Alan
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Sunday 24 November 2019
Brampton Video
Thanks to Martin for forwarding the link to this video at the start of the hill at about 3 miles. Looks like the whole field is covered. Interesting to see what sub-5 minute miling looks like when you watch the leaders going through.
Alan
Alan
Thursday 21 November 2019
Brampton 2019 - All's well that ends well!
Most of the Harriers |
Speedy boarding queue |
Round about 11am we arrived in Brampton for an 11:30 race start. A few had yet to collect their numbers and the toilet queues were well developed, so the pressure was on. Everyone found some time for a short warm-up along the country lane and most managed to join the team photo. By this time we had also lost another runner as Eddie's iffy hamstring had not passed the warm-up test. So Eddie joined Chris McCarron, Davie Searil and I on the bus which departed Brampton shortly before the race start and headed to our usual parking space behind The Turf in Carlisle. This would definitely be a well photographed Brampton as we were all equipped with cameras.
Andrew Buchanan in the clear |
In what seemed like a very short time after arrival, the race winner flew across the bridge in an excellent time of 47:24, closely followed by second placed runner in 47:45 and a couple of minutes later the third placed runner in 49:41. With the first three under 50 minutes this a sign that the standard of British road racing is returning to the levels of many years gone by. Indeed, the first 75 runners in the race were under the hour, confirming the very high standard and good conditions.
The usual Ian Hughes pose |
Karen flying. |
Jim Holmes absorbed the competitive pressure applied by our Club President in the lead up to the race and was heard to say "what race" on finishing in a time of 71:33.
Kirsty starts the descent |
Alison Lessells was our third lady to finish in a time of 74:47, faster than each of her previous two runs here as Alison also returns to form. The first of our serial Brampton runners, Gerry Mullen was next in. With well over 30 Brampton's behind him, there is not a mile of this route that Gerry is not familiar with. That knowledge enabled Gerry to pace his effort well and to pull away from Geo Ferguson in the final half mile, finishing in 78:12 with Geo close behind in 78:22.
Billy has time for a wave. |
Marion almost missed |
An impressive 689 runners completed the race and the quality remained high despite the North of England 10 mile championship taking place in Preston that same weekend. Plenty of Scottish clubs were in evidence too.
The day then progressed to "The Turf" for rehydration and merriment for a few hours before we left for dinner at the Star Hotel in Moffat. After dinner the annual PB, performance, grand prix and club championship awards were made. It was nice to see a wide range of Harriers receiving awards this year at the end of a very competitive season.The extensive albums of photos from Davie Searil and me contain photos of all the award winners and the race action.
Not Strictly but Russell is in the prizes |
Alan
South By Five
For anyone, like me, still missing the Southside Six a new series of races has been announced covering all six of the Glasgow parks which were involved - even following the same order they were raced in.
Better get your entries in soon as the first is a fortnight on Sunday. It's in my diary for 2021!
South By Five
Not sure why five is in the title when there are six parks/races...
Better get your entries in soon as the first is a fortnight on Sunday. It's in my diary for 2021!
South By Five
Not sure why five is in the title when there are six parks/races...
Saturday 16 November 2019
Brampton Statistics
For the 36th year in a row, Calderglen Harriers are off to the Brampton to Carlisle 10 mile road race. Check out our database of Harriers' times at Brampton using this link.
Use the "Filter" button to find yourself or specific years or gender results. Note that in 2009 the course was flooded so the route was shortened to about 9 miles. For the first few years (1984/85), we did not have times, just a list of names.
Alan
Use the "Filter" button to find yourself or specific years or gender results. Note that in 2009 the course was flooded so the route was shortened to about 9 miles. For the first few years (1984/85), we did not have times, just a list of names.
Alan
Friday 15 November 2019
BRAMPTON FINAL DETAILS
Just a short note for Sunday.
The bus leaves at 8.00am prompt
Don't be late the bus will leave at this time.
Bring something to eat and drink with you as were going straight to Brampton.
The bus leaves at 8.00am prompt
Don't be late the bus will leave at this time.
Bring something to eat and drink with you as were going straight to Brampton.
Sunday 10 November 2019
CALDERGLEN HARRIERS AGM
This years AGM will be held on Thursday 5th December at 8pm.
If you wish a short run before it will be at 7pm for all.
Any motions in writing to Frances Ferguson.
Attendances in recent years have been quite poor, can I urge everyone to make an extra effort to come along. This is your club help to shape its future.
If you wish a short run before it will be at 7pm for all.
Any motions in writing to Frances Ferguson.
Attendances in recent years have been quite poor, can I urge everyone to make an extra effort to come along. This is your club help to shape its future.
NATIONAL SHORT COURSE XC
Lorraine and I along with Ben, Charlotte and Jackson took the trip to the east coast to run in the National short course XC.
Lorraine and I had both ran this course before and remembering it being fast and a dry course, that dry that last year the Marshall’s were wetting the course, and we both hoped for a quick time on the day.
Lorraine in the mix. |
The morning of the race was quite frosty and we both thought this would be the case for the race giving us a better chance of us getting our quick time, however after meeting Russell in the car park and the 6 of us walking across the field to the start we soon found out that whatever frost had hit the east coast it was well and truly thawed out by the time we got there and the course was actually wet in places.
Charlotte, Ben & Jackson with Derek Hawkins |
Lorraine was the only female harrier running on the day and felt under a bit of pressure to give a good performance. As Lorraine got to the start line the course had started to cut up after the U15 and U17 races, this was going to be a new experience for Lorraine as she had predominantly ran XC races in relatively dry conditions with the recent exception of the Cumbernauld Relay. The gun went off and the ladies were stampeding up the comparative incline on the first lap and in to a windy section of the course at the top of the hill. Lorraine ran her first lap slightly too quick by her own admission after finding herself only 3 rows from the front on the starting line however relaxed in to the second lap and kept within a good pack for the next section. Coming into the final section of the course along the road side and by the football pitch Lorraine began to make her way through this pack taking a few places and with the encouragement of our male Harriers, Frances, Charlotte, Ben and Jackson Lorraine had a storming finish completing the course in 20min 37sec almost a 2min course PB.
Up next were the male Athletes, I had been away doing my own warm up, on the start line trying to psych out Butchart and then met with Jim, Russell, Gordon, Kenny, David and we wished each other good luck as we took our positions. I found myself about 4 rows from the front which is where I wanted to be as I planned to run conservatively on the first lap and not get carried away with the occasion.
Andrew mud plugging at speed |
Andy Butchart showing a clean pair of heels |
Jim who was under constant pressure from Kenny |
Kenny makes his bid for glory |
David making the most of his spikes |
Russell moving well |
Gordon keeps the pressure on Russell |
Jackson race ready |
Lorraine Buchanan 20min .37 sec.
Andrew Buchanan 15min .53 Sec
Kenny Leinster 18min .23 Sec.
Jim Holmes 18min .12 Sec
David Wardrope 18min .56 Sec
Russell Couper 19min .29 sec
Gordon McInally 19min .57 sec
Thanks to Andrew for this report. All the photos from Frances and Alan are here.
Friday 8 November 2019
WEST DISTRICT XC CHAMPIONSHIP (BALLOCH)
This years West XC will be held at Balloch Castle Country Park.
Date is Saturday 7th December
Distance is 8.5k for men and Ladies.
Ladies start at 13.15 and men at 14.15
Entry fee is £7.50
If you wish entered leave your name HERE.
Those already registered are listed HERE.
Date is Saturday 7th December
Distance is 8.5k for men and Ladies.
Ladies start at 13.15 and men at 14.15
Entry fee is £7.50
If you wish entered leave your name HERE.
Those already registered are listed HERE.
Nigel Barge 10k
Hi,
The Nigel Barge 10k, one of Scotlands oldest and most historic road races, is back in 2020 after a short hiatus.
Entries are now live, and we would be delighted to welcome runners from Calderglen to the event.
I enclose a copy of our race flyer, and would greatly appreciate you circulating this to your members.
Hope to see some of you there!
Http://www.entrycentral.com/NigelBarge10k
Maryhill Harriers
Thursday 7 November 2019
NATIONAL SHORT COURSE XC
CHANGE OF TIMETABLE
LADIES START AT 12.40 and MEN AT 13.05
I WOULD LIKE EVERYONE THERE FOR 11.50am
THOSE LEAVING FROM THE CLUB SHOULD LEAVE BY 10.30
Saturdays race at Kircaldy starts at 13.10 for Ladies and 13.40 for Men
Those listed to run are
L Buchanan
A Buchanan,M Saez, D Wardrope. R Couper, A Derrick, J Holmes, G McInally, S Phimister,
G Ferguson, K Leinster,C McCarron.
I would like everyone there for 12.15 and I will pick up the numbers and bring them to the course.
Some are leaving from the club for 11.00am if anyone wants a lift.
If anyone else listed above can no longer make it let me know asap so im not picking up numbers and chips.
Russell
LADIES START AT 12.40 and MEN AT 13.05
I WOULD LIKE EVERYONE THERE FOR 11.50am
THOSE LEAVING FROM THE CLUB SHOULD LEAVE BY 10.30
Saturdays race at Kircaldy starts at 13.10 for Ladies and 13.40 for Men
Those listed to run are
L Buchanan
A Buchanan,
G Ferguson, K Leinster,
I would like everyone there for 12.15 and I will pick up the numbers and bring them to the course.
Some are leaving from the club for 11.00am if anyone wants a lift.
If anyone else listed above can no longer make it let me know asap so im not picking up numbers and chips.
Russell
Monday 4 November 2019
BY ECK WE DID IT
The six Harriers who completed the Chester marathon last year decided they would undertake the marathon challenge again this year by doing the Yorkshire marathon. However due to injury Frances would not be able to replicate her fine run last year when she represented Scotland as part of the Celtic nations team. However she still came to York to support us as did Kevin who had also signed up for the marathon this year but had to pull out as well. Our club chairman Kenny therefore stepped into Frances’s ‘trainers’ this year and wore the Scotland vest as part of the Celtic nations team. Also joining the Yorkshire team of Harriers this year was a late entry from Billy who would run the 10 mile race.
Upon arrival at York Kenny made a quick exit as he needed to go to the university to register, part of being an elite athlete. The rest of the party headed into York city centre for some site seeing. While browsing ‘The Trembling Madness’ an establishment which sold alcoholic drinks (don’t ask Alan why the Harriers would be in such a place the day before a race) we were given the surprise of bumping into Seonaid and Ian. Seonaid was another Harrier who was also signed up for the marathon but also had to pull out too. Seonaid had sent us all a message the night before wishing us luck and sorry she would not be with us in York. So imagine our surprise when we bumped into them in the shop. We regrouped in the evening where Kenny joined us having been driven to the dinner location by chauffeur, Billy - the perks of being an elite athlete.
Race morning was a bit of a rush as we had to get a bus from the train station to the university. By the time we waited for the bus and then waited in the toilet queue it was fast approaching the start time. Luckily we had Frances and Kevin who took all the bags to the baggage drop off for us. This saved us all valuable time as it was a bit of a walk up to the start line. Even when we got up there it was like an obstacle course for Andrew and I as we tried to reach starting pen 1, climbing over a wall, through thick grass and then dodging in and out of the crowds of spectators gathering at the side as we tried to reach the start. I hope Lorraine, Sharon and Julie had a better route to their starting pen. We got in just as the race was starting. Not ideal preparations for the start of the marathon.
Miles 1 - 3 see you leave the university and head towards the city centre passing by York Minster. After this you head into the countryside. You pass through a village called Stockton on the Forest where there was a vicar giving out ‘high 5s’. I am sure it was around about this point that Kenny had remarked on one (of two ) pipe bands out in the course starting up as he passed by in his Scotland vest. At just around about the half way point you come to a village called Stamford Bridge (no we hadn’t run off course and ended up in London as some football fans might have thought). It is at this point you come to the first of two turns - essentially an out and back stretch. I particularly did not like this - seeing other runners coming back as you were heading out and also the turns as well. The second turning point at about mile 18 was worse as it was a long out and back section and by this stage in the marathon I felt it was hard to slow down at the turn and move off again. When I reached mile 25 I was greeted by Kevin who gave some much needed support for the final mile and I think Kevin stayed at this point to help all the Harriers. It may have been the final mile but I personally found it the hardest mile. The sting in the tail was still to come with about half a mile out when I encountered a hill to climb. Yet again our Harriers supporters were there to spur us on as Frances and Billy were stood half the way up the hill. After gathering my breath at the top of the hill it was then a case of mustering what energy I had left to run the short distance to the finish line. Yet again more support from the Harriers could be found with Seonaid and Ian stood near to the finish line.
For anyone thinking of running the Yorkshire marathon I would say it is a relatively flat course and the field was a decent enough size that I always had other runners around about me. High 5 gels were handed out during the race and it was the first time I had been given an electrolyte drink during the race (high 5). There is also a 10 mile race which takes place on the same day as well.
The finishing times for the Harriers were:
Julie Beveridge - 3:12:30
Andrew Buchanan - 3:19:06
Kenny Leinster - 3:29:09
Lorrain Buchanan - 4:20:29
Sharon Gregg - 4:20:36
Julie Thomson - 4:20:37
As mentioned earlier Billy Buchanan had taken part in the 10 mile race and his time was 1:20:22.
I would like to say thanks to the Harriers that all went to York. I had a great weekend and it is trips like this which emphasise the club spirit, I think if you are going to tackle the marathon it is best done with friends. Thanks to Frances, Kevin and Billy for their support over the weekend and Seonaid and Ian on surprising us all by turning up in York.
All the photos from Frances are in this album.
Julie
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