West District XC - Kilmarnock - No flood, just mud

 

At a venue that has thrown all sorts of weather at us over the years, Saturday was one of the better ones with relatively good underfoot conditions, at least for the competitors. However, for those "ghoulish"  spectators looking for some entertainment at the usual deep flood under the bridge, there was none, just a little bit of mud. A few enforced call offs somewhat depleted our ladies contingent but we still had a full team of four on the line for 8.5km of twisting and turning and only a little bit of up and down. Alison Lessells stretched away from the start, establishing a comfortable lead over her team mates which was never challenged. Alison also had the luxury of not being involved in a sprint finish as there were gaps ahead and behind, finishing in 41:54.

After staying closely bunched for the initial loop of the football pitches, the three ladies making up the complete Calderglen team also spread out as the race progressed, with Frances Ferguson gradually stretching away from Julie Thomson who in turn gradually pulled away from Julia Petchlof. An improving Frances was our highest age category finisher of the day, placing second in the F55 category (also known as TOFF's) in a time of 42:29. Frances was disappointed to make the beginners mistake (her words, not mine!) of not recceing the finish and starting her sprint for the line too early and ran out of steam for the final 50m where she was overtaken. Julie was not far behind, finishing in 42:59 with Julia 44s further back in 43:43. Well done ladies.

Ten Harriers men lined up for the last race of the day over the same 8.5km course as the women although now slightly muddier under foot. Gerry Connelly made the initial break to be the leading Harrier. Although he is getting fitter week after week, Gerry faded and Duncan McKellar came to the fore again to finish first Harrier in a time of 34:56 with Gerry not so far behind in 35:13. The gaps were larger between the next few Harriers. Kevin Farmer is gradually getting back to some form but is still not his usual self, finishing in 37:10. Stephen Phimister was perhaps a little hung over from a Christmas dinner the night before and finished steadily in 38:38. A further two minutes passed before the ever improving Jason Grant crossed the line, resplendent in regulation black shorts in a time of 40:39. It was a little closer between Jim Holmes and Gordon McInally, with Gordon closing to within 20 seconds of Jim at the end, Jim finishing in 42:02 and Gordon in 42:22. Kenny Leinster is struggling with a long-term knee injury and can hardly manage any training so the time of 45:27 recorded by Kenny was not a reflection of the strong runner we are used to seeing. Richard Lawton and Russell Couper represented the Cardioglen Harriers contingent, with Richard very definitely running to heart rate and establishing a no more than 10 to 20 metres lead over Russell at any point during the race. However, in the final 200m Russell was right on Richard's shoulder and moved ahead to finish in 48:16 with Richard in 48:22.

Well done to all who competed and thanks to our contingent of supporters, Geo Ferguson and Frances Phimister. Some more of my photos and Geo's photos are in this album. Feel free to add.

Alan