National 4/6 Stage Road Relays 2014

Livingston once again was the venue for the yearly National 4/6 Stage Road Relays Championships at the weekend, and although it was a slightly disappointing turnout from Kilmarnock Harriers who lined up for the start of the race, nevertheless 10 athletes took the trip East to make up complete Teams in both Men and Women events.

The 4/6 stage title is so called as the Females have 4 per team, while the Men have 6 to make up the quota. Legs alternate between runners, with competitors in the odd numbered legs completing a 3.15 mile run while the even leg runners do 5.8 miles with both courses being fairly hilly and twisty tough routes. The format works well, unofficially brings the curtain down on the Winter Season, opens the Summer Calendar, and usually coincides with the clocks changing.

First off in the respective races were Club Captains Kara Tait and Cameron Wilson and both inform runners had fine 5k runs. Cameron – in prep for the midweek Cross Country Police Championships – handed over with Killie in 7^th place, while Kara had her team in 3^rd with the duo clocking sub 17 and sub 18 minute runs respectively.  

Ably supported by Rosemary McMillan, Lindsay McMahon, and debutant Kirstin Dale the ladies team came home in a very respectable position at a National event, while in the Men’s Team Cameron was supported by Club stalwarts Kenny Wales, Connell Drummond, Stewart White and Scott Martin while also making his race debut Steven Milligan too had a good run.

Always a great event all Harriers should try to take part in these races when they can, as they are in no way only for Elite athletes with a great mix of runner of all abilities. Every Club including Kilmarnock Harriers will always encourage their Membership to give it a go, so check the website, Club e-mails, and the Kilmarnock Standard regularly for news of any upcoming events.