10,000 METRES AND AN ULTRA.

KILMARNOCK DUO MAKE 10,000 METRES TRACK DEBUTS, AS JIM TAKES ON “THE FLING”.

Fresh from Virgin London exploits the previous weekend, Connell Drummond joined clubmate Scott Martin at Glasgows Crownpoint Sports Complex on Friday evening (April 29th) as the pair took part in the Scottish 10,000 metres Championships.

Despite having competed in numerous races over the same distance on the road over the years, neither athlete had taken the challenge over 25 laps of the track so whatever happened both were guaranteed personal personal bests. An added bonus was that the race would be taking part on the same track which was used at Hampden in the 2014 Commonwealth Games so despite some usual nerves everyone was in fine fettle.

Three heats took place to accommodate the number of pre registered athletes, and with this being determined by past and predicted times the Kilmarnock Harriers both found themselves in the B races and a 7.40pm start time in slightly windy conditions.

Pacemakers were employed so a number of the field used the tactics of tracking these runners, and the first few laps were pretty nippy. Having started a bit too quick, as the middle of the race approached Scott slowed down slightly, and there was never too much between the pair of Killie athletes the further the race went on. Scott crossed the line in 36.13 and although a bit disappointed with this he was pleased to have got the first one under the belt and was vowing to do more such disciplines in the future. Only seconds behind and in a stering effort having completed the Marathon a few days previously, Connell clocked 36.25 and although both found the event mentally challenging at times, like Scott he now has a track 10,000 metres time to use as a benchmark in the future. Both would also thank Coach Jim Young who took the trip through to support them.

Meanwhile, talented Club Ultra Runner Jim Connelly was in action on Saturday at one of the most popular races around – the extremely hilly 53 Mile Hoka Highland Fling.

The Hoka Highland Fling ultramarathon started at 6 am in Milngavie, Glasgow and followed the West Highland Way footpath for 53 miles to finish in the Highland village of Tyndrum.

Not a race for the fainthearted, Jim crossed the line in a great time of 9.38.53 and in an impressive 90^th position in a field of hundreds.

Well done to Jim, and more info is at www.kilmarnockharriers.com