28/08/2013
The City of Perth played host to the counties runners once again, as the annual Perth 10k fixture, celebrating its 30th anniversary with a revised route was held on Sunday the 25th of August. PRR’s own Greg Simpson stormed to an emphatic victory in a time of 33:07. Duncan Ryan and Stuart Robertson were next two closest members in 36.48 and 36.57. James Fotheringham not far off the pace finished in a time of 37.11. Mark Leach was another to finish the course in under 40 minutes, in 39.19 and was joined by Simon Grieshaber and Zsolt Szarka who both crossed the line in 39.33. Julie Ramsay was first home for PRR’s Ladies in an impressive time of 40.25, ahead of Bob Brown in 42.09, Fiona Angus in 42.27 and Nicola Crowe in 42.49. Barry Campbell was next in 43.10, and was joined by John Rudd in 44.05 and Peter Ritchie in 44.56 to finish sub 45 minutes. Allison Brown crossed the line in 45.26 ahead of Sue Jones in 46.37, Yuri Gattafoni in 46.51 and Mel MacRae in 47.22. Beth Gripton and Kenneth Stewart finished in 48.14 and 49.47 respectively, each managing a sub 50 time for the 10k distance. New club member Kelly Untershutz ran an impressive 50.24 in her first outing in a PRR vest, whilst Allison McArthur ran another strong race in 51.30. Linda O’Neil finished in a time of 52.44. Federica Balducci clocked a time of 53.42 ahead of Rhona McBean in 57.23 and Kirsty Johnston in 59.04. Alan Paterson finished in 1.02.33, and Fiona Morrison in a time of 1.03.38 and Jean McCullough who finished in 1.05.56. Fiona Hair also ran an impressive time of 52.09 and clinched the Female over 60 prize on the day.
Mel MacRae also notched up a time of 33.21 earlier this year at the Newburgh 4.23 mile Road Race held previously in July.
The clubs annual Target Zero race in which runners must predict their times over a set distance, this year over a 5 mile course in Deuchny Woods, was held last week. In no given order the results were as follows: Caroline Jones 38.18 (Winner), Beth Gripton 45.32, Kenneth Stewart 45.39, Neil Muir 35.32 (Fastest Male), Colin McCreath 37.25, Robin Wombill 57.44, Simon Grieshaber 39.32, Paul Grace 40.15, Zsolt Szarka 40.15, Robert Thornton 52.12, Catriona MacIntosh 57.44, Linda O’Neil 48.16, Alan Paterson 49.38, Fiona Morrison 58.22, Caroline Ness 57.50, Alyson Macpherson 39.07 and Claire Douglas (Fastest Female) in 36.40.
Both Neil Muir and Steve Ferguson travelled West recently and represented the club at the Isle of Mull Half Marathon on the 11th of August, this was the 25th anniversary of this race. Neil Muir in a time of 1.24.23 finished in 6th place overall whilst Steve Ferguson finished in 11th overall in a time of 1.29.20, both impressive times on the day with a field of just under 100 runners and running into a stiff headwind.
23/08/2013
Caroline Jones of Perth Road Runners was the sole representative from the club to travel to the Nigel Barge memorial 10k Road Race at Garscube over the weekend. Caroline produced a respectable time of 45.03 on the day.
The Forfar 10k road race, hosted by Forfar Road Runners has become an increasingly popular fixture in the local athletics calendar, and receives a large number of entries, 298 on the day. Bob Brown finishing in a time of 45.31, was followed by Peter Ritchie in 48.16.
Forfar Road Runners also host the annual Glen Clova Half Marathon, infamous for its popularity among local clubs, the race sells out notoriously quickly, and this year was no exception, selling out in just over 2 and a half hours. Of those lucky enough to secure a place in the race, Bob Brown, Ewan Jelly, Mark Leach and Peter Ritchie will all be representing the club on Sunday the 9th of November.
Perth’s friendly running club are continually looking to strengthen their numbers, regardless of age or ability, all runners new or experienced are welcome. Our Tuesday club training runs which vary in distance and difficulty are the perfect way to get a feel for the club and to see if it’s for you. Starting from 6.30pm every Tuesday, meet at the foyer of Bells Sports Centre, Perth, where you will be introduced to club members and we will be able to find a group suited to your abilities. For more information on the club and other training opportunities visit, www.perthroadrunners.co.uk.
19/08/2013
We did it, or did we? Apparently so! Perth, Scotland can now proudly lay claim to the official world record for the most runners simultaneously clad in kilts, though we perhaps shouldn’t be too smug, just yet anyway, as our Canadian counterparts still managed a greater number of runners! Perth’s band of friendly Green vested runners were proud to be able to add to the City’s attempt and turned out on the day to experience the festival and clocked some fast times over the 5km distance too. Duncan Ryan 18.40, Fiona Angus 21.20, Allison Brown 22.01, Chris Paton 22.25, Sue Jones 23.35, Barry Campbell 25.03, Allison McArthur 25.11, Linda O’Neil 26.36, Susan Smith 27.25, Karen Walters 30.43, Maureen Summers 31.33, Alan Paterson 31.24, Greig Ramsay 35.01, Julie Ramsay 35.02, Kirsty Johnston 39.18.
Sunday the 11th brought little rest for a number of the clubs members as they travelled to the Forth Bridges 10k hosted each year by Pitreavie AAC. Stuart Robertson was the highest placed club member finishing 12th in a time of 37.53, James Fotheringham in 19th place behind in 39.35, breaking the magical sub 40mins for the distance. Angel Irving followed in 41.09, with Barry Campbell in 45.18. Bob Brown finished in 45.21, Paul Grace 46.13, Fiona Maclean 46.26, Vicky Park 48.59, Beth Gripton 50.21, Sue Jones 52.26, Alan Paterson 55.57, Daile Sipple 1.01.48 and Kirsty Johnston in 1.07.58.
Fife AC held their annual Ceres 8 mile road race on Tuesday evening, the club was represented by Bob Brown and Peter Ritchie. Both Runners clocked impressive times over the course which includes a number of significant climbs, and notable descent into Ceres for the finish line. Bob Brown stopped the clock on 57min 51sec and was followed by Peter Ritchie who finished the course in 1hr 5mins!
08/08/2013
A quartet of Perth’s Green vests were this year entered into the John R.Wier Tour of Fife, now an annual fixture on the Athletics calendar. Organised by Fife Ac, the series saw competitors compete over the course of 5 days from Wednesday through to Sunday last week, and included a number of physically and mentally challenging courses, as the course distance played second fiddle to the experience. Perth Road Runners were this year represented by Bob Brown, Peter Ritchie, Alyson MacPherson and Chris Paton. The ‘Tour’ kicked off at the old mansion house by Falkland on Wednesday evening with the 4.8 mile trail race. On Thursday the Tour traveled to Tarvit for a second 4.8 mile trail race, starting and finishing in the grounds of Tarvit Hill. Friday night however was perhaps the most challenging as the field took on the ‘Up Hell’ Time Trial ascending 783ft in a little under 1.5 miles and against the clock, this was no challenge to take lightly. Locals and Tourists alike may have been forgiven for having flash backs to the Olympic opening ceremony on Saturday evening, as the West Sands at St Andrews was the venue for the 4.2 mile ‘Chariots of Fire’ beach race, the Tour came to a close on Sunday as the field returned for a final visit to Falkland and a final 3.8 mile trail race aptly named ‘Skull Mountain’ where the darkened ‘Tunnel of Terror’ lay in wait, with not all competitors emerging unscathed! As the Tour came to a close the club where able to finish in a celebratory style as Bob Brown collected 1st place M65 and Alyson MacPherson saw off her nearest competitors to claim 1st place F50.
Another early rise on a Saturday morning could only mean one thing…It was another rain soaked outing to to the West highland way for the Wombill’s over the weekend as Robin and Anne, numbers 1 and 2 respectively, completed the 43 mile Devil O’ the Highlands ultra mountain marathon and crossed the line together in 11 hours 48 mins 59 secs!
Helenburgh AC played host to their annual club half marathon the, Babcock Helensburgh Half Marathon on Sunday 4th of August. Simon Grieshaber, the only representative from PRR to make the drive west on the day,put in a solid performance to record a comfortable 1.33.45 over the 13.1 mile distance.
The evening of Tuesday 06th saw Carnegie Harriers host the Graham Clark Memorial 3.9 mile race at Knockhill. PRR’s Greg Simpson finishing in 2nd overall in a time of 20.27. Full results to follow.
Images: Paul Roarty and David Smyth (Fife Athletic Club, 2013).
01/08/2013
With this summers heatwave finally abating during last week, Perth’s green vested runners continued in their efforts to a pick up a club championship medal at the end of the year. The next stop of the fixture list was the Ballater 10 mile road race. Stuart Robertson led from the front in a time of 1:02:22 notching up an impressive 6th place finish, shortly behind James Fotheringham finished in 1:07:45 sneaking inside the top 20 to finish 19th overall. Mark Leach, Hugh Daly and Bob Brown were his closest competitors finishing in 1:11:00, 1:15:03 and 1:15:12 respectively. Peter Ritchie finished the course in 1:18:50 with Barry Campbell closing him down with a finishing time of 1:19:22. Allison Brown was the first of Perth’s Ladies to finish and did so in a time of 1:21:37. Melanie Macrae not far behind finished in 1:23:23. Sue Jones and Beth Lardner could only be split by a matter of seconds both finishing in 1:25:49 and 1:26:12 respectively. Fiona Hair completed the 10 mile course in a time of 1:32:11 in front of Kenneth Stewart 1:34.27 and Susan Smith 1.34.40. Linda O’Neil finished in 1:35:46 whilst Alan Paterson and Rhona McBean finished in 1:43:44 and 1:47:36.
A number of Perth’s runners will also be participating in the John R.Wier Tour of Fife, a series of 5 races from Wednesday through to Sunday this week, including an uphill time trial more affectionately known as ‘Up Hell’ and the classic Chariots of fire beach race on the West Sands, St Andrews.
The club will also be holding its annual Club Duathlon from Pitcairn Green on Thursday the 8th of August with the annual club handicap Target Zero the following week on Thursday the 15th of August. As such, normal track and hill training will be cancelled on these dates and will resume with Hill training on the 22nd of August.For further information and details visit, www.perthroadrunners.co.uk or find us on Facebook.
22/07/2013
Whilst Perth’ Green vests have been actively enjoying the summer conditions at home PRR pair, Steve Bonthrone and Alison McArthur headed to the states, though not for the relaxing beach holiday many might imagine!. Steven and Alisons holiday trip started with the Watermelon 5k in the Winter Park area of Orlando, held whilst most tourists would still be asleep, at 7am on 4th July, and just 12hrs after they landed, not to mention in 94% humidity! Their 2nd race was three days later with the Run Thru Hell 5k in Tampa. The race is so called as it usually involves a stretch through some woods with the ground rather swampy however they decided it was TOO swampy and kept it to the path. Still in very humid conditions the race was far from easy! Steve finishing in 21:28, 2nd in his age category, whilst Allison finished in 26:44, taking over 2 mins off her PB set in 2010 in the same race. Her time saw her finish 3rd in her age category, achieving her first prize at a race. Their final race was the Cool Summer Mornings 5k at Clermont. The location although next to a lake still saw competitors compete in humidity over 100% with Steve finishing in 21:30, 14th overall and 2nd in his Age Category. Allison however, finishing in 25:51, smashed her PB again and finished 1st in her age category! A Very impressive performance!
Perth friendly running club is always looking to add to its ranks and would be delighted to welcome additional new members, and there’s no excuse not to give it a try, especially with conditions perfect for running. We meet for our weekly club training run at 6.30pm every Tuesday evening at Bell Sports Centre in Perth – Full membership and joining details can be found at www.perthroadrunners.co.uk
11/07/2013
Corrections: White Tops Hill Race, Friday 28th June 2013, Fiona Manson (V40) completed in a time of 62min 23secs, not Fiona Morrison as was previously quoted.
The club would also like to commend the efforts of both Peter Ritchie and Alyson MacPherson both completed the 95 mile West Highland Way ultra race at the end of June. Following in the footsteps of fellow club member Robin Wombill who completed the course in 2012,
Perth Road Runners played hosts to their annual club Brig Bash 5 mile road race, under some glorious Perthshire sunshine last Wednesday 3rd of July. The club was overwhelmed by the last minute response of runners both local and from across central Scotland as the flat 5 miler proved its popularity by attracting 250 runners. PRR’s Greg Simpson taking 3rd Male overall in a time of 26.35. Duncan Ryan 30.32, Mark Leach 32.00, Grant Webster 32.19, Andrew Millington 32.58, Zsolt Szarka 33.50, Bob Brown 34.35, Chris Paton 35.03, Mike Dales 35.06, Ewan Jelly 36.15, David McRae 39.01, Barry Campbell 44.59, Alan Paterson 45.02, Perths Ladies were lead around the course by Nicola Crowe who finished in 33.20 followed by; Caroline Jones 34.55, Fiona Manson 36.03, Melanie MacRae 37.50, Debbie Jackson 41.18, Debbie Wicks 46.08, Daile Sipple 48.30 and Kirsty Johnston in 51.40.
Following on from the Brig Bash, PRRs Green vested runners were out in force for the Crieff 10k the following Sunday. Greg Simpson following on from his 3rd place at the Brig Bash, PRR’s Greg Simpson notched up another top 5 placing finishing 4th overall in a time of 36.14. Stuart Robertson just missing out on a top 10 finished in 39.42 and was followed by; James Fotheringham 42.08, Neil Muir 42.39, Mark Leach 43.41, Clare Douglas 45.00, Andrew Millington 46.02, Simon Grieshaber 46.07, Barry Campbell 46.57, Grant Webster 46.59, Bob Brown 48.10, Julie Ramsay 48.33, John Rudd 49.45, Melanie MacRae 52.38, Peter Ritchie 53.34, Beth Gripton 54.47, Debbie Jackson 56.11, Kenneth Stewart 56,58, Susan Smith 60.16, Linda O’Neil 60.53, Fiona Hair 61.46, Alan Paterson 63.11 and Kirsty Johnston 73.33.
03/07/2013
Perth Road Runners were represented at last Friday nights White Tops Hill Race, at Kirkton of Auchterhouse, which was hosted by the Dundee Hawkhill Harriers. Mark Leach running a time of 58.09 lead Perth’s Green vested runners, with Mike Dales close behind in 58.43. Paul Grace wasn’t far off the pace with a time of 60.12 ahead of Fiona Morrison in 62.23 and Bob Brown who finished the course in 72.19. A full run down of results and a race report of Wednesday night’s Brig Bash 5 mile will follow next week.
Perth Road Runners are known as the friendly running club and we have proudly brought runners together in Perth for over 25 years. Our philosophy is to inspire and be inspired so all we ask is that you have a pair of running shoes and a sense of humour. We will take care of the rest. If your interested in joining us for our weekly training sessions and/or at the many races our members enjoy participating simply head to our website at www.perthroadrunners.co.uk, where all our membership information is available.