EARLY SEASON 10K IN CARLISLE

KILLIE DUO FARE WELL IN EARLY SEASON 10K

On Sunday morning, Kilmarnock Harrier athletes Kirsty Alexander and Scott Martin took the journey across the Border where they were to line up in the Carlisle Resolution 10K Road Race. The 400 strong field race was already full when both had decided to enter last week, however after being given late entries the Harriers took the opportunity to test themselves over an early season 6.2 mile race distance. This in the process meant that they would get some much needed race sharpness in prep for next weekend’s Scottish Veteran Road Relays at Strathclyde Park, a popular event which the Club has regularly competed in recent years.

In drizzly conditions for the drive down, the elements were however excellent for endurance running come race time, and when the gun went off at 12.15pm both Ayrshire runners soon settled down into the race, and also pleasingly in a competitive position in their age categories.

As the race progressed from the start line outside the historic Carlisle Racecourse and into the scenic countryside, it was clear that the Kilmarnock runners were going well, with Kirsty in particular putting a troublesome knee to one side to charge through a strong ladies field.

At the conclusion of the race, Scott was pleased to finish in a strong 12^th position overall, but more importantly for him, a first place finish in the M40 category to scoop some welcome vouchers and an early season confidence boost in the process. Scott clocked 36.08.

Not a million miles behind however and despite being hampered by her knee towards the end of the race which cost her a couple of places, Kirsty came home an excellent 7^th Lady overall, an effort which should also see her in the age category prizes. Remarkably Kirsty’s 42.26 run was also tantilisingly close to her personal best – an indication that once fully recovered she could well take huge chunks off of this as the season progresses.

Well done to both, with special thanks to Kirsty’s husband Gordon for doing the driving, thus allowing the Harriers to concentrate on the race.