Tom Scott 10 Miler, and also Berlin Half 2017

GAVIN EXCELS AT SCOTTISH 10 MILE CHAMPIONSHIPS.

The roads led to Strathclyde Park on Sunday as arguably the first major individual road race of 2017 took place at the Tom Scott Memorial 10 mile and 6K Road Races.

In the 10 miler there were a few Kilmarnock athletes lining up for a race that not only incorporates the West District 10 Mile Championship, but also had National medals up for grabs as the event was used to crown the Scottish Champions for the year over the distance.

Overall, Shettleston athlete Wayne Ghebresilassie lived up to his famous namesake by crossing the line first in a 49.40 clocking while Scottish Olympian Derek Hawkins of Kilbarchan AC continued his comeback from injury by too dipping under the 50 minute barrier for the silver medal. Garscube runner Katie White took the women’s race in an excellent 58.20, closely followed by Nicola Gauld who was a mere 26 seconds behind.

Top of the Kilmarnock stakes was Gavin Hogarth, and his excellent 56.34 run was good enough for 31^st position overall. In a National event this was a fantastic result and coming hot on the heels of a very high placing at the tough Scottish Country Championship, this cements Gavin’s position as being one of the athletes to watch this year, and certainly places him well to review a number of personal bests in 2017.

Gavin wasn’t by any means the only Harrier who ran well, and next home for the Club and seeing a Winter of excellent training start to pay dividends was John Tougher. John too lowered his lifetime best and a time of 66.25 was no surprise to anyone who has been training with him in recent months.

As this was also the first race in the Kilmarnock Summer Club Championships, big points were gained by all who ran with Amanda Bryden joining Gavin in picking up the maximum 15 points on offer for being first Club Member on the day.

Full Kilmarnock times were –

Gavin Hogarth 56.34, John Tougher 66.25, Steven Robson 68.02, Stuart Nibloe 74.51, Amanda Bryden 79.13.

Also at the weekend, Doreen Wales was in Germany taking part in the Berlin Half Marathon. Doreen demolished her personal best for the distance by running an excellent 1.50.51, so well done to the Kilmarnock Harrier and all of her club mates who did themselves and their Club proud, at home and abroad over the past week.