Perth Road Runners

Further east, Auld Reekie hosted the inaugural Forthside Half Marathon attracting a massive entry of 4000 runners, making it one of the country’s largest running events. Unfortunately, all did not go according to plan, and the organisers have since released a statement apologising to the runners for problems caused on the day. However, the congested start and finish proved no obstacle for Jamie Gartside (1:19:42), as he used the 13.1 miles as a further stepping stone towards a much anticipated sub 2:45 at the London Marathon in three weeks time. Peter Ritchie (1:36:49) found the warm conditions a hindrance, but still managed to replicate his previous weeks performance at Alloa. Hugh Daly (1:40:14), also used the occasion to enhance his training for London, and was closely followed by Ian McArthur (1:43:25).

Over to the west, Neil Muir and Debbie Jackson visited MacGregor country for the scenic 12K road race beside Loch Katrine. Neil (46:30) pursued the leaders in swashbuckling style to finish fifth (1st Vet), with Debbie covering the undulating course in 72:27.

With no marathons in Scotland at the weekend, Bob Brown travelled south to Catalonia for a weekend break, and managed to fit in the Marato de Barcelona. As a result of the warmer climate and dehydration during the last few miles, Bob succumbed to cramp and was forced to settle for a below par performance of 3:46.

Club members are reminded of the half marathon training run starting at 11am on Sunday, 9th April.

At the head of the field, Ruairidh Campbell of Arbroath Footers began picking up the pace in the closing stages, before completing the 13.1-mile loop in a time of 1:09:11, ahead of last year’s winner, and former Commonwealth Games 10,000 meters representative, Glen Stewart of West Dumbartonshire.

Perth Road Runners soon began to make an impact with the appearance of David Knight in 7th position (1:12:36), closely followed by Tony Jackson in 10th place (1:14:57). As the only club with 2 runners in the top ten, hopes of a team prize were soon dashed when Martin Ryan (1:21:15) and Neil Muir (1:21:54) were unable to produce a sub 1:20 finish to secure the necessary points.

Meanwhile former club champion, Derek McIntosh continued his return to form with a comfortable 1:25:35, followed by Gary Martin (1:30:54), seconds outside his personal best. Bob Brown (1:34:24) used the distance as a final preparation for the Barcelona Marathon on Sunday, while Peter Ritchie (1:36:01) managed to hold off the chasing pack of Dave Norrie (1:37:01); Hugh Daly (PB 1:37:49); and Ian McArthur (1:37:53). Further down the field Kenneth Stewart (1:55:30) struggled to complete the course.

Erni Hamilton, taking a rest from her 100-mile cycle runs, was awarded with the 2nd F-Vet prize in a time of 1:28:55. In-form Joan Wilson (1:39:57) timed her run well, passing three club members over the hilly finish to secure second club place, and valuable points ahead of Susan Lennon (1:41:01), Claire Frulloni (1:41:06) and Fiona Angus (1:41:09). Making a desperate bid to break the 2-hour mark, Anne Wombill (1:59:27), and Lynne Crane (1:59:42) managed their target with seconds to spare, while Margaret Irvine, having just completed a 22-mile mid-week training run in preparation for the London marathon, settled for a recovery run of 2:04:19.

However, the outstanding PRR performance of the day came from Debbie Jackson who required a sprint finish to record a time of 1:59:56, and thereby win a wager with her husband for dinner at an expensive Perth restaurant.

By contrast, the Arbroath Smokies race was staged in sunshine, accompanied by a cooling North Sea wind, as 300 women turned out for this annual 10-mile road race.
Fiona Angus (75:39) produced a top twenty finish as she led Perth to a third placed team prize, behind Metro Aberdeen and Carnegie, with Joan Wilson (76:54) and Claire Frulloni (77:03) doing just enough to secure the winning points.
Margaret Irvine (92:13), closely followed by Lynne Brand (92:42), led the charge for the minor places, while Debbie Jackson (94:54) and Anne Wombill (94:56) benefited from running the ten miles together, as a prelude to the forthcoming Club Championship. Fiona Morrison (101:13) finished strongly ahead of Jean Wainwright (101:40) in what proved to be a very successful and organised event. Regrettably, Linda O’Neill was forced to withdraw after only 2 miles, due to injury.

Away from the cold blasts of the North Sea, Bob Brown found an early spring marathon in the middle of the Mediterranean. Starting at Mdina, the Malta Marathon follows a rural course through scenic villages before emerging at the coastal town of Sliema, and a final sprint along the waterfront. On Sunday conditions were very warm and windy, with only 11 runners able to break magical 3 hours mark.
Despite losing out to a much younger Joshua Kipchumba of Kenya, Bob secured the 1st O60 position in a time of 3:32:56 and 41st overall. Watch this space as Bob continues his marathon trail, including Barcelona, later this month, and London in April.

Five years older than Perth Road Runners, and celebrating their 25th anniversary, Kirkintilloch Olympians organised a 12.5K road race to mark the occasion, and once again Debbie Jackson was our roving runner on the spot to test the circuit. Debbie commented, “prior to race day the limit of 150 entrants had already been reached. However, when the race started we were immediately challenged within the first 500m by an undulating course with hills following every kilometre.” Debbie completed the distance in 74:13.