CYCLISTS V HARRIERS 2015 EDITION

RUNNERS TAKE THE HONOURS FOR FIRST TIME SINCE 2008

On Sunday, one of the most popular festive events on the circuit took place at Irvine as the bikes took on the runners in the longstanding Cyclists v Harriers Race.

 

Taking place around grass, moorland, and pathways in and around the Irvine Moors and the Towns nearby Sport Centre, the run is approximately 5 miles and traditionally conditions normally play a big part in who will come out on top. In this year’s race it was to be Garscube athlete Del Young who cut the tape first, and with a time of 27.52 giving him a huge winning margin of 41 seconds it is doubtful if anyone would have caught the inform runner regardless of what elements were thrown at him. Del was also the first runner to win the race since 2008, which further outlined the quality of his performance.

 

First Kilmarnock athlete on the day was to be Robert Lindsay in 7^th place overall, and 5^th runner, and again this gave the popular Harrier a bit of daylight between himself and his next team-mate Gordon Reid, with both men having fine runs in not the best of conditions.

 

Westerlands Cat Fisher was first female runner in a time of 35.06, although behind her Kirsteen Salisbury and Paula Wilson respectively were best placed Killie competitors.

 

Well done to everyone, and a massive thanks to all the organisers involved for a great effort in keeping the event going for a number of years at an extremely busy time in everyone’s calendars.

 

CHRISTMAS HANDICAP ATTRACTS DOZENS OF HARRIERS

 

On Thursday 17^th December, 55 Kilmarnock Harriers converged on the streets of Bellfield for the annual staging of the Club Christmas Handicap.

 

Race organiser Ian Gebbie had the un-enviable task of setting runners off with their respective handicaps, with (on paper) the quickest runner heading off on the 5k course last, with everyone else getting a start according to the persons ability. The theory is always to try and achieve a blanket finish and on the whole Ian did his usual sterling job with next to no complaints going his way.

 

First past the post was Mark McGregor who out foxed the handicappers by beating his predicted finishing time by a huge 2 minutes 40 seconds in a superb run.

 

First Junior was to be Craig Thorburn (27 seconds faster than predicted), while the quickest scratch time on the night was by back marker Neil Walker in a swift 17.54, with quickest Female being Laura Haggarty.

 

An excellent night was brought to a close as the Club gave Janice Millar a medal and lovely flowers, presented to her by Lindsay McMahon, for Janice’s recent outstanding RBS Real Heroes Award which was shown on STV last week.

 

Everyone at Kilmarnock Harriers again wishes Janice many congratulations on her tremendous award.