Perth Road Runners

This is a ½ marathon with a difference. The race starts just north of Perth Airport and follows a series of tough climbs through the Sidlaws towards Pitroddie. As if that wasn’t enough, the climb via Kilspindie and Pole Hill which just seems to go on and on, provides an even sterner test, before the final section via Dalreichmoor towards Balbeggie and the welcome finish.

For anyone contemplating a full marathon later in the year, this is an ideal preparation race. Probably the toughest ½ in the country, if you have the willpower and endurance to complete this race, then running the full marathon distance will hold no fears for you.

So, take up the challenge. You can download an application form from our website www.perthroadrunners.co.uk or phone Perth 643801.

This coming weekend will see 4 club members exchange the delights of Scotland in February, for the slightly warmer weather of the Mediterranean. Bob Brown, Pete Ritchie, Erni Hamilton and Claire Frulloni will all be competing in the Malta Marathon. Best wishes to all of them.

Once again, participants were fortunate with the weather. Although it was a chilly night, it remained dry. Conditions underfoot were firm, with the merest powdering of snow.

As before, the athletes had to predict their own finishing times; the runner whose actual time was closest to their forecast time being declared the winner. All runners were equipped with torches, and no one was allowed to wear a watch.

The runner with the most accurate prediction was Martin Ryan, whose actual time was out by some 26 seconds. Second was Bob Thornton @54 seconds, and 3rd were Elaine Mclennan and Fiona Morrison @ 1.41.

On Saturday, 7 members of the Road Runners took part in the National Cross-Country championships at Falkirk

Set in the grounds of Callendar House, the course consisted of a short initial grassy climb, followed by a brisk descent, and a muddy trail around the loch. Another grass section was the precursor to a nasty short sharp downhill, where runners were lucky to keep their balance, followed by an equally nasty short sharp climb. Heading back towards Callendar House, there then followed a tiring muddy climb, and another grassy section, before an ascent through thick mud, where getting any sort of grip underfoot was almost impossible. A short muddy trail led to the final downhill section which appeared to be a mixture of cloying, thick mud and red clay, which clung to the runners’ feet like some sort of viscous treacle, making tired limbs seem even heavier.

That was just the first lap. Two more laps making a total of 12km, ensured that this was a really tough and demanding championship course. Congratulations to all who finished it.

First home for Perth was Mike Carroll who finished 13th overall in an excellent time of 40 minutes and 32 seconds. Dave Knight also produced a good run of 41.40.

Other times: Neil Muir 49.34, Martin Ryan 50.20, Steve Ferguson 50.44. Derek Phillips suffering from calf muscle problems finished in 54.52, and Colin Campbell building up towards the Masters’ Championships ran a solid 60.46.

Guest Speaker, Norman Watson kept his audience hugely entertained with a series of humerous anecdotes, when, as a member of Perth Strathtay Harriers, the fledgling Road Runners were considered to be little more than upstarts. He went on to pay tribute to the progress made by the club in their 21 year existence.

Following a successful year for the club, Norman then presented the trophies and awards to:

Club Champions: Tony Jackson and Clare Frulloni, 2nd Martin Ryan and Susan Lennon, 3rd Bob Brown and Anne Wombill. In addition the following members all received medals for completing the full complement of races: Pete Ritchie, Kenny Stewart, Dave Norrie, Fiona Angus, Karen Walters, Debbie Jackson and Fiona Morrison.

Summer Series: Martin Ryan and Fiona Angus, 2nd Kenny Stewart and Karen Walters, 3rd Dave Norrie and Debbie Jackson.

Most improved runner; Tony Jackson and Debbie Jackson.
Duathlon: Derek Phillips and Erni Hamilton
Hill Race: Derek Phillips and Erni Hamilton
Club Personality: Colin Keough

The following day, despite the excesses of the previous night, 10 brave souls took part in the Forfar multi terrain ½ marathon. Conditions were nigh on perfect for distance running; cool, but sunny, with a slight breeze. As the name implies, competitors had to contend with a variety of different surfaces; tarmac, trails, wet grass and mud, with over 3/4 of the race being off road. The course itself was slightly undulating with the tough climb after about 9 miles ensuring that the event was a real test of stamina and willpower. The winner of the race was Ruaridh Campbell (Arbroath Footers) in a time of 1hr 17.01

The race started and finished at Strathmore Rugby Club, where hot soup and rolls were available to the weary finishers.

Congratulations to Clare, Karen and Jacquie who took 3rd place in the Ladies’ team event behind Carnegie and Forfar

Perth results: Neil Muir 1hr 26.57, Pete Ritchie 1.41.03,Hugh Daly 1.41.41, Kenny Stewart 1.45.03, Claire Frulloni 1.51.12, Phil Turner 1.52.27, Robin Wombill 1.55.50, Karen Walters 2.13.37, Jacquie Daly 2.25.57 Pauline Mann 2.25.57

In almost spring-like conditions, the runners climbed the Buckie Braes before turning left along the topside of Craigie golf course. There followed a stiff climb along the newly made up footpaths of the old pitch and putt course, before crossing the dual carriageway and turning left through the undulating wooded area, where soft and slippery underfoot conditions meant that great care had to be taken in some places.

After a short downhill section, there was a tough climb through the fields to the TV mast before heading back towards the start/finish area.

Best time of the day was recorded by Derek Phillips, at 39 minutes and 7 seconds, closely followed by Steve Ferguson, whose time of 39.19 confirmed the good form he had shown in last week’s league meeting at Broxburn. Quickest of the ladies was Elaine McLellan whose strong run resulted in a very good time of 49.06.

Other times were; Martin Ryan 41.09, Dave Norrie 45.02, Hugh Daly 47.44, Colin Campbell 47.47, Martin Rayside 49.07, Neil Muir 50.13, Bob Thornton 64.04, Fiona Morrison 65.16, Christine Chatilla 65.28, Malcolm Saynor 67.27, Veronica Muir 70.13.

A large vote of thanks is due to Robin Wombill, Robin Livingstone and Colin Keough for the organisation and timekeeping of the run.

Final word on the “wee winter run”. The club has a fine tradition of members taking the more scenic and interesting routes ( or as some would have it, getting lost). Congratulations to Malcolm and Christine for keeping the tradition going.

Elsewhere at the weekend club members took part in the Buchlyvie 10k.Despite confusion at the end of the race, Pete Ritchie returned a solid time of 45.09, and Debbie Jackson a fine 52.10, which would have been even better had she been directed to the correct finishing point.

Also running at the weekend were Colin and Joan Wilson who took part in the Devil’s Burdens relay at Falkland.

The final event of the winter series “lark in the dark” takes place next Tuesday 6 February. Runners please meet at the Jubilee car park for a 6.30 start.

The narrow start meant that runners were jostling for position from the word go. Following a tricky downhill followed by a tight left hand turn, the field began to spread out as the athletes encountered the delights of “Lungbuster Hill” for the first time. On the next section, the undulating nature of the course, sharp turns and the narrow tracks meant that for much of the time, overtaking was extremely difficult. The final section of the course consisted of a steady climb into the teeth of the wind, followed by a relatively speedy, open section, before the final tricky series of turns leading into a treacherous descent then a short climb to the start/finish line. The generous helpings of mud, mud, glorious mud, ensured that slipping, slithering and sliding were regular activities. Spectators were treated to some spectacular falls, and to some amazing recoveries, as runners somehow managed to retain their balance from seemingly impossible positions.

The ladies’ race was over 2 laps, while the men had the added enjoyment of a 3rd lap, into the now biting sleet and rain. All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.

Leading the ladies home for the Perth team was Fiona Angus who managed to look mysteriously clean, followed by Joan Wilson. Mike Carroll and Dave Knight finished 7th and 14th respectively in the men’s race.

Finishing times: Fiona Angus 29.33, Joan Wilson 30.09, Arabella Woodrow 32.17, Fiona Manson 33.26, Lynn Warden 33.42, Christine Chatila 40.32

Mike Carroll 31.48, Dave Knight 32.52, Neil Muir 38.10, Steve Ferguson 39.31, Martin Ryan 39.52, Derek Phillips 40.33, Colin Wilson 43.35, Colin Campbell 46.55, Robin Wombill 49.41.

The “wee winter run” takes place this Saturday. Anyone wanting to participate should be at the rear of the Cherrybank Inn after 10 o’clock for a 10.30 start.

On a crisp, clear night, in the dark, a good turn out of club members assembled at the Jubilee car park for the start of the 4 and a half mile run. The course comprised an initial steep climb, followed by 2 loops around the top of Deuchny Woods. Normally a very scenic route, there wasn’t much to see in the dark, although the sight of so many torches bobbing up and down was pretty impressive.

Prior to the event, runners had to predict their finishing times; whoever got nearest to their prediction being declared the winner. For a while, it looked as though Lynne Warden and Fiona Morrison would be victorious, their actual time being just a few seconds away from their predicted time. However, in the end they were thwarted by Christine Chatila and Sheena McIntyre, whose actual and predicted times coincided perfectly- an impressive piece of steady pacing.

Members agreed that it had been an enjoyable change from the normal Tuesday night training routine. Thanks to Neil, Veronica, Jean , Dave and Colin for the organisation and timekeeping of the event. The third event of this series will be held in February.

On Saturday 20th January, the final cross country league race takes place. Anyone interested please contact Neil Muir or Fiona Angus.

The only member of the Road Runners in serious action over the weekend, was Debbie Jackson who took part in the Jack Harkness Springburn cup over 10km at Bishopbriggs. Despite the dreadful weather, and running into a strong headwind, Debbie managed to finish in 54 minutes and 45 seconds, a time she was well pleased with. “A really good wee race”, was how she described it, “and a good tester of fitness after the Festive Period”.

On the subject of wee races, the club’s “wee winter run” takes place on Saturday 27 January. If you would like to take part in what will be a fun event, meet behind the Cherrybank Inn at 10 o’clock for a 10.30 start.

Probably the most striking feature has been the return to form of Mike Carroll. His performance in winning the half marathon at a flooded Stonehaven was quite exceptional. He followed that up, later in the year, with a storming run in the Amsterdam marathon, which put him near the top of the Scottish rankings for the year.

Tony Jackson also enjoyed a successful 2006. He not only became club champion, but also made his marathon debut at Edinburgh with a top 20 finish. He wound up the season in style by winning the Oban half marathon.

Earlier in the year, the club enjoyed some success at the Scottish Masters cross-country championships. Over a tough course at Forres in March, Andrea Cameron picked up the silver medal in her age group, while Martin Ryan picked up a bronze in his section. Andrea was later successful in the Scottish Masters 10,000 metres on the track.

At the Loch Leven half marathon in May, both the men’s team and the women’s team won their respective team races. A similar success was also achieved at the Cateran Trail relay, where a mixed team took first place.

Another major feature of the year was the outstanding performance of Erni Hamilton in making her debut in the Ironman Triathlon in Germany.

All in all, 2006 has been quite a good year for the Road Runners. Let’s hope that 2007 proves to be even more successful.