Land O'Burns 10k - Race Report

 

A big turnout for this years’ jaunt round the fine town of Ayr. Sixteen Harriers on show, easily the largest club represented and quite impressive. However, the weather conditions didn’t assist with fast times as the wind was a problem. Dry, cold and sunny, but as all runners know, no matter what direction you are running, the wind always blows in your face. Club photo taken, then off. The usual sequence of Harriers was established. Everyone settling down and moving well. As the first kilometre goes passed the beach, trying to get a decent breath without sand was a challenge. After that, it was just getting on with it. With everyone working hard, round the houses, with the first 4K being relatively flat. The remaining 6K has some climbs that slows the pace before entering the park area with 1 kilometre to go. This last stretch is the hardest kilometre of the lot. I checked on a mapping app to see if there was an error. No. it is 1 kilometre but a long one. Finally, the runners came in with Callum Wright at a very strong 41:40, a course best. Graeme Lindsay followed up with an impressive 42:04, another course best.  Julie Beveridge was first lady Harrier in a time of 42:39 which gave her a first prize FV40. Paul Lucchesi, one of our newer members rocked in at 42:55. A great run. Stephen Phimister was three seconds behind in (fur those who canny kount) 42:58. David Wardrope gave a solid 43:34 which is a course best! Gordon thenMcInally decided that he could repeat that feat with 46:20! Jim Holmes and Alison Lessells had a ding-dong with Jim’s 46:25 beating Alison’s 46:32 but achieved second Harrier lady. Frances Fergusons’ 47:40 earned her a first FV50 prize! Julie Thomson's 48:09 was the fourth Harrier lady and fourth course best of the day! Billy Buchanan ran a 52:25 with a strong relaxed finish. David Searil found the whole thing a bit short but was happy with 57:54. Richard Lawton ran a comfortable 58:30 with Russell Couper following in 60:06. Julia Whittle completed the pack with 61:42.

A special thanks to the support crew of Frances P., Kirsty, Kirsty’ ma ‘n da, Julie B’s ma ‘n da, Winston and Geo.

Photos of the Harriers in action are in this album.

Geo