Vertical Mile 2023

Mid-June, a run of cracking weather in Scotland and collective bunch of enthusiastic Calderglen Harrier runners makes an ideal cocktail to host the long-established Vertical Mile Road Race and the grand finale of the 2022-23 Club Grand Prix.

In normal circumstances Frances and I would be competing in this event, but both are in rest and rehab phase of our running due to different injuries. So, we paid forward and supported our fellow runners by undertaking timing duties and provided water refreshments at the finish line.

10 Harriers lined up to contend this years’ event with guest runner and last year’s champion Shaun Mochan. At the first brow of the hill, I had one foot on the gas and Frances shouted go pressing the hooter can provided by Russell. They were off…… Frances jumped into the car, and I sped up the hill to wait at the finish line where Davie Searil, Ruth Kelly, and Jim Mearns where congregating.

First to the top was our guest runner Shaun Mochan in 6.31. With little over a 30 second gap our first Harrier over the line was Graeme Lindsay in 7.07. Next up were our trio of sub-8-minute runners with Grand Prix contender Jason Grant crossing the line first in 7.46, next was Julie Beveridge, being first female Harrier home, in a time of 7.55 followed swiftly by Stephen Phimister battling the clock for a time of 7.58.  Our second and third female runners were Karen Allen and Julia Pechlof having a close battle towards the finishing line with a fast-finishing Julia crossing line just behind Karen. Karen ran 8.29 and Julia was 8.31.  With another short gap Gordon McNally was leading the second half of the race and crossed strongly in 9.14 to end his Grand Prix campaign for glory. Gerry Mullen was charging up the hill having done this race many times over the years as a seasoned Harrier finishing 10.17. Russell Couper, Grand Prix legend and this year’s winner (to be officially verified) finished his Grand Prix run for victory in 10.45.  Last but most important was Jacqueline Balmer, my training partner in pack 8 and ever improving was fourth female Harrier tonight. This was her first Vertical Mile and put down a solid performance in the heat running 10.45.

Well done everyone who ran the event its not an easy run. Thank you to Frances for helping with the timing and Jim Mearns being official photographer.

Congratulations to our Vertical Mile 2023 Champions, Graeme Lindsay and Julie Beveridge.

Richard

(all the photos are in this album)