Perth Road Runners

The friendly running club

Home Contact Us Forum

 

 
24.04.09 - PA Report
Spring sunshine greeted the 369 starters for the 25th Lochaber Marathon this year. The glorious weather made for good spectating however the runners would have preferred more overcast conditions.
Eleven Perth Road Runners completed the 26.2 miles with Greg Simpson coming 10th overall in an impressive 2:53:06. Erni Hamilton was second in the female vet category in 3:14:31 – a great time especially as it was preparation for her Iron Woman event in Austria this summer. Bob Brown was third male over 65 in 4:21:03.
Personal bests were set by Andrew Millington in 3:39:55, 15 minutes faster than his previous time, and Simon Greishaber 3:46:44 who improved his time from last year’s race by 5 minutes.
Congratulations must go to first time marathon runners Angela Park and Fiona Morrison. Angela finished in 3:51:01 and Fiona 5:36:35.
The ladies finished 3rd in the team event with Clare Frulloni 3:46:38 and Karen Walters 5:14:46 helping to scoop 3rd prize. The Perth men finished 7th with Dave Norrie 3:44:45 third home to complete the team. Other results were David Wood 4:44:08.
 
17.04.09 - PA Report
The Chris Hoy Edinburgh half marathon took place recently. The Firth of Forth coastline forms the backdrop to this race, which starts at Meadowbank Stadium and finishes at Musselburgh racecourse. Chris Hoy attended the event, which attracted two thousand plus runners. Grant Key and Elaine Ogg were representing Perth Road Runners with Grant finishing in 1:36:31 and Elaine in 2:13:31.
The hill runners were in action last weekend with Colin and Joan Wilson and Bruce Milne tackling the Clachnaben Hill Race near Strachan in south Deeside. The route is 10.5 miles with 3500 feet of climbing – not for the faint hearted! It was a lovely sunny day with a light breeze at the top but conditions were hard going in the long heather. Colin Wilson finished in 1:51:38 with Bruce Milne hot on his heels in 1:52:07 and Joan in 2:08:08.
This weekend the Lochaber Marathon takes place in Fort William. There is a large contingent of Perth roadrunners making the trip north and hopefully all the winter months of training will produce some good results.
 
10.04.09 - PA Report
The Heaven and Hell half marathon was a huge success last weekend. There was a big increase in entries for 2009 with 192 athletes completing the arduous race. Conditions were good for this time of year, a bit blustery at the top of the course and a headwind into the finish but this was more than compensated for by the spectacular views over Perthshire.
Edinburgh runner Lars Ottemoller was the overall winner in a time of 1:19:51. First home for Perth Road Runners was Steve Bonthrone in 1:37:10 followed by Bob Brown in 1:38:39. New member Brian Cooper had a great race finishing in 1:41:12. Angela Park was the first Perth lady to cross the line in 1:54:34 with Lynne Warden next in 2:00:35.
A huge thank you must go to race organiser Karen Walters and all the Perth Road Runners who helped on the day and contributed to the “best post-race spread” which the club is becoming renown for.
The Monikie 5km race took place recently. This multi-terrain event is run on tarmac, grass and forest tracks within the country park. It was a chilly but clear day with recent dry weather making conditions good under foot.
Three Perth Road Runners took part with Dorothy Bates finishing in 31:20, Isobel Duncan 31:43 and Veronica Muir 33:22.
 
03.04.09 - PA Report
It was a quiet week for the Roadrunners on the racing front. However with 3 weeks to go until the Lochaber marathon and the Flora London Marathon just one week later, many club members were out doing their longest training runs over the weekend in the mild but blustery weather. Now they can look forward to the tapering off period in the few weeks leading up to the marathon when mileage is reduced to give the body time to recover before the final exertion on race day.
This weekend sees the Heaven and Hell Half Marathon take place over the hilly but scenic route near Scone. Race entries are at an all time high with more competitors expected to enter on the day. For those wishing to take part, registration is from 10.00am on Sunday 5th April at Stormont Hall, Perth Airport.
Those roadrunners not taking part are swapping their running gear for aprons, as they get busy in the kitchen preparing a post race feast of sandwiches and cakes for hungry competitors. Friends and family are also encouraged to help with race marshalling to help the event run smoothly and build upon the success of 2008’s race.
Hopefully the weather will be kind this weekend and fingers crossed there will not be a repeat of the snowy conditions from last year.
 
27.03.09 - PA Report
The championship got off to a flying start last weekend with 32 Roadrunners heading north to Newtonmore on a sunny spring day. Alas it was not so sunny in the Highlands but this made for perfect conditions for the 10 mile race. It was an out and back course predominantly on a tarmac cycle track that followed the road north through Kinguissie. A slight headwind on the return leg did not seem to hinder the runners with the club cleaning up most of the prizes.
Linton Scarborough was first Perth roadrunner home in overall third position in an excellent time of 58:07. Alan Burns was just behind in 60:44 – first male veteran. Steve Ferguson was next home in 62:15 and was first male super veteran. Bob Brown was first male over 65 in 70:49.
The ladies also had a successful day out with Keri Weatherhogg winning the female event in 64:25. Erni Hamilton was first female veteran in 67.3 with Fiona Angus third in this category in a time of 70:55. Karen Walters was third super veteran in 95:21 and Jean Wainwright won the over 65 prize in 105:08.
It is good to see this well-organised event back on the race calendar after a twelve-year break. Families are also encouraged to join in with a 2 mile fun run for the children. Young Andrew Wombill won the under 12 boys race and toddler Ben Cooper had great fun dragging, mum Meike around the course. It was a thoroughly enjoyable day out for everyone.
Five keen Roadrunners also ran in the Alloa Half Marathon the following day. Bob Brown, Peter Ritchie, Hugh Daly, Angela Park and Jake Carter were among the ten Roadrunners competing in the 27th outing of this race.
Tony Jackson and David Knight were in good form finishing 10th and 11th respectively with Tony finishing just 6 seconds ahead of David in a time of 1:15:41. Derek McIntosh started off his season well in 1:26:16 and Bob Brown won first male in the over 65 category for the second day in a row in a time of 1:37:54 – a very impressive feat. Angela Park was first Perth lady to finish in 1:47:33 with Debbie Jackson finishing in 1:58:47. Other times were Peter Ritchie 1:39:01, Hugh Daly 1:44:34, Kenneth Stewart 1:56:51 and Jake Carter 2:02:54.
 
20.03.09 - PA Report
With the London Marathon looming, two of our runners competed in the Trimpell 20 race in Morecombe last weekend. Jean Wainwright and Karen Walters made the trip down south for the event billed as the “Pre-London Marathon Race”. It was a beautiful spring day and the route followed the picturesque river Lune along flat cycle paths on an out and back course. Karen finished in an excellent time of 3:40:58. Jean was using it as pre-London training and was delighted with her time of 3:45:27.
Another race that is good preparation for the London Marathon is one closer to home. The Heaven and Hell Half Marathon takes place on Sunday 5th April and is organised by the Perth Road Runners. It is so called because of the ascends to hell and the descends to heaven reflecting the challenging and very scenic nature of the course. It starts and finishes at Perth Aerodrome, Scone and there is a goody bag for all finishers and an excellent spread of sandwiches and cakes in the hall afterwards. There are still places available and anyone interested in taking part should consult the Perth Road Runners website or the notice board in the foyer at Bell’s Sports Centre for further information.
The club championship kicks off this weekend with the Newtonmore 10 mile race. A big turnout is expected from the Road Runners, as it is the first opportunity to put some points on the leader board. The championship consists of seven races of varying lengths and one marathon. Points are gained from each race with the highest positions gaining the most points. The male and female runner with the top score at the end of the season wins the championship. So let’s hope the Road Runners are in top form.
 
13.03.09 - PA Report
Last weekend, seven Perth Road Runners left the roads behind and took to the hills. In a three-race series which extended over Friday night, Saturday and Sunday, the intrepid runners took on the added challenge of steep ascents and even steeper descents, with the odd blizzard thrown in for good measure. In Friday’s 8 km River Tay Dash, Robert Thornton finished in 38:34. The Birnam Hill Classic (6.5 km) took place on Saturday, with Joan Wilson running well to finish second lady overall (45:10), and Fiona Manson only two places behind her (48:11). For the men, Colin Wilson led the Perth runners home in 39:57, followed by Bruce Milne (41:19), Mike Dales (46:06), Robin Wombill (51:25) and Robert Thornton (52:12). The final race, the tough 18 km Deuchary Hill Canter, took place in wintry conditions, with superb performances from Bruce Milne (1:55:29), Colin Wilson (1:59:30), Joan Wilson (2:03:01) and Robert Thornton, in his third race in three days, finishing in 2:47:55. The soup and sandwiches after each race were greatly appreciated.
On the more conventional tarmac surface, club members took part in two half marathons on opposite sides of the country. Bob Brown and Pete Ritchie paced each other through the Clydebank Balloch Half, finishing in 1:36:51. Meanwhile, 150 miles to the north, runners were braving the severe elements in the 25th running of the Inverness Half Marathon. Hugh Daly was first PRR to finish, in 1:45:46, followed by Alistair Bulcraig (1:57:20), Jackie Daly and Morag MacRae (both 2:17:15).
 
06.03.09 - PA Report
The original “Arbroath” Smokie hails from Auchmithie, a small fishing village, 3 miles north of Arbroath. There are several theories put forward as to the true origin of the Arbroath Smokie. One of the most popular relates to a cottage in Auchmithie in which haddocks were hanging up to be dried for preservation purposes. Unfortunately a fire broke out and burned the house to the ground. It was then (reputedly), while sifting through the ashes and associated debris that the “smokies” were discovered. This tale stretches the imagination somewhat and probably holds as much water as the cremated fish in question!
The Arbroath Smokies 10 mile ladies only race is now as well established as the “smokie” and last weekend 10 Perth Road Runners lined up for the infamous race. It was a sunny morning but the first 5 miles were into a strong headwind making the hills seem even longer! This did not stop personal bests being set by Debbie Jackson and Keri Weatherhogg. Keri’s time of 65:45 put her in second place and Fiona Angus had a great run finishing 10th overall in 73:38 winning third prize in the vet category.
Closer to home, 10 road runners competed in the Cupar 5, a fast out and back course on quiet country roads. Derek Phillips was first home for the club in a very good early season time of 29:38 finishing in 31st place overall. Three places behind was Neil Muir in 29:50 just ahead of Steve Ferguson in 30:10. Meike Cooper was the first Perth lady to cross the line in 33:56 with Joan Wilson following in 35:57.
Bishop Hill Race was the final race of the weekend. It is short and sharp with a very steep final descent into the woods. The race doesn’t actually climb Bishop Hill at all, but instead visits the twin bumps of White Craigs. It covers 3.5km with 300m of ascent. Colin Wiilson set a personal best in a time of 23:41 and was 32nd overall. In Bruce Milne’s first attempt at this race he finished in a creditable 24:56 with Bill Lawson just behind in 27:04 and Mike Dales in 27:56. Joan Wilson was 6th female overall in 27:16 and 3rd in the female vet category topping off a successful weekend. Fiona Manson finished in 29:26 - another solid performance.
 

 

 

News 2010
Jan - Feb
Mar - Apr
May - Jun

News 2009
Jan - Feb
Mar - Apr
May - Jun
Jul - Aug
Sept - Oct
Nov - Dec

News 2008
Jan - Feb
Mar - Apr
May - Jun
Jul - Aug
Sept - Oct
Nov - Dec

 

July:
29th: Target Zero

August:
1st: Helensburgh Half
5th: Club Duathlon
12th: Balmullo Trail Race - CC
17th: Ceres 8M - SS
21st: Club Run Weekend
29th: Perth 10K - CC
31st: Graham Clark Memorial 3.9M - SS