A DAY AT THE GEE GEES

The Harriers trotted off to Lanark racecourse today for the National short course xc.
The weather was mostly dry and the course pan flat with next to no mud ( this was one for the sprinters ).  After some junior races it was the Ladies up next with the men taking up supporting places just before the end of the lap and subsequently just before the finish. As they came to the end of lap one Karen had a healthy lead over Kay and not far behind was a trio in close running order of Frances, Allison L and Lorraine sticking close to their heels. A little gap then to Sandy and a further gap to Alison J. Would there be any change on lap 2. We didn't have to wait long to find out as they were all running fast and first into sight was Karen Allen finishing in 16.51 and not far behind Kay Conneff with 17.04. A little gap to Alison Lessells who had passed Frances Ferguson but good close racing to the finish with 17.39 and 17.44. Lorraine Buchanan had not lost much on the pair on the 2nd lap running a fantastic 17.58. A little while to wait and Sandy Hayden came home in 20.37 and Alison Johnston completing our line up with 24.06.

No time to chat about how the course was and the Men were off at a good gallop down a long straight of a start. This course has no sharp turns and as said before is pan flat so round the first bend and I was about 15 metres down on Gordon with a good part of the field still behind me and the other Harriers opening up a bit of a gap. About half way round lap 1 I passed Gordon and just kept the head down as I thought he would be waiting to pounce at the first sign of weakness. Passing the Ladies now cheering us on was great as your giving it everything and any encouragement is gratefully received. Lap 2 and just trying to keep my place in the Field and even a couple of passes. Having been last in this event before it was a good feeling to know there was a lot behind me. Round towards the finish passing our cheering Ladies again and over the line. Wow delighted with my time and position in the field. The men finished with Mark Saez  14.35, Andrew Buchanan  14.52, Alan Cullie  16.33, Kenny Leinster 16.58,  Jim Holmes  17.05, Richard Lawton  17.53,  Russell Couper  18.38, Gordon McInally  19.21 and John Boyd  20.51

There were 206 finishers in the Ladies race and 470 in the Mens. It wasn't so long ago this event had fields of under 50 for the Ladies and under 100 for the Men so well done to Scottish Athletics for developing this event into a seriously good championship. Thanks today go to Joanne McEvoy who despite feeling ill came down to support us so Thanks Joanne and to Kay's kids who always entertain us while waiting to run.