Ayrodynamic Turkey Trot

2014 TURKEY TROT SEES SOME GREAT PERFORMANCES

As is the norm on Boxing Day, a large number of Kilmarnock Harriers journeyed across the County to Ayr, to take part in 2014’s traditional Turkey Trot Road Races.

Both 5k and 10k races are on offer on the day, and with the organisers taking the decision to make the longer race “pre entry only” due to the popularity of the event, the race sold out well in advance. As such hundreds of hardened runners lined up by the promenade for the 12 noon 10k start. Although temperatures were just above freezing, conditions were nevertheless almost perfect for distance running with little wind, and it was clear a number of Harriers, and other athletes, were in decent shape to run well.

A leading group consisting of eventual race winner and GB Triathlete David MacNamee, Kerry Wilson, David Millar and Kenny Neil broke away from the gun, but behind this quartet there were a number of battles going on. In particular Neil Walker, Tony Rodden, John Tougher, James Connelly, Stewart McRoberts and Gillian Johnstone were amongst those in great shape to threaten their lifetime bests for the 6.2 mile distance, with the likes of Lindsay McMahon, Connell Drummond and others on course for huge seasons bests.

By half way it was clear that there were some great personal races going on within the race, and with everyone pushing each other on, it meant that a number of people did run negative splits (where the second half is quicker than the first). First home for Killie was Scott Martin in 7^th place, although not far behind at all was Keith Haining, Neil Walker (pb), Connell Drummond (sb) and Tony Rodden who did indeed clock a huge pb in one of Killie’s performances of the day.

In the Ladies field, Lindsay McMahon smashed her seasons best by over 2 minutes to finish 4^th lady overall and in her age category prizes, with Gillian Johnstone (another pb) and Paula Wilson next Kilmarnock girls home and also finishing high up in their age categories. Special mentions too, go to former Harrier and New Zealand resident Emma Mackie who ran her first race on Scottish soil in a few years and clocked 41.49 while running with her brother Andrew. Finally, well done to Coral Beattie in her first ever 10k and was running with her mother and Harrier Susan, both girls doing very well.

With a massive thanks to the Ayrodynamic Club for a great organised event, full marks go to all competitors. With David MacNamee winning in 31.39 the Kilmarnock times were –

7^th Scott Martin 34.38, 12^th Keith Haining 35.30, 13^th Neil Walker 35.42, 19^th Connell Drummond 36.14, 25^th Tony Rodden 36.26, 28^th Stuart Murdoch 36.34, 36^th James Connelly 37.45, 54^th Ali Neil 39.11, 56^th John Tougher 39.13, 57^th (4^th female) Lindsay McMahon 39.17, 61^st Scott Lyden 39.31, 106^th Adam Mathieson 43.03, 132nd Gillian Johnstone 44.36, 133^rd Ian Johnstone 44.37^th, 139^th Stewart McRoberts 44.55, 146^th Stuart Murray 45.26, 160^th Paula Wilson 46.23, 181^st Brian Darroch 47.39, 216^th Mark Lyden 50.19, 271^st Dawn McManus 55.47, 285^th Susan Beattie 57.11, 302^nd Pamela Gray 60.11, 320^th Audrey Fisher 65.24, 323^rd Christine McShane 65.48.

Before the 10k, the 5k race took place and again there were some good performances by runners young and old.

First Kilmarnock Harrier past the post in the out and back course was Hill Racing specialist David White, while Colleen Tait was next home for the Club and also first female Killie athlete.

Full Killie results were –

8^th David White 18.27, 34^th Colleen Tait 21.29, 41st Kenny Wales 22.03, 69^th Jordan Phillips 24.31, 77^th Lesley Cotton 25.10, 190^th Ewan Bentley 33.10.

Finally, all runners would like to thank the many supporters and marshals on the course for the welcome cheers of encouragement.