Varied events for runners

IN a week which saw six members of jogging group Ron’s Runners walk the West Highland Way there was also a varied week of competition on both hill and road.

Two of the events were held on Wednesday night when both, The Land of Burns 10k and the Kilpatrick hill race took place.

At the Kilpatrick hill race, ultra distance runner Paul Camlin lined up for the start which, at 10.2k long, incorporates a total climb of 426 metres.

The first part of the race is on tarmac followed by a steady climb over rugged grass then onto the reservoir track passing Loch Humphrey where some easier faster running is found before encountering a boggy section.

After another easier section and finally the last stiff climb the route leads downhill through heather covered slopes to rejoin the outward route to the finish. Following the wet winter the route this year was extremely boggy and the misty night robbed the runners of the wide ranging river views usually seen. Paul finished in one hour six minutes and 56 seconds. It was a satisfactory result, which saw him finish in the middle of the pack, still being relatively new to the joys of hill running.

A handful of members also attended the Ayr race where the best time was returned by Paul Lafferty who set a new personal best of 38:48 over the flat course. With his times now consistently under the 40-minute mark by applying his training properly Paul can look forward to improving still further. James Chalmers finished well under 50 minutes recording 47:01. Also delighted by his time and a great ambassador for the club, Paul McCallum too set a new personal best dipping under the 50 minutes for the first time with his official time given as 49:17. In his first race for some years, Douglas Lindsay 55:29 performed above his expectations finishing behind Chris Tremble 54:03. Amanda Lindsay 59:16 held off a late challenge from Andy Davidson 59:27 before Ann Hay crossed the line with 61:37.

Earlier on in the month Neil McMullen was the only member to enter the Poloroid sponsored Helensburgh 10k to and returned a time of 41:45.

Meanwhile member William Cameron and his daughter Nicola were persuaded by their border terrier Bonnie to participate in the Ruff Dugger event at Lesmahagow. Organised by the Cani-fit group, it encourages fitness in humans and dogs by getting both running together for exercise. The non-combative event is loosely based on the renowned Tough Mudder and with the carnival atmosphere and family orientated theme is a day enjoyed by all. Bonnie further reports both those in her care have fully recovered and will enter such events again.

At the local Eglinton Park 5k despite some members resting prior to the Edinburgh Marathon and half Marathon 18 members made the start line where the first member home was again Paul Lafferty with 19:07 was just a second outside his best. Paul was followed by first lady member home Carol Rome in 26:02 then Andy Davidson and Paul McCallum 27:21. Eric Pearson needed a late sprint to ward off a challenge by Alistair Noone 29:08 with William Cameron 29:28 not far adrift. Having a good run Liz Fairbairn 29:05 led her training partners Ann Hay 30:02 whose late surge pipped Margaret Craig 30:02 and George McNairney 30:07 whilst Fiona Wyper Margaret’s daughter favouring a slight strain clocked 30:02.

Margaret Grant 35:22 also led her usual group to the line to be followed by Catherine Elliot 35:46 and Linda Edgar, returned from holiday, timed 36:40. Following these three, Sandra Hunter 41:07 and Michelle Burns 41:25 showed both are regaining some confidence. Ruth McLaughlan 41:08 was towed round by her young daughter Grace recording 41:09 in her first counting park run.

The club meets at 6pm on Tuesday within Eglinton Park and Thursday at the bottom of Irvine Mall.

Beginners, joggers and experienced runners welcome to join any session. On Sunday they meet at 10am at Lawthorn Indian Restaurant. For further details, email jogalong2010@hotmail.com.