Land O'Burns 10k Road Race

All but one of the Harriers before the start

I can't remember ever having such perfect weather for a mid-week evening race in Scotland, but with temperatures still in the mid twenties and not a breath of wind, 9 Harriers lined up for the annual Land O'Burns 10k road race in Ayr on Wednesday evening. This was another race in the Harriers' Grand Prix series. A few more Harriers would have been running but for last minute changes in arrangements or illness. A great turnout nonetheless for a midweek race.

The course starts off dangerously flat, tempting a fast pace in the beginning but undulates enough through the middle to catch those out who started too fast before a very flat, fast final km finishing in the playing fields at the old race course.

Julie Beveridge in the final km

Our fastest runner on the night was Andrew J Buchanan, running here for the first time and perhaps being caught out slightly with too fast a start but still recording a respectable time of 37:44. First of our high performing ladies was Julie Beveridge, finishing 2nd lady overall and setting a fantastic new pb of 40:36. Julie is gradually closing in on that 40 minute 10k target.

Charlie McDougall

Charlie McDougall continues to demonstrate that he is one of the best M65's in the UK with a fantastic time of 43:09, winning the over 60 category comfortably. Making a steady return to form, Frances Ferguson recorded a strong 44:47. It won't be long until Frances is back down in the low 40's. Frances finished as second F50. Having just completed the Stirling Marathon on Sunday in a new pb, I don't know how Kay Conneff was able to race a 10k on the Wednesday (I certainly couldn't have). Kay recorded a fine time of 45:07 and was first F40.

Kay Conneff in the early stages

Gordon McInally continues to train hard (running and on the bike) and this was demonstrated with another strong performance, finishing in 47:34. After a chip timing mishap (possibly timing chips were swapped over accidentally), Colin Banks' time was confirmed as 53:41 as Colin continues to get back into running after some months of absence during the Winter. Sandy Hayden is also building up a consistent base of training after a succession of set backs, recording a time of 54:38. Finally, Russell Couper was nursing a niggling tendon pain in his knee so did well to record a time of 57:06.

Still not tempted to put a Harriers' vest on, Marion O' Connor had a fantastic run, winning the F50 category in 44:21.

Marion O' Connor approaches the finish

Thanks to all the Harriers who turned out to support and take photos. Davie Searil took a load of photos out on the course which you can view in this album. You can view the rest of my photos here.
Alan