Tilli 10k

Well after noticing David Searil had managed to squeeze in another race and write a report (very good reports as well throughout the year) before the end of 2018 I was not going to be out-done and managed to hopefully find the last race of 2018 and write the last race report of 2018 for the Harriers!

The race in question was the inaugural Tilli 10k organised by PH Racing.  A 10k race starting in Tillicoultry and more or less an out and back course along the Devon Way (4.5k each way) with a loop in Dollar.  The course was very flat and the purpose of the loop was to prevent the runners having to stop dead and go around a cone - a great idea.

The race was won by Commenwealth bronze medalist Robbie Simpson in a time of 30.44 with Fiona Matheson the women’s winner in a time of 37.50.

Personally I felt December was a bad month for me to put consistent training together with a lot of non-running activities taking place. Given the nature of this course and the right weather then the course has the potential for fast times and PBs.  My time was 42.02.  Not my best but given the training I had done this month probably about where I was with it.

This race represented good value for money at only £10. As well as water and a banana at the end there was a water bottle and a bottle of beer.  The post-race spread was great - I had soup and a sausage roll (there was the option of pie as well) and I didn’t even go near the spread of cakes after all that!

Oh and for the fashion conscious in our club it was nice of the host club to have race numbers which blended in with the Harriers running vest.

Julie

Pub Run - New Route - Record Turnout

Whether its the last Auldhouse 5k of the season or the annual festive pub run, the mention of the word "pub" brings the harriers out in their droves. This year's pub run was no exception with a record turn out last night for the 6pm start. We then ran between 6 pubs/bars covering at least 12k or even more for the "adventurous" duo who finished off with 5k through the glen. From the above photo it looks like there are 38, although inevitably, there must be someone missing. This includes our two volunteer driver and purchasing manager, Billy Buchanan and Alan Cullie, without whom the evening could not have happened. The pubs and bars who so kindly accommodated us were The Crooked Lum, Whitehills, The Oyster Catcher, Auldhouse Arms, Langlands Golf Club and our own East Kilbride Sports Club.

This year's event was memorable for the fact that I can remember it as I was on soft drinks only having driven back to EK from Callander especially for the event but forgetting the keys to my flat. I chose to drive back to Callander after the event despite several kind offers of spare rooms and campervans. Other things that I can remember and that can be mentioned were:

• Eddie's human random number generator used to count the participants before we started. It failed at about 19.
• Being told that cyclists weren't allowed in the Whitehills bar. Fine, as with only a few exceptions, we were all runners and we outnumbered the 2 regulars otherwise occupying the bar.
• The case of Gerry Mullen's vanishing pint in the historic Auldhouse Arms. CCTV and Ghost Busters have been consulted.
• Our advance purchasing party finding that Langlands Golf Club was closed.
• The response from Langland's bar manager on receiving the phone call from Eddie and realising he had forgotten about our event but got there within 5 minutes of the call.
• A practical demonstration from Stephen Phimister of how easy it is to get lost in a dense forest only 100m from civilisation (or the Sports Club).
• Probably the most remarkable demonstration of cat-like reactions I have seen when Ian Hughes knocked a pint of Guinness completely over but somehow managed to lose only a quarter of a pint.
• The revelation (backed up by Garmin) that HSQE professional Martin Howell led Allan McLellan on a 5k time trial through the glen by head torch.
• The fantastic company of so many like-minded friends!

Happy New Year All!
Alan

Festive fun in the sun

Having to wear sunglasses on the drive down the A77 to Ayr on Boxing Day augured well for the day ahead, and so it was to prove. Five harriers made that sunny journey along with friends, family and supporters for a very pleasant day out doon the watter.
As is becoming my habit I was the trailblazer and arrived before anyone to take part in the 5k although Ian Hughes was there early enough to give me a shout out just after the start. I ran a rather lethargic 25.21 without ever feeling 'in the mood' and only half-heartedly trying to hold off a much younger guy in a race for the line - not even Stuart and Maud's welcome encouragement could help me win that one. I was 36th out of 128 runners, only realising at home later I was first MV60 and one place ahead of the leading MV50! The winners were Mark Porter of Bellahouston Harriers and Emma Frew of Ayr Seaforth in 18.52 and 20.09 respectively.
There followed many sweaty (sorry about that folks) hugs with the wider harriers' contingent who were by now arriving for the main event.
Clearly having needed a lengthy warm-up I proceeded to run the 10k at a slightly faster pace than I had the 5k although the competition with fellow harriers was more likely responsible. I had settled in about twenty meters behind Gordon until Billy drew onto my shoulder around the 4k mark passing both of us with apparent ease. This roused me from my comfort zone and I pulled past Gordon and stayed behind Billy for a while before making what I hoped was a decisive break on the downhill from Greenan Castle. Hearing heavy breathing behind made me have another attempt and Billy eventually called out telling me to 'go on Davie' and gave ground almost immediately. Gratefully I eased the pace back too as I was breathing pretty heavily myself. I did my best to keep a respectable pace going for the remaining 4k or so and crossed the line in 49.40, 136th place from 249 finishers,  only 5th MV60 this time.
Leading harrier was Ian Hughes in 41.34 and 50th place followed by myself then Billy Buchanan in 50.36 and 147th with Gordon McInally only twenty seconds behind in 150th place.
Phil Marshall finished in 59.54 and 219th but was only second in the household as his wife had already come over the line 69 seconds earlier, go Liz!
First finisher of the wider Buchanan family was Dawn's husband Matt Williamson in 37.27 and 16th place followed by ex-harrier Andy in 39.26 and 31st place, later declaring himself well satisfied with his showing. Gordon was also second in the household as other half Marion, racing on the occasion of her 60th birthday, won her new (and old, we think) category with a time of 46.10 The results show her as leading FV60 but the slip of paper collected at the end of the race shows her as in first place FV55!

Either way an excellent result for Marion.
Making her competitive comeback, as far as I know, was Dawn Williamson coming home in 57.58 and 209th place from the 249 finishers. She declared herself very happy to be under the hour and I expect there will be a great deal of improvement in the near future.
The 10k winners were Alexander Wallace of St Cocas's AC in Co. Kildare and Avril Mason of Shettleston Harriers, 33.22 and 35.29 respectively.
All in all a very enjoyable day out rounded off with a hot shower and even hotter coffee together with home-made sandwiches and home baking along with the support of Frances, Maud and Stuart which was much appreciated by all who took part, not forgetting Jean Buchanan who enabled the other family members to take part by keeping watch over young Finlay. More photos, courtesy of Frances Ferguson and John Boyd, are here https://www.flickr.com/photos/135841033@N05/albums/72157705080064524

Christmas Handicap - Santas, Superheroes and "Strawberries"???

We had a fine turn out for the Harriers' Christmas Handicap last Sunday. It was clear that there would be a power struggle between the Santas (and helpers) and the super heroes this year, ably supported by a selection of fruity individuals, snow flakes, jesters, cowgirls, nuns, soldiers and other colourful characters. A staggered start format was used with the stagger worked out by the coach in advance based on recent race times or in some cases, a complete guess. An undulating, 5 lap, 4 mile route, mostly within the park was the challenge.

Lorraine Buchanan

Billy Buchanan

Max Jones

First across the line and certainly not clowning around was Lorraine Buchanan, holding a 30 second gap to the joker in the pack, Billy Buchanan. A minute later our junior athlete, Max Jones, flew across the line in third. A sprint for the line for 4th place was won by private Chris McCarron, sweeping past Morgan Beaton on the line and overcoming a "monumental" final effort by William Wallace himself, in the form of Robin Ramsay. An Incredible run by Jim Holmes saw the first of our super heroes cross the line. Even Jim said he runs better with that costume on than he does normally so will be looking for a larger size club vest for future races. Julie Thomson glided across the line next, winning the race of the Santa's Little Helpers as a similarly attired Gordon McInally was in close pursuit. Late arrival Kay Conneff, who had already taken two gym classes that morning, was well warmed up by the finish line and had a comfortable lead over the perspiring Forest Gump aka Richard Lawton. Having debuted the costume last year, Russell Couper was striding out in the sequel as Batman Returns, before the next of our Santas, Jim Mearns breezed across the line. Last year's winner, Marion O'Connor was suitably handicapped this year but jived comfortably around the 4 mile course. Next of our juniors was Lewis Moir, who along with the other juniors, had already completed the junior fun run a half hour previously and was still running strongly. Gerry Mullen was a true blast from the past as the 1980's shell suit was dusted off along with the tash and curly perm. Nun on the Run Kevin Farmer was the fastest runner (and nun) of the day, gathering up his cassock and flying. Junior, Aiden Hamilton, was held under a tight reign by cow girl Frances Ferguson, until the final 100m when he took off and sprinted to the line leaving Frances in his dust. A very bat-like Alison Lessells kept another Christmas pudding at bay in the form of Sharon Gregg as the runners continued to stream across the line a millisecond ahead of the the very lean Andy Henderson as the skeleton who was definitely not in the cupboard.

After being mistaken for a strawberry, Eddie Reid was clearly crushed as he crossed the finishing vine as a bunch of grapes. Meanwhile, it was snow fun for Kenny Leinster as he froze his icicles off dressed as a snow flake. Andrew Buchanan went to the dogs as Santa tried valiantly to keep the easily distracted dog, dressed as a reindeer, motivated for 5 laps. Alan Cullie seeemed to be in quite poor elf gathering by the puffing and panting that was going on but was clearly not suffering as much as hottest favourite of the day, Davie Searil, who found that a wet suit made him very hot and very wet indeed as Davie shed litres of sweat on each lap.

Well done to all for fully entering into the spirit of the event. The first three across the line were each asked to nominate a charity to which the Duthie family generously made substantial donations.

Fastest time of the day went to Kevin Farmer 25:24, followed by Chris McCarron (25:39) and the super power that is Jim Holmes (27:23). Fastest lady was Kay Conneff (28:09) with Marion O'Connor second (29:19) and Frances Ferguson third (29:33). Fastest junior was Max Jones (28:08) followed by Lewis Moir (28:22) and Aiden Hamilton (29:30). Full results are here. Note there is a bit of uncertainty over Julie T's time as I made a last minute adjustment to her start time which I noted on a piece of paper which I now no longer have!

More photos will be added here (anyone can upload to the album)

Merry Christmas!
Alan

CHRISTMAS PUB RUN

Just a reminder that training on Thursday 27th Dec is the Christmas Pub Run with an earlier start of 6pm prompt. All groups will run together and will start at 6pm prompt so don't be late. If you are late you can catch up as the first pub will be the Crooked Lum followed by the Whitehills Farm before moving on to others. Remember your kitty money. Teetotallers are welcome too with a reduced kitty fee.

CHRISTMAS HANDICAP REMINDER

Just a reminder our annual festive event is now only 4 days away on Sunday 16th December @ EKSC Clubhouse.

The clubhouse will be open from 9.30am with everyone meeting in function hall.

First event of the morning is the Juniors Relay starting at 10am. Afterwards all juniors will get their pressie, selection box and event t-shirt.

The last event will be the Senior event starting at 11am which is 5 continuous laps covering a distance of 6.4k or 4 miles. Make sure you have best 5k time to give to Alan so he can suitably time handicap you and make sure we have that lovely blanket finish of all runners!

Remember to wear something festive for the run wither it is a full costume, a hat or a bit of tinsel.  If you want a present bring a present costing max £5 and wrapped.

After we have cleaned ourselves up the presentation of pressies and winner's trophy will be in the Sports Club bar.

I have arranged with Bruce the Bar Manager there will be mince pies and tea/coffee post race in the Sports Club bar for everyone...so bring all the family for a morning of festive frolics and fun.

Richard
 

Comedy Night at EKSC - 4th January

See Sandy Hayden for tickets!

BIG MUDDY PUDDLES GALORE

At last we had a cross country this year that wasn't like running on the road. The course got cut up badly and with slippy, muddy bankings it made a good West District XC. After the junior races which im sure Richard will post about on the junior blog we had our senior ladies running the supposedly 8.5k course (turned out to be just over 9k ). Four ladies running for us today over the two and a half laps. The course is fairly flat with a few twists and turns and it was some of these turns that were pretty treacherous as they were sharp and badly cut up. As they finished the first short lap we had Kay Conneff just in front of Frances Ferguson then a little gap to Lorraine Buchanan who was running for the first time in really muddy conditions but im sure the experience will make her even stronger the next time. Sandy Hayden was our fourth but Sandy has been suffering with an illness and she found this a struggle today. Through the finish area for a second time and onto the last lap and Frances had passed Kay and opened up a considerable gap with Lorraine and Sandy still going strong but finding the conditions ( mud, wind and rain ) difficult. Into the finish with Frances finishing in 43.16, Kay in 44.36, Lorraine in 48.24 and Sandy in 54.49 with the team finishing in 11th place.

Onto the men and seven harriers Kenny Leinster, Jim Holmes, Richard Lawton, Alan Cullie, Kevin Farmer, Andrew Buchanan and Russell Couper. Same course as the ladies and round the short lap before the race settles and you find whos in front of you and whos behind and whether your catching or being caught. I found myself with a Westie on my tail and as much as I tried to drop him I think the most I was getting was 10 metres then back on my tail.

The extended lap was under the M77 and into the fields but was shorter here from in previous years due to the reduced distance. It was the only hilly part of the course but not much, they did however manage to place a log over the course just to give us something to skip over. Onto the last lap and I was still ahead of the athelites that ive been beating lately but still had the Westie on the piece of elastic behind me. As we came under the M77 for the last time he just about got onto my shoulder and I was having none of it and started my push to the finish and even managed a sprint to the line beating him by a clear 7 secs.

The men finished with Kevin 38.32,  Andrew 38.50, Alan 42.50, Kenny 43.27 (chicked by Frances) Jim 44.00. Richard 45.20 and Russell 48.15 with the team in 18th place. A good day of racing and some fine performances from our members. Lets see if we can get more out for the National in February.

(Thanks to Frances for the photos, a few more of which are here).

WEST DISTRICT XC

This Saturday is the West District xc at Kilmarnock ( Ayrshire athletics arena )
Ladies start is at 13.15 and the men at 14.15.
I need the Ladies there for 12.30 and the men by 13.30.
Anyone not able to make it please let me know asap to save me picking up your number.
I will collect the numbers and take them to the course for 12.30.
Jim will be leaving from the Sports Club at noon if anyone wants to travel together.

CALDERGLEN HARRIERS AGM 2018

This years AGM will be held in the Sports Club on Thursday 6th December at 8.30pm
The run that evening will start at 7pm to allow time to get back and changed for 8.30pm.
Any motions should be made in writing to Frances Ferguson before the AGM.
Any nominations for committee positions should also be made to Frances Ferguson.
Please try to attend as this is your club and its important you have an input in what we do.