Vertical Mile 2016

In a busy few weeks of event organisation for the Harriers, our 2016 Grand Prix series was rounded off in the usual fashion with our club race up "The Vertical Mile" at Auchentiber on Thursday June 30th. Although this is the shortest race on our calendar, it is by no means easy as it pushes the lungs to bursting point. With this in mind, attendance can be a little low for this one but this year we had an excellent turnout of 16 Harriers, including a few first timers.

Conditions were dry, calm and mild for the race, perfect conditions for running but also perfect conditions for the midges around the finish line as I was to find out. Thanks to Frances Maxwell in getaway driver form, we were on the finish line well before the leading runners came into sight. There were many tight groups between first and last but there was no doubt that Andrew Buchanan had a winning lead over Stephen Phimister when he appeared around the final bend 150m or so from the line. Eddie Reid was making a fine return to competitive action and was even closer to Stephen as the leading trio approached the line. Andrew crossed the line in 7:03 with Stephen in 7:13 and Eddie in 7:16.

Jim Holmes was in no man's land in between packs but this was a comfortable place to be as it secured Grand Prix victory again for Jim. Meanwhile Joanne McEvoy was showing her power on the hills to win the ladies' trophy with a fine time of 7:44 which was 5 seconds faster than last year. Charlie McDougall chased Joanne to the line, not quite succeeding to catch her but setting a remarkable time of 7:49. Charlie is a previous winner of this event several times 25 or 30 years ago.

Second lady home was Alison Lessells who finished just between Paul Rooney and Richard Lawton. This ensured that Alison and Joanne tied for second place in the ladies' Grand Prix.

Well done to all 16 Harriers who contested this lung buster of an event. Full results are here.
Alan