Good turnout for the first indoor meeting of the New Year

Once again, the illustrious Emirates Arena in Glasgow held another meeting for the indoor season. 7 Kilmarnock Harrier athletes competed at the New Year’s Bash with a majority turnout from the sprints group. Note, this meet is based on times not age groups so races can be mixed genders.

In the Round 1 60m, Kuda Tapatapa and Reed Wyper both ran in the second heat. Kuda came away with an impressive win and smashed his PB from 7.67 down to 7.35 whilst Reed came 5^th with a time of 7.75- Just 400ths short of his PB. Lauren Greig, double National Champion at 100m and 200m, ran a good 60m in heat 5 with a time of 8.42 in 2^nd place. Laura Fulton ran her first indoor 60m and set a good time of 8.98 after having a slower start, but coming through very, very strongly at 30m, finishing 1^st.

As no 200m was available to athletes, a 400m was offered instead. Reed and Kuda lined up in heat 2 and once again Kuda won his race after only competing in one 400m before this at the Ayrshire Championships. Kuda PB’d from 55.5 (in the wind and rain) down to 52.64. Reed clocked in at 4^th with 56.66, falling short of his PB. Lauren Greig ran well and crossed the line in second place with a time of 68.89. After a mishap with the start lists, Cameron Wilson was placed in a heat with only one other competitor. Cameron started strongly and held his form, holding off any moves made by his opponent to overtake. Recently, Cameron has been out of training with a torn hamstring so this is an impressive comeback with a time of 56.14.
Soon after the 400m series, the second round of 60m was on schedule. Kuda and Reed were thrown into the first heat with mostly U20s. Kuda held his form and finished 4^th with a good time of 7.47. Reed finished 6^th clocking 7.82. Lauren ran strongly once again in the  60m crossing the line in  3^rd place and with a time of 8.47 and beating someone as they slowed down before the finish line.
Laura Fulton was one of the only athletes to improve their 60m as she was the only one who didn’t compete in the 400m previous- a message perhaps? Laura clocked a time of 8.94 from 8.98- an improvement nonetheless. Position is unknown due to results not released at the time of this article being written.

Harald and Evie Bartl were back in competition as well. Evie struggled with her run-up in long jump and therefore only managed to jump 3.99m, but with the experience she has under her belt, this will most likely be a small bump in the road. Harald cleared 1.51m in high jump and with this being his first jump of the year it looks promising.

After the New Year’s Bash had finished, the Glasgow Miller Meet was scheduled to start. Scott Martin, who ran well in the Warsaw Marathon not too long ago, ran his 3km today in 9.49.54. Again, positions are unknown.

A good turnout from Kilmarnock Harriers today at the New Year’s Bash, as expected. The rest of the indoor season and following onto the outdoor season is looking promising for many of these athletes. Well done to all.

article courtesy of Reed Wyper.