Senior Race Round Up 7th December 2021

Despite a short break in the XC season our senior Harriers have still been getting out and about, and
the 21st of November saw 3 Harriers strike out across the border. John Speirs and Lorna Baird made
a very worthwhile trip to the Brampton to Carlisle 10 mile race, and despite an undulating course,
both athletes ran big PBs with John finishing 66th overall (7th V45) in 58:40 and Lorna 114th overall (7th
lady) in 62:22 in a very strong and competitive field. Meanwhile, Amanda Bryden also took on the
10 mile distance, this time at the Porsche Preston 10 miler. She also smashed her PB running 73:09,
and took home the prize for first female firefighter across the line (this event is also a Fire Services
championship event). Well done to all!

Saturday the 4th of December saw the return of XC with the West District championships at Balloch,
held over a different course from the last time the event was held here (and thankfully a little drier).
Numbers were a little down this time around from the club, but what we lacked in quantity we made
up in quality! The U20 ladies were represented by Victoria McDowall who finished 10th in 35:11, and Eilidh
Ballantyne who was 11th in 37:19 around the tough 6.5k course. For the senior women, Morgan
McBurnie was 34th overall in 36:27 and Amanda Bryden 66th in 39:53 on the 8.5k course; and for the
senior men (over the same course as the senior ladies) Martin Brown had a fantastic run for 14th
overall in 27:52, followed home by Craig Ferguson in 32nd place in 29:22 and Connell Drummond 130th in 33:55.

Great running from everyone and some fantastic results.

Next up is the Christmas Handicap on the 16th of December – for those of you who aren’t familiar
with it all of the details are on the main Harriers page. Even if you don’t normally race, it’s a great
opportunity to come and have a go in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere! If you want to take part
please let Robert or Jennifer know ASAP. Beyond this there is the Cyclists vs. Harriers at Irvine on
the 19th of December, though this has very nearly sold out so you will have to be quick if you want to
take part in this one.

Looking further forward still, Beith Harriers 10k on the 2nd of January is a great
opportunity to get 2022 off to a flying start, and for those of you that like going round in circles
entries are now open for the majority of the January and February indoor events.