13 January 2012
As the beginning of 2011 brought the tragic news that of one of Perth Road Runners most well-loved and respected members, Jean Wainright, had passed away during a cycling holiday, so 2012 brings a new challenge to club members in her memory,and which encapsulates her spirit of adventure, and love for travelling and running
The, Jean Wainright Trophy, shall be awarded to the club member who sucessfully completes a marathon, furthest from Perth, and should more than one club member complete the same marathon, the runner with the slower time shall be awarded the trophy.
Club member, Linsey McArthur, presented the first series challenge to this new trophy.Running with an inspired enthusiasm and determination, alongside some more unusual running companions, not least, Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, Linsey completed her debut marathon in 04 hrs 43 minutes and 34 seconds, in the Walt Disney World Marathon, Orlando, FL, USA. A great performance and an indication of greater things to come.
Back in chilly Scotland, the annual Callander Crags winter hill race was held on Saturday the 07th of January. The course over a distance of 4.6km saw runners ascend 275m to run the distance along the craggy woodlands which overlook Callander. In true spirit the race was open to all ages and abilities which lead to a range of different times.Colin Wilson lead the trio of Perth runners home and finished in 32 minutes 15 seconds,he was followed closely behind by Simon Grieshaber in a time of 32 minutes 33 seconds and Joan Wilson who completed the short but hilly course in a very respectable time of 33 minutes and 36 seconds.
Club members are also reminded that both Club Championship and Summer Series dates are now available on the club website and that entries will fill up quickly for many of the available races and to avoid disappointment to get their entries in as soon as possible.
06 January 2012
On Sunday the 11th of December, Perth Green Vests, Steve Bonthrone and Allison McArthur visited Edinburgh for something a little different! They donned their Santa outfits and joined in the festive party as hundreds of Santa Clauses descended on Edinburgh for the annual festive Santa Run. Meanwhile, Neil Muir continued his fine form of through the festive period as Fife AC held their Annual, Christmas cracker, race on the 18th of December, and completed the route, which followed a short trail through the Fife countryside in a time of 25.44 finishing just inside the top twenty runners.
As we prepared to say goodbye to 2011 and usher in a new dawn, and a new year, many club members are beginning preparations for their spring marathons , the renowned Virgin London marathon and perhaps the less well-known but equally spectacular in views, Lochaber marathon, among the options. January the 1st is a particularly key date in the diaries of many runners, out go the old and in come the new training schedules and routines, of which are routinely referred to as crazy by those outside the slightly mad world of marathon running.
As many were just climbing into their beds after the Hogmanay celebrations, a number of Perth’s Green vests were up to welcome in the New Year, setting off for the summit of Kinoull Hill to see the first sunrise of 2012. Those who had braved the cold conditions celebrated a spectacular sunrise after many years of disappointment, in true style with scenes reminiscent of Brave Heart and a glass of bubbly. Those who were present are sure to draw inspiration from the spectacular views.
Every year a small contingent of club members head west in search of a new years day challenge on Aonach Mor. The Anoach Mor uphill race, held annually on new years’ day by Lochaber AC and follows the UCI mountain bike world cup track, from a base elevation of 330ft and finishes at 2150ft above sea level. The ascent of, 1820ft, was completed in a record time in 2009 in a time of 22 minutes and 15 seconds and so we eagerly await the publication of the results for 2012.
23 December 2011
Yahoo! Perhaps not the average response when faced with 9.5 miles against the clock on a dark, cold and icy winters evening? Then again, whoever said runners were average? Twenty Two of Perth’s hardiest runners lined up to a race against the clock as Perth Road Runners held the club’s annual Yahoo handicap road race, where runners receive a handicap, relative to their previous time over 10 miles, in the previous season.
The course, which took participants around the boundaries of Perth, included some icy climbs and descents, particularly in Oakbank, Craigie and Moncrieff.
A typically photo finish saw club member Jimmy Fotheringham, and Stuart Robertson, who chose the Yahoo race to make his debut with the club, cross the line with impressive times of 64 minutes and 38 seconds each. As the trophy is for the 2011 season, Jimmy Fotheringham, was declared the overall winner. However, he is sure to face some stiff competition should he return to defend his title in 2012.
The fastest finisher was, David Knight, who is certainly one to watch in the club, crossing the line in a notable time of 57 minutes and 44 seconds.
The club also awarded runners most able to predict their time, without the aid of a watch. Joan Wilson came within a whisker of her prediction, completing the 9.5 miles in 76 minutes 59 seconds, one second shy of her predicted time of 77 minutes. Overall, there were some impressive and fast times recorded given the icy conditions. Thanks must also go to those club members who assisted with the organisation and time keeping of the race.
To all those Green Vests out there, and to all those who you’ve inspired throughout 2011 with your inspirational and captivating running, from 10k’s to Ultra Marathons, A Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
16 December 2011
Perth road runners proved yet again that they are a force to be reckoned with. Club members Bob Brown and Pete Ritchie journeyed south to warmer and sunnier climes forthe Lanzarote half marathon. Bob Brown crossed the line winning the over 60′s category with a superb time of 1 hour 39 minutes 30 seconds, following closely behind, Pete Ritchie, finished in fine form with a time of 1.52.30. Back home the running calander has taken on a distinctly festive feeling. Stirling hosted its annual Reindeer fun run 10k on the 27th of November where club member, James Fotheringham, laid down an impressive marker to the competition as he crossed the line bringing home another great win for Perth’s Green vests.
Meanwhile, Sunday the 11th of December saw the club hold its annual christmas club run, where Santa hats and a steady footing were the order of the day. Runners left behind a driech and cold Perth for the shores of loch Ordie, north of Dunkeld. Setting off from Cally car park, runners climbed through pine woodlands and out onto open moorland. The recent falls of snow and the icy conditions underfoot lead to a few heart stopping moments! Those who had turned out were rewarded with stunning views across Loch Ordie as the sun emerged. The run was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended and is sure to have beaten away some early winter blues.
11 November 2011
A bumper turnout of 270 runners participated in the 27th Templeton road race last Sunday morning, with a healthy Perth contingent, of 20 athletes, recording tremendous times.
This was the final Club Championship race for Perth runners, contested around the quiet undulating country roads on the outskirts of Dundee, in cool crisp early November conditions. Greg Simpson led the famous Green Vest’s with a sensational second place finish in 1 hour 22 seconds, followed by a phenomenal Linton Scarborough 1:07:17 and sublime Brian Cooper in 1:09:51.
Nicola Crowe swooped home to claim full points as first Perth female with a terrific time of 1:15:41, just ahead of a persistent David Norrie 1:17:07 and 2nd place Extra Vet Bob Brown 1:17:55.
Fully recovered from their recent marathon duties, both Hugh Daly and Kenneth Stewart produced strong times of 1:18:13 and 1:19:26 respectively, while fit finishes were had by an awesome Allison Brown 1:23:36 and amazing Amy Greig 1:24:37. David McRae earned a fine 1:25:44 round the Dundee route, followed by Peter Ritchie’s warm welcomed return back to running in 1:29:50, seconds ahead of a determined Rhona McBean in 1:29:59.
Fiona Hair’s plucky performance saw her pick up 3rd place Extra Vet prize in a fabulous time of 1:31:41, closely followed by Linda O’Neil 1:33:28 and Susan Smith 1:33:56. Feisty finishes by Gillian Kerr 1:38:13 and Nicola Lessells 1:38:41 were pursued by the gloriously dedicated duo of Anne Wombill 2:03:18 and Fiona Morrison 2:03:31, as they completed one of Runners World’s top rated ten-mile UK events.
04 November 2011
A pair of Perth likely lads gave the public of Newcastle great cause to be on top
vocal form, as Simon Grieshaber and Kevin Judge, ran in the famous ‘green and
white’ round the Toon’s late October marathon, last Sunday. This tremendously organised event, now in its third year, is contested in and around the Exhibition Park in the north of the city. It is a 5 lap marathon, each one consisting of just over 5.2 miles, competed across a series of zigzagging park paths and public access trails, and even a tough little uphill off-road section, before the long sweeping return down the Great North Road pavement.
Normally the affectionate army cry of ‘howay the lads’ would be for their
beloved ‘black and white’ high flying football team, but as the Perth duo lined up
alongside 125 other runners for this 26.2 mile race, the electric show of support and cheer was offered to all competitors.
Weather conditions were near perfect, the early wind dissipated before the end of the first lap, while the cool crisp day was blessed with sunshine. The consideration by dog-walkers, Sunday morning strollers and cyclists couldn’t be faulted in fact it was quite remarkable just how conscientious everyone was of the runners and their efforts. Hard road work, commitment and an infallible training schedule ensured Simon continued his terrific year of running, as he flew round the laps, like a magpie on a mission, pinching over 14 minutes off his previous PB time, recording a fantastic 3 hours 32 minutes 42 seconds.
The recurring sight of St. James Park, across the vast green park land and just
beyond Newcastle University, was sheer encouragement for Kevin, who entertained a 3:29:48 finish, as both Perth Road Runners picking up commemorate plaques for their Tyneside exertions.
Dundee host’s this Sundays’ Templeton 10 mile road race, marking the final 2011 Club Championship race, with the event commencing at 10:30 am at the Clatto Centre, on-the-day entries are available from 8:30 am.