Chatelherault kicked in and I comfortable got up and over the hill passing Frank. I held my lead of Frank until Davieland Road where he passed me again. So I didn’t panic and just ran my own pace keeping Frank in sight until we entered the garden centre car park to which was a new part of the race for 2015. We ran to the right of the car park turned left to run by the garden centre and back into the park doing a final 1k by the Pavilion, Skateboard Park round to the start and on the final up-hill central path of 150m to the finish and I was able to up my pace to give a final sprint to the finish passing Frank in the final metres of the course, settling for a time of 47:19 beating Frank by 3 seconds.
First Harrier home was Stephen Phimister in 40:49, followed by Julie Beveridge in 42:54 (2nd in Senior Lady Category), John McBride in 46:32 (5th in the V55 category), Richard Lawton in 47:19 and David Searil in 53:04 and unfortunately Martin Howell was DNF. Martin reported this on Face book he had no power to run the trail route part of the course and ended up abandoning the race. This is a good local race and would be good to consider again for the 2016 Grand Prix as it has been a GP race in previous seasons.
Thanks to Eddie for being the photographer along with Russell they both cheered all the Harriers in a crowd of over 430 runners.
Full Results see link: http://www.giffnocknorthrunningfestival.co.uk/. More photos here.
Richard.
Monday, 8 June 2015
Calderglen Choclateers
The event was timed with a new type of wrist strap mounted chip which elicited various comments, from myself included, about not having trained to wear two watch straps to the more imaginative suggestion of giving all the club's chip straps to me to wear. However, we soon dismissed all such worries and lined up for the up hill charge at the start. I started cautiously and, sure enough, within 150m I was breezing past all those who had started too fast. I had a fair few places to make up but was running comfortably, fully aware of the toughness of the course ahead. I soon established myself off the back of a pack of 3 and worked with them for the first half of the race until we crossed under the M8 having descended to that point at incredible speed. On the far side of the motorway, the course started to gradually climb again and this is where I found myself moving away with nobody in sight ahead. Just before we crossed the motorway again, I though I caught a glimpse of one runner ahead who looked to be struggling. However, I imagined that he was a straggler from the first pack and that I would really have to burst a blood vessel to catch him uphill in the final 3k and didn't think it was worth it. I was running very swiftly and comfortably at this point and really enjoying the feeling of pace through the forest. Finally we had 1km to go and I could just see the runner about 150m ahead but as I could hear nobody behind, I was happy just to cruise to the finish. On the line I nearly choked on the complementary fruit loaf but could see only the one runner in the finish pen. I thought for a while that I had perhaps wasted a chance to win the race, however, eventually, today, when the official results came out, I saw that I was actually 4th overall in a time of 38:36, a full 1:20 faster than last year, so I was very pleased with that (and first M50).
Next Harrier to cross the line was Jim Holmes in a fine 46:32, noting that this course is in no way comparable to a road 10k due to the severe undulations. Frances Maxwell ran strongly to finish in 47:55 although I note that the official results classify Frances as a Male Super Vet! In any case, today was a very competitive day for the FSV category with a strong contingent through from various Fife clubs. A rapidly improving George was next in, having shed some pounds through increased mileage in recent months and beginning to run well again, finishing in 51:13. Hugh Simpson is streaking away with the Grand Prix at the moment and did his championship chances no harm at all with a pre-holiday finish in 55:23. Russell Couper knew he was going to end up injured and so it came to pass within a short distance of the start when his calf tightened. However, Russell carried on to finish in 1:10:43.
We missed the prize giving, which has always been back in the school for the past 7 or 8 years we have been running the event. This year it was up on the course at the start/finish tent! When we eventually arrived there, they were packing everything away and did manage to retrieve my M50 prize. However, I was outdone by Frances, Jim and George who managed to blag spot prizes of a box of chocolates each. If you don't ask you don't get!
Well done to all for making the journey through. Full results here.
Alan
Thursday, 4 June 2015
Auldhouse Time Trial June 2015
Fine conditions with 16 degrees and light winds brought some fantastic times tonight. Preliminary times are here.
And the fine conditions resulted in several seasons bests, course bests and an unusual record. The 18 Harriers running tonight enjoyed almost perfect conditions. Course/Personal bests were achieved by Geo Ferguson (21:48) taking 2 seconds off his best set in 2011, Neil Green equalling his personal best (18:56) with the fastest time of the evening, Martin Howell (19:50) taking 46 seconds off and Mark Saez (19:12) improving by 49 seconds. There were 5 runners under 20 minutes which makes this one of the fastest average fields in the Auldhouse 5k history; a good sign for the club.
Seasons bests went to Richard Lawton, Charlie McDougall, John McBride, Jamie McMonagle, Stephen Phimister and David Searil whilst Darius Pless (24:24) made his debut straight after his first half marathon in Edinburgh on Sunday.
A long-standing record was also broken tonight by the unstoppable Davie Searil. Davie was first off in the time trial and managed to sustain his lead to the finish in a seasons best whilst being pursued by a very fast field. Running scared is a great motivator. I am sure Russell will be the first to congratulate Davie on taking his record.
Refer to the menu on the left for a summary of all the results stats.
Alan
Tuesday, 2 June 2015
The Magnificent, Madnificent, Mudnificent (delete as appropriate) Seven
Just a short note to highlight the dedication of seven harriers for turning up at Ferniegair last night. While the less hardy of our clubmates were indoors, no doubt curled up in front of the fire with a hot drink and a good book, an indefatigable bunch set out from the main car park in Chatelherault in what can only be described as the wildest evening of the year so far (which is certainly saying something this particular spring) The roll call of honour rings out for Billy Buchanan, Neil Green, Allan McLellan, Jim Holmes, Richard Lawton, Hugh Simpson and myself for battling the elements just to get there and then being so silly as to run during that dreadful storm. The gods were smiling on us however as sunglasses were required for the drive home into the setting sun.
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