SENIOR ROAD RACING UPDATES

BACK ON THE ROAD FOR ATHLETES

With both the Cross Country and Indoor seasons now winding down for the Winter, it was back to the road racing circuit for a few Kilmarnock athletes, and the blue and white vest was spotted in a variety of venues recently.

Richard Mair recently took part in the Glasgow University 5 Mile Road Race, an event which usually attracts a high caliber of athlete.

Richard finished an excellent 2^nd place overall in a new personal best of 26.41 which once more confirms his status as one of the quickest newcomers in the running circuit.

4 Harriers were in action in a couple of Half Marathons over the weekend of 18th Feb.

Connell Drummond clocked an 80 minute Half in Strathaven to keep himself ticking along nicely in prep for April’s London Marathon, while a bit further afield the trio of Paula Wilson, Scott Russell and Scott Martin took part in the Kinloss to Lossiemouth Half Marathon.

Paula happily completed her first Half in 2 years with no injury woes, while Scott Russell easily finished inside his pre race target by clocking 1.34. Finally, Scott Martin completed a happy day for the Club by finishing 3^rd overall in a time of 1.17.35.

Performance of the weekend of 12th March goes to Amanda Bryden who was competing in the Barcelona Marathon. Running in very hot temperatures alongside a huge field including some of the world’s top athletes, the Harrier had an excellent run finishing not far off of her personal best for the Marathon distance.

Amanda crossed the line in 3.59.54 and with another Marathon to come later in the year this is an excellent start to her season.

Last weekend (5^th Feb), Connell Drummond continued his prep for the upcoming Virgin London Marathon by taking part in the popular Cambuslang Harrier organised “Down by the River” 10K Road Race. Finishing in 36.53 for 41^st position overall was another consistent marker laid down in preparation for next month’s 26.2 mile challenge.

Connell then joined fellow Harrier Stewart McAllister in the Highlands on Sunday 12th March where both took part in the Inverness Half Marathon, with the athletes also taking the opportunity to take in Kilmarnock FC’s excellent win in nearby Dingwall the day before the race. Both Harriers did well, with Stewart having a fine run to finish in 1.36.28 while his team mate Connell finished in 1.19.33 in yet another solid run.

The previous afternoon (11/3/17), 5 athletes joined the well attended Jack Crawford Springburn Cup 10k in Glasgow which started in Bishopbriggs and took in the quiet canal paths in the North of the City. Scott Martin clocked a time of 36.44 for 26^th place, while also in the top 30 and not too far behind was Craig Ferguson in 37.21. Running a seasons best and agonisingly missing the 40 minute barrier was Scott Lyden (40.06) in a very welcome return to the racing circuit.

Huge mentions on the day however must go to Liz McDerment who confirmed her position as Kilmarnock Harriers Senior Winter Champion in a time of 48 minutes, while husband Les can also take great credit for a fine run in between Scott Lyden and Liz as he rapidly gets back to fitness.

Great runs by all road running athletes as the town of Kilmarnock gears up for June’s popular “Roon The Toon” 10K.

(Scott Martin 12/3/17)