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

Brampton 2019 - All's well that ends well!

Most of the Harriers

On a very chilly Sunday morning, (most of) the Harriers obeyed the instructions and were gathered at the Sports Club by 8am to board the bus. Only problem was the bus was not there due to an accident blocking the M74 temporarily. After about an hour of waiting (by which time we had moved out to the "speedy boarding queue" on the Strathaven Road) the bus arrived and we were off. In any case, the nervous tension induced by the lack of a bus was a fine substitute for an extended warm-up on arrival at Brampton.

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

As we walked against the flow to our various photo positions the first Harrier appeared, Andrew Buchanan having a good run on legs still a bit tired from the York Marathon. Andy crossed the line in 64:53, a good bit faster than last year and just missing out on an M35 performance award. Ian Hughes has made a dramatic return to form since the Summer and this is down to his own very hard work in training. Ian finished in 65:04 achieving an M50 bronze performance standard. Also reaping the benefit of some consistent miles in the legs, Martin Howell finished well in 68:58, having been annoyed most of the way by a runner who persistently cut in front of him only to slow down (my solution to that is to accidentally clip their heels; they give you plenty of room after that). This was 2 or 3 minutes faster than Martin's last time here in 2015.

Karen flying.

Karen Allen continues to improve with every race and is getting back towards her best form of a few years ago. This year Karen was 4th Harrier to finish and our first lady, crossing the line in 70:15 and earning a bronze performance award in the process. Karen was also 10th L35. This was Karen's second fastest time ever at Brampton.  Exactly one minute later, Kirsty Wilson completed a fine run with a 10 mile best time of 71:15.

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

David Wardrope made a welcome return to Brampton in Harriers colours and bettered his previous course best from 2011, finishing in 72:29. Kenny Leinster is also in recovery mode after the York Marathon and needs to start building strength, speed and fitness again. However, despite not being too happy with his run, Kenny still achieved an M60 bronze performance standard, finishing in 72:48. Kenny was 11th M60.

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.

Billy Buchanan has put the effort in recently and reaped the rewards with third place in the M65 category in a time of 78:50 which also equates to a bronze performance standard. This was a good 5 minutes faster than last year. Billy is Back! Gordon McInally was on Billy's tail for the whole race and kept him in sight as he finished in 78:59, also taking minutes off last year's time. It was good to see Andy Henderson able to do the race as this was Andy's 30th Brampton to Carlisle race. Andy was 6th in the M65 category in a time of 80:04 and also hit the bronze performance standard level. Lorraine Buchanan completed our set of Buchanan's running today with a time of 82:11, reflecting tired legs not fully recovered from the York Marathon. Making her first appearance at Brampton, Claire McSorley will continue to improve with race experience. Claire had a solid first run at this unusual race distance, crossing the line in 83:20. Julie Thomson continues to make steady progress, once again smashing her 10 mile best with a time of 83:44. Confirming his return to form, Russell Couper recorded his best time since 2011, finishing in 89:03, despite also having a dodgy hamstring. Finally, maintaining a consecutive streak that started in 1985, Chas ran steadily to finish in a comfortable 95:53.

Marion almost missed

Almost sneaking out of this report in the same way she almost sneaked past the photographer by not having a Harriers vest, Marion O'Connor was a highly impressive first F60, finishing in 70:54. This would have been a comfortable F55 gold standard let alone an F60 standard (whthe precise times for which still need to be derived). Well done Marion and lets hope Gordon buys you a Harriers membership for Christmas!

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

Thanks to Eddie, Russell, Gerry and Chas for making all the arrangements on a perfect day of running. Lets try to get the numbers back up to the usual levels for next year though as the bus wasn't even half full and we had our lowest number of Harriers since the year 2000. You can pretty much put the second or third Sunday in November in your diary now as that is when it is likely to be!
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...

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

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.

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.

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.

Last time at Kirkcaldy Lorraine had the chance to race against Laura Muir and this time it was my chance to race against a couple of Olympians as both Callum Hawkins and Andy Butchart were expected to race. However, unfortunately for me and the other male athletes and spectators  Hawkins had heard I was racing and pulled out therefore I only had to take down one Olympian, I jest.

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

Charging up the hill it was hard to tell if I was over taking or being over took or running to quick as it was a tight squeeze with everyone jockeying for a position, the top of the hill was a quagmire with runners going wide in this section, I opted to plod right through this in proper XC style.

Andy Butchart showing a clean pair of heels

Going down the hill I was beginning to take places and opted to put in a burst on this section. A wee turn back up the hill and back down I was encouraged by former Harrier Neil Green who was spectating, I was feeling great by this point and made sure that no one was passing me today. I legged it to the next section where the course was parallel to the road and again was well and truly cut up, the spikes were doing their best to keep me level as I plunged through this muddy section taking 4 or 5 runners.

Jim who was under constant pressure from Kenny

Round to the end of the first lap and I was encouraged by our entourage to, “get them on the flat!” which I truly did and was feeling great! So great in fact as I ran up the hill I took over a few more runners. Back to the top of the hill and through the quagmire once more,  a Metro Aberdeen runner was ahead, he was my focal point and I duly over took him. Down the hill, round the bend and back up before heading down again over taking a West End Road Runner and I had an EKAC runner in my sights. Heading down to the road the EKAC runner was within striking distance and I took him along this muddy section.

Kenny makes his bid for glory

By this point there were quite a few runners who had been in a relatively tight pack up ahead, as I crossed on to the last section of the course near the football pitches I thought, “ I’m having them!” I ran past a few and an unknown runner tried to keep with me, I could see him on my shoulder I knew I had to kick hard, with the last 250m to go and my now patent grunts and screams of agony I shook him off and took another runner before the line almost catching a 2^nd and 3^rd runner finishing in a time of 15min 53 sec.

David making the most of his spikes

I love running X country and really wasn’t bothered about what time or position I came in all I wanted to do was put in a good performance and run through the mud.

Russell moving well

The national and district races are great events and I can’t think of any other sport where as an amateur you get to rub shoulders and compete with some of the best athletes in the world.

Gordon keeps the pressure on Russell

Jackson race ready

The Finishing times are as follows according to the Scottish Athletics Provisional Results;

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.

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.

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

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

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