29/04/11
Blighted by last years’ harsh snowy conditions, the postponed Winter Yahoo was successfully resurrected and ran last Thursday.
Re-imagined as the Easter Yahoo, this 9.5 mile handicapped race was a sun soaked treat for the many members who competed.
Runners tackled the heights of Newhouse Road and Knowles Road of Craigie with the arduous long stretches of the Dunkeld, Rannoch and Oakbank roads’ before the near seamless sweep of Edinburgh Road into Tay Street leading round to the North Inch and the finish at Bell’s. The fastest runner of the night was Ewan Taylor in a time of 56 minutes exactly, with Dave Knight a mere second behind him. David Wood proved himself equal to the task, after a long 9 month recovery process from an injury which had threatened to end his running days. Congratulations to Robin Wombill for winning the well attended competition, with kind gratitude extended to Teresa Strachan, Karen Walters, Grant Wooler and Dave Knight for organising this event. The team ensured that everyone had a fantastic race with the added bonus of an Easter egg prize for all.
A series of events were held in the Balmoral estate on Saturday, most prominent being the Balmoral 10 km. The initial highland scenery, amazing as it is, directs runners towards a 1.2km steep incline, affectionately named ‘The Hill’. A gantry finish by Balmoral Castle encouraged an undeterred Nicola Lessells, completing the race in a time of 54 minutes 25 seconds.
Taking a break from running, some of the Club’s top runners enjoyed cycling action around Kinross in its inaugural Sportive. Dreich weather couldn’t dampen the spirits of Suna Fleming, Helen MacLeod, Angela Park, Nicole Soave, Erni Hamilton, Anne Wombill and Nicola Crowe, all experiencing the “runaway success” of the event.
Hot on the heels of the Kinross 10k is the Dundee & Angus half marathon, taking place on Sunday 1st May, and is part of the Club Championship. Scheduled for a 10:30am start, further details of the event and car sharing can be found at the Perth Road Runners website and on the Club’s facebook page.
Any local runners confident over a 6 mile distance or an hour of running can obtain full details of Tuesday and Thursday training nights, from the above mentioned internet sources.
22/04/11
The grandeur of the Virgin London marathon dominated last weekend’s running calendar with many Perth Road Runners rising to the Capital’s challenge. A hot sunny morning start ensured scorching conditions and searing performances by the Fair City contingent.
From the mass of approximately 35,000 runners, Anthony Jackson’s phenomenal efforts placed him 127th finish in a time of 2 hours 38 minutes 19 seconds. Greg Simpson’s fine training paid dividends as his new ‘personal best’ time of 2:44:43 earned him an Elite start in next year’s event. While a ‘chuffed’ Linton Scarborough, described his delight with 3:00:35, after a prolonged injury, to a jovial Jonathon Edwards CBE on nationwide television. Running with the company of his brother, Mike Carroll crossed the line in 3:35:24, followed by Stuart Wyllie, whose 3:47:59 is a 5 minute improvement on last year.
Another returning from injury was Rhona McBean who led the female green vest’s home, in 4:22:36. Allison McArthur annihilated her previous marathon time by 25 minutes, with a new ‘personal best’ of 4:35:28. Gillian Kerr and Andrea Finlay made their marathon debuts in London achieving times of 4:47:47 and 4:50:07, respectively.
In Scotland’s capital Edinburgh, preferring the Forth Road Bridge over Tower Bridge, Kevin Judge ran the Scottish Kilomathon in 1 hour 57 minutes 06 seconds on this deceptively hilly race through Kirkliston, North and South Queensferry and Dalmeny. A relaxed Bob Brown eased over the line in 2:16:18, while Kenneth Stewart had a blistering finish in 2:16:58, and a jubilant Linda O’Neill completing the 26.2 km course in 2:38:08.
The increasingly popular Balfron 10 km, boasted nearly 500 runners, for this Stirlingshire out-and-back race. Tackling tough tarmac hills and farm track climbs Robert MacDonald finished in 48 minutes 49 seconds.
Grant Strachan excelled last Friday, in a competitive line up at Beveridge Park 5 km in Kirkcaldy, finishing 16th in 19 minutes 47 seconds.
Finally, the first club championship race of 2011 is the Kinross 10 km, scheduled for this Thursday April 28th at 19:30.
15/04/11
Scotland’s undeniably ‘toughest’ half marathon took place in Perth last Sunday, and three things exceeded expectations; climate, elevation and organisation. Intrigued challengers of the notorious “Heaven and Hell” 13.1 miler experienced glorious sunshine and a rousing send off. Initial enthusiasm gave way to gradual concern, as every twist and bend lead to further climbs, but encouraging cheers from Perth’s club members, marshals and local spectators raised beliefs.
Highland Spring very generously sponsored the water stations and those moments of respite and hearty support were truly blessed. Things were really heating up, as temperatures reached 20 degrees and a ‘devious imp’ marker pointed upwards toward a relentless 2 mile climb. Peaking at mile 10, an ‘angel’ welcomed sapped runners with cool water, magnificent views and the reassurance of the distant finish at the A94’s ‘morningside’ lay-by. Gareth Green of Portobello won the event in a time of 1 hour 19 minutes 31 seconds, with first female Carolyn McLeod in 1:31:46, and Portobello winning the team prize.
Local heroes to survive ‘Hell and back’ were David Hunter with a fantastic run of 1:29:31, Kevin Judge 1:37:15, Stuart Wyllie 1:49:54, Kenneth Stewart 1:53:39, Bob Brown 1:56:32, Dolores Ralston 1:57:08, Allison Brown 1:58:00 and Sally Newton 2:14:10.
Enormous gratitude is extended to the teams’ organisation and management of this excellent event; the course almost matches the demands of their tasks. Such success would have been unachievable without the efforts of Fiona Manson, Karen Walters, Nicola Crowe, Allison McArthur and Neil Muir.
Congratulations to Anne Wombill who set a new ‘personal best’ at Lochaber Marathon. Despite hot conditions, Anne’s terrific finish in 4:20:05 was 14 seconds quicker than last years’ run. Finally, safe journey’s and good luck this weekend to all Perth runners’ lining up for the London Marathon, Scotland’s Kilomathon and the Balfron 10km.
08/04/11
The Stirlingshire village of Buchlyvie hosted its annual 10km race last Saturday, rescheduled from January due to the harsh winter. More generous weather conditions allowed this ‘out-and-back’ race to be enjoyed by over 110 runners. The initial road surface leading it’s participants to a reasonably level firetrack despite the loose stones underfoot and a distracting cross-wind at 8km mark.
Kevin Judge managed the course in 40 minutes 38 seconds and a 10th place finish. New ‘personal best’s’ were set by James Fotheringham and Angela Park in respective time of 41:27 and 42:25. This was also shown in their category positions, James coming 3rd in Male Vet’s and Angela’s 1st place win for Female Senior. Another strong finish by Vicky Park saw her power home in 51:47, well done to all.
Perth Road Runners will be busy this weekend with the organisation duties involved in hosting the ‘Heaven and Hell’ half marathon. A dedicated team from the club, consisting of Neil Muir, Karen Walters, Fiona Manson, Nicola Crowe and Allison McArthur have ensured this tough 13.1 miler; will be both enjoyable and memorable for the 170 (and counting) competitors. The team is very grateful for the generous sponsorship made by Highland Spring of Blackford, a gratitude that will be extended by those hardy and thirsty runners, as they pass the water stations and cross the finish line this Sunday.
The race is scheduled for an 11 am start, approximately half a mile from the registration area of “The Hangar” function hall in Scone Airport. This is situated on the A94 Perth to Coupar Angus road. Further information is available on the Perth Road Runners website.
The usual abundance of high standard food and drink will be available post-race, with spot prizes being drawn for lucky runners. A Run4it sports stall will be there selling the latest in running equipment, as will the club’s own range of running clothing be on sale.
It would be fantastic to get a record field this year to parallel the efforts of the races’ sub-committee, as entry is still available on the day!
01/04/11
Perth hosted the ‘Self Transcendence 100km’ race at the North Inch on Sunday, with many of the clubs members’ volunteering with the marshalling and time keeping tasks.
The prestigious ultra event was won by Scotland’s Craig Stewart and Wales’s Emily Gelder in the respective male and female categories. With a field of top national runners, the efforts of the club’s newest member and local lad Andy Lochhead, who overcame severe cramp during his arduous 42 laps of the scenic 1.5 mile loop, were truly exceptional and inspirational. Once again, organisers were very impressed by the venue and very appreciative of the support from the club.
While the laborious events progressed in Perth, a few of the club’s athletes headed to Central Scotland, to race. Near perfect weather conditions blessed the Grangemouth 10km ‘Round the Houses’ course, as exactly 650 participants favoured this virtually flat course.
Dave Knight’s strong finish earned him an incredible 5th place in his category, in a great time of 35 minutes 27 seconds. Next home was Kevin Judge in 40:29, then a flurry of green as Robert MacDonald 47:42, Jake Carter 48:05, Tania Greenhorn 48:21 and Kevin Greenhorn 48:46, all enjoyed a grandstand finish courtesy of Grangemouth athletics track. Tania and Jake are quite rightly reaping the benefits from tough marathon training as both earned ‘personal best’s’ from their fantastic runs.
Slightly further North in Stirling, the Scottish Duathlon championship took place, consisting of a 10km run/ 40km cycle/ 5km run. Ewan Taylor represented the green of Perth, and again he did not disappoint, in a time of 1:56:59 he won his category and finished 2nd place overall.
Just to make members fully aware, this year’s Summer Series races consists of Crieff’s Knock Hill race, Lang Toon 10 km, Milnathort Dash, Crieff 10 km, Newburgh 5 mile and North Inch time trail. All races are scheduled between May and August.
Confirmed for the club’s Championship are Kinross 10 km, Dundee & Angus half marathon, Strathallan 5, Glenrothes 10km, Stonehaven half marathon, Forth Bridge 10 km, Perth 10 km, Aviemore half marathon and Templeton Woods 10 mile. These events take place between April and November.
Finally there is still time to enter Perth’s ‘Heaven and Hell’ half marathon, set for April 10th. Full details are on the website, along with an online payment option.
25/03/11
It was an action-packed weekend for Perth athletes’, as near perfect running conditions ensured shining performances in premiere racing events across Scotland.
The pipe band sounded off the runners in Newtonmore for another excellently organised 10 mile ‘out and back’ race on Saturday. Even the slight headwind on the return failed to hamper the efforts of Neil Muir, who managed to finish second in his age category, in 63 minutes 23 minutes. Mike Dales and Fiona Manson also raced in the respective times of 75:30 and 85:10; their participation was further rewarded as the fortuitous trio picked up spot prizes also.
Robin Wombill exhibited extreme endurance during the D33, a 33 mile ultra race from Aberdeen’s Duthie Park to Banchory and back. Capitalising on it as a training run for the upcoming ‘Highland Fling’, he focused on the stunning sun-laden scenery rather than the initial chill and headwind, and happily recorded a 5 hours 53 minutes 9 seconds finish.
Traquair house near Peebles hosted the Deerstalker race, where the looped 5K challenge over tricky terrain saw Carl Duckworth finish 5th ‘Stag’ in a time of 52 minutes, followed by 2nd female (or doe) Angela Park in 59:42 and Vicky Park in 1:19:41.
The lengthier and later Mighty Deerstalker 10K race required deftness, stamina and a torchlight to tackle the ‘Scree’, ‘Rack’ and ‘Tunnel’. Suitably illuminated Carl Duckworth, Bill Lawson, Amy Grieg, Lynsey Mearns and David McRae all successfully tackled this Tweed Valley test.
Onto Sunday and the third and final Winter Duathlon race was held in Moinkie. Ewan Taylor won the race and Series by maintaining his incredible standards with a superb winning time of 1 hour 16 minutes 19 seconds.
Just over 900 runners attended Alloa’s annual half marathon, with current champ Greg Simpson displaying awesome form, finishing 11th place in 1 hour 15 minutes 23 seconds. Brain Cooper skimmed 2 minutes off his personal best with 1:25:44, followed by Fiona Angus in 1:39:19, and fine sub 2 hour performances by Bob Brown, Kenneth Stewart, Dolores Ralston, Marianne McLevy, Debbie Jackson and Jake Carter.
The finish line of Alloa was only the start for Bob Brown and Kenneth Stewart, as the Summer Series championship opener in Errol 6K afternoon start beckoned these dedicated runners. Errol’s finely organised event progressed from soft woodland trails to challenging tarmac climbs and winding country tracks.
Returning to fine form and fair fettle, Linton Scarborough crossed the finish in 21minutes 53 seconds, followed by David Hunter in 22:28. A fantastic run by Katja Eravisto 24:01 marginally saw off a determined Derek McIntosh 24:09 and resilient Neil Muir 24:15, while an even closer contest between Steven Bonthrone 24:31 and James Fotheringham 24:35 proceeded Kevin Judge 24:53.
Enthusiastic local spectators cheered the finishes of Colin McReath, Grant Wooler, Grant Strachan, Nicola Crowe, Alistair Cant and Grant Key, as were the incredible achievements of Kenneth Stewart, Bob Brown and Robin Wombill. Event organisers extended their gratitude to the club for its large attendance and participation, while the club is deeply appreciative of this fantastic local race which culminating a phenomenal weekend of running.
18/03/11
This Sunday, the Errol 6 km race kicks off the Summer Series competition at 1:30pm. Derek McIntosh, the championship organiser, realised that the prolonged terrible weather experienced this winter had hampered many runners’ training schedules. Therefore the rationale is to have a short local race to begin this years’ competition. Alternatively, this weekend also has the Newtownmore 10 mile race on Saturday and Alloa half marathon on Sunday morning.
Further ahead, Saturday April 3rd has the National Road Relay Championship in Livingston, the club is happy to subsidise male and female members willing to put a team forward. If any SA registered members are interested, please contact the Club Secretary, Stephen Ferguson, with the usual details. Time is of the essence though, as entries must be in by Saturday 19th March. Entry is still available for Perth’s Heaven and Hell half marathon, scheduled for Sunday 10th April, online at the clubs’ website.
Over the last two years this challenging rural race has seen an increase to almost 200 competitors lining up at the Scone Airport start. Invaluable to the race are the clubs’ members and families who have volunteered to do marshalling duties, and will encourage runners round the 13.1 miles course.
Appealing to the generous side of the clubs’ members again, marshals are required when Perth hosts the Anglo Celtic Plate, on Sunday 27th March. This is a national 100km and 50km event, returning on the back of last’s years’ highly successful Ultrafest competition of September. Anyone able to help, please contact any member of the committee, it would be greatly appreciated, as the event is a fantastic spectacle, particularly in the latter stages.
The Perth Road Runners website and facebook page are packed with further information, including finalised lists of both this year Summer Series and Club Championship races available.
If these popular and prestigious Perth pursuits have enthused and inspired any budding runners, then the ‘friendly running club’ meetings begin at 6:30pm on Tuesday nights at Bells Sports Centre and Thursday nights at the George Duncan track. All new comers’ are welcome.
10/03/11
With the first competitive race of the Summer Series fast approaching some of Perth’s runners took advantage of local races last weekend. Saturday saw David Norrie compete in the Falkland Flyer trail race, covering the course in 46 minutes 32 seconds. Whilst on a dry but cool Sunday morning, several of Perth’s fair maids ventured East for Arbroath’s Smokies 10 mile road race. Exclusively for females, it boasted a field of nearly 300 runners. The initial head wind did not hinder the lassies from Perth, as Rhona McBean crossed the line in 81 minutes 52 seconds.
Next home and leading a pack with a ‘personal best’ was Andrea Finlay in 86:11, closely followed by Elaine Laidlaw 86:26, Marianne McLevy 87:23 and Fiona Hair 87:32. A ‘personal best’ was also achieved by Allison McArthur when she finished in a time of 88:33. Also tackling the course was Debbie Jackson 89:57, Susan Smith 91:24 and Maureen Summers 98:43, well done for the terrific effort displayed by all.
Fiona Manson and Mike Dales represented Perth, much further afield in the scenic Snake Lane 10 mile race held in East Yorkshire by Pocklington Runners. Although this was Mike’s former running club, the Perth green vests were worn as Mike and Fiona crossed the finish line in respective times of 76 minutes 7 seconds and 83 minutes 10 seconds.
Races worth noting this weekend are Saturday’s challenging White Caterhun Half Marathon in Brechin and the Inverness Half Marathon on Sunday. Both are great preparation for Perth’s own ‘Heaven and Hell’ Half Marathon, taking place on Sunday 10th April at Scone Airport. Details for entry to this event can be found on the Perth Road Runners website or for any impromptu training sessions and car sharing or race information, then check out the club’s Facebook page.
Regular training meets are scheduled for 6:30 pm on Tuesday nights at Bells Sports Centre and Thursday nights alternating between Hatton Road hills and George Duncan Track. Any and all new comers are welcome, as this ‘friendly’ running club possesses many remarkable runners and inspirational characters, eager to share experience and encouragement.
03/03/11
A mild late February afternoon saw a fine Perth attendance in Cupar for the annual 5 mile race. The crowded starting line of almost 300 runners and pot-hole laden tarmac terrain, failed to hamper Greg Simpson as his Championship winning success of last year continued with an impressive 8th place finish, in 26 minutes 26 seconds. The young gun David Hunter sprinted home in 30:01, narrowly ahead of Brian Cooper in 30:19, as a fine battle of will and spirit was contested indicating a fantastic year ahead for both runners.
Neil Muir crossed the line in a fantastic time of 30:44, with Kevin Judge following in 32:09, and David Norrie finished in 34:42. First lady home for Perth was Joan Wilson in a time of 35:51, as she led the way for Bob Brown, Malcolm Saynor, Robert MacDonald, Amy Greig, Allison Brown and Gemma Simpson. Well done too all, and thanks especially to Veronica Muir for her invaluable time keeping efforts.
Thanks are also due to Bill Lawson and marshals, for their organisation of another ‘Fetch and Retrieve’ event, last Sunday, not to mention the hearty souls who trekked around the course. Yet another first place for Ewan Taylor, in the second round Monikie Duathlon, he represented Perth and finished the 4k run/ 20k cycle/ 4k run in a time of 1:05:42. Further South, Erni Hamilton was also in duathlon action, completing the Glentress ‘long’ event in 2:07:08.
An early start to the Summer Series this year, with Errol 6k picked as a local opening race. It has a start time of 1:30 pm on Sunday 20th march, and club members should check the website and Facebook page for car-sharing information. This also applies to training meets on Tuesday’s at 6:30 pm at Bell’s Sports Centre and Thursday’s with an alternative schedule between ‘hill reps’ at Hatton Road and speed sessions at Graham Clark race track.
Also, Perth’s own half marathon, ‘Heaven and Hell’ is set for Sunday 10th April, a tough but rewarding race which is proving more popular by the year. Runners, marshals and spectators are all welcome, entry or involvement details are available at the club’s website.