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SVHC: SCOTTISH THREE ISLANDS PEAKS RACE

Posted on April 13, 2020 by Admin

THE SCOTTISH THREE ISLANDS PEAKS RACE

A LOOK BACK

By TOMMY O’REILLY

Tom O’Reilly winning the 1958 Scottish Steeplechase title

(In three successive Newsletters, starting in July 1992, Tom O’Reilly, who was a very fine Scottish International athlete not only as a Senior but also as a Veteran, wrote in marvellously described detail about this epic adventure. It is well worth re-typing and demonstrates the adventurous spirit of so many runners.)

11.00 a.m. Friday 18^th May 1984. The stays clinked lazily against the mast as the Golden Rule rocked gently in the wash from the Ferry Claymore as she swept across Oban Bay to start her run to Coll, Tiree and other islands of the Hebrides.

Lying on deck in the warm May sunshine, listening the babble of English and Scottish voices and the cries of the ever-present gulls. It was hard to imagine that in a few hours’ time I would be starting out in what, for me, that was to prove to be the hardest race which I had ever taken part in.

It had all started some months previously when Dave McKirdy (East Kilbride) had been approached by Bert Higgins, one of our Rolls Royce workmates, who had asked Dave if he would like to take part in the Scottish Three Islands Peaks Race. Bert already had his sailing Crew of three, and was on the look out for two runners to bring the team up to a maximum of five. Dave, who has a great love for Boats and sailing, jumped at the chance and when Bert asked if Dave knew of another runner, I was in.

We had our first get-together in Bert’s house where we met the rest of the team. Bert was the owner and Skipper of a 30 foot fibreglass Yacht: the Golden Rule. He, along with Dave (Tigger) Lovelock and Bernie Curran, would do all the sailing, while Dave McKirdy and I would do the running sections.

It was decided we would have a couple of training weekends away on ‘The Golden Rule’ to get the feel of it, and to reconnoitre the Island Peaks we would be running over, especially on Goat Fell.

The months leading up to the race were spent gathering our kit together (thermal clothing, waterproofs, maps, compass, torches, sleeping bag, survival bag and all the other items that we had to carry with us on our runs, since they could mean the difference between life and death on the remote mountain sections. In the week prior to the race, we had what seemed to us at the time a major set-back: Bernie Curran had to withdraw from the team, and Bert had to phone around to try and fix up a last-minute replacement. Our new crew member was Mat Mathieson from East Kilbride, who was to prove a first-class team member and an excellent companion.

It was decided that Bert and Tigger would sail the Golden Rule from her mooring at Loch Craignish up to Oban on the Thursday and have her ready for the start of the race on the Friday. Dave, Mat and myself would travel up on the Friday morning along with Dave’s brother Gavin, who had kindly offered us the use of his car.

Now, here we were at Port Beg on the south end of Oban Bay, from where the runners started out on the first leg of the race, with all the provisions on board, and the Scrutineers having been over the boat, checking the life-raft, distress flares and a dozen and one other things.

At 2.00 p.m. all the runners went ashore to warm up for the 2.30 start and the yachts left to take up station just offshore at the north end of Oban Bay, with a crew member from each yacht on shore, ready to row their respective runners out to the waiting flotilla, when they had completed the first and shortest of the runs.

In no time we are lined up, 36 runners all eager to be off, with all our thoughts about what lay ahead of us. The pistol cracks and we are off on 160 miles of sailing and 50 plus miles of running. We run 50 yards and turn left down a narrow side street, then on to the Railway Pier, very rough underfoot, wide gaps between the planking, wire hawsers over power cables, watch your feet, lorries loading fish for the south, bemused tourists, dodge the lorries, dodge the tourists, the pace is still fast, sharp right round the pier buildings, almost on the promenade, sharp left off the pier, the pavement is crowded, onto the road, up into 2^nd place, don’t feel too bad. A policeman ahead stopping the traffic for us, we turn into Argyll Street to start the climb up to McCaig’s Folly, another 70 yards and we are on the flight of steps known locally as Jacob’s Ladder, 144 steps in all and very steep, halfway up now, in 3^rd place, breath rasping in my chest, sharp left then sharp right, at last the end of the steps, onto the road, still climbing steeply, another two runners pass me, don’t panic, almost down, in about 7^th place now, off the path onto the road, still some runners on the way up, Dave is not one of them, he must be at my back, on the steps again, down this time, not so bad, watch your ankles, soon on the seafront, about 600 yards to run to the shore, vault the railings, jump down onto the sand, higher than I thought!

Tigger is in the dinghy with the oars ready, I clamber up past him to the bow, Dave is right at my back, he pushes off and jumps in, Tigger is rowing like mad for the Golden Rule. Almost there, Bert and Mat have the sails up ready to go, grab the stern rail, get on board quickly, throw the oars below, pull up the dinghy and deflate it, we are off, 3^rd yacht away, not bad for two cold Vets, our run has taken 9 minutes 15 seconds, the deck is a hive of activity. Dave and I get below out of the way, dry off and don warm clothing, then go back on deck to see the small armada of yachts strung out behind us with their multi-coloured sails, bright in the afternoon sunshine with Oban receding in the background.

We track round the north end of Kerrera Island into the Firth of Lorne and point our bows for the Sound of Mull. What a fantastic panorama: to the north Ben Nevis and the Glencoe Peaks, all still crowned with snow; to the east Ben Cruachan; to the south the Bens of Jura; and closer to hand Duart Castle, Ardtornish Castle, Dunolloe Castle, and the sea as blue as the Mediterranean.

Soon we are through the narrows between the southern tip of Lismore Island and Duart Point with its Castle (a stronghold of the Clan McLean) and we are starting the run up to the Sound of Mull, past the Ferry point at Loch Aline. We are still in third place and the wind is holding, we should make our jumping off point about 6 p.m.

We check over our kit to make sure all is in order. Salen Pier is now in sight, the yachts Memec and Chips have landed their runners, and Quail is nearing the Pier, with Easta Amelia not far behind us, White Lightning has lived up to her name, overtaking us in the run to the Pier. Tigger has the dinghy on deck and is inflating it with the auxiliary pump, the yacht Boadicea is chasing hard, but we should hold them off.

The time is 6.10, we are almost there, Dave and I stand on the deck with our packs on, shivering in the evening chill. Tigger swings the dinghy over the side and into the water, then climbs down with the oars, followed my Dave and me. Bert holds the Golden Rule on course; when we sweep past the pier, Mat casts the dinghy off and we are rowing for the shore about 20 yards away. The dinghy grounds and we quickly scramble over seaweed slippery rocks up to the pier.

The Scrutineers wish to check over our kit, then we are soon running up the road to Salen Village and the 4 miles to the start of the Ben More path. It is good to get on the move again, thankful for the warmth that exercise brings.

Once clear of Salen, we see that we are about 600 yards behind the team in front. When our quarry turn off onto the Ben More path, we have closed the gap to about 50 yards. When we make the turn, we find the path is very rough and boulder-strewn but we are making good time. In about one mile the right-hand fork leads down to Little Loch Ba. We take the first right hand fork and turn up into Glen Clachaig. It’s then that we get our first view of Ben More, rising to 3169 feet above the head of the glen. Another mile and we have to ford the Clachaig River and start the climb up onto the exposed saddle linking Cruachan Dearg and Ben More.

After the free running of the last six miles, we have to adjust to twisting undulations as the little path climbs ever higher. Once on the saddle, we are entranced by the views from this vantage point, but we have to turn our attention to the long boulder-strewn scree slope of Ben More. This will be the hardest part of the climb. It is on this section that we feel the cutting edge of ‘Never Silent’ (the Vikings’ name for the wind) and stop to don our gloves and tracksuits. At last the point is reached where we have to start our traverse along the mist-shrouded ridge that leads to just under the Ben More Summit. This is as near to rock climbing as I want to get! The fact that we are on the lee side of the ridge means that we are getting some protection from biting wind – and we are thankful for small mercies.

At last the end of the ridge; just the short sharp scramble onto the summit; we find the Summit marker almost immediately and punch our check card. My euphoria on reaching the top robs me of all discretion and prudence. Instead of checking map and compass, I chose a long sloping shoulder that looks familiar and start down. Dave, who is on my heels, is not so sure regarding my choice and voices his doubts.

When we break out of the mist, the terrain that unfolds below is unfamiliar, we stop and check the map and compass, then have to retrace our steps back to the summit. On reaching the summit we again check our bearings and start down, this time in the right direction, my mistake had cost us places, time, energy, our euphoria has given way to dejection.

The run down off the top is long and rough over a large boulder field, where progress is slow and dangerous, then into knee-high grass. We are thankful to reach the Dishig Burn, where we quench our thirst. This is the first drink we have had since crossing the Clachaig River some hours ago, and helps to raise our spirits somewhat, as we were on the point of dehydration.

The ground we are now running over is very marshy and the last mile is a squelch down to the black ribbon of road bordering the shore of Loch Na Keal, with its little island of Eorsa, dark against the backdrop of hills.

The light is starting to fade as we climb over the fence onto the road and start the last 7 and a half miles to the pier at Salen, but the long run on the hill has taken its toll, my pack starts to cut my shoulders and my legs are heavy. With four miles still to go I can’t run any further and have to walk. Dave carries my pack for me and I stumble on like a drunken man, my mind filled with thoughts of the four peaks still to do; how can I tell the other lads in the team that I have nothing left to give, mentally or physically?

The time is now 11.15 p.m. and very dark, when we hear the sound of running footsteps, we look behind with some apprehension, but quickly realise the sound is coming from ahead of us. Out of the gloom appear the two runners from the yacht Sea Rowan just starting out on their run, my heart goes to them, they must have missed the wind and tide to be this late. I hope that they make it off the hill okay in the dark.

We round a bend on the road, and at last see the lights of Salen twinkle in the darkness, what a wonderful sight, not far to go now, we soon pass through the now silent village and turn onto the road down to the pier. I manage to run the last 400 yards, the familiar frame of Tigger looms out of the gloom, we call out ‘Golden Rule’. His torch stabs the darkness and he calls out ‘Watch your feet, the pier is in a bad state of repair!” The tide is out and the Golden Rule is about 15 feet below the level of the pier and we have to slide down the stays of the mast on to the deck, our run has taken 5 hours 27 minutes.

The expression on the faces of our sailing crew tell us they are concerned about our condition, and we tell them we are just glad to be back on board. Within seconds of landing on deck we are underway, heading down the Sound of Mull for the Island of Jura and her Bens.

Dave and I make our way down to the sanctuary of the cabin. Bert comes down to ask if we want any food but we have no thought of eating. All we want to do is drink and rest. Our sleeping bags have been left unrolled and I am soon in my bunk. My thoughts, as I fall into a deep sleep? Can I overcome my fatigue in time to run the three Bens of Jura?

PART TWO: THE PEAK OF GOLD ON THE ISLAND OF JURA.

On the second day of our Three Islands Challenge, I awake to the sun slanting through the hatch of the Golden Rule and the sound and smell of frying bacon pervading the cabin.

The ever-cheerful Mat has breakfast on the go, and insists I have mine in my bunk. After about six ham-and-sausage rolls and about three mugs of coffee, I’m ready to face the world. With some apprehension, I swing out of the bunk but, to my great delight and amazement, I’m neither stiff nor sore. I can only think that nine hours sleep – and having to walk the last four miles of yesterday’s five hour ‘run’ – may have helped my legs.

Dave McKirdy is already on deck, seemingly unaffected by our excursion up Mull’s Ben More. His marathon training is standing him in good stead. The sailors, Bert, Mat and Tigger, look remarkably fresh for men who’ve been on the go for more than 24 hours.

Dave and I now learn that, while we slept, our sailing crew had four times fought their way up to the tidal-gate at Pladda Isle, only to be swept back. At the fifth try, they made it through. What a team!

We have some sunny hours relaxing on deck before tacking down the Sound of Luing, past the Straits of Corrievrechan and the fearsome whirlpool – and into the Sound of Jura.

A first sign of habitation is the lonely House of Barnhill, where George Orwell completed his last great work ‘Nineteen Eighty-Four’.

When we’re half-way down the Sound, our three Bens start to show in some detail. We study them through the binoculars. Then, when level with Lowlandman’s Bay, start to get our running gear ready. The Golden Rule swings round the little isle of Eilean n Gabhar, and heads for Craighouse Pier.

It’s in good order, with a ladder down to water level, so no need for a dinghy.

The time is exactly 5 p.m. Dave and I are up the ladder and onto the pier before the lads can tie up. A quick scrutiny by the officials, then off on the one and a half mile road run to Jura Forest.

On the road, I manage to hold the pace. But once we climb over a wall onto the moor, my pace starts to falter. For the rest of the day it will be a battle to keep going.

Clearing Jura Forest, we are reminded that Jura means ‘The Island of the Deer’ as a fine stag breaks cover and races away ahead of us. Our ground now slopes up for one and a half miles to two cairns silhouetted on the skyline.

When we reach them, the ground falls away in front. And there, rising from the moor like three primeval pyramids, are Beinn a Chaolais (Holy Mountain), Beinn an Oir (Mountain of Gold) and Beinn Shiantaigh (Mountain of the Sound).

Our three Bens of Jura.

We leave the high ground of the twin cairns and start the run down Glen Asdale to the little lochan where we’ll strike hard right up the steep loose scree of Beinn a Chaolais.

This is an exhausting climb that will take over the hour. Soon we are bent double, face close to the rocks, pack heavy on shoulders, sweat running, feet slipping in the scree.

We stop to catch our breath. The scenery that unfolds below is fantastic, and helps to give us relief from the climb’s tedium.

At last we reach the summit, and are greeted by members of the Parachute Regiment who ensure team’s safety on the peaks and will call out search and rescue helicopters if need be.

We hope there will be no need!

We punch our race check-card at the trig point and start our descent, when over to the right we see another runner coming up. A bit of a shock, as we thought we were well ahead of the next team.

The runner stops and looks back down the mountain, as if for his partner. He then removes his pack and starts back down the scree slope. His mate must need help: it’s sensible and prudent that partners run together.

The scree that made life so difficult on the way up is now a great help – we virtually ski down!

On the floor of the glen we stop for a drink , then head for Beinn an Oir, locating a little cleft we’d earmarked as the best route to the top. It will also help to conceal us from the team behind.

The climb is long but no unpleasant, and we are almost at the top when we see the team at our back leaving the summit of Beinn a Chaolais. We soon reach our summit, punch our check-card, exchange a few words with the peak’s Paras and start down again.

Dave, in the lead, looks over his shoulder to make sure I’m okay, then calls out and points overhead …….

I look up and there, soaring on broad outstretched wings, is a Golden Eagle. How fitting, to see the king of birds on this peak, the Mountain of Gold.

In the glen, we quench our thirst at a lochan, where a white mountain hare bounds away ahead of us with great leaps. (In all, we see about six before reaching the foot of our last climb.)

The deer, the hares and the eagle all help our spirits on this, the longest of our Three Island runs.

From the foot of Beinn Shiantaigh, the least difficult of today’s peaks, we take a narrow green gully that all the runners will use. Once, when we look back, the pursuing team are just leaving the top of Beinn an Oir. We’re holding them!

On the top, we go through the ritual of check-card and Paras, then start down through a long boulder field. Progress is slow and frustrating, until we hit rough grass down to the Corran River – and find a deer trail.

The next two miles of twisting and undulating path, down to the road at the Three Arch Bridge, are the best bit of running we’ve had.

Now there’s only three and a half miles of road to Craighouse Pier but, after nearly six hours’ effort, I’ve just about had it.

Soon, Dave offers to take my pack. I decline and, in the deepening mist and dark, we see the Craighouse lights. One of the first buildings in the village is the school, surprisingly ablaze with lights.

A ceilidh is in full swing, and the strains of Gaelic melody mingle in the still night air with the sound of waves breaking on the shore.

Oh, how we envy the revellers! But we have only half a mile to run now, and we can see the mast-head lights from the yachts at the pier.

Suddenly, the tranquillity of the evening is shattered. A shrill cry rings out behind us ‘Almaviva! Almaviva!’

The girls running for the yacht Almaviva have come from nowhere. They’re only about forty yards behind us, and are shouting to alert their crew.

Dave and I look at each other in disbelief. We’ve been running for over six hours, over wild moorland, over mountain peaks, over five miles of road. Are we going to lose our position in the last half mile?

My reaction is ‘No way!’ Dave’s is a bit stronger.

Still quite fresh, he ups the pace but, in my exhausted state, I have to dig for the last dregs of willpower.

My pack slaps my back as I stumble on, into the last bend on the road, slightly uphill to the Jura Distillery and onto the pier.

The girls have closed on us.

I try to quicken my pace, but my legs have a mind of their own, and refuse to work. I still try to quicken the pace.

At last, the end of the pier. The ladder down to the Golden Rule. We’ve made it. What an experience!

And one that left us to ponder if next year the organisers will put a check-point marker at Three Arch Bridge……

THE STING IN JURA’S TAIL

Bert is at the tiller, Tigger is on the bow line, Mat is on the stern line. Skipper Bert calls out ‘Let go, forward!’ And the bow starts to swing away from Craighouse Pier.

The time is 11.17 p.m. Our three Ben run has taken six hours and fifteen minutes, but the day isn’t over.

The channel out of Craighouse Bay lies between the headland of Rudha na Caillich and the north tip of Eilean na Gabhar. A buoy in mid-channel marks a rock we must avoid.

Bert swings to port to give it a wide berth. Dave and I go below to turn in. Suddenly Golden Rule crashes to a stop – we’ve hit the submerged rock!! Shocked silence. Then running feet pound the deck overhead.

Tigger jumps down into the cabin and pulls the cover off the engine. It roars into life; Bert engages reverse and gives it the gun.

Golden Rule shudders and swings but is held fast.

Another yacht, Quail, offers assistance. Now TWO engines in reverse……and Golden Rule eases off the rock.

Bert waves Quail his thanks, and Dave and I go below again, leaving our sailing crew to the long hours of darkness before Day Three dawns …..

THOSE BLOOD-STAINED ROCKS ON THE PEAK OF THE WINDS

The mountains of Mull and Jura behind us, Golden Rule is heading for Arran on the last stage of our Three Islands sail-and-run race.

There’s just one more hill-run for Dave McKirdy and me…..up Goat Fell and back.

The only trouble is, there’s no wind to get us to Arran. Our crew of Mat, Bert and Tigger are drifting with the current at about one knot! Troll Marathon is about half a mile in front. So is Almaviva, with her all-woman crew, but closer to the Kintyre shore, seeking some wind.

With Arran seeming an eternity away, what can we do? ‘Row for it,’ says skipper Mat. ‘Get the dinghy oars.’ And so we set off, determined to close that half mile gap.

Within minutes, Troll Marathon have THEIR oars out – they must have been watching us!

For a full hour, that gap stays the same, then it starts to close, and by midday we’ve drawn level. Half an hour more and we pull ahead!

Mat and Tigger take our mainsail down, and reef on a windseeker, but for another hour we take turns at rowing, before the windseeker lives up to its name and starts to tug and swell as the forecast westerly strengthens.

Almaviva is away ahead, but we’ve left Troll Marathon behind. When our mainsail goes up again, at last we can lay down those oars, have some food and fix our blisters.

With a good swell running and the wind on our stern, Golden Rule bucks and ploughs through the peaks and troughs of the waves.

But after the longest sail of the race, it’s 11 p.m. as we enter Brodick Bay, and see the shark-tooth shape of Goat Fell outlined in the last light of the dying day.

Almaviva is at anchor, so her runners are still on the hill. Tigger gets our dinghy over the side and takes Dave and myself in to shore, close to the beach bonfire, where the scrutineers are waiting to check out all the runners. When the dinghy grounds, Dave and I leap into the shallows and, with the waves foaming around our ankles, sprint for the figures by the fire.

Scrutiny over, we race across the sand and over the Cnocan burn’s little wooden bridge. Then it’s 100 yards of road and sharp right into the grounds of Brodick Castle.

Another 400 yards and we’re in an avenue of rhododendrons. The branches link overhead, forming a long dark tunnel, but my headband torch stabs the darkness of our arboreal passage, and we follow a rough path, then a set of steps cut in rock.

Dave has kept his torches off, in case my batteries run out, but the first deer fence looms out of the darkness and we find the stiles into and out of a stand of pine trees.

The lights of Brodick are far below, and loneliness is made more acute by the evocative calling of crickets in the undergrowth.

What are we doing here, running up a Scots mountain at midnight?

In answer, we turn our thoughts and bodies to the task ahead, breast a rise in the little path – and are confronted by two bobbing, dancing spots of light, like incandescent fireflies.

It’s the girls from the Alviva, on their way back down. When we pass, we exchange encouraging words, then the girls are soon lost in the night.

A night that now gets misty as well as dark, making the last steep climb to the top more difficult and dangerous.

In the boulder field halfway up – and some boulders are as big as a house – visibility is down to a yard or two, and we make our way around or over by feel as much as by sight.

How we wish Goat Fell would live up to its translation from the Norse – Peak of the Winds – and blow away this clinging, opaque mist of ours.

Beyond the boulder field at last, on the final bit of path to the summit, a sudden updraft of wind tells us we are too far right….and on the edge of the drop into White Water Glen.

Quickly, we take corrective action, and try not to OVER-correct. Then, as I peer ahead, my torch picks out what seems to be a rock outcrop above and we start to make for it.

I turn to speak to Dave, and a white shape looms out of the mist.

It’s the trig point on the summit. We have almost walked past it and over the edge. And I shudder at what could have happened to us if I hadn’t turned to speak. After all, it was on this summit in 1889 that one John Laurie murderously pushed his walking companion Edwin Rose off this very crag.

Dave and I have come within a few feet of plunging on to the rocks that had been stained with the blood of Laurie’s victim.

Our escape has unnerved us both. All that we want now is to get off the summit.

We punch our check-card, stop to get orientated and, with the mist at its worst, ease down the granite boulders of the Cyclopean Walls.

At one point, on the flat expanse of rock, we edge forwards on our backsides with our packs dragging behind us. Then we reach the end of the slab and find – a sheer drop!

It could be six feet or twenty feet, we can’t tell. We just know we have to retrace our backside scramble, to find a better way down.

We do, of course, or I wouldn’t be here writing this. And the mist does lift, or rather we break out of it with a whoop and a scamper, and greet our deer fence like an old friend.

The two stiles, the rhododendrons, the steps, the castle, the road. Our elation knows no bounds, and in no time our hill-shoes are drumming on the planking of the little wooden bridge over the Cnocan, and we’re back aboard Golden Rule for the final sailing leg to Troon.

This was almost an anti-climax. Becalmed again, we had to make our arms and aching shoulders row again. And, at 10.20 a.m. in Troon Harbour, when Bert struck the spinnaker, it fluttered to the deck as if to lie amid our hopes and aspirations.

Yet we remembered our lung-bursting dash up to McCaig’s Folly in Oban; the dehydration and fatigue on Mull’s Ben More; the three Bens of Jura from the high ground of the twin cairns; and our resourceful, ever-cheerful sailors, who’d have carried Golden Rule to the finish if need be.

Did it matter if now there were no cheering crowds, no official groups, no bands playing?

No! Because as if by magic, three figures appeared on the sea wall above our heads: Bert’s wife Fiona, Dave’s wife Bett; and my own wife Margaret.

Cheering wildly, jumping up and down, waving their arms in the air.

We found out later that they’d come to Troon the day before to welcome us in, and had taken turns all night keeping watch for us.

What a fantastic sight they made.

And soon, over a pint or three in the Troon Yacht Club, the toasts were to the Golden Rule and her team, beaten but not broken; and to the girls, God bless them, what would we do without them?

SVHC: Selection of Newsletter articles

Posted on April 13, 2020 by Admin

The SVHC Newsletter was published (three times a year) between the early 1970s and 2020. Here is a selection of articles and reports, which should provide a flavour of the publication and insight into the expanding Veteran (or Masters) Movement, which has succeeded in encouraging so many men and women to exercise, participate and compete, long after they ceased to be youngsters. The Scottish Veteran Harriers Club enables men and women (if they become fit enough) to compete for Scotland in any of the Masters five-year age-groups from 35 to 80 plus. All runners simply enjoy training, taking part in club and other events and doing their best on the day. Please not that a series of fairly complete individual Newsletters, from 2012 to Spring 2020, have separate posts on this website. Note also the selection of covers from the 80s, 90s and 2000s; and ‘SVHC: Beginnings in the 1970s and 1980s’.

Unfortunately, it has proved impossible to include most tables of results; or indeed every inside-magazine photo; since the original work was pdf, which does not allow copy and paste duplication. Back and front cover colour photos have been included, however.

There are many aspects of these Newsletters to interest and give enjoyment to fans of running and athletics: not only race reports but also memories, profiles, experiences, meditations and historical reviews.

May 1970

In the year that the SVHC was founded, the marvellous 1970 Commonwealth Games were held in Edinburgh. Before then, in mid-May, the Scottish Marathon took place. This was the trial for the CG team. In front early on are two athletes who both, a few years later, became World Veteran Champions: Bill Stoddart (Greenock Wellpark, number 61); and Alastair Wood (Aberdeen AAC, number 1), who was the first Scot to achieve that title, when he won the 1974 WAVA marathon. Fourth from the left is the right ear of Donald Macgregor, who won the World Vets 10,000m in 1979 and the marathon in 1980.

Autumn 1972

Spring 1974

April 1979

Left to right: George Brown (Edinburgh Southern Harriers) fourth; John Barrowman (Garscube) 2nd; Bill Stoddart (Greenock Wellpark) 1st; Jimmy Irvine (Bellahouston) 3rd. George Brown, who died in 2020, led his team to victory in the Scottish Veterans XC Championships in 1979, 1980 and 1983. George also played his part in ESH team victories in three Senior National XC Championships (1964, 1965 and 1970). Jimmy Irvine is still with us. A one-club man, he contributed to many Bellahouston Harriers successes, including: Scottish Junior National XC team gold (1955); Scottish Senior National XC team silver (1957 and 1958); and in the Edinburgh to Glasgow Road Relay, team gold (1958). Jimmy was Scottish Veterans XC M50 Champion in 1987; was part of the Scottish Vets gold medal winning M60 team in the 1995 British and Irish International XC; and one of our M65 team silver medallists in that prestigious event in 2000.

September 1983

Christmas 1983: article by Ian Steedman

The inaugural Alloa to Bishopbriggs 8-Man Road Relay took place on Sunday 25^th March 1984. Full results:

Alloa to Bishopbriggs 1985

May 1986

April 1987 – (Shortened) article by Henry Muchamore.

“After a testing 10 kilometres race at Musselburgh Racecourse on February 8^th 1987, it was Brian Scobie of Maryhill Harriers and the Pitreavie trio of Ken (or Archie) Duncan, John Linaker and Bill Ewing who graced the winners’ enclosure.

Congratulation to Brian on retaining the SCCU Veterans Cross-Country Championship title; and to Pitreavie for taking the team prize back to Fife for the second year in a row.

The sun shone brightly on the 220 runners who lined up across the course and charged in a multi-coloured mass, down the first furlong. A flat course, yes, but a very tough one as the long uneven grass took its toll on the legs.

After the first 5k circuit, defending champion Scobie had already taken charge, and was looking comfortable, 50 yards clear of Shettleston’s Brian Carty and the diminutive Dave Fairweather of Law.

As Scobie went past the grandstand, where his marathon protegee, Veronique Marot, was watching, the time-keeper’s watch showed 15.57 for the first 5k.

Chasing the first three at this stage were Allan Adams and Colin Martin of Dumbarton, Duncan of Pitreavie and Rod MacFarquhar of Aberdeen.

Second time round, and down that long finishing straight, it was Brian Scobie all the way in 32.32, stretching his margin to a clear 28 seconds over Carty, who bravely held off the unrelenting challenge of Fairweather, ten seconds behind in third place.”

John Linaker was first M45, from Martin Craven (ESH) and John Moses of Bellahouston. Jim Irvine (Bellahouston) won M50, from Hugh Gibson (Hamilton) and Davie Fraser (Bellahouston). Bill Stoddart (Greenock Wellpark) was first M55, in front of Bill McBrinn (Shettleston) and Tom Stevenson (Greenock Wellpark).

The M60 category victor was William Temple from Galashiels, from Ben Bickerton (Shettleston) and Alex McInnes. David Morrison finished first M70 and made clear that he is back to form from injury. John Emmet Farrell was second M70.

The team contest was very close: Pitreavie’s Ken Duncan finished 4^th and his team-mate Linaker 10^th; while Aberdeen’s MacFarquhar and Don Ritchie were 6^th and 9^th. Bill Ewing of Pitreavie (now 44 but looking ten years younger) just made it and ensured team victory. He took 15^th, beating Aberdeen’s Mel Edwards (hill-runner extraordinaire) by TWO SECONDS. Dumbarton (Colin Martin 5^th, Allan Adams 8^th and Ian McWatt 32^nd) clinched third place medals.

Left to right: Archie (or Ken) Duncan, Phil Shave, John Linaker, Bill Ewing.

All in all, it was a competitive and convivial afternoon. The event was jointly convened by the SVHC and the SCCU, in conjunction with East Lothian District Council.”

March 1988

June 1988

The very first SVHC Indoor Athletics Championships at the Kelvin Hall. Note how many British Veteran Records were set! One by Colin Youngson (M40). In the 800m, David Morrison (M75) set a new World Veteran Record.

March 1990

TRICIA CALDER – HILL RUNNING CHAMPION

Tricia Calder is establishing herself as one of the best all-round women distance runners in Scotland. Her recent performances on the road and at cross-country have been outstanding, but it is on the hills that Tricia really excels. She is the current Women’s Hill-Running Champion, having scored the maximum possible points in the 1989 Scottish Championship races. She was also a member of the Scottish Women’s team at the World Cup Hill Races in France last summer. (She contributed to GB team bronze medals in the 1988 and 1990 World Mountain Running Championships; and was also Scottish W35 XC Champion in 1989.)

Tricia tell us about herself and her running career:

“I ran a bit of cross-country and school sports, but the thing that started me running again at the age of 30 was the challenge of the marathon. A friend of mine had already completed one and I thought, like hundreds of others, that maybe I could do it. My first marathon was Edinburgh, which I finished in a time of 3 hours 25 minutes in 1983. My longest training run had been about 11 miles, which then I thought was a long way. Crossing the line after my first marathon was the greatest feeling. Mind you, an hour later I couldn’t have run for my life. But I was hooked. The next year at Edinburgh the times was 3 hours 2 minutes; and my PB for the distance is 2 hours 48 minutes set in Dundee.

My training would be a coach’s nightmare! I don’t keep a diary. Although I can see the benefits, I just don’t seem to have time. I never run with a stop-watch (don’t have one). I try to keep some sort of schedule to my training, although it can be difficult between everything else. I know my fellow women athletes will know what I mean. I used to stop completely between November and February. The reason for this was a horse called ‘The Divider’. My father bred him and I broke him in as a two-year-old. I have always been involved with racing, having ridden point-to-point when I was young, free and had no brains. I’m now old, married and still have no brains, so I run on the hills instead.

I have had a permit for the last 6 years to train racehorses under National Hunt rules (over jumps, not on the flat). If any of you have ever had anything to do with stock, especially racehorses, you will know that they take a lot of time to look after. They are four-legged athletes. It was quite handy being fit, particularly going to Ayr Racecourse. The odd time the horse did have a bad run, I could be found running in the opposite direction to the angry punters. Ask Danny Wilmoth about that one!

Getting back to running, Peter Marshall persuaded me to start running in the hills. I don’t know whether to be grateful or not. 1988 was my first season and I found the hills very challenging and never boring. You are usually trying to stay upright in a Force 10 gale or find a checkpoint in pea-soup fog. There are a few bonuses though: great friendships and some of the best countryside to run over and enjoy.

Having never been great at planning ahead, the only think I would like for the future would be to stay injury-free, to run in the World Cup hill-running team again – and I would like to run the Everest Marathon.

March 1990

March 1991

July 1992

December 1992

September 1994

August 1995

Set in 1996 THE OLD VETERAN’S TALE

In February 1996, after the refreshment stop at Perth, old Charlie Kane (the team manager) settled in the mid-bus tale-telling seat before the vehicle continued towards Glasgow.

“So far, we’ve heard stories mainly about the 1980s and 1990s. From my perspective, you lot have had certain advantages: training knowledge, healthy diet advice, better shoes and tracks, shorter and less difficult cross-country courses, more health and safety. I know that running is often a hard sport for anyone who takes it seriously, but let me talk about how it was when I was much younger.

From the mid-1940s I studied History at Glasgow University. The Hares and Hounds kept winning the Scottish Universities XC. They seemed a cheerful bunch so, when I was 20 in 1946, I started training and gradually became fitter, despite lacking real talent. Yes, that makes my age now 70 – not 95 as some of you think.

The Scottish National at Lanark Racecourse in 1947 was a real challenge! Until 1962 we had to run a whole ten miles – not merely seven and a half or 10km. The really bad winter made it impossible to train properly on treacherous frozen slippery surfaces. All the football fixtures were cancelled but we carried on. After an overnight snowstorm, the Youths trampled out a trail for the Seniors and Juniors, who raced together. It was heavy going but I struggled on and was pleased just to finish, with quite a few even slower. After half a mile, we never saw the leaders again. Andy Forbes of Victoria Park AAC won both Junior and Senior titles. I noted that his club was second in the team contest, having won the Youth award. They were based at Scotstoun Showgrounds, near my family home. When I graduated and became a History teacher, it seemed a good idea to join Vicky Park, even though it seemed very unlikely that I could ever make the first team.

After the Second World War, rationing continued for several years. No one could be fat then. Some had problems digesting dried egg and getting hold of enough food to sustain them. Runners lucky enough to be ‘possibles’ for the 1948 London Olympics received food parcels from South Africa, courtesy of the AAA.

Training was different compared to nowadays. At Vicky Park we ran together on Tuesdays and Thursdays – about seven miles a night. There might be a slow pack and a fast pack, each one with a ‘Pacer and a ‘Whip’ – you can easily guess what their job titles meant. A good deal of wisecracking could be heard, especially when the fast pack whizzed past (with me hanging on at the back for as long as I could). Most of the session we ran steady/hard, with a ‘burn-up’ near the end. On Saturdays, if there was no race, a pack might cover fifteen or even eighteen miles over road and country, followed by tea, buns and a sing-song to the music of mouth organs. Sometimes we drank hot Bovril (like watery Marmite) and ate cream crackers or a pie. No pub sessions back then! For a while, VPAAC changed for Saturday sessions at the West of Scotland dry-cleaners in Milngavie. Getting the mud off our legs wasn’t easy. On Sundays, some went for a long hike. Only marathon men like Dunky Wright and Donald Robertson actually ran on the day of rest. Most of us managed 30 or 40 training miles per week. Our legs suffered impact injuries from wearing thin plimsolls or tennis shoes like Dunlop Green Flash.

For most of the 1950s the battle to be top Scottish distance running club was between us and Shettleston Harriers, with Vicky Park having the edge, winning six National team awards and seven Edinburgh to Glasgow Road Relay titles. The best I did was scraping into teams that secured National and E to G silver medals in 1955. Just to train with the top men was a joy – and the club had a good social side. I remember with pleasure the free feed (sponsored by The News of the World newspaper) after the E to G at the posh Ca’d’Oro restaurant in Glasgow. Bacon and egg plus fish and chips, plus a sweet, ice-cream, coffee and a generous piece of cake. Yes, in those days, cake was more important than cash prizes!

Cross-country courses could be really tough. The National was held at Hamilton Park Racecourse, but even that flat, soggy trail had its dangers, for example steeplechase barriers with barbed wire holding them in place. VP raced in the Midland District championship, which for several years took place at Lenzie in the grounds of a Mental Hospital – ideal for mad runners. The Dunbartonshire County race featured deep mud to plod through and uphill fences to struggle over.

My club’s greatest achievement was winning the team title in the 1952 English National Cross-Country Championships. We travelled by train to Birmingham and our six counters won by fourteen points from Bolton United Harriers and Manchester AC. Our stars were the first Scottish outfit to win the English event in the 76 years of its existence. I was so happy to have raced round respectably to join in the celebrations!

For a few years I increased my weekly mileage, dabbled in Highland Games Road Races over weird distances and did quite well in the 1954 Scottish Marathon Championships from Cloch Lighthouse, Gourock to Ibrox Park. However, in 1956 (from Falkirk to Meadowbank, Edinburgh) on a warm, humid day I suffered badly from blisters, slowed a lot and, after limping painfully round the track well down the field, decided to retire from racing. After all, I was 30 years old!

Yet, after moving to teach in Aberdeen, I did keep reasonably fit, just going out for a solo run twice a week, or cycling a few miles, while concentrating on work and family. In 1972 the first Scottish Veterans XC Championships took place, and since then I have enjoyed taking part with other old stagers, moving up the age-categories, while helping out at Aberdeen AAC. It’s a great sport, but do try to reach a peak and set personal bests by your early thirties, because, try as you might, you will all get slower due to age and knackered limbs.

August 2001

April 2002

August 2002

December 2002

April 2003

August 2005

April 2006

August 2007

April 2011

September 2011

May 2019

SVHC: Newsletter Cover Selection: 2000s

Posted on April 13, 2020 by Admin

Typical Anglo-centric ‘Masters Athletics’ cover photo, with the English guy who finished 5th more prominent than brilliant Robert Quinn, one of Scotland’s best-ever cross-country runners in several age-groups, not simply M40. A study in concentration before sprinting to victory.

SVHC: Newsletter Cover Selection 1980s and 1990s

Posted on April 13, 2020 by Admin

November 1980: one sheet of paper, printed on both sides. (This must have been the same format during the 1970s.)

(In the lead article about the Glasgow World Veterans Championship races, J. Youngson was James, father of Colin.)

December 1981

October 1982

December 1982: three sheets/ six printed sides, stapled together

Spring 1984

August 1985: a proper magazine. 3xA5, folded to make six printed sides, with photos on the front cover and a in the central spread.

Christmas 1986: more inside photos appearing.

September 1986

August 1995

November 1995

SVHC NEWLETTER: SPRING 2020

Posted on April 10, 2020 by Admin

MEMBERSHIP NOTES 14^th March 2020

MEMBERS

We regret to inform you that Jack MacLean passed away on 23^rd Jan 2020 aged 90. Jack was a founding member of the SVHC.

James Munn, another SVHC stalwart who was based in Chorley for many years, passed away in Dec 2019, aged 86.

For those who have not already renewed membership, payment is now overdue.

Standard Membership £20
Non competing Membership £10

Over 80 Membership Free

Welcome to the 21 new and 7 reinstated members who have joined or re-joined since 23^rd November 2019. As of 14^th March 2020, we have 533 members, including 28 over 80 & 4 Life Members. 47 have not renewed their membership.

NEWSLETTER

We are desperately looking for a volunteer to take over the preparation & editing of the Newsletter, otherwise this will be the last edition.

The electronic version of the Newsletter is now the preferred option. Any member who would rather receive a printed Newsletter must contact David Fairweather (djf@dfairweather.plus.com), if they have not already done so.

Please inform David if you add or change your email address.

Please send photos, news, letters, articles, etc for the next issue to:

SVHC EVENTS

Stewards/marshals are required for club races. The club appreciates all members & friends who volunteer to act as stewards/marshals. If you are not competing just turn up and introduce yourselves to the organisers.

STANDING ORDERS

Thank you to the members who have set up standing orders for membership subscriptions. Please keep me informed if your membership details change (especially email addresses. Standing order details: Bank of Scotland, Barrhead, Sort Code: 80-05-54, Beneficiary: Scottish Veteran Harriers Club, Account No: 00778540, Reference: (SVHC Membership No. plus Surname). Stewart2@ntlworld.com 0141 5780526

By cheque: please make cheque payable to SVHC and send to Ada Stewart, 30 Earlsburn Road, Lenzie, G66 5PF.

CLUB KIT

Vests and shorts can be purchased from Andy Law – £18 for vests, including postage and £23 for shorts, including postage. If ordering both together deduct one lot of postage. Or, can be delivered to any of the Club races by arrangement with no postage.

(Tel: 01546 605336. or email lawchgair@aol.com)

NEW MEMBERS
NUMB	CHRS	SURN	JOIN	TOWN
2533	Stuart	McCandless	20-Oct-19	Glasgow
2534	Robert	White	20-Oct-19	Glasgow
2538	Lorna	Brown	29-Nov-19	Grangemouth
2539	John	Weir	05-Dec-19	Kenilworth
2540	Mandy	Williams	06-Dec-19	Stirling
2541	James	McLaughlin	19-Dec-19	Rutherglen
2542	Jennie	Jackson	02-Jan-20	Kilwinning
2543	Andrew	Brown	06-Jan-20	North Berwick
2544	David	Murray	14-Jan-20	Cumbernauld
2545	Elizabeth	Short	22-Jan-20	Lennoxtown
2546	Ewan	Paton	28-Jan-20	Bristol
2547	Michaela	McLean	29-Jan-20	Kirkcaldy
2548	Heather	Anderson	31-Jan-20	Fife
2549	Andrew	Fish	01-Feb-20	Peebles
2550	Stephen	Golder	06-Feb-20	Kilmarnock
2551	Andrew	Anderson	12-Feb-20	Glasgow
2552	Bryce	Aitken	29-Feb-20	Kirkcaldy
2553	Sandra	Aitken	29-Feb-20	Kirkcaldy
2554	Philip	McCaig	06-Mar-20	Glasgow
2555	Euan	Craig	11-Mar-20	Cumbernauld
2556	David	Shaw	13-Mar-20	Glasgow
1805	Henry	Curran	18-Dec-19	Paisley
1809	Kirsty	Baird	23-Dec-19	Linlithgow
2272	Neil	Smith	23-Dec-19	East Grinstead
2331	Brendan	Lynch	08-Jan-20	Falkirk
2362	Iain	Reid	06-Feb-20	Giffnock
2370	David	Stirling	20-Feb-20	Glasgow
2446	Michelle	Slater	06-Mar-20	Buckie

Ada Stewart

Membership Secretary

OBITUARY: JACK MACLEAN

23^rd January 2020. Jack MacLean of Bellahouston Harriers died, aged 90. He became ill over the weekend and passed away in Ayr Hospital. His running profile is at www.anentscottishrunning.com/jack-maclean/

Here is an extract. Do read the full profile of this popular, well-respected runner.

“In running circles, Jack was known throughout Scotland He was a member of the Scottish Marathon Club, the British Marathon Runners’ Club and a founder member of the Scottish Veteran Harriers Club. A versatile athlete, Jack ran all distances from 880 yards up to marathon, ultra and the Ben Nevis race. He even won a medal, as part of an English team, for walking.

The club in which he has been most active has been the Scottish Veteran Harriers Club, of which he was the last surviving founder member. The other members of the group were Walter Ross of Garscube Harriers, Jimmy Geddes of Monkland Harriers, George Pickering, Roddy Devon of Motherwell and Johnny Girvan of Garscube. How did that come about?

After the Midland District Cross-Country Championship at Stirling University in 1970, Walter Ross spoke to me. He wanted to form a veterans’ club with a minimum age of 40 years, and paid me the compliment of being one of the enthusiasts of the game. The committee was formed of Walter and six others, and we held our meetings in Reid’s Tea Room in Gordon Street with a regular starting time of 7:00pm. We all put forward our ideas and Walter drew up a constitution. In the beginning the age groups went up in ten-year intervals.

I organised the very first Veterans race. It was in Pollock Estate on Saturday 20th March, 1971. We had very few officials at that point: Davie Corbet of Bellahouston started the race and shouted the times to George Pickering of Renfrew YMCA. I had laid the trail in the morning with markers of wee pegs with paper attached. 33 runners started and 32 finished. As I worked in the “Daily Record”, I arranged for a reporter and a photographer to attend. There was a wee piece in the Daily Record about it. The race was run over about 5 miles and the winner was Willie Russell of Shettleston. He was followed by Hugh Mitchell, Willie Marshall, Tommy Stevenson, Willie Armour, Chic Forbes, Jack MacLean and Andy Forbes in that order.

Within a year we had 1000 members from the whole of Scotland. Internationally we had great success as a small country.”

In Memory of J. Munn my Friend and Mentor (4.12.33 – 21.11.19)

I first met James a number of years ago through a clubmate, Hugh McKinlay, who mentioned that he would introduce me to James, as he kindly arranged a number of places for Masters in the Great Scottish Runs in Glasgow, which James painstakingly organised for Masters until 2018, when he eventually handed the reins over but wanted to be kept in the loop until 2019.

I immediately took to James as he was a runner himself and had many interesting stories about Masters over the years. His memory – to recall various races, individual times and performances – was astounding.

James ran himself well into his late 70’s and then in his 80’s challenged himself in race walking.

Over many years of my running, James showed an enthusiastic/excited interest in what races I was doing and suggested how it might be possible at times to push myself a bit more!

Last year we met up in Falkirk for a chat and lunch and James was eager to show me his plan for me in the W60-64 age category, which at that time felt many, many months away, but he was always so well organised and had obviously put a lot of effort into this piece of work, which must have taken time to research and put together. I wasn’t to know of course at that time it was going to be the last time I would see him. This piece of work my friend so thoughtfully completed is now something that I have to remember him by and hopefully, in his memory, manage to execute successfully at least one or two of the many challenges that he was hopeful I could achieve.

I truly hope that James realised what a huge asset he was to me. He will always remain in my memory and be part of my life.

Fiona Matheson

Hugh McGinlay added the following:

Dale Greig and James Munn

I was one of two SVHC members to attend the funeral of Dale Greig, the other a member of Garscube Harriers. I expected more from the Glasgow area.

Dale not only enriched athletics, she also enriched my athletic scene personally, as did Jim Munn, who died in December 2019.

He worked in secret his wonders to perform, neither seeking nor expecting recognition.

For some reason he chose me to be respected, as he did many others, originally a trio: Gordon Porteous, David Morrison and I, since greatly extended. We were invited guest runners for The Great Scottish Run with all accrued benefits. He also took a personal interest in all my races, and wrote evaluating them. Looking back through old magazines, I note that he made quality contributions and, as an athlete, he participated with creditable performances. He race-walked the Glasgow Marathon just to participate.

The things great men do live on long after they are gone. Thank you, Jim Munn.

I am now officially disabled: can pool/gym train but The Great Outdoors, for me, is now no more.

NEW EDITOR URGENTLY REQUIRED FOR THE SVHC NEWSLETTER

This edition will be my last as editor. If no one volunteers to take over, the Newsletter will cease to exist, which would be a real shame.

I have overseen the creation and publication of 21 magazines – and feel that new blood is needed. It has been a very enjoyable task, with lots of assistance from Karen Connal, our computer expert; and contributions from so many SVHC members, especially David Fairweather.

After Spring, I will continue to help my successor (if asked) by suggesting material or people to email etc. The new editor will not be unsupported, when she or he works on the Autumn edition and puts her or his own stamp on a fascinating and satisfying project, which receives so much positive feedback. Please consider yourself for the post! (Joint-editorship with a partner would also be possible.)

Colin Youngson

ALASTAIR WALKER’S SUPERB 2019 HIGHLIGHTS

At Hogmanay, Teviotdale Harrier Alastair (Sammy) Walker, the 2018 World Masters M60 10k Champion, and surely now one of the all-time greatest SVHC runners, posted the following on Facebook:

“Goodbye 2019 it’s been a blast!

Masters V60 Golds in:

European 10k Road
European 5000m track

British and Irish International Cross Country
British Cross Country
British 10k Road
British 5k Road
British 5000m track

Scottish Cross Country
Scottish Short Course Cross Country
Scottish 5k Road
Scottish 10,000m track (New record)
Scottish 1500m (Championship record)

BMAF Male distance runner of year

Scottish Masters Athlete of year

and tomorrow we go again in 2020!”

He started the 2020 racing year with the Scottish 3000m Indoor Championship on 3^rd January, finishing 1st V60 in 9.51.36, only 8 secs slower than Andy Brown’s 1994 Scottish age-group World Record.

Alastair contributed the following article:

2019 – That was quite a year!

From hills not half a mile from my house in February for the Masters Cross Country to the glitz of the Hilton in Glasgow 2019 was a year to remember.

Pick a stand-out occasion in the year says our esteemed editor and write about it for the newsletter. There have been so many in 2019. Scottish Athletics Masters Athlete of Year, BMAF Distance Athlete of Year, a Scottish V60 best for 10,000 metres at Carluke (who decided to build a track on top of a hill?) British and Scottish V60 titles on track, road and country. Aintree glory. Did he say he wanted one memory or twenty? One it is, then.

European Masters Athletics Championships at Jesolo, Italy

Time away and financial constraints meant that I targeted the 5000 metres on the track and the 10k road race, which were taking place on the 13^th and 15^th September 2019 respectively. In both I reckoned my main rivals would be the Swede Torre Axellson and the Dutchman Jaap Stijjart based on the times both had declared (does anyone ever put their correct times down?) So, with both these names entrenched on my mind and on my hate list ha ha, I arrived in Jesolo on 11^th September. After a couple of days registering and chilling (wrong word in that heat) with Colin Welsh and John Thomson, fellow Scots and friends, the day of the 5000 arrived.

The 5000 was being held at the track at Eraclea, which was six miles from Jesolo. Boarding the free shuttle bus, I immediately recognised “The Swede” (thank you Google images) and, after avoiding eye contact all journey, we arrived at the track around 4 pm for a 6.30 race. Found some shade before starting what little warm-up that was required. As ever, warmed up in my Scottish Masters tee shirt.

Finally race time. Had decided to sit in for few laps but the pace was so pedestrian that I took it on from lap 2. As if to script, I drew my two rivals away from the rest and by lap 4 we had drawn well clear of the field. Feeling fairly comfortable I made my move on lap 8 and ‘felt’ my two rivals fall behind. After holding it together for the final few laps, gold was mine in 17.08 with Axellson 23secs adrift and Stijjart a further 7 secs back

Amazing buzz! Flags up poles, National Anthem and loads of friendly chats with my new best friends Torre and Jaap plus their wives and kids. Raucous bus journey back to Jesolo with Ireland’s Brian Lynch, who had won the V65, then out on the town with Colin and John for pizza and copious pints of Moretti.

The next day I headed into Venice for a day’s sight-seeing with Colin and John. Beautiful place but so busy. Then back to Jesolo to get ready for the next day’s 10k road race.

Sunday arrived, another scorching hot day and 10k time. Got taxi to the start in central Jesolo and thought myself lucky that I hadn’t decided to do the half marathon, which was two laps of the 10k course. As usual, I was there way too early and mingled with the mass of other athletes from all over Europe till was finally race time. All ages were present at the start in a mad free for all. Had a quick chat with Claire Elms (going for her umpteenth medal of the championships) and had a look around for Torre Axellson who again was going to be my main rival in the V60. Surprisingly, he was nowhere to be seen. Gun went off and we were away. Shouts of encouragement from Colin and John standing with suitcases on their way to Airport. I settled into a 35 min pace which I knew, barring a big turn up, would win me gold. Course was flat but heat made it tough. Shout of congratulations from Archie Jenkins half mile from home and that was it. Another victory. Time was 35.28 and runner up was indeed my Swedish friend, invisible at the start, who was a minute behind.

Medal presentation was in a packed town square. After sitting through an endless array of national anthems there I was again on the podium. Very happy days.

So 2020 has dawned and, as I write this, I have had a stinker at Johnstone and battled through the mud at Falkirk …………… Oh for those summer days of 2019!

SCOTTISH MASTERS XC CHAMPIONSHIPS

AT JOHNSTONE ON 8^TH FEBRUARY 2020

Scottish Athletics contributed a fine article:

“Ross Houston has savoured a couple of great moments when racing in the west of Scotland during a lengthy career.

Eight years ago he featured in a Scotland team, led by Derek Hawkins, which claimed a memorable and historic victory over England in the Home Countries XC International at Rouken Glen Park, on Glasgow’s Southside.

Two years later the Central AC stalwart represented Scotland again in the marathon at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

The playing fields of McMaster Community Centre in Johnstone will now have a place in his affections, too, after he claimed a first Lindsays Masters XC gold two months after turning 40.

‘It is my first Scottish title in cross country after about 26 years of trying,’ grinned Houston, after winning by a single second in 28.05 for the 8k course.

A GB international in ultra-running since Glasgow 2014, he had to work for the win in Johnstone almost every stride of the way – after a superb run by Central AC team-mate, Scott Brember.

Brember had to settle for V45 gold in second place with Grant Baillie of East Kilbride, who had been in the leading group of three well into the third and final lap, in third (V40 silver).

‘Scott has pushed me all the way there and Grant had a really good run, too,’ said Ross.

‘These guys are well used to cross country and to the Masters XC Champs. I’ve had a couple of years where, while not stopping running altogether, I’ve been doing other things with the kids and so on and not really racing.

‘I came back at the East Champs just a few days after my 40^th birthday. There were muddy sections today and twists and turns that made it harder than it looked. And at times you were running into those really strong winds but it developed into a really good race with the three of us clear.

‘I am racing at the National XC at Falkirk in a couple of weeks. It’s important for Central AC as we chase ten-in-a-row at Senior Men that we maybe have 10 guys really battling for the top six counting places. If I run at my best I might be close to the top six for Central but in some ways I’d hope not.’

Brember had won the V40 race at Hawick last year – the first V45 to do so. He won in a sprint finish on that occasion but Houston just edged ahead of him before the last 400m or so.

‘I did manage to get ahead of him coming off the final hill but as we turned round onto the pitch for the last section, Ross got a little bit of a lead,’ said Scott.

‘He’s a very fine athlete and I’ll settle for V45 gold. It was an honour to win the overall race last year and be second this time.’

Cambuslang dominated the V40 and V45 races as they took places four, five, six and seven in that race just behind the top three – landing team gold thanks to the efforts of Kerry-Liam Wilson, Iain Reid, Ben Hukins and Kenny Campbell. Second team was Corstorphine AAC, with Giffnock North AC third.

The impeding ‘doom’ of Storm Ciara, of course, didn’t deter hundreds of Masters athletes.

Women’s race winner Heather Anderson of Fife AC had to work really hard to hold off the challenge from Angela Mudge of Carnethy in a battle that raged throughout the race.

‘The winds were strong and in certain points, running into it was really tough, but I enjoyed it,’ said Heather.

‘I’ve come through from St Andrews and there were the weather warnings but it never crossed my mind not to come here. Of course not.

‘I am late to racing, only in the last couple of years really, and am more used to hill running. This is me really making a start in terms of cross country but having been on the hills I was well aware of the challenge that Angela would present.’

Angela Mudge took the V45 gold in her first Masters XC race for half a dozen years, well clear of V45 Scottish Internationals Jennifer MacLean and Megan Wright.

Angela said, ‘It might be my first and last, I am just warming up for hill races to come,’ she said, with Claire Gordon of Hunters Bog Trotters finishing third overall and W40 silver medallist, with Ruth Fraser-Moodie third W40.

Frank Hurley of Cambuslang Harriers won the M65 and above race with the 1-2-3 completed by Tony Martin of Falkland Trail Runners and Andrew McLinden of Hamilton.

There were no fewer than 18 finishers in the M70 race and the beauty of watching these from the side-lines is noticing athletes who are making huge contributions to their clubs and the sport in other roles – like Pat Kelly at Law and District, Des Dickson at Cambuslang, Stuart Irvine at Garscube and so many others.

*Big thank you once again to our Road Running and Cross Commission and all helpers for making the Lindsays Masters XC happen at Johnstone.”

Other results included the following:

The top W40-50 team award went to Hunters Bog Trotters, with Giffnock North obtaining silver medals and Lothian RC bronze.

W50 victor was Sue Ridley, who has had such a long and successful career. It was so good to see her racing really well once again. She was just in front of Mary McCutcheon, with Melissa Wylie third.

Carol Moss triumphed in the W55 division, well clear of Mary Western and Yvonne Crilly. Isobel Burnett retained her W60 title, with Innes Bracegirdle second and Margaret Martin third.

Ann White, our stand-out W65 athlete, held off Jeanette Craig and Susan Linklater. Sheila Strain won W70 gold.

The team title for W50+ went to Edinburgh Athletic Club, in front of Fife AC and Giffnock North AC.

M45 silver medallist was Kerry-Liam Wilson and Steven Campbell received bronze.

In the M50 category, Stevie Cairns won, not far in front of David Gardiner, with Perth Road Runners’ David Knight third – he led his team to M50-60 victory, in front of.Cambuslang Harriers and Shettleston Harriers. First M55 was Chris Upson, from David Eckersley and Nick Milovsorov.

The legendary Hill and Cross-Country International Colin Donnelly finished well clear in the M60 category, in front of his distinguished Cambuslang team-mate Eddie Stewart. Charlie Haskett ran strongly to secure third place.

M70 winner for the third year in a row was Alex Sutherland, after a close battle with his International team-mates Robert Marshall and Norman Baillie.

Alex wrote the following on Facebook. “Fraser Clyne (journalist and former British Marathon International) got in touch with me for some comments after the race so I sent him the following.

“Haven’t got your phone number but as you know part of the challenge of cross-country running is that every course is different, usually showcasing the local landscape and topography and, when you add Scottish winter on top of that, the outing and event can be anything but predictable!

Johnstone was a good parkland venue with challenging short hills made doubly so by the forerunner of Storm Ciara’s gale-force winds catching us, fortunately just before the rains commenced.

Even when I tried the old trick of tucking in behind another runner, like wild geese do when flying in close formation, there was little respite, but when you turned a corner it was as if someone released the hand brake on your car! The other factor, which we had in abundance, was the soft wet ground which as you know saps strength, and then your energy seems to run out of your legs, robbing them of any bounce.

But this is all part of the peculiar challenge of cross-country running, which also has the effect of levelling the playing field, when Masters runners compete against younger faster competitors in difficult conditions. Old age, cunning and determination can sometimes outwit youthful talent!”

Fife AC veteran George Black marked the start of 2020 with a World age group best performance at the Portobello Promathon.

The popular road race is over the four-mile distance and Black came home in a remarkable time of 30:10, thus improving on the M80 World best which is listed at 37:45 on the ARRS site.

Adrian Stott has reported that George, who only started running in his 40s, plans to take on the Scottish 5k Champs in May and the British Masters 10k.

Scottish Athletics reported:

“It would be stretching the truth to say that the Scottish 3000m Champs, staged within the GAA Miler Meet at the Emirates Arena, was awash with some of our bigger names.

There was absolutely no shortage of ‘stalwarts’ of athletics in Scotland dotted around the indoor venue on Friday evening, however.

That complimentary label could justifiably apply to many of those present in various roles – Officials, volunteers, coaches and parents – as more than a few well-kent faces enter another decade.

Or to a host of our Masters medallists, too, with Cambuslang Harrier Kerry-Liam Wilson laying claim to quite an achievement as he closed off his V45 years with a fifth successive age group gold for the 3000m indoors. With all of those runs under 9:17.

As always, the Masters categories were keenly contested – with stalwarts out in force.

The names will be familiar but the achievement is precious each and every time. The aforementioned Kerry-Liam, for example, rightly proud to note that all five of his winning runs from V45 to the age of 49 have been under 9:17.

Among the other gold medallists were:

M40 Leon Johnson (Edinburgh AC); M50 Stephen Allen (Motherwell AC); M55 Guy Bracken (North Shields); M60 Alastair Walker (Teviotdale Harriers); M65 Frank Hurley (Cambuslang); M75 Bobby Young (Clydesdale Harriers).

W40 Jackie Etherington (Cambuslang); W45 Karen Kennedy (PH Racing); W50 Julie Wilson (Inverness); W55 Fiona Matheson (Falkirk Vics).”

Masters Track and Field Update by Mike Clerihew

New Scottish Masters best performances were set in January by Darren Scott (St. Helens Sutton) in the M50 60m recording a time of 7.52s at the Sale Harriers Open in Manchester eclipsing the late Alasdair Ross’s 7.61s from 2004 and Paul Forbes (Edinburgh) broke Alastair Dunlop’s M60 800m best of 2m 20.19s from 2015 with a time of 2m 18.84s at the Scottish National Open at the Emirates Arena on 18^th January after narrowly missing it at the World Indoors in Poland last year.

Alastair Walker (Teviotdale) was the only athlete to set a Championship best at the National 3000m Championships at the Emirates on 3^rd January when he won the M60 race in a time of 9m 51.36 bettering Andy Brown’s 9m 54.02s from 1993.

There was some success for Masters athletes at the Scottish National Championships at the Emirates on 26^th January with W35 Mhairi Porterfield (VP Glasgow) winning the shot with a throw of 13.10m, W35 Philippa Millage (VP Glasgow) placing second in the 800m in a time of 2m 08.54s and W35 Gillian Cooke (Edinburgh) winning bronze in the pole vault with a clearance of 3.14m

Scottish Masters Track and Field Championships and Combined Events Championships

Five Scottish Masters best performances and 15 Championship bests (with another being equalled) were recorded at the very competitive Masters Championships held in the Emirates Arena over the weekend 1^st/2^nd February.

Masters bests were set by George Black (Fife) winning the M80 800m in 3m 32.03s and the 1500m in 7m 17.64s, Bob Masson (Aberdeen) won the M70 pole vault with 2.67m, and Linzie Marsh (Pitreavie) won the W40 high jump with 1.44m. Bobby Stevenson (Ayr) won the M65 long jump with 4.87m which, if ratified, betters John Charlton’s British record of 4.86m. George, Bob and Bobby’s performances were also Championship bests.

Other Championship bests were set by Mary Barratt (Loughrea) with 11.71s in the W60 60m hurdles, Ian Horsburgh (Central) with 7.28s in the M40 60m and 22.48s in the 200m, Kathleen Stewart (North Shields) with 40.90s in the W80 200m and 1m 32.56s in the 400m, Ian Broadhurst (Wrexham) with 63.75s in the M65 400m, Andrew Lewis (Harrow) with 5.97m in the M50 long jump, Paul Guest (Yeovil) with 5.36 in the M55 long jump, Frank Stewart (Derry) with 9.64m in the M80 shot, Peter Fryer (Derry) with 1.68m in the M35 high jump and Melanie Garland (Kidderminster) with 9.09m in the W55 triple jump. Melanie also equalled the existing cbp with 1.30m in the W55 high jump.

In the combined events competition M55 Ron Todd (Central) won the Steedman Medal as best Scottish male placing second in the Masters heptathlon with 4245 points behind M60 Peadac McGing (Dundrum) with 4489 points. W45 Amanda Broadhurst (2690 points) won the pentathlon from W40 Katheen Ballard (North Ayreshire) with 2306oints.

Well done to all competitors with my apologies to anyone I have missed.

Updated best performance lists are published in the Track and Field section of this site. Any new record performances should be notified to me (mikeclerihew@yahoo.com). No documentation is required as I undertake my own research.

Philippa Millage and Darren Scott in Outstanding Form

Philippa Millage (VP City of Glasgow) took over a quarter of a second off her own W35 British record in her heat of the 800m at the British Indoor Championships in the Emirates Arena on 22^nd February with a time of 2m 05.70s. In the final the following day she recorded a time of 2m 07.27s which was good enough to win the bronze medal – a great achievement at age 39.

At the Sale Harriers meeting on 23^rd February Darren Scott (St. Helens Sutton) set new Scottish Masters best performances in the M50 category with 7.47s in the 60m, lowering his own time, and 23.88s in the 200m. Very well done to both athletes.

British Masters Indoor Track and Field Championships and Winter Throws Competition

The event was held at Lee Valley, London over the weekend 7^th/8^th March and produced several notable performances for Scottish athletes with forty-three medals being won over the two competitions and two Scottish Masters best performances set in the Indoor championships. Darren Scott (St. Helens Sutton) improved his recently set M50 60m best with a time of 7.41s finishing second and Jacqui Etherington (Cambuslang) won the W40 800m in 2m 23.66s bettering Sonia Armitage’s best from 2004. Jacqui also won the 1500m in a time of 4m 58.70s.

Also indoors gold medals were won by Claire Cameron (VP-Glasgow) in the W60 shot (9.88m), Linzie Marsh (Pitreavie) in the W40 high jump (1.40m), Andrew Brown (Dunbar) M40 1500m (4.11.70), Paul Forbes (Edinburgh) in the M60 800m (2.20.02), Douglas Graham (Edinburgh) in the M40 pole vault (4.00m), Graham Lay (Southampton) in the M40 shot (12.62m), Brandan Lynch (Falkirk) in the M70 60m (8.82s), Jim Sloan (Annan) in the M75 shot (9.29m), Mike Tarawsky (Dundee) in the M45 400m (57.55s) and Steve Whyte (Thames Valley) in the M55 shot (12.97m).

In the outdoor throws competition Claire Cameron won gold in the W60 discus and silvers in the weight throw and hammer, Graham Lay gold in the M40 discus and javelin with silver in the weight throw and hammer, Stephen Leek silver in the M35 javelin as did Allan Leiper in the M55 event, Jim Sloan won gold in the M75 discus, David Valentine (West Suffolk) gold M60 weight throw and silver in the hammer and Steve Whyte won golds in the M55 hammer and weight throw.

SCOTTISH ROAD RUNNER OF THE YEAR AWARD HISTORY continued

(The Donald McNab Robertson Trophy)

1958 Alex MacDougall: although Hugo Fox, a former cyclist, won the Scottish Marathon in 1958 (arriving in the lead at New Meadowbank to discover a six-foot spiked gate still locked, but climbing over, without impaling himself, to finish in 2.31.22), and Alex McDougall (Vale of Leven) entered through the newly-opened gate to record 2.32.35, it was Alex who was awarded the Robertson Trophy. This was because, although Fox, Harry Fenion and Alex all represented Scotland in the 1958 Cardiff Commonwealth Games Marathon, in almost unbearably hot conditions only Alex McDougall finished – a fine 7^th place in 2.29.57.2, against very strong competition. Alex also won the season-long SMC championship.

1959 Hugo Fox: Gordon Eadie (Cambuslang Harriers) remembered this race, from Falkirk to New Meadowbank. Hugo Fox, the holder and a good judge of pace, raced into an early lead from the start. By half-distance, he was several minutes in front; but, by twenty miles, runners dropped away from the chasing pack and Gordon found himself alone in second, and closing on the leader. However, “Hugo was one fox who wouldn’t be caught and finished on the track to win by almost a minute”: 2.28.27 to Gordon’s 2.29.22. After a long discussion of several road race results, the SMC committee voted to nominate Hugo for the Robertson Trophy (rather than Andy Brown of Motherwell) and consequently the SAAA presented Hugo Fox with the prestigious award.

1960 Gordon Eadie: Gordon had been the 1959 SMC champion. He retained this title in 1960, narrowly from John Kerr (Airdrie Harriers). In the Scottish Marathon to Meadowbank, on a particularly hot sunny day, Gordon started cautiously and ran an even-paced race, making steady progress, and passing the leaders in later miles, to win convincingly in 2.36.40 from John Kerr. Gordon Eadie received the Robertson Trophy.

1961 John M Kerr: John, a former cyclist, was a strongly-built runner with a low but very powerful running action. The Scottish Marathon – yet again, Falkirk to Edinburgh – was held in very warm conditions. Four English runners turned up and sounded very confident. However, the heat got to them, and John Kerr won in 2.36.06, from Bill McBrinn (Monkland Harriers – 2.37.32). John won the SMC championship as well (and retained this in 1962); and was a unanimous choice to receive the Robertson Trophy.

1962 Alastair J Wood: was one of Scotland’s finest International athletes, who had won Scottish Track titles (3 miles in 1957 and 1959; 6 miles every year from 1958-1961). He was Scottish Native Record holder for both events. In Cross-Country, running for Shettleston Harriers, he became National champion in 1959; and was an excellent seventh in the International Championships at Hamilton Racecourse in 1960. Then in 1962, by now a member of Aberdeen AAC, Alastair took part in the Scottish Marathon, which started and finished at New Meadowbank, via Dalkeith and Cockenzie. The course was hilly, with a headwind on the way back, but Alastair broke away at 18 miles from Andy Brown (who later dropped out) and won, well clear of John Kerr, in a Championship record of 2.24.59. In July, Wood ran splendidly in the AAA Marathon to finish second to Brian Kilby; and then represented Great Britain in the Belgrade European Marathon. Kilby won, with Wood a meritorious fourth. After such a superb season, Alastair Wood was bound to receive the Robertson Trophy.

1963 Ian Harris: The favourite for the Scottish Marathon was Jim Alder (Morpeth Harriers and EAC), the famous Geordie Scot. He had won the 1962 Scottish Cross-Country title, and represented Scotland in Belgium and GB in Barcelona, as well as setting a new record in the Edinburgh to North Berwick 22. The course for his marathon debut was out from and back to Anniesland in Glasgow. Jim was well clear early on, but the long uphill stretches wore him down. Although he was three and half minutes in front at 20 miles, he slowed dramatically and only just held on to second place after Ian Harris (Beith Harriers and the Parachute Regiment) swept past. Ian won in a good time of 2.25.23, over six minutes in front of struggling Jim Alder, who learned a lot from this experience. Harris, a Scottish International cross-country runner in 1961, when he had also won the Beith Harriers New Year’s Day event, raced well in hill races like Ben Lomond and Ben Nevis (4^th in 1963). Ian Harris was awarded the Robertson Trophy.

1964 Alastair Wood: The redoubtable, satirical Ally Wood, who inspired a generation of good Aberdeen distance runners, secured the second of his six Scottish Marathon titles on a slightly easier course, which finished at New Meadowbank but went out through Portobello and Musselburgh to the turn at Aberlady. Wood was not content to win, but pushed hard to reduce his own Championship record to 2.24.00. Despite Jim Alder finishing third in the AAA event, Alastair was awarded the Robertson Trophy.

1965 Alastair Wood: This Scottish Marathon was a tough one – a genuine head-to-head between the reigning champion and a future one. The course was a switchback out and back to Westerlands in Glasgow. Donald Macgregor (Edinburgh Southern Harriers) lived and worked in St Andrews. In March, he had run for Scotland in the Ostend Cross-Country International. Then he had lost to Alastair Wood in the Dundee 10; but gained revenge by winning the SAAA Ten Miles Track title in front of the Aberdeen man. In the Marathon, these rivals ran together until 19 miles, when Donald became tired and Wood drew away to win in his third Championship record (2.20.46), from Macgregor (2.22.24). Later in 1965, Fergus Murray (ESH) won the Shettleston Marathon in 2.18.30, with Wood second in 2.19.03 – the first sub-2.20 clockings in Scotland. In May 1964, Dale Greig (Tannahill Harriers) had set an inaugural Women’s World Record by completing the Isle of Wight Marathon in 3.27.45, and in 1965 the SMC made her a Life Member; but Alastair Wood retained the Robertson Trophy.

1966 Gordon Eadie: There were three outstanding candidates for the Robertson Trophy this year. In July, Alastair Wood achieved a European record 2.13.45 in the Inverness to Forres Marathon. This was eventually ratified as the 1966 World’s fastest marathon time. In Kingston, Jamaica, in very hot conditions, Jim Alder produced a wonderful run to win the Commonwealth Games Marathon for Scotland. Gordon Eadie had finished second behind Charlie McAlinden in the Scottish; but showed real strength by winning two ultra-distance races. The first was gaining revenge on Bernard Gomersall, the Englishman who had won the 1965 London to Brighton 52 (when Gordon was third). In July 1966, Gordon beat his rival by nine minutes, winning the Liverpool to Blackpool 48 and a half miles race, recording 5.00.22. Then he set a new record time of 4:41:27 in the Edinburgh to Glasgow 44. In addition, he became SMC champion. After a vote between Alder and Eadie, which ended up five to four in favour of the latter, Gordon Eadie was awarded the Robertson Trophy.

1967 Alastair Wood: In the AAA Marathon at Nuneaton, near Birmingham, Scots finished first (Jim Alder 2.16.08), second (Alastair Wood 2.16.21) and third (Donald Macgregor 2.17.19). The Scottish Championships were held in Grangemouth Stadium, and Wood secured his fourth marathon title, on an out and back course, in 2.21.26 from his Aberdeen clubmate Donald Ritchie (2.27.28). The Robertson Trophy was regained by Alastair Wood, who won it for the fourth time.

1968 James N C Alder: On several occasions, the Robertson Trophy was presented to a runner who had almost won it the previous year or the one before. Jim Alder (who must have been very close indeed to receiving this honour in 1966 and 1967) was well clear at the top of the Scottish rankings in 1968, with a time 2.14.14 in the Polytechnic Marathon. He also recorded 2.16.37 when he finished a fine third in the AAA Marathon in Cardiff. This performance ensured GB selection for the Mexico City Olympic Marathon. Unfortunately, the high altitude forced even this toughest of competitors to drop out. Nevertheless, it was crystal clear that Jim Alder fully deserved to be presented with the Donald McNab Robertson Memorial Trophy.

1969 Jim Alder: There could only be one winner of the Trophy: the holder, Jim Alder. In the AAA he was third in 2.18.18; and was selected to race for Great Britain in the European Championships Marathon, over the notoriously hot and hilly course from Marathon to Athens. Jim fought his way to a bronze medal in 2.19.05. Consequently, he was a unanimous choice to retain the Robertson cup and plaque.

1970 Jim Alder: This was a very important year for Scottish Athletics with the Commonwealth Games at Meadowbank in Edinburgh. The Scottish Marathon was the team trial. Jim Alder won in a championship record of 2.17.11, with Donald Macgregor second just three seconds behind and Fergus Murray third (2.18.25). These runners were selected as Scotland’s representatives in the Commonwealth event; and Jim Alder was chosen as the ‘Mystery Man’ to enter the stadium, complete the relay from Canada, and hand the baton to Prince Philip, as the official signal to declare the Games open. In the Marathon, England’s Ron Hill smashed the European record with 2.09.28, but Jim Alder (who had won gold in Jamaica 1966) battled in, exhausted, to secure a valiant silver medal in the Scottish National record of 2.12.04. Murray was seventh (2.15.32) and Macgregor eighth (2.16.53). For decades thereafter, this remained the fastest marathon ever run in Scotland. There was no doubt that Jim Alder would receive the Robertson Trophy for the third successive year.

1971 Alex S Wight: The Scottish Marathon rankings were topped by Alex Wight’s marvellous 2.15.27 victory in the Edinburgh to North Berwick Marathon, not far in front of his brother Jim (2.15.43). In the AAA Maxol Marathon, Jim Alder finished sixth in 2.15.43, but was 22 seconds from qualifying for the GB European Championships team. In ultra-marathons, Alex Wight won twice: in the Edinburgh to Glasgow 44; and the Two Bridges 36, by more than five minutes. (In 1972, he was to break the Two Bridges course record with 3.24.07.) He also won the Clydebank to Helensburgh 16. Consequently, Alex Wight was chosen to receive the Robertson Trophy.

1972 Donald F Macgregor: In June’s Maxol Marathon (and British Championships), Donald Macgregor finished third in a personal best 2:15.06, and thus qualified for the British Olympic team. In Munich, he surpassed even this performance. Timing his effort brilliantly, he came through to seventh place (2.16.34.4), the highest achieved by a Scotsman in any 1972 Olympic final. Furthermore, he was less than four seconds behind the illustrious Ron Hill, who seemed severely shaken when Donald appeared at his shoulder. Donald Macgregor was chosen unanimously as the most deserving of Robertson Trophy recipients.

1973 Don Macgregor: In 1973, events were inevitably less exciting, but the Scottish Marathon Championship served as a trial for the Christchurch Commonwealth Games team. Donald remembered the race as tough but he did not have much difficulty winning in 2.17.50, 34 seconds in front of Jim Wight. They were both chosen to compete in the Commonwealth Marathon. Despite Aberdeen AAC’s Rab Heron topping the Scottish rankings with 2.17.07 (set in winning the Edinburgh to North Berwick Marathon), Donald Macgregor retained the Robertson Trophy.

1974 Don Macgregor: In January at Christchurch, New Zealand, a fast-finishing Donald Macgregor produced another fine race – 6^th in the Commonwealth Games. This was to be his best-ever time – 2.14.15. After a respite period and period and a second build-up, later on Donald reflected that winning the Scottish Marathon in June 1974 was probably the easiest of his three victories (1973, 1974 and 1976). He recorded 2.18.08, in front of Rab Heron (2.19.18). Two other fine performances that year took place over a difficult course at Draveil, near Paris, where Alastair Wood became World Veteran Marathon Champion; and Dale Greig (aged 37) won the very first IGAL World Championship Women’s Marathon. Nevertheless, there was no doubt that Donald Macgregor should, for the third successive time, be awarded the Robertson Trophy.

1975 Colin J Youngson: Jim Wight (EAC) had run very well to win the August 1974 Two Bridges 36 (3.26.31); and followed that with victory in October’s Harlow Marathon (2.16.28). Since the Trophy decision was often made by the end of September, Wight’s Autumn flourish might well have led to the award in 1975. Sandy Keith (EAC) and Colin Youngson (ESH) often ran hard 20-mile Sunday sessions together, but were serious rivals. Colin finished in front of Sandy in the EU 10 and did so again when he won the Drymen to Scotstoun 15, but Sandy was peaking for the Scottish Marathon and getting stronger – he won the tough Fort William 10. In the Scottish, on a very warm day, Sandy charged off into a slight headwind but Colin sheltered right behind. After the turn, they ran side-by-side. Colin broke away at 19 miles, but Sandy was still dangerously close at Meadowbank. Youngson’s time was a new championship record (2.16.50) and Keith’s a personal best (2.17.58). Subsequently, both ran in small GB teams and finished second in International Marathons: Colin in Berchem, Belgium; and Sandy in Enschede, Holland. Then, too late for consideration, Sandy Keith won the Harlow Marathon in 2.16.12, which topped the Scottish rankings. However, Colin had finished a close second, and first Scot, in his ultra-marathon debut – the Two Bridges 36 – in 3.29.44, and this performance probably tipped the balance, so that Colin Youngson received the Robertson Trophy.

1976 Alexander B Keith: This year there was no doubt – Sandy Keith was the top Scottish Marathon runner. (Colin Youngson had trained too hard and suffered sciatica; although he was to win two more Scottish titles in 1981 and 1982.) The big race was the AAA Olympic trial on a hot day in hilly Rotherham. Sandy finished 6th in 2.19.02 (which topped the Scottish rankings) having hung on as long as possible to the three men (Barry Watson, Jeff Norman and Keith Angus) who were selected for the Montreal Games. Sandy had to content himself with another British vest in a foreign marathon. On 31st July he was victorious in the marathon at Noordwijkerhout, Netherlands, in 2.21.43; and, up to 1979, was to run subsequent events for GB (and Scotland in 1982). Furthermore, his Harlow victory in October 1975 was extra evidence to ensure that Sandy Keith was awarded the Robertson Trophy.

1977 Jim Dingwall: The Scottish Marathon this year was to be the fastest until 1999. Once again, it was over the usual Meadowbank course on a warm day. The main man was that charismatic schoolboy 100 metre sprinter turned Scottish or British International middle-distance, cross-country and road runner Jim Dingwall (Falkirk Victoria Harriers) – the ‘Guv’nor’ as he was known at Edinburgh University – or ‘the Head Waiter’ as he was cursed by those who had suffered his famed ‘kick’ to the finishing tape. In the AAA event at Rugby in May, Jim had finished a good eighth. A personal best 10,000m (28.55) two weeks before the Scottish (which was held at the end of June) showed his good form. Confidently but uncharacteristically, Jim led from the start, and by halfway was leading with Sandy Keith and Willie Day (FVH). Dingwall surged away at 15 miles and won in a championship record of 2.16.05 (topping the Scottish rankings), from his team-mate Day (2.17.56). Soon afterwards it was time for celebratory beers at the Piershill Tavern, near Meadowbank Stadium. Jim Dingwall was a certainty to receive the Robertson Trophy.

1978 Jim Dingwall: In mid-April, Jim Dingwall displayed fitness by winning the Clydebank to Helensburgh 15. The AAA Marathon at Sandbach took place in May and Jim managed 2.13.58 (top of the Scottish rankings) for 5^th place and selection to represent Scotland in the Edmonton Commonwealth Games Marathon. Sandy Keith ran 2.18.15 and was unlucky not to be chosen. Unfortunately, Jim suffered during the flight to Canada and his training was seriously affected. Nevertheless, he led to halfway, and then hung on bravely to the leading pack, before having to drop away after 25km. Yet Jim Dingwall was the unanimous choice to retain the Robertson Trophy.

1979 Alastair Macfarlane: After a year of injury-free training, a sensible blend of mileage and short or long repetitions, Alastair Macfarlane (Springburn Harriers) showed ominously good form in April, winning the Clydebank to Helensburgh by over a minute, and, shortly afterwards, setting his fastest time for 5000 metres. In the Scottish Marathon at the end of May, a pack of six reached halfway, after fighting into a slight headwind. After the turn, suddenly the pace of the return journey became extremely fast, and athletes were dropped until Macfarlane, Macgregor and Youngson were left. After 20 miles, Alastair was out on his own and, with five miles to go, knew that he would not be caught. Relaxed and fresh, he won in a personal best (2.18.03), from Donald (2.19.15) and Colin (2.19.48). Deservedly, Alastair Macfarlane was presented with the Robertson Trophy. However, in 1979, things were changing for Scottish Marathon runners, with the introduction of inaugural Aberdeen and Glasgow Marathons, which would be emulated by several others around Scotland. With the possibility of prize money on the horizon, plus more expenses-paid ‘trips’ to International Marathons, the ‘Serious Amateurs’ would be replaced by ‘Semi-Professionals’, and the Scottish Marathon Championship would seldom, in future, be significant in deciding the recipient of the prestigious Donald McNab Robertson Memorial Trophy.

1980 Graham Laing: Top of the 1980 Scottish Rankings was John Graham (Clyde Valley AC) who finished a marvellous third (2.11.47) in the New York Marathon – held too late for Robertson Trophy consideration. The Scottish Marathon in June was, alas, to be the final one similar to the fast 1970 Commonwealth Games course. A strong following wind on the outward journey caused problems on the return. Young Graham Laing, an athlete of great potential from Aberdeen AAC, eased away up Wallyford Hill and reached the turn in 66.46, well in front of Alasdair Kean (Derby) and Colin Youngson, who were together in 67.08. On the way back, while Youngson sheltered behind Kean, Laing kept increasing his lead, as they battled the strongest wind they had ever encountered in a marathon. Youngson moved into second at 17 miles but Graham won ‘easily’ in 2.23.03, with Colin timed at 2.24.56 and Alastair Macfarlane 2.27.21, followed by the very tired Alasdair Kean. The race had been sponsored by a butcher, so Graham won £100 worth of meat for his freezer. Not even a chop for the others, however. Elsewhere, Jim Dingwall had won marathons at Le Quesnoy and Glasgow (2:16:07). Yet it seemed fair that the talented, improving Graham Laing, already twice a Scottish International at 10,000m, should win the Robertson Trophy.

1981 John E Graham: Having moved to Birmingham in 1979, joined Birchfield Harriers and produced a Scottish National record at New York in late 1980, John Graham improved even more in 1981, when he won the inaugural Rotterdam Marathon in a startling 2.9.28 – a time then only beaten by six other athletes in history. Second in the 1981 Scottish rankings was Graham Laing, with 2.13.59, when fifth in London. John Graham had represented Scotland in the IAAF World Cross-Country Championships four times: once as a junior (1975); and thrice as a senior (1977, 1978 and 1980). In 1978, he had twice broken the Scottish Native Record for 3000 metres steeplechase, ending up with 8.39.3. Now he was piling in many miles of incredibly tough training. Over the year, this averaged 115 miles per week, including track work. Before a marathon, John endured six weeks of even heavier mileage; followed by six weeks of faster work. Undoubtedly, John Graham raised Scottish Marathon standards immensely; and, of course, became a Robertson Trophy winner.

Leslie Watson (London Olympiades), a former Scottish International track and cross-country runner, won the British Championship Marathon in 2.49.08.

1982 John Graham: His marathon racing career (1980-1987) coincided with boom years for the marathon. He competed for GB or as an invited athlete all round the world and received marvellous hospitality and prize money. He met and formed friendships with great runners past and present, from Herb Elliot to Frank Shorter and Steve Jones. In 1982, representing Scotland at the Commonwealth Games in Brisbane, John raced boldly but suffered from a cruel stitch (an old problem due to a scarred stomach muscle) and finished fourth in 2.13.04. Graham Laing ran very well for seventh in 2.14.54. To finish the season, John Graham ran 2.10.57 in New York; and retained the Robertson Trophy.

1983 Jim Dingwall Back in 1982, Jim had been 5th in the AAA race at Gateshead in 2:15:30, nine seconds clear of Graham Laing, who, along with John Graham, was selected to run the Commonwealth Games Marathon instead of Jim, due to lack of Scottish team funding. How did he respond to this setback? In January 1983 Jim won the Hong Kong Marathon (2.15.48). Then, in the London Marathon on the 17^th of April, he ran the fastest time of his life: 2.11.44, securing fifth place and bronze in the British championships. On paper this was his best run, but he was left without the feeling of euphoria that normally accompanies such a performance. To explain, having had a cold for the three days prior to the race he had not slept well, and then on the day he had lost a lot of ground on the cobbles at the Tower at 22 miles. The resulting feeling was one of frustration as he felt that he could have gone even faster although he was pleased with the time. He also ran Laredo, New York and Bolton in 1983; and after that continued to represent GB in marathons. Looking back, Jim reckoned that his best ever performance had been winning the 1976 San Silvestre Villecana road race in Madrid, since to defeat four Olympic finalists came as such a lovely surprise. For the third time, Jim Dingwall was presented with the Robertson Trophy.

1984 Don Macgregor In 1983, Donald had won the first Dundee Marathon in 2.17.24, the fastest time of the year by a British Veteran. In 1984, aged almost 45, he won Dundee again in 2.18.41. After his birthday, he smashed the British M45 record in the Glasgow Marathon with 2.19.01. Donald, the 1972 Olympian, had been World Veteran Marathon champion in 1980; and also coached the Scottish Marathon squad. The fact that Donald Macgregor received the Robertson Trophy suggests that the SMC/SAAA selectors had become fully aware of the flourishing Veteran/Masters movement and were not automatically nominating the fastest Scot of the year.

The 1980s were dominated by John Graham and then Allister Hutton, which meant that other really good marathon men seldom won the Trophy. In 1984, Fraser Clyne (Aberdeen AAC) finished second at the US Marathon Championships in Sacramento in his fastest ever time of 2:11:50. He had run for Scotland: five times in the World Cross; and had Scottish vests for 3000m Steeplechase, 5000m and 10,000m. Fraser, hampered by a lower back problem, still finished tenth in the 1986 Edinburgh Commonwealth Marathon, and often represented GB, as well as (between 1992 and 1997) winning five Scottish Marathon titles. Fraser Clyne, along with Peter Fleming (Bellahouston) must be the best male Scots never to receive the Donald McNab Robertson Memorial Trophy.

1985 Allister Hutton: In 1975, aged 20, Allister had won the Scottish Junior Cross-Country title. He was National Senior Champion in 1978 and 1982; and had a record ten appearances for Scotland in the IAAF World Championships. At 5000 metres, he recorded his best time, 13.41.45, at the age of 26. Four years earlier he had run 28.13.09 for 10,000 metres at a mere 22 years old; but it took almost another ten years before he finally broke a barrier to record 27.59.12. Thirteen of the top fifty Scottish 10,000 metres performances were his. Allister competed in three consecutive Commonwealth Games for Scotland during his career, starting in 1978. In 1985, he finished his third marathon in London, third in the race (and the British Championships) behind Steve Jones and Charlie Spedding, in a Scottish National record time of 2.09.16 – a mark which was to endure for 34 years. This excellent performance justified completely Allister’s years of Spartan concentration on maximising speed and stamina before switching to the classic distance. John Graham ran 2.9.58 when he was second in Rotterdam; and 2.12.55 in Chicago, but Allister Hutton had to be chosen as the winner of the Robertson Trophy.

Aberdeen AAC’s Lynda Bain (who in 1983 had been the first Scottish Women’s Marathon Champion, and retained this title in 1984) finished London in 7th place, with an excellent 2.33.38, a new Scottish National record.

1986 John Graham: In the Edinburgh Commonwealth Games Marathon, the holder – Australia’s Rob de Castella – zipped casually through the first ten miles in 49.27. He then increased the tempo, covering the next five miles in 24.10 with only Scotland’s John Graham (who that Spring had run 2.13.42 in Rotterdam) for company. The big Lanarkshire man was keen to pick up a medal after finishing fourth four years earlier in Brisbane, but paid a heavy price for trying to stay with the tough Australian. De Castella continued to power away and went on to win in 2.10.15. Graham ran out of steam and was overhauled by another Australian (Steve Moneghetti 2.11.08) and Canada’s Dave Edge (2.11.18). John had to settle for fourth place in 2.12.10. It was little consolation to win the Robertson Trophy for the third time.

Allister Hutton had been third in London again (2.12.36) and won a British Championship silver medal.

For Scotland, Lorna Irving (Border) was a very good fifth in the very first Commonwealth Games Women’s Marathon (2.36.34).

1987 Lindsay Robertson: Although Scottish Athletics records are patchy, it seemed likely that John Graham would have received the Robertson Trophy for the fourth and final time. He topped the Scottish rankings with 2.12.32 when securing bronze in the British Championships in London. Sadly, John considered this time ‘slow’, reduced his training mileage and eventually stopped racing. Amazingly, John Graham once held nine of the best twenty Scottish marathon times. Although the Scottish Marathon Club proposed John Graham for the Trophy, the SAAA over-ruled in favour of Lindsay Robertson (EAC), who won the Frankfurt Marathon that October, recording his fastest-ever time of 2.13.30. During his career, he ran seventeen sub-2:20 marathon races; won Edinburgh twice and the Tiberias Marathon in Israel three times. Lindsay ran several good races representing Scotland (or GB in the European or World Marathon Cups). He raced all over Europe plus New York and Seoul in South Korea.

1988 Allister Hutton: Sixth place in London, in a very good time of 2.11.42, made sure that the Robertson Trophy returned to Allister Hutton. Sheila Catford (Leeds) ran very well to record 2.33.44. Allister and Sheila topped the Scottish ranking lists.

1989: Allister Hutton (ESH) or Lynn Harding (Houghton). These two athletes might have shared the Robertson trophy, after topping the Scottish rankings, Allister with 2.12.47. Lynn finished eighth (British Championship bronze) in London, clocking an excellent time of 2.31.45, breaking the Scottish National record, which had been set in 1985 by Lynda Bain (Aberdeen AAC). Scottish selectors were now taking Women’s performances very seriously, and into consideration when it came to awarding the Robertson Trophy. Between 1976 and 1982, Leslie Watson (London Olympiades), a Scottish International on track and country, had topped the Scottish Women’s marathon rankings six times. She became an extremely popular competitor in umpteen British city marathons; and also set records in the London to Brighton ultra; and the World’s fastest time for 50 miles. Then Lorna Irving and Lynda Bain ran marathons for Scotland and Great Britain. Sheila Catford and Lynn Harding followed suit. Before long, Liz McColgan would become the top Scottish marathon runner, more highly rated than any contemporary Scottish male.

1990 Allister Hutton: There could only be one athlete considered for the Robertson Trophy this year: the British Marathon Champion, Allister Hutton.

Here is the official London Marathon history online report: “The tenth London Marathon saw the first British men’s winner since 1985 when 35-year-old Allister Hutton left a quality field far behind after dispensing with the services of pacemaker Bill Reifsnyder of the USA at 14 miles. In poor weather, Hutton maintained his form to the line, winning in 2:10:10. He was in such good shape that he even asked the early pacemaker Nick Rose to speed things up after only10km. The real race was among the chasing pack but Italian Salvatore Bettiol and Spaniard Juan Romera proved stronger than the rest to finish second and third. Romera set a new Spanish record with 2:10:48. Pre-race favourite Belayneh Densimo, the world record holder from Ethiopia, dropped out after 14 miles.”

Seldom has a television broadcast seemed so fascinating to Scottish viewers; seldom has time (and distance) taken so long to pass. Yet Allister showed no sign of distress: his style remained controlled and his face composed. However, the long, long straight of The Mall seemed an eternity to him – both agony and ecstasy as he lived out the dream of leading such an important event in front of so many rivals and spectators. Eventually he crossed Westminster Bridge first, still twenty seconds ahead, in 2.10.10 – a really dramatic Scottish victory in the English heartland.

Back in 1984, awesome runaway victories in the Morpeth to Newcastle and AAA Half Marathon had convinced Allister to try the marathon seriously. During his career, he ran well in London (five times), Chicago (twice), Oslo and New York; and in 1990 created a significant piece of Scottish (and British) Athletics History.

Sheila Catford won a bronze medal in the British Championships with a time of 2:36:42.

1991 Donald A Ritchie: Later voted the World’s finest ultra-distance runner of the 20^th Century, Donald was aged 47, when he won the 1991 West Highland Way race and the AAA 24 hours title, before being awarded the Robertson Trophy. In 1992 he was victorious in the very first Scottish 100km event at Heriot Watt University, the British 100km at Nottingham and his third consecutive 24 hours AAA championship. Scottish Athletics presented him with the George Dallas Memorial Trust Trophy.

N,B. Paul Evans topped the Scottish marathon rankings in 1991 (2.12.53) and 1992 (2.10.36). Evans was born in Springburn but based in Suffolk. He was identified as a 1994 Commonwealth Games prospect but in 1993 ran a road race for England at Bamburgh Castle, then notified the Scottish CG team manager that he intended to continue competing for England. None of his later times featured in Scottish lists, even when he won the 1996 Chicago Marathon in 2.8.52.

1992 Liz McColgan: Suffice it to say that Liz McColgan (nee Lynch) of Dundee Hawkhill Harriers was one of Scotland’s greatest all-time athletes, world-class on track, country and road. Do read her full profile on the site Scottish Distance Running History, under ‘Elite Endurance’. She concentrated on the marathon between 1992 and 1998, setting very high standards which have never been equalled by a Scottish woman. In 1992 she won the first World Half Marathon title; and also the Tokyo marathon in a Scottish National record of 2.27.38 and was a clear choice to receive the Robertson Trophy – the first woman to do so, but certainly not the last.

1993 Liz McColgan: She finished a fine third (2.29.37) in the 1993 Flora London Marathon in 1993 and retained the Robertson Trophy. Then she was injured and, by 1995, had been told that she might never run again, since years of hard training were taking their toll, causing chronic pain in back, knee and foot. Yet her doctors probably didn’t realise who they were dealing with: this was Liz McColgan!

Top male Scot in the 1993 marathon rankings was Peter Fleming (Racing Club Edinburgh) with his fastest-ever time of 2.13.33 in San Sebastian, Spain. Peter also led the way in 94, 95 and 96 and enjoyed a long, successful, lucrative 20-year road running career, not only in Britain but also predominantly in the USA. Aged 22, he had won the 1983 Glasgow Marathon for Scotland (leading his team to victory over the other home countries) but, between 1987 and 1990, concentrated on increasing speed at shorter distances. The result was a 1991 marathon in 2:14:17. GB marathon ranking positions for his best time each year were 7th in 1993, 8th in 1994, 6th in 1995 and 9th in 1996. Peter Fleming won several significant American races as a Veteran.

1994 Trudi Thomson: At the age of 35, Trudi Thomson (Pitreavie AAC) raced very frequently. By early June 1994, that year she had already won the Scottish veteran cross-country, half marathon and marathon titles, as well as finishing third in the UK Inter County 20 miles championship at Corby; and fifth in the Two Oceans (Indian to Atlantic) 35-mile race in Cape Town. At the end of June, Trudi represented Great Britain in the World 100 km championships at Lake Saroma in Japan. There she had the race of her life to take the silver medal, recording 7 hours 42 minutes and 17 seconds, a Scottish National record. Trudi also won her third Two Bridges 36 Miles in a much faster time than before, a record 4:06:45. Victory in the Edinburgh to North Berwick 22.6 miles produced another course record of 2:15:31. After such a marvellous season, Trudi Thomson was the outstanding candidate to receive the Robertson Trophy.

1995 Lynn Harding: In the European 100km Championship. Lynn won individual silver in the excellent time of 7.52.23, leading the Great Britain team to silver medals as well. Back in 1989, she had set a new Scottish marathon record of 2.31.45 in the London Marathon; and also ran for Scotland in the 1990 and 1994 Commonwealth Games Marathons. Lynn Harding was the last definite recipient of the Donald McNab Robertson Memorial Trophy.

1996 Liz McColgan: In soaring heat, Liz McColgan won the Flora London Marathon (2.27.54), becoming British Champion. The official report included the following: “Norway’s Anita Hakenstad, who was chasing a 2:30:00 Olympic qualifying time, formed an early breakaway alliance with Russia’s Firaya Sultanova and Estonia’s Jane Salumae and the trio left the women’s elite pack far behind. Hakenstad forged ahead in mile 10 and passed the half way point alone in a personal half-marathon best of 73:31. At this stage she was 2 minutes clear of Liz McColgan and was to stay in the lead until the 20-mile point. Chasing hard, McColgan did not gain sight of the fleeing Norwegian until 30km but, thus encouraged, the Scot quickly closed the gap and by the finish was over 2 minutes clear of the emerging Kenyan, Joyce Chepchumba. Defending champion, Malgorzata Sobanska from Poland, salvaged something from a lack-lustre run by taking 3rd place from Angelina Kanana of Kenya with a late rally. The bold Hakenstad, although suffering in the closing miles, was rewarded with a full marathon personal best in 5th place.”

In the Autumn, Liz McColgan finished first in the BUPA Great North Run, but had again been left disappointed at the Olympics. McColgan had chosen the marathon but, just days before, while preparing at her base in Florida, she suffered an insect bite. The poison entered her system and she was never herself, finishing sixteenth in the Games in Atlanta. There is no doubt that, had it been presented that year, she would have received the Robertson Trophy.

1997 Liz McColgan: In 1997 she was so close to successfully defending her London Marathon title, losing by one second to Kenya’s Joyce Chepchumba, who took victory with virtually the final step of a memorable race. But McColgan’s time of 2:26:52 was a personal best and a new Scottish National record.

Top male Scot was David Cavers (Teviotdale Harriers/ Border) who ran 2.16.18, probably in Rotterdam. Between 1990 and 2000, he represented Scotland four times for road running (10km, half marathon, ten miles, marathon) and nine times for cross-country, including the 1990 Home Countries International, which Scotland won, plus British championships and World Trials. Cross-country was his main strength: six East District titles; and amazing consistency in the Senior National. Between 1989 and 2001 he was second, fourth twice, fifth twice, seventh, eighth twice, ninth, tenth twice, twelfth and fourteenth. Dave’s silver medal in 1999 was won at Beach Park, Irvine, when he was defeated by Bobby Quinn but finished in front of Tommy Murray, Phil Mowbray and Tom Hanlon. When he was fourth in 2000, the three in front were also very high-quality GB Internationals – Quinn, Murray and Glen Stewart.

1998 Liz McColgan: Once again, Scotland’s best marathon runner finished second in the London Marathon with 2.26.54; and should have been awarded the Robertson Trophy for the fifth time.

Dave Cavers improved his personal best to 2.16.06 in Rotterdam. He was selected to compete for Scotland at that year’s Commonwealth Games. Unfortunately, this took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which proved extremely hot, humid and totally unsuitable conditions for long distance running. Dave was also unlucky to contract a virus and did not finish the race. However, by November 1998, he had recovered in time to win the Derwentwater ten miles road race in Kendal. Dave Cavers continued to run cross-country until 2008 before retiring after an outstanding career.

1999 Simon Pride: Born in Swansea, he represented Wales in 800m and 1500 metres as a youngster and was in the same Schools’ International team as World Champion hurdler Colin Jackson. His promising running career took a back seat after he left school to join the Army at 17. Four years later he moved to Fochabers in Moray, Scotland. An industrial accident almost ended his running but, once he recovered, advised by Donald Ritchie (the World 100km Track record holder) he found international success in the world of ultra-distance running. His first 100K in 1996 produced a Scottish Championship bronze medal. The following year he was ninth in the European Championships and by 1998 he had a top six finish in the World Championships to his credit (6:59:38). In March 1999 Simon Pride came close to breaking the world record for 40 miles track when winning the well-respected annual event in Barry, Wales, with a time of 3:53:55 which was a race record. The Keith and District athlete’s greatest triumph came in May 1999 in France, where he won the World 100km title with a UK and Scottish road best of 6 hours 24 minutes 05 seconds. In an exciting last 10K he prevailed over the Frenchman Thierry Guichard by a mere 21 seconds! Simon received the John Jewell Medal for 1999 which is presented annually by the Road Runners Club for the most outstanding annual road running performance at any distance from 10K upwards by a British athlete. In addition, he was Scotland’s Athlete of the Year; and would have been certain to win the Robertson Trophy

2000 Lynne MacDougall: 1984 Olympic 1500m finalist Lynne MacDougall (City of Glasgow) concentrated on road running after a very successful track career, winning Scottish and AAA titles. In 2000 she topped the Scottish rankings with 2:38:22 from second placer Trudi Thomson’s 2:40:40. Lynne’s time was set when she was first British female runner to finish in the London Marathon which meant that she was the UK Women’s Marathon Champion.

Simon Pride, who had decided to take a rest from ultras, won the Dublin Marathon in 2.18.49; and also the Scottish Marathon at Lochaber, breaking the course record. Running on his own for almost the whole way, he took advantage of perfect conditions to stop the clock in 2:21:17.

2001: Alan Reid won the Anglo-Celtic Plate, running for Scotland in the Home Countries International, and became UK 100km champion. The Peterhead AC athlete won the Two Bridges 36 in 1999; and the Speyside Way 50km in 2000. His other ultra-running achievements include: Gold (2001), silver and bronze medals in the British 100km Road Championships, the Scottish 50km title in 1999 and 2000 and winning the Barry 40 miles track race in 2001. Naturally he was a GB International and deserved to win the Robertson Trophy.

Lynne MacDougall: Despite appearing on no fewer than five Scottish all-time ranking lists, Lynne in 2001 stuck to road running, where the ability, that had made one of Scotland’s best ever at distances from 800m to 5000m on the track, indicated that she was certainly one of the best of her generation on this surface too. Lynn topped the Scottish lists at 10 Miles (55:28 when winning at Carlisle in November), half marathon (74:24 when finishing in fifteenth in the Great North Run at South Shields in September) and in the marathon (with 2:37:40 at London in April). She won the Scottish 10,000m with a time of 34:41 and it was her second national title at the distance with the first being in 1993 when she was timed at 34:28.

Simon Pride ran a very good personal best of 2.16.27 when he finished the London Marathon in 17^th place.

2002: Lynne MacDougall improved her personal best with 2.36.29 when second in Seville but was subsequently injured and did not race in the Commonwealth Games.

Simon Pride represented his adopted country, Scotland, in the Manchester Commonwealth Games marathon in 2002, finishing sixteenth. Earlier he had won the Belfast Marathon.

Jamie Reid (Law and District) was Scottish Marathon Champion in 2002, 2003 and 2007; and won the Scottish 50km in 2004. In 2002 he topped the Scottish rankings with 2.21.46.

2003 Simon Pride (Metro Aberdeen RC) topped the rankings when he ran 2.18.52 for 5^th place in Dublin. He had always maintained not only endurance but also speed in his training – long mile intervals with short recoveries, and tempo runs or fartlek, often on undulating forest tracks. After a brief return to ultra-running when he finished third in the 2004 European 100K Championships in Faenza, Italy, Simon reverted once more to shorter distances. His marathon victories included: Belfast, Dublin, Lochaber and the Loch Ness event. He was Scottish Marathon Champion four times, in 2000, 2001, 2004 and 2006 (variously representing Keith, Metro Aberdeen and Forres Harriers).

2004: Kate Jenkins: Running for Carnethy Hill Running Club, Kate won the Scottish Marathon championship (always when it was held as part of the Elgin Marathon) four times (1997, 2000, 2003, 2007). In 2007 and 2011, she was first in the Scottish 50km. In the West Highland Way Race, Kate Jenkins set a Women’s course record of 17:37:48, in 2000, when only one man was faster. She was also victorious in this arduous event in 1999, 2003, 2004 and 2006. Kate, usually accompanied by her spaniel, won the Speyside Way 50k in 2000, 2002 and 2004. Surely these achievements made her a likely winner of the Robertson Trophy?

Topping the Scottish Marathon rankings were Susan Partridge (City of Glasgow) with a time of 2.41.44; and Simon Pride (Metro Aberdeen) with 2.19.42.

2005 Hayley Haining: On 17 April the marathon career started for a woman who had started out running fast 800m races as a twelve-year-old. In the Flora London Marathon, Hayley clocked an outstanding 2:35:23, which led to her selection for the Great Britain World Champion team. In Helsinki, on 14th August, Hayley raced to a personal best of 2:34:41. The British team, led by the champion Paula Radcliffe, won bronze medals. On 2nd October Hayley competed in the World Half Marathon Championship in Edmonton, Canada, and finished 24th in 73:39.

Top of the Scottish rankings was Kathy Butler (Windsor), with an excellent 2.30.01 in Autumn when 7^th at the Chicago Marathon. However, after such a superb season, Hayley Haining (Kilbarchan) would have been a worthy winner of the Robertson Trophy.

2006 Kathy Butler: ran even faster, with 2.28.39 when 9^th at the Chicago Marathon. Born in Edinburgh, she was British 10,000m Champion in 2004 and 2005. Kathy represented GB in the 2004 Athens Olympics and finished 12th in the 10,000m. In 2003 she ran in Liverpool, leading a winning Scottish team in a cross-country match against England. Kathy also competed for Scotland in the 2006 Commonwealth Games 10,000m, finishing seventh. She deserved to win the Robertson Trophy.

Hayley Haining: In the Melbourne Commonwealth Games Marathon, another good run saw her finish ninth in 2:39:39, one place and 20 seconds ahead of Scottish rival Susan Partridge. Hayley’s second marathon of the year was the Adidas Dublin Marathon where 2:31:51 was another personal best.

2007 Hayley Haining: She produced yet another fastest time when finishing sixth at the Berlin Marathon on 30th September with a time of 2:30:43. This topped the Scottish rankings and she should have regained the Robertson Trophy.

2008 Hayley Haining: After two fast half marathons, Hayley competed in the Flora London Marathon on 13th April: it turned out to be another personal best, a silver medal in the British Championships and an Olympic Qualifying time of 2:29:18, having gone through the half marathon in 73:56. It was the official qualifying race and she was second Briton behind Liz Yelling and had the time. BUT – and it was a very big but – Mara Yamauchi had already been selected and World Champion Paula Radcliffe had not run because she was injured and the selectors had to keep her in mind. Paula decided to run in the Beijing Olympic Marathon, although her performance was not good by her own high standards. Hayley was unlucky not to take part.

In the Scottish rankings, Hayley topped the lists for the 10K with a time of 32:24 run in Cardiff (second was Kathy Butler with 33:43 run in Cape Elisabeth, USA), for the half marathon with 70:53 in the Great North Run (second was Kathy Butler in 74:52 run in San Jose, USA) and the marathon with 2:29:18 (second was domestic rival Susan Partridge with 2:41:40). Hayley’s racing year ended with the New York City Marathon in 12^th place, clocking 2:35:11. She should have retained the Robertson Trophy.

2009: Martin Williams (Tipton) topped the Scottish Men’s rankings with 2.18.24.

Hayley Haining ran 2.36.08 in the Berlin Marathon.

2010 Andrew Lemoncello: The Fife AC Olympic steeplechaser ran a very good 2.13.40 when he was 8^th in the London Marathon and became British and Scottish Champion.

Susan Partridge: The Leeds City athlete ran 2.35.57 to become Scottish Champion in London and secure British silver. She was selected for the GB team in the Barcelona European Championships Marathon and contributed to team bronze medals.

Perhaps both of these athletes should have received Robertson Trophy plaques.

A very good ultra-distance runner, Ellie Greenwood (Vancouver Falcons), became 2010 IAU 100 km World Champion in Gibraltar; and led GB to team gold as well. She was born in Dundee, but spent most of her childhood in England. She moved to Canada after graduating from university to work for a ski tour operator. Ellie lives in Vancouver, Canada, but races for Great Britain, although she has never run for Scotland.

2011 Susan Partridge: In the London Marathon, she ran 2:34:13 (a personal best) and secured bronze in the British Championships. Susan was picked for the World Championships in Korea. Although the temperature there was extremely hot, she finished a very good 24^th (first GB athlete); and should have received the Robertson Trophy.

Andrew Lemoncello obtained a British silver medal 2:15:24 in the London Marathon, but his time (2.15.24) was slower, since his training had been affected by an Achilles tendon injury.

2011 Craig Stewart: The Forfar Road Runner won the Anglo-Celtic Plate International 100k race in 7.01.36, leading the Scottish Men’s team to victory over the other Home Nations. Craig should have been awarded the Robertson Trophy.

Hayley Haining ran 2:35:10 in the New York City Marathon.

2012 Freya Murray-Ross: The Edinburgh athlete produced an excellent 2:28:12 in the London Marathon and won British Championship silver. In the London Olympic Marathon, she ran a good well-paced race to be first Briton in 44^th place, recording 2.32.14. Freya was victorious in six Scottish cross-country championships; and, in the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games, represented Scotland in 5000m and 10,000m. She thoroughly deserved to win the Robertson Trophy.

Derek Hawkins (Kilbarchan) ran a fine first marathon, clocking 2:14:04 in Frankfurt to top the Scottish Men’s rankings.

2013 Susan Partridge: The Leeds-based athlete (who had been born and educated in Scotland) recorded her fastest time (2:30:46) when she was 9^th in the London Marathon and became British Champion. In the Moscow World Championship Marathon, Susan came through very strongly to finish an excellent 10^th and third European. She should definitely have regained the Robertson Trophy.

Derek Hawkins: The Kilbarchan man became British Champion by running 2.16.50 in the London Marathon. Although he was selected for the GB World Championship Marathon team, he decided not to go, preferring to continue training for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014.

Hayley Haining secured a bronze medal in the British Championships with 2:36:56.

2014 Derek Hawkins: He had been Scottish Cross-Country Champion in 2011 and 2012. Derek ran very strongly to record 2:14:15 and finish 9^th – and first Briton – in the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games Marathon. He should have shared the Robertson Trophy with Susan Partridge, who was sixth in the Commonwealth Games race, with 2.32.18.

Hayley Haining ended her very successful racing career with 13^th place in Glasgow. Aged 42, Hayley became Scotland’s oldest Commonwealth Games athlete.

Ellie Greenwood regained the IAU 100km World Championship in Doha. She has broken numerous course records, including those for the Western States 100, the Canadian Death Race, the JFK 50 Mile Run and the Knee Knackering North Shore Trail Run. She was the first British woman to win (in 2014) the 90 km/54 miles Comrades Marathon in South Africa; and has a 100km personal best, set in 2010, of 7:29.05.

2015: Ross Houston: The Central AC athlete won the prestigious Anglo-Celtic Plate 100km (the Home Countries International contest) – and became UK Champion – in an excellent record event time of 6.43.35. Ross had been Scottish Marathon Champion at Inverness in 2011 and 2012. He should have been awarded the Robertson Trophy.

Topping the Scottish marathon rankings were: Susan Partridge, with a very good time of 2:31:31; and the promising Callum Hawkins (Kilbarchan) with 2:12:17 when 12^th in Frankfurt.

2016 Callum Hawkins: The very talented young Scot became British (and Scottish) Champion when 8^th in the London Marathon, in a personal best of 2:10:52. In the Rio Olympics, despite roasting temperatures, Callum performed marvellously to achieve 9^th place in 2.11.52. He and his older brother Derek were both trained by their father Robert. Callum would certainly have won the Robertson Trophy.

In London, Derek Hawkins ran 2:12:57 for bronze in the British Championships. He was chosen to represent GB in Rio but, hampered by injury, was forced to struggle bravely to the finish.

Tsegai Tewelde of Shettleston (formerly Eritrean) was second Briton at the London Marathon in 12^th place with a time of 2:12:23. Although this earned him a place in the Great Britain team for the Rio Olympics, he did not manage to finish in the men’s marathon.

Freya Ross became Scottish Marathon Champion in London with a time of 2.37.52.

Ross Houston created a new Scottish 50km Championship record (2.56.37).

2017 Callum Hawkins: performed superbly to finish fourth in the London World Championship Marathon, clocking his fastest-ever time of 2:10:17. In Japan, Callum created a new Scottish National Half Marathon record, winning in 60 minutes exactly. Previously, he had competed for Scotland in the 10,000 metres at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games in the men’s 10,000 metres, finishing 20th. Callum was Scottish Cross-Country Champion in 2014 and 2017. Undoubtedly, he should have won the Robertson Trophy.

2017 Robbie Simpson (Deeside Runners) became Scottish Marathon Champion in London, with a time of 2.15.04, which secured a British Championship silver medal and qualified him for the 2017 World Championships Marathon, as well as the 2018 Commonwealth event. Unfortunately, injury prevented him from taking up his place at the World Championships but he bounced back to be at his best at the Commonwealth Games.

Susan Partridge became Scottish Marathon Champion in the London Marathon, clocking 2.37.51.

2018 Rob Turner: The Edinburgh AC athlete won the Anglo-Celtic Plate 100km and became both Scottish and UK Champion. Scotland’s Men defeated the other Home Countries to win the Team award.

Robbie Simpson: He had run his first marathon in 2016, finishing 18^th in the London Marathon with 2.15.38. Previously Robbie had competed in mountain running events, having been a silver medallist at the 2014 European Mountain Running Championships and a bronze medallist at the 2015 World Mountain Running Championships. Robbie competed five times at the European Mountain Running Championships and five times at the World Championships. He won the Jungfrau Marathon in 2016 and 2018. In very hot conditions at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Marathon, Robbie judged his effort brilliantly and came through to secure a bronze medal in 2.19.36.

Perhaps both of these fine Scottish distance runners should have received Donald McNab Robertson Memorial Trophy plaques.

2019

Sophie Mullins (Fife AC) became the very first Scottish woman to win the Anglo-Celtic Plate (along with UK and Scottish titles).

Steph Twell delivered a new Scottish Record for the Women’s marathon with a superb run in Germany. She clocked 2:26.40 to finish eighth in the Frankfurt Marathon – with that time 12 seconds quicker than Liz McColgan’s time from 1997; and well below the 2:29.30 qualifying time for the Olympics being asked by British Athletics. Steph is now fifth on the all-time British list. She also set a new Half Marathon personal best of 68.54, a time only beaten by Liz McColgan on the all-time Scottish list.

Callum Hawkins ran brilliantly, and very hard, to secure 10^th place in the London Marathon, creating a new Scottish National Record 2:08:14. He won British Championship silver behind Mo Farah. (The previous Scottish Record was set by Allister Hutton, 34 years ago!)

Callum’s performance guaranteed a place in the team for the World Championships in Doha and thrust him into contention for one of the three GB 2020 Olympics spots, since he finished well inside the qualifying time.

He said: “It was really tough. It was windy about three quarters of the way around. I had a funny moment when I hit 40km but managed to get myself back together. It’s a good stepping stone for whatever I choose towards the end of the year. Hopefully it will be the World Championships and perhaps I will be pushing for a medal and be in even better condition.”

Callum came so close, with a fantastic fourth place in the World Championship Marathon. He was awarded the trophy for Scottish Athletics Male Athlete of the Year. Subsequently, he was pre-selected for the GB 2020 Olympic Marathon team.

From Ray Aiken

In April 2019 I joined 6 cyclists for a bike tour of Palestine. Our arrival in Bethlehem coincided nicely with the Palestinian marathon. I knew that both the distance and hilly terrain were beyond my current ability but I thought I might manage the 10k. Another cyclist called Mike had entered for the family 5k fun run but agreed to join me if I’d do the 10k. He wondered given his current injury status if he’d manage the 10k. I wondered if I could. What an experience.

Here’s what I wrote about the 10k:

Don’t think I’ll forget that 10k in a while

I came for a cycle.

On the 22nd March the day after arrival

The Palestinian marathon took over.

Running for me has lessened and taken longer with age

The surface now generally grassy and soft

5 kilometres has been the longest for a long while

Now I was going to attempt 10k on a hilly tarred terrain

Even thought of a full 26 miler

Graham finally and in retrospect mercifully nailed that one on the head

keeping my feet on the ground.

Mike upgraded from 5k

We were going to start together

On warm sunny weather.

He thought I might finish ahead

With previous injuries he might not finish.

I was asked about pace

Suggested somewhere between 5 and 6 mins per k.

Thinks I, can you even do that now, Ray?

We were well back in the crowd at the start

Shuffled along as we crossed

Dodging in and out over the line

Picking up speed and then slowing down

As others ran or walked across our path

or right in front

Stopped.

Well over 6 minutes for the first kilometre

Ideas of a 5 minutes per k out the window.

With the next sub 6 mentally set the target as an hour in total

I kept Mike informed with info from Garmin.

He reminded me it wasn’t all about time.

A timely reminder.

Up hills and there were many

he went ahead or maybe it was me that dropped back.

Downhill the reverse.

We worked well together.

Complemented

and giving compliments.

What a party atmosphere

Music, laughter and song

With slogans on posters

Advised not to run into the wall.

Young and old

Great spectator support

Encouraged by others for just being there.

After 5 k I became quite convinced we’d do it.

If injury didn’t set in

We were sure to fin…..ish.

We reached 10k in just over 57

There was still that steep hill

Going up it Mike picked up the pace

I’m not too far behind

Just over one hour for over 10k.

Elated to have done it

To be part of such an occasion

I’m on a high

I’ve run in some big races

But can barely recall

Finishing with such elation.

The chap on the loudspeaker

Thanked us all

52 nations represented in freedom of movement

We ran feeling part of a cause

One day to walk, run freely

Unrestricted

No borders

I’ve started supporting a Marathon Cause.

I think the marathon winner, Quentin Guillon, has written a great article which captures the pathos and magnificence of the event I was privileged to see and participate in. It’s worth a read:

http://quentinguillon.com/index.php/2019/04/02/palestine-marathon-a-run-between-the-walls/

Frank Hurley (M65 gold) leading Tony Martin (M65 silver)

Heather Anderson (W40 gold) outsprinting Angela Mudge (W45 gold)

Sue Ridley (W50 gold medallist)

Claire Gordon (W40 silver) moving clear of Ruth Fraser Moodie (W40 bronze)

Honorary President:

ALASTAIR MACFARLANE

President:

CAMPBELL JOSS

25 Speirs Road

Bearsden, G61 2LX

Tel: 0141 9420731

cdjoss2@gmail.com

Immediate Past President:

ALASTAIR MACFARLANE

Vice-President:

ADA STEWART

30 Earlsburn Road,

Lenzie, G66 5PF

Tel: 0141 5780526

Honorary Secretary:

ARLENE LEWIS

202 Archerhill Road

Knightswood

Glasgow, G13 3YX

Tel: 07850 070337

Honorary Treasurer:

ANDY LAW

Euphian, Kilduskland Road

Ardrishaig, Argyll

PA30 8EH

Tel. 01546 605336

LAWCHGAIR@aol.com

Membership Secretary:

ADA STEWART

30 Earlsburn Road,

Lenzie, G66 5PF

Tel: 0141 5780526

stewart2@ntlworld.com

Handicapper:

PETER RUDZINSKI

106 Braes Avenue

Clydebank. G81 1DP

Tel.0141 5623416

p.rudzinski@ntlworld.com

Committee Members:

JOHN BELL

Flat 3/1, 57 Clouston Street

Glasgow G20 8QW

Tel. 0141 9466949

WILLIE DRYSDALE

6 Kintyre Wynd

Carluke, ML8 5RW

Tel: 01555 771 448

DAVID FAIRWEATHER

12 Powburn Crescent

Uddingston, G71 7SS

Tel: 01698 810575

STEWART McCRAE

17 Woodburn Way, Balloch

Cumbernauld G68 9BJ

Tel: 01236 728783

Eddie McKenzie

Little Haremoss,

Fortrie, Turriff

Aberdeenshire, AB53 4HR

Tel: 01464 871430

PAUL THOMPSON

Whitecroft, 5 Gareloch Brae

Shandon, Helensburgh G84 8PJ

Tel. 01436 821707

ROBERT YOUNG

4 St Mary’s Road, Bishopbriggs

Glasgow G64 2EH

Tel. 0141 5633714

BMAF Delegates

To be appointed

Ada Stewart

SAL West District Delegate

Willie Drysdale

SAL Delegate at AGM

To be appointed

Website

Ada Stewart

Auditor

George Inglis

FIXTURES 01 2010/11

*****************************

Covid-19 virus. All events up to at least end May are cancelled or postponed. It might be much longer.

March 2020

Sun 15^th – Sat 21^st

Postponed until 10 – 17 January 2021
European Masters Indoor Track & Field Championships
Braga, Portugal

April 2020

Sun 5^th Postponed

Tom Scott 10 mile Road Race

Water Sports Centre, Strathclyde Park,

Sun 19^th Postponed

British Masters 10k Road Championships,
Grangemouth Stadium

May 2020

Wed 5^th Cancelled

Snowball Race 4.8 miles

Coatbridge 7:30pm

Changing at Lochview Golf Driving Centre

Sat 16^th Cancelled

British Masters Road Relay Championships
Sutton Park Sutton Coldfield

Sat 30^th TBC

Bathgate Weslo Cairnpapple Race

2:30pm £3 entry

June 2020

Wed 3^rd TBC

Corstorphine 5 Mile Road Race

Turnhouse Rd, Edinburgh, 7:30pm

Sun 21^st TBC

BMAF 5K Champs, Horwich

Wed 24^th TBC

SVHC 5K Champs

Sea Scouts Hall, Miller Street,

Clydebank, 19:30

July 2020

Sat 4^th TBC

SAL Masters 5000m Track Champs Greenfaulds High School, Cumbernauld

Sat 11^th TBC

SAL Masters T&F Champs

Scotstoun Stadium TBC

Sun 19^th TBC

BMAF Half Marathon Champs

Redhill, Surrey

August 2020

TBC

We are trying to replace theGlasgow 800 10km road race with a 50^th anniversary race up the Rest & be Thankful. Check SVHC website tor further info.

Sat 29^th

SA Masters & SVHC 10000m Track Champs
Ravenscraig Stadium, Greenock

September 2020

TBC

Masters Cross Country Trials

Tollcross Park, Glasgow

Web site: www.scottishmastersathletics.webnode.com

SVHC NEWSLETTER: WINTER 2019

Posted on April 10, 2020 by Admin

MEMBERSHIP NOTES 23rd November 2019

MEMBERS

For those who have not already renewed membership, payment is now due.

Standard Membership £20 Non competing Membership £10 Over 80 Membership Free

Welcome to the 17 new and 18 reinstated members who have joined or re-joined since 9th August 2019. As of 23rd November 2019, we have 556 members, including 30 over 80 & 4 Life Members.

NEWSLETTER The electronic version of the Newsletter is now the preferred option. Any member who would rather receive a printed Newsletter must contact David Fairweather (djf@ dfairweather.plus.com), if they have not already done so. Please inform David if you add or change your email address.

Please send photos, news, letters, articles, etc for the next issue To: COLIN YOUNGSON TOMLOAN, SANQUHAR ROAD, FORRES, IV36 1DG e-mail: cjyoungson@btinternet.com Tel: 01309 672398

SVHC EVENTS

STANDING ORDERS Thank you to the members who have set up standing orders for membership subscriptions. Please keep me informed if your membership details change (especially email addresses. Standing order details: Bank of Scotland, Barrhead, Sort Code: 80-05-54, Beneficiary: Scottish Veteran Harriers Club, Account No: 00778540, Reference: (SVHC Membership No. plus Surname). stewart2@ntlworld.com 0141 5780526 By cheque: please make cheque payable to SVHC and send to Ada Stewart, 30 Earlsburn Road, Lenzie, G66 5PF.

CLUB VESTS Vests and shorts can be purchased from Andy Law – £18 for vests, including postage and £23 for shorts, including postage. If ordering both together deduct one lot of postage. Or, can be delivered to any of the Club races by arrangement with no postage. (Tel: 01546 605336. or email lawchgair@aol.com)

NEW MEMBERS

NUMB CHRS SURN JOIN TOWN

2518 William Halliday 11-Aug-19 Lochgilphead

2519 Scott Henderson 11-Aug-19 Glasgow

2520 Nanette Heaney 19-Aug-19 Ceres

2521 Stuart Gibson 21-Aug-19 East Kilbride

2522 Stuart Robertson 28-Aug-19 Perth

2523 Finlay Finlay 30-Aug-19 Glasgow

2524 Morag Casey 30-Aug-19 Glasgow

2525 Andrew Norris 06-Sep-19 Glasgow

2526 William McCulloch 14-Sep-19 Galashiels

2527 Walter Henderson 16-Sep-19 Glasgow

2528 Yvonne Burgess 19-Sep-19 Glasgow

2529 Joe Chambers 23-Sep-19 Glasgow

2530 Colin Reilly 07-Oct-19 Glasgow

2531 Margaret Cavanagh 24-Oct-19 Kirkcaldy

2532 Daniel Scroop 12-Nov-19 Bearsden

2535 Ewan Jack 22-Nov-19 Dollar

2536 Billy Colvin 18-Nov-19 Edinburgh

2152 Crispin Walsh 21-Aug-19 Glasgow

2462 Barry Queen 23-Aug-19 Helensburgh

1503 James Rowley 31-Aug-19 Carluke

2320 Stuart McGeachy 09-Sep-19 Campbeltown

2047 Russell Whittington 09-Sep-19 Glasgow

917 Andy Rennie 12-Sep-19 Irvine

1702 Robert Rogerson 20-Oct-19 Kilsyth

2378 Jill Smylie 24-Oct-19 Glasgow

2387 Grant Noble 01-Nov-19 Dunbar

2133 Roddy Simpson 01-Nov-19 Linlithgow

2415 Alan Cameron 01-Nov-19 Airdrie

170 Richard Hodelet 01-Nov-19 Bishopton

2234 Morag Taggart 04-Nov-19 Broughty Ferry

1227 Alex MacEwen 05-Nov-19 Edinburgh

1377 Carol-Ann Gray 11-Nov-19 Edinburgh

2190 Jim Wilson 13-Nov-19 Lanark

2003 Louis O’Hare 14-Nov-19 Chryston

931 Douglas Cowie 17-Nov-19 Forres

Ada Stewart Membership Secretary

Obituary: MEL EDWARDS M.B.E.

Sadly, after a typically brave and very long battle against cancer, Mel Edwards, the hugely-popular Aberdeen runner, died recently aged 76. 500 people attended the cremation. Many SVHC members will remember Mel’s endless enthusiasm and love for our sport. Do go to ‘Elite Endurance’ on the Scottish Distance Running History website to find Mel’s updated profile, as well as detailed obituaries of a great man.

BRITISH AND IRISH MASTERS CROSS-COUNTRY INTERNATIONAL

AT AINTREE RACECOURSE ON THE 16^TH OF NOVEMBER

Original Int XC vest. Wrexham 1988 5th November: from Bobby Young

Scottish athletes enjoyed a particularly successful outing to the 2019 version of this great annual fixture. Individually, three gold, five silver and two bronze medals were secured; and there were two team victories as well as five silver medals (M60, M65, M70, M75, W35) and nine bronze.

Michelle Sandison (W35), Alastair Walker (M60) and Ann White (W65) each retained titles won last year. Ann was chased all the way by Jane Waterhouse (who has a very fine record in this event), Jeanette Craig finished fourth and Linden Nicholson fifth, which ensured team triumph. The other winning Scottish outfit was M35 due to fine runs by Stuart Gibson 2^nd, Richard Mair 3^rd and Colin Reilly 4^th.

Scott Brember won M45 silver for the second year in succession. Alex Sutherland improved to M70 silver. Bobby Young fought off a Welsh rival for M75 silver. Jennifer MacLean, such a consistent runner, took W45 bronze.

Grant Baillie 4^th was first Scottish M40; David Gardiner 5^th led our M50 team; and Chris Upson finished 9^th M55; Alastair Walker (M60) was well-supported by Rob McLennan 9^th and Jeff Farquhar 12^th; the M65 Trojans delivered yet again, with Tony Martin 4^th, Andy McLinden 5^th and Frank Hurley 8^th; Alex Sutherland was well-backed by Robert Marshall 7^th, Norman Baillie 8^th and Stewart McCrae 9^th. Bobby Young’s old friend, Pete Cartwright, finished 7^th M75.

Michelle Sandison’s W35 team-mates included Katie White 5^th, Sara Green 6^thand Jill Smylie 10^th; Louise Ross finished 8^th W40; Megan Wright was 10^th W45; Ana Richardson ran well for 4^th W50, with Mary McCutcheon 6^th; Anne Howie (6^th W55) was supported by Mary Western 8^th , Rhona Anderson 9^th and Pamela McCrossan 10^th; Isobel Burnett was 5^th W60, with Phyllis O’Brien 9th, Nanette Heaney 10^thand Innes Bracegirdle 11^th; Liz Corbett finished 9^th W70); and Elizabeth Gilchrist was 4^th W75.

Congratulations Alastair Walker Scottish Athletics Masters Athlete of the Year 2019!

This award could not be more deserved. Alastair has had an absolutely fanastic year of competitive success. He is World, European, British and Scottish Masters M60 Champion at 10k and/or 10,000m; European, British and Scottish Masters M60 Champion at 5000m and/or 5k; and British and Irish, British and Scottish Masters M60 XC Champion!

The greatest Scottish Veteran Harriers include runners like Janette Stevenson, Trudi Thomson, Fiona Matheson, John Emmet Farrell, Gordon Porteous, Bill Stoddart, Willie Marshall, Donald Macgregor and Donald Ritchie, amongst others; and now Alastair Walker of Teviotdale Harriers can certainly be added to this small, select list of superstars.

AINTREE

It was fantastic to be selected to represent Scotland again at the Masters International. There is always a great atmosphere within the squad and a rendition of “Flower of Scotland” during the team photo certainly spurred us on. I was all warmed up and ready to race at 11am when a fifteen-minute delay due to the late running of the England bus was announced: there is nothing worse than hanging about in the cold in your vest and shorts. But at last we gathered at the start. I pushed my way to the front as all the England women had lined up across the start line. It was so much better having a separate race for the older runners: the start was much less crowded and it was sometimes possible to see other runners in my age group during the race.

I found the course itself rather disappointing: three circuits of a flat field with no hills, no mud, no trees and no standing water. Not really cross country at all! But I soon settled into a rhythm and tried to maintain a steady pace. On the second lap my daughter, Katie, told me that I was one second ahead of the next V65 runner. This spurred me on and by half way through the third lap she shouted “Just keep going steady and you’ve got it!” There was plenty of great support all round the course. It really does make a huge difference to hear your name being shouted out. I was delighted to run through the finish line as first woman in the race and even more delighted to realise that we had won the FV65 team gold as well. Great running, Jane and Jeanette! What a team!

The evening event was very enjoyable, meeting up with people that we hadn’t seen since Swansea last year. The camaraderie carried over into the Sunday morning when we met lots of people running down the pier and along the sea front. Then it was all over for another year. Hope to see everyone in Dublin.

By Ann White

NEW EDITOR REQUIRED FOR THE SVHC NEWSLETTER

The Spring 2020 edition will be my last as editor. By then I will have overseen the creation and publication of 21 magazines – and feel that new blood is needed. It has been a very enjoyable task, with lots of assistance from Karen Connal, our computer expert; and contributions from so many SVHC members, especially David Fairweather.

Please consider yourself for the post! (Joint-editorship with a partner would also be possible.)

Colin Youngson

British Masters Outdoor Track and Field Championships

By Mike Clerihew

The main BMAF T&F event was held at the Alexander Stadium, Birmingham over the weekend 10th/11th August. Windy and wet conditions on Saturday hampered performances and although Sunday was dry the gusty wind remained an inhibiting factor. Despite the conditions the 32 Scottish competitors returned with an amazing haul of 47 medals – 26 gold, 13 silver and 8 bronze setting three British records, one Scottish Masters best with another being equalled.

It was good to see 1970 Commonwealth Games discus champion and multiple Word Masters champion Rosemary Chrimes (formerly Payne) return to competition after an absence of five years and set three British records in the W85 age group winning the hammer with a throw of 19.40, shot with 7.08m and discus with 18.61m. Although her shot figure is listed as the British record Rosemary actually recorded 7.09m at the beginning of August at Birmingham University relays as well as clearing 90cm for a new British record in the high jump. A bit odd that her high jump performance has been ratified as a record but her not her shot.

James Smith (Motherwell) was another triple gold winner taking the 200m in a time of 30.65s, bettering his own Scottish Masters best, the 100m and the long jump with a leap of 3.67m in the M75 category. Double golds were claimed by Claire Cameron (VP-Glasgow) in the W60 shot and discus, Anne Howie (Aberdeen) in the W55 800m and 1500m and John Thomson (Fife) in the M60 800m and 1500m.

Dougie Graham (Edinburgh) equalled his own Scottish Masters best with a winning 4.20m in the M40 pole vault and other winners were Liz Bowers (Worcester ) – W65 800m, Gillian Cooke (Edinburgh) – W35 long jump, Jacqui Etherington (Cambuslang) – W40 2000m steeplechase, Bill Gentleman (Edinburgh) – M75 hammer, Graham Lay (Southampton) – M40 shot, Allan Leiper (Aldershot, Farnham and District) – M55 weight throw, Linzie Marsh (Pitreavie) – W40 high jump, Alan Robertson (Motherwell) – M40 200m, Ron Todd (Central) – M55 pole vault, Julie Tuck (Aberdeen) – W40 80m hurdles, David Valentine (West Suffolk) – M60 hammer, Alastair Walker (Teviotdale) – M60 5000m and Colin Welsh (Gala) – M35 800m.

Well done to all athletes competing and my apologies to any I have omitted. Full results are listed below.

Name	Club	Age	Event	Position	Performance	Comments
James Buchanan	Dumfries	M50	3000m s/c	3rd	11m 54.10s	–
Liz Bowers	Worcester	W65	800m	1st	3m 14.17s	–
Stephen Brown	West End RR	M35	800m	6th	2m 10.30s	–
			1500m	5th	4m 29.48s	–
Claire Cameron	VP-Glasgow	W60	shot	1st	9.36m	–
			discus	1st	26.97m	–
			weight	3rd	11.08m	–
			hammer	4th	26.00m	–
Rosemary Chrimes	Halesowen	W85	hammer	1st	19.40m	British record
			shot	1st	7.08m	British record
			discus	1st	18.61m	British record
Gillian Cooke	Edinburgh	W35	long jump	1st	5.29m	–
			100m	3rd	13.30s
Douglas Dickson	Kilmarnock	M50	200m	7th	28.43s
Bob Douglas	Livingston	M65	400m	2nd	66.07s
			100m	5th	14.15s
Jacqui Etherington	Cambuslang	W40	2000m s/c	1st	7m 49.63s
Bill Gentleman	Edinburgh	M75	hammer	1st	30.90m
			weight	2nd	12.26m
Douglas Graham	Edinburgh	M40	pole vault	1st	4.20m	=SMBP
Anne Howie	Aberdeen	W55	800m	1st	2m 41.08s
			1500m	1st	5m 24.29s
Ian Johnston	SVHC	M50	5000m	5th	17m 09.53s	English national
Ian Johnstone	Inverness	M65	1500m	5th	6m 00.52s
Graham Lay	Southampton	M40	shot	1st	12.53m
			discus	2nd	35.18m
			weight	3rd	10.41m
			javelin	3rd	41.97m
			hammer	4th	28.23m
Gary Leek	Edinburgh	M55	100m	5th	12.82s
			200m	9th	27.36s
Stephen Leek	Livingston	M35	long jump	2nd	5.39m
			javelin	2nd	36.89m
Allan Leiper	Aldershot		Farnham & Dist	M55	weight	1st	13.87m
			shot	2nd	12.61m
			high jump	3rd	1.45m
			javelin	3rd	39.42m
			long jump	6th	4.40m
			discus	5th	34.92m
			pole vault		n.h
Martin Leyland	Shetland	M60	100m	4th	13.43s
			200m	4th	27.77s	heat 27.62s
Linzie Marsh	Pitreavie	W40	high jump	1st	1.40m
Paul Masterton	Corstorphine	M55	high jump	2nd	1.45m
James MacGregor	Aberdeen	M50	high jump	2nd	1.60m
Grant Ramsay	Fairlands Valley Spartans	M45	3000m s/c	2nd	12m 25.14s
Alan Robertson	Motherwell	M40	200m	1st	23.75s
			100m	2nd	11.76s.
Iain Robertson		Clydesdale	M40	800m	4th	2m 06.47s
Jim Sloan	Annan	M75	discus	5th	22.41m
James Smith	Motherwell	M75	100m	1s	t 14.91s
			200m	1s	t 30.65s	SMBP
			long jump	1st	3.67m
John Thomson	Fife	M60	800m	1st	2m 23.07s
			1500m	1st	4m 58.43s
Ron Todd	Central	M55	pole vault	1st	3.30m
Julie Tuck	Aberdeen	W40	80m hdls	1st	13.35s
			long jump	2nd	4.89m
			shot	3rd	8.44m
David Valentine	West Suffolk	M60	hammer	1st	47.47m
			weight	2nd	17.22m
Alastair Walker	Teviotdale	M60	5000m	1s	t 16m 55.16s
Colin Welsh	Gala	M35	800m	1st	2m 04.26s
			1500m	2nd	4m 15.83s

Scottish Masters Track and Field Outdoor Best Performances

Claims for a Scottish Masters Best Performance should be submitted with details to Mike Clerihew (mikeclerihew@yahoo.com)

Note: When a Scottish Masters Best Performance betters a British Record and the British Record is held by a Scot the British Record is shown in italics below the Scottish Masters Best. This situation could arise for a variety of reasons such as appropriate British Record request form not being lodged or being unacceptable. Legal wind speed readings are required for British Record ratification but not for Scottish Masters bests.

The majority of timings are official electronic ones but it has been agreed that if a manual timing is 0.25s better than any electronic one it will be accepted as a best performance. If less than 0.25s better both timings are recorded.

100 metres


M35	Darren Scott 10.74	2006	Bedford
M40	Darren Scott	10.81	2010	Nyiregyhaza Hungary
M45	Darren Scott	11.19	2015	Manchester
M50	Darren Scott	11.47	2019	Abingdon	British Record
M55	John Steede	12.30	1997	Durban S. Africa
	John Steede	12.2 (m	) 1997	Coatbridge
	Alasdair Ross	12.2 (m)	2007	Bracknell
M60	Alasdair Ross	12.42	2013	Solihull
M65	John Ross	12.91	2003	Derby
M70	Walter Hunter	13.79	2014	Pitreavie
M75	Walter Hunter	14.10	2014	Birmingham
M80	John Ross	16.91	2018	Grangemouth
M85	Duncan McLean	16.3 (m)	1973	San Diego USA	British Record
M90	Duncan McLean	19.9 (m	) 1975	Hendon
	Duncan McLean	19.9 (m	) 1977	Gothenburg Sweden	British Record
W35	Joss Harwood	12.39	1993	Miyazaki Japan
	Joss Harwood	12.2 (m)	1993	Rotherham
W40	Joss Harwood	12.72	1999	Gateshead
W45	Pat McKinnon 13.1 (m)	1997	Coatbridge
	Dawn Whittle	13.14 2007	Wishaw
W50	Sylvia Wood	14.0 (m)	1997	Coatbridge
	Joss Harwood	14.12	2008	Pitreavie
W55	Esther Linaker	14.21	2000	Jyvasklya Finland
	Esther Linaker	14.1 (m)	2000	Aberdeen
W60	Esther Linaker	14.05	2003	Pitreavie	British Record
W65	Esther Linaker	15.44	2006 Scotstoun
W70	Betty Steedman	18.04	2004	Arhus Denmark
	Rosemary Chrimes	17.9 (m)	2007	Solihull
W75	Rosemary Chrimes	18.00		2010	Birmingham
W80	Rosemary Chrimes	19.75	2013 Birmingham	British Record

200 metres

M35 Darren Scott 21.15 2008 Ljubljana Slovenia

M40 Darren Scot t 21.64 2010 Nyiregyhaz Hungary British Record

M45 Darren Scott 22.49 2015 Lyon France

M50 Alasdair Ross 23. 2002 Hendon

Darren Scott 23.6 (m) 2019 Warrington

M55 Alasdair Ross 24.66 2007 Riccion Italy

M60 Alasdair Ross 25.38 2015 Lyon France

Alasdair Ross 25.3 (m) 2013 Abingdon

M65 John Ross 26.38 2003 Norfolk Virginia U.S.A.

M70 John Ross 28.86 2008 Pitreavie

Ernie Plimer 28.8 (m) 1987 Glasgow

M75 James Smith 30.6 5 2019 Birmingham

M80 John Ross 36.54 2018 Grangemouth

M85 Duncan McLean 41.1 (m) 1972 Crystal Palace London

M90 Duncan McLean 49.2 (m) 1975 Toronto Canada

W35 Joss Harwood 24.5 (m) 1993 Edinburgh

W40 Joss Harwood 25.9 (m) 1999

W45 Pat McKinnon 27.8 (m) 1997 Coatbridge

W50 Christine Scarles 28.6 (m) 1995 Pitreavie

W55 Esther Linaker 29.94 2000 Jyvasklya Finland

W60 Esther Linaker 29.59 2003 Pitreavie

W65 Betty Steedman 35.64 1998 Sheffield

W70 Betty Steedman 38.04 2004 Arhus Denmark

W75 Christine McLennan 41.31 2007 Riccione Italy

W80 Christine McLenna n 44.28 201 1 Sacramento USA

400 metres

M35 Darren Scott 49.35 2008 Stretford

M40 Darren Scott 49.81 2011 Sacramento USA

M45 Alasdair Ross 51.18 1997 Durban South Africa

M50 Alasdair Ross 53.55 2003 Derby

M55 Alasdair Ross 54.94 2007 Riccione Italy

M60 Alasdair Ros s 56.53 2015 Lyon France

M65 John Ross 59.71 2003 Norfolk Virginia U.S.A.

M70 John Ross 64.84 2008 Pitreavie British Record

M75 John Ross 72.48 2014 Birmingham

M80 Harry Tempan 83.79 2008 Kingston

M85 Fred Cowan 1.36.00 2019 Grangemouth British Record

M90 Hugh McGinlay 2.19.46 2017 Grangemouth

W35 Philippa Millage 55.59 2016 Southampton

W40 Dianne MacKenzie 59.47 2000 Inverness

W45 Barbara Oliver 60.00 1989

W50 Laura Mahady 61.05 2009 Lahti Finland

W55 Laura Mahady 64.60 2013 Birmingham

Laura Mahady 64.6 (m ) 2013 Aberdeen

W60 Betty Steedman 78.84 1993 Miyazaki Japan

W65 Liz Bowers 85.99 2018 Solihull

W70 Ann Bath 2.06.22 2018 Birmingham

W75 Christine McLennan 90.15 2006 Poznan Poland



800 metres

M35 Colin Welsh 1.58.56 2018 Stretford

M40 Alastair Dunlop 1.58.45 1996 Malmo Sweden

M45 Alastair Dunlop 1.59.08 2001 Brisbane Aus

M50 Alastair Dunlop 2.03.14 2005 San Sebastian Spain

M55 James Whiteford 2.07.62 1999 Gateshead

M60 Harry Tempan 2.15.2 1985 Wormwood Scrubs

M65 Fred Cowan 2.19.8 2001 Pitreavie

. Harry Tempan 2.21.0 1990 Glasgow British Record

M70 Jimmy Todd 2.38.94 1994 Glasgow

M75 Jimmy Todd 2.42.35 1997 Birmingham

Jimmy Todd 2.45.82 1997 Durban South Africa British Record

M80 Harry Tempan 3.08.8 2008 Kingston

M85 David Morrison 4.19.81 1999 Gateshead

M90 Emmett Farrell 4.38.99 1999 Gateshead British Record

W35 Philippa Millage 2.05.13 2016 Manchester

W40 Sonia Armitage 2.19.3 2004 Aberdeen

W45 Sonia Armitage 2.19.8 2007 Dundee

W50 Laura Mahady 2.19.50 2009 Lhati Finland

W55 Laura Mahady 2.27.05 2013 Grangemouth

W60 Sandra Branney 2.53.61 2016 Grangemouth

W65 Janette Stevenson 3.00.33 2016 Perth Australia

1500 metres

M35 Stuart Campbell 4.04.62 2006 Grangemouth

M40 Ian Elliott 3.57.9 1992 Grangemouth

M45 Bill Boyd 4.11.16 1999 Gateshead

M50 Alastair Dunlop 4.12.65 2005 San Sebastian Spain

M55 Alastair Dunlop 4.25.83 2011 Sacramento USA

M60 Harry Tempan 4.36.04 1985 Rome Italy British Record

M65 Harry Tempan 4.44.0 1990 Solihull British Record

M70 Jimmy Todd 5.12.51 1992 Kristiansand Norway British Record

M75 David Morrison 5.50.1 1989 Newcastle

M80 Harry Tempan 6.30.1 2007 Kingston

Gordon Porteous 6.39.4 1995 Jarrow British Record

M85 Gordon Porteous 7.41.45 1999 Gateshead British Record

M90 Gordon Porteous 9-01.92 2004 Birmingham British Record

W35 Phillippa Millage 4.20.22 2017 Glasgow

W40 Carol Sharp 4.40.9 1995 Birmingham

W45 Sonia Armitage 4.45.36 2007 Riccione Italy

W50 Fiona Matheson 4.46.86 2012 Derby

W55 Sandra Branney 4.57.58 2009 Pitreavie

W60 Janette Stevenson 5.25.47 2009 Birmingham

W65 Janette Stevenson 5.50.62 2016 Perth Australia

W70 Ann Bath 8.22.09 2018 Birmingham

3000 metres

W35 Sandra Branney 9.26.0 1989 Walthamstow

W40 Lesley Chisholm 10.05.47 2016 Glasgow

W45 Janette Stevenson 10.17.7 1995 Coatbridge

W50 Fiona Matheson 9.58.0 2012 Grangemouth

W55 Sandra Branney 10.13.8 2009 Meadowbank British Record

W60 Janette Stevenson 11.20.22 2009 Pitreavie

W65 Jocelyn Ross 12.47.6 1993 Wormwood Scrubs

5000 metres

M35 Robert Quinn 14.23.08 2002 Scotstoun

M40 Donald Macgregor 14.33.5 1979 Edinburgh

M45 Archie Jenkins 15.21.0 1997 Jarrow

M50 Iain Campbell 16.08.3 2010 Eton

M55 Alistair Murray 16.56.00 2008 Pitreavie

M60 Andy Brown 16.48.40 1994 Ayr

M65 Willie Marshall 18.02.12 1993 Jarrow British Record

M70 Willie Marshall 19.16.8 1999 Edinburgh

M75 Jimmy Todd 20.00.13 1997 Durban South Africa

M80 Gordon Porteous 23.39.1 1994 Coatbridge

M85 Gordon Porteous 24.51.7 1999 Edinburgh British Record

M90 Gordon Porteous 31.25.45 2004 Birmingham European Record

W35 Sandra Branney 16.08.15 1989 Jarrow

W40 Hayley Haining 17.02.03 2014 Glasgow

W45 Fiona Mathieson 17.23.93 2008 Pitreavie

W50 Fiona Mathieson 16.55.08 2011 Scotstoun British Record

W55 Sandra Branney 17.52.82 2009 Pitreavie British Record

W60 Janette Stevenson 19.05.70 2009 Birmingham

W65 Janette Stevenson 21.08.25 2016 Perth Australia

W70 Ann Bath 29.17.78 2018 Birmingham

10,000 metres

M35 Chris Robison 28.47.26 1997 Sheffield

M40 Donald Macgregor 30.04.2 1979 Hanover Germany

M45 Kerry-Liam Wilson 31.33.38 2016 Crownpoint Glasgow

M50 Jeff Farquhar 32.58.51 2010 Meadowbank

M55 Bill Stoddart 33.35 1986 Glasgow

M60 Alastair Walker 34.54.08 2019 Carluke

M65 Willie Marshall 37.30.60 1993 Jarrow

M70 Willie Marshall 40.12.88 1999 Edinburgh

M75 David Morrison 42.03.4 1989 Coatbridge

M80 Gordon Porteous 48.06.0 1994 Greenock

M85 Gordon Porteous 55.03.48 1999 Gateshead British Record

M90 Gordon Porteous 69.27.5 2004 Coatbridge World Record

W35 Hayley Haining 32.47.96 2007 Watford

W40 Janette Stevenson 36.25.0 1990 Glasgow

W45 Fiona Matheson 35.53.8 2010 Coatbridge

W50 Fiona Matheson 35.05.7 2011 Coatbridge World Record

W55 Fiona Matheson 37.04.54 2018 Glasgow British Record

W60 Joselyn Ross 43.01.1 1989 Reading

W65 Joselyn Ross 46.48.34 1994 Miyasaki Japan

W70 Ann Bath 63.33.23 2018 Battersea Park London



2000 m s/chase

M60 M Scott 8.54.7 1986 Grangemouth

M65 Andrew Galbraith 9.29.87 1999 Edinburgh

W35 Allison Simpson 7.02.33 2007 Scotstoun

W40 Claire Thompson 7.13.19 2016 Manchester British Record

W45 Julie Wilson 8.10.23 2016 Perth Australia



3000 m s/chase

M35 Grant Baillie 10.15.27 2014 Grangemouth

M40 John Kennedy 9.43.2 1990 Ayr

M45 Stewart McCrae 9.47.93 1992 Glasgow

M50 Jim Buchanan 11.19.41 2018 Birmingham

M55 Benjamin Hands 11.53.43 2016 Perth Australia ;

W35 Allison Simpson 10.36.91 2007 Manchester

80 m hurdles

M70 Ian Steedman 15.39 1998 Sheffield

W40 Joss Harwood 11.55 1999 Gateshead

Joss Harwood 11.68 1998 Hexham British Record

W45 Joss Harwood 12.58 2005 San Sebastian Spain

Joss Harwood 13.02 2008 Pitreavie

W55 Rosemary Chrimes 14.87 1989 Reading

W60 Betty Steedman 17.56 1996 Malmo Sweden

W65 Betty Steedman 18.56 2002 Sheffield

[.table]

100 m hurdles

M50 Tom Leeson 14.89 2013 Porto Alegre Brazil

M55 Roy Buchanan 16.33 2010 Grangemouth

M60 Ian Steedman 16.9 (m) 1988 Grangemouth

M65 Ian Steedman 17.41 1993 Miyasaki Japan

W35 Joss Harwood 13.96 1993 Birmingham



110 m hurdles

M35 Francis Smith 15.42 2017 Grangemouth

M40 Paul Sutherland 15.90 2006 Birmingham

M45 Eamon Fitzgerald 17.1 (m) 1994 Grangemouth

Tom Leeson 17.1 (m) 2009 Dundee

300 m hurdles

M60 Robert Stevenson 44.86 2013 Porto Alegre Brazil British Record

M65 Ian Steedman 49.52 1993 Miyasaki Japan

M70 Ian Steedman 59.01 1998 Newport

Ian Steedman 58.8 (m) 1998 Grangemouth

W50 Angela Graham 61.19 2012 Tauranga New Zealand



400 m hurdles

M35 Derek Paisley 53.27 2009 Lee Valley London

M40 Paul Sutherland 56.87 2006 Eton

M45 Robert Stevenson 57.91 1999 Gateshead

M50 Robert Stevenson 58.40 2oo3 Pitreavie

M55 Robert Stevenson 61.34 2008 Ljubljana Slovenia

W35 Jane Low 60.70 1996 Malmo Sweden

W40 Jacqui Etherington 74.37 2019 Venice Italy

W45 Catherine Geddes 80.15 1994 Ayr

High Jump

M35 Jamie Creighton 1.85 2019 Grangemouth

M40 Geoff Parsons 1.91 2005 Watford

M45 Eamon Fitzgerald 1.80 1992 Kristiansand Norway

M50 Eamon Fitzgerald 1.75 1998 Inverness

M55 Allan Leiper 1.60 2015 Lyon France

M60 Eric Simpson 1.55 2008 Grangemouth

M65 Bill Lonsdale 1.40 2017 Kingston

M7 0 Trevor Madigan 1.30 2014 Aberdeen

M75 John Ross 1.12 2014 Birmingham

W35 Christine Drewry 1.55 1983 London

Christine Drewry 1.55 1986 Wigan

Nikki Thompson 1.55 1990 Glasgow

Jacqueline Gilchrist 1.55 1997 Durban RSA

W40 Rosemary Chrimes 1.55 1975 Toronto Canada

W45 Janice Hardcastle 1.40 2006 Milton Keynes

W50 Lilian McNab 1.35 2011 Wishaw

Alison Murray 1.35 2017 Rugby

1.35 2018 Twickenham London

1.35 2019 Wimbledon

W55 Rosemary Chrimes 1.37 1989 Reading

W60 Rosemary Chrimes 1.30 1993

W65 Rosemary Chrimes 1.25 1998 Newport

Rosemary Chrime s 1.25 1999 Edinburgh British Record

W70 Rosemary Chrimes 1.26 2003 Carolina USA British Record

W75 Rosemary Chrimes 1.18 2012 Nuneaton British Record

W80 Rosemary Chrimes 1.10 2013 Porto Alegri Brazil World Record

W85 Rosemary Chrimes 0.90 2019 Univ Birmingham British Record

Pole Vault

M35 Dougie Graham 4.20 2013 Aberdeen

M40 Dougie Graham 4.20 2018 Malaga Spain

4.20 2019 Birmingham

4.20 2019 Venice Italy

M45 Allan Leiper 4.10 2006 Basingstoke

M50 Eamon Fitzgerald 3.70 1997 Linwood

Eamon Fitzgerald 3.70 1998 Cesenatico Italy

Allan Leiper 3.70 2015 Aldershot

M55 Allan Leiper 3.60 2015 Lyon France

M60 Bob Masson 3.00 2010 Aberdeen

M65 Bob Masson 2.90 2012 Pitreavie

Bob Masson 2.90 2013 Aberdeen

M70 Bob Masson 2.70 2019 Aberdeen

M75 John Ross 1.70 2014 Birmingham

W35 Gillian Cooke 3.22 2019 Grangemouth

W40 Janet Lyon 2.81 2004 Aberdeen

W45 Alison Murray 3.30 2016 Wimbledon

W50 Alison Murray 3.10 2017 Birmingham British Record

Long Jump

M35 Ian Paget 6.62 2010 Pitreavie

Ian Paget 6.62 2011 Grangemouth

M40 Darren Scott 6.37 2009 Manchester

M45 Robert Stevenson 6.11 2001 Pitreavie

M50 Eamon Fitzgerald 6.01 1997 Sheffield

M55 Robert Stevenson 5.68 2008 Pitreavie

M60 Mike Clerihew 5.14 2008 Birmingham

M65 Robert Stevenson 4.98 2019 Grangemouth

M70 Trevor Madigan 4.22 2016 Aberdeen

M75 James Smith 4.00 2019 Grangemouth

W35 Jane Scott 5.48 2016 Perth Australia

Zara Asante 5.48 2019 Birmingham

W40 Fiona Davidson 5.25 2015 Grangemouth

W45 Linda Nicholson 4.66 2006 Poznan Poland

W50 Linda Nicholson 4.87 2010 Cardiff

W55 Sylvia Wood 4.20 1999 Jarrow

W60 Betty Steedman 3.87 1994 Bedford

W65 Betty Steedman 3.45 2001 Eton

W70 Betty Steedman 3.08 2005 Birmingham

W80 Rosemary Chrimes 2.34 2014 Birmingham

Triple Jump

M35 Stuart Benson 13.10 2017 Cosford

M40 Eamon Fitzgerald 12.76 1991 Birmingham

M45 Eamon Fitzgerald 12.25 1992 London

M50 Eamon Fitzgerald 11.78 1999 Meadowbank

M55 Robert Stevenson 11.33 2010 Ayr

M60 Robert Stevenson 10.29 2016 Aberdeen

M65 Robert Stevenson 10.33 2018 Grangemouth

M70 John Oulton 8.33 2003

M75 James Smith 7.80 2019 Venice Italy

W35 Zara Asante 13.41 2018 Sportcity Manchester

W40 Fiona Davidson 11.39 2017 Aarhus Denmark

W45 Sylvia Wood 9.36 1992

W50 Sylvia Wood 9.87 1996 Grangemouth

W55 Rosemary Chrimes 9.12 1988 Cwmbran

W60 Betty Steedman 8.17 1994 Bedford

W65 Betty Steedman 7.06 1999 Gateshead

W70 Betty Steedman 6.48 2005 Birmingham

Shot

M35 Neil Elliott 16.55 2007 Wakefield

M40 Steve Whyte 16.27 2004 Eton

M45 Steve Whyte 15.12 2009 Leeds

M50 Steve Whyte 15.54 2014 Solihull

M55 Jim Hogg 14.17 2010 Linwood

M60 Jim Hogg 15.44 2015 Livingston British Record

M65 John A. Scott 12.22 2007 Grangemouth

M70 John A. Scott 12.78 2012 Crownpoint Glasgow British Record

M75 John A. Scott 11.72 2016 Crownpoint Glasgow

M80 Ian Miller 10.88 2014 Birmingham

W35 Rosemary Chrimes 14.60 1972 Crystal Palace

W40 Rosemary Chrimes 14.67 1974 Port Elizabeth RSA

W45 Rosemary Chrimes 11.25 1978

W50 Rosemary Chrimes 11.34 1987

W55 Rosemary Chrimes 12.97 1989

W60 Rosemary Chrimes 12.20 1993 Miyasaki Japan British Record

W65 Rosemary Chrimes 11.04 1999 Gateshead

W70 Rosemary Chrimes 11.02 2003 Derby World Record

W75 Rosemary Chrimes 10.35 2010 Cardiff

W80 Rosemary Chrimes 9.50 2013 Univ Birmingham

W85 Rosemary Chrimes 7.09 2019 Univ Birmingham

7.08 2019 Birmingham British Record

Javelin

M35 Tom Dobbing 60.81 2008 Portsmouth

M40 Alex Black 59.00 1990 Glasgow

M45 Alex Black 53.98 1994 Meadowbank

M50 Steve Whyte 44.42 2014 Amersfoord Ned .

M55 Allan Leiper 41.41 2019 Hull

M60 John Ross 45.04 1998 Solihull

M65 John Ross 39.07 2003 St George Utah USA

M70 John Ross 36.11 2009 St George Utah USA

M75 John Ross 31.92 2013 St.George Utah USA

M80 John L Scott 20.64 2019 Grangemouth

W35 Norma Bruc e 36.01 2005 Scotstoun

W40 Jane Kirkpatrick 29.98 2014 Scotstoun

W45 Jayne Kirkpatrick 26.89 2018 Lee Valley London

W50 Joyce Rammell 27.22 1997 Grangemouth

W55 Margery Swinton 25.23 1998 Eugene USA

W60 Margery Swinton 27.22 2007 Grangemouth

W65 Margery Swinton 18.72 2009 Pitreavie

W80 Rosemary Chrimes 12.40 2014 Birmingham



Hammer

M35 Andy Frost 66.25 2016 Eton

M40 Steve Whyt e 60.13 2006 Twickenham

M45 Steve Whyte 59.80 2009 Leeds

M50 Chris Black 66.92 2002 Potsdam Germany

M55 Chris Black 55.88 2006 Stretford

M60 Bill Gentleman 52.90 2001 Brisbane Australia

M65 Bill Gentleman 50.04 2005 San Sebastian Spain British Record

M70 Bill Gentleman 47.60 2011 Birmingham

M75 Bill Gentleman 41.59 2015 Livingston British Record

M80 Ian Miller 35.44 2014 Birmingham

W35 Mhairi Porterfield 53.15 2017 Livingston

W40 Susan Freebairn 35.77 2006 Scotstoun

W45 Claire Cameron 33.75 2004 Arhus Denmark

Claire Cameron 33.75 2008 Malmo Sweden

W50 Margery Swinton 36.84 1996 Jarrow

W55 Margery Swinton 35.56 2000 Kamloops Canada

W60 Margery Swinton 31.96 2004 Reading USA

W65 Rosemay Chrimes 31.62 2001 Nuneaton

W70 Rosemay Chrimes 31.62 2003 Derby

W75 Rosemary Chrimes 28.63 2010 Leicester

W80 Rosemary Chrimes 24.31 2013 Porto Alegre Brazil

W85 Rosemary Chrimes 19.40 2019 Birmingham British Record

Discus

M35 Neil Elliott 48.53 2007 Meadowbank

M40 Steve Whyte 48.30 2004 Ewell Court

M45 Steve Whyte 47.31 2009 Compiegne France

M50 Steve Whyte 50.40 2014 Amersfoort Ned.

M55 Steve Whyte 44.89 2019 Hull

M60 Jim Hogg 49.36 2015 Livingston

M65 Bob Masson 42.45 2012 Pitreavie

M70 Bob Masson 38.13 2019 Aberdeen

M75 Jim Sloan 31.10 2017 Grangemouth

M80 Ian Miller 25.41 2014 Birmingham

W35 Rosemary Chrimes 58.02 1972 Birmingham British Record

W40 Rosemary Chrimes 56.40 1973 Crystal Palace Lon. British Record

W45 Rosemary Chrimes 44.26 1978 Wolverhampton British Record

W50 Claire Cameron 34.99 2009 Ancona Italy

W55 Rosemary Chrimes 40.86 1989 Eugene OregonUSA British Record

W60 Rosemary Chrimes 37.56 1993 Miyasaki Japan British Record

W65 Rosemary Chrimes 34.95 2001 Nuneaton British Record

W70 Rosemary Chrimes 31.62 2003 Derby British Record

W75 Rosemary Chrimes 30.07 2010 Leicester

Rosemary Chrimes 29.07 2008 Ljubljana Slovenia British Record

W80 Rosemary Chrimes 24.18 2013 Birmingham British Record

W85 Rosemary Chrimes 18.61 2019 Birmingham British Record



Weight Throw

M35 Chris Black 19.03 1986 Grendon Hall

M40 Steve Whyte 18.52 2004 Randers Denmark British Record

M45 Steve Whyte 17.38 2010 Milton Keynes

M50 Steve Whyte (Indoor) 22.10 2014 Budapest Hungary British Record

M55 Chris Black 20.01 2007 Riccione Italy

M60 Bill Gentleman 20.06 2002 Leon Mexico

M65 Bill Gentleman 17.06 2007 Riccione Italy

M70 Bill Gentleman 18.65 2010 Nyerigyhaza Hungary

M75 Bill Gentleman 15.52 2015 Jarrow British Record

M80 Ian Miller 14.44 2014 Birmingham British Record

W35 Susan Freebairn 13.25 2003 Derby

W40 Claire Cameron 11.02 2003 Derby

W45 Claire Cameron 11.41 2004 Randers Denmark

W50 Claire Cameron 11.39 2012 St. John Canada

W55 Claire Cameron 11.33 2014 Budapest Hungary

W60 Margery Swinto n 12.01 2004 Hendon London



Combined Events – Best age graded performance only

Pentathlon

M65 John Ross 4032 pts 2003 Solihull

W40 Carolyn Smith 3845 pts 2003 Pitreavie

Heptathlon

W60 Betty Steedman 4149 pts 1995 Sheffield

Decathlon

M60 John Ross 7582 pts 1998 Scotstoun

Weight Pentathlon

M50 Steve Whyte 4590 pts 2014 Amersfoort Ned. British Record

W45 Claire Cameron 3668 pts 2004 Aarhus Denmark

29th August 2019. Scottish National Senior Championships.

Several Scottish Masters athletes competed at the recent National Seniors champs at Grangemouth with pride of place going to Mhairi Porterfield (W35) representing VP-Glasgow who won the shot with a throw of 13.54m (fifth in the hammer with 52.00m) and Zara Asante (W35) representing Blackheath and Bromley who won the triple jump with a leap of 12.89m.

Other medals were claimed by Gillian Cooke (W35 Edinburgh) with silver in the pole vault clearing 3.05m (7th in the long jump with 5.25m), Philippa Millage (W35 VP-Glasgow) with silver in the 800m in a time of 2m 09.15s (4th in the 1500m with 4m 32.05s) and Chris Smith (M40 Arbroath) with bronze in the javelin throwing 52.29m.

Ian Horsburgh (M40 Edinburgh) came 5th in the 200m in a time of 22.67s after a 22.60s heat, Colin Welsh (M35 Gala) ran 1m 59.97s in the heats of the 800m, Michelle Sandison (W35 Springburn) came 7th in the 5000m in 17m 36.60s and Catriona Pennet (W35 Edinburgh) finished 5th in the 100m hurdles with a time of 15.01s.

All the above athletes performed really well and must certainly have helped to enhance the profile of Scottish Masters.   My apologies to anyone I have missed.

11th September 2019. Scottish Masters 10,000m Championships.

One Scottish Masters best performance and six Championship bests were recorded at the recent 10k championships held in Carluke with the most notable performance coming from Alastair Walker (Teviotdale) who ran 34m 54.08s in winning the M60 category setting a new Championship best and erasing Bill Stoddart’s Scottish Masters best of 35m 19.2s from 1992.

Further Championship bests were set by Julia Johnstone (Gala) with 41m 44.96s in the W45 category, Marianne McLevy (Dundee) with 48m 37.92s in the W50s, Andy McLinden (Hamilton) with 39m 39.54s in the M65s, Norman Baillie (Garscube) with 45m 25.32s in the M70 group and Bobby Young (Clydesdale) with 45m 02.12s in the M75 category.

It is good note that over thirty athletes competed in this fairly recently introduced Championship event and, hopefully, it will continue to prosper in years to come as Scottish Masters have historically been at the forefront of Masters distance running. Well done to all competitors.

October 2019. European Masters Stadia Championships.

The event was held in very warm conditions at three venues, Jesolo, Caorle and Eraclea on the outskirts of Venice from September 9^th to 15^th and saw a large British team place third in the overall medals table with 247 gongs, 103 being gold. The home nation finished top with 337 medals (127 gold) followed by Germany with 317 medals (119 gold)

As far as I can ascertain twenty Scots competed and returned with a total of four individual and five team medals with two Scottish Masters best performances achieved and another equalled. Jacqui Etherington (Cambuslang) won silver in the W40 2000m steeplechase in a time of 7m 34.35s and set a new Masters best finishing 6^th in the 400m hurdles in 74.37s, Dougie Graham (Edinburgh/Arbroath) took bronze with a 4.20m clearance in the M40 pole vault equalling his own Masters best whilst Jim Smith (Motherwell) set new figures of 7.80m in the M75 triple jump.

Ian Horsburgh (Edinburgh), a former British Junior international who recently returned to the track, won silver in the M40 200m in a time of 22.62s after a 22.51s semi and Dave Valentine (West Suffolk) won bronze in the M60 hammer with 48.23m.

Alan Robertson (Motherwell) was part of the British M40 4 x 100m relay gold winning team, Sue Ridley (Edinburgh) won gold in the W50 cross country team event, Ronnie Hunter (Corstorphine) won silver in the M55 4 x 100m relay as did John Thomson (Fife) with the M60 cross country team and Jim Smith won bronze in the M75 4 x 100m relay.

Full results for all Scots competitors are listed below. Well done to all with apologies to any I have missed.

Name Club Age Event Position Time/Dist

Stephen Allan Cumbernauld M45 half marathon 12^th 1h 22m 28s

Claire Cameron VP-Glasgow W60 shot 9^th 9.35m

discus 8^th 27.02m

hammer 14^th 26.87m

weight throw 12^th 10.43m

Gillian Cooke Edinburgh W35 long jump 4^th 5.18m

pole vault 8^th 3.05m

Jacqui Etherington Cambuslang W40 400m hdls 6^th 1m 14.37s SMBP

2000m s/chase 2^nd 7m 34.35s

4k cross country 8^th 14m 43s

Paul Forbes Edinburgh M60 800m dnf

Dougie Graham Edinburgh/Arbroath M40 pole vault 3^rd 4.20m =SMBP

Ian Horsburgh Edinburgh M40 200m 2^nd 22.62s sf 22.51s

Ronnie Hunter Corstorphine M55 100m heat 13.36s

200m heat 27.59s

4 x 100m relay 2^nd

Allan Leiper Aldershot, Farnham M55 pole vault 8^th 3.30m

shot 5^th 13.09m

discus 10^th 32.72m

weight pentathlon 11^th 3192pts

Fred McCain Haddington/Central M70 5000m 23^rd 29m 28.97s

Paul Masterton Corstorphine M55 high jump 18^th 1.40m

Iain Moody Pitreavie M55 400m hdls heat 1m 10.93s

Sue Ridley Edinburgh W50 4k cross country 10^th 15m 35s

cross country team 1^st

Alan Robertson Motherwell M40 200m 8^th 23.70s heat 23.38s

4 x 100m relay 1^st

Brian Scally Shettleston M50 800m heat 2m 26.23s

half marathon dnf

Jim Smith Motherwell M75 100m 7^th 15.27s heat 15.08s

200m 6^th 30.96s

long jump 7^th 3.91m

triple jump 7^th 7.80m SMBP

4 x 100m relay 3^rd

John Thomson Fife M60 800m 6^th 2m 19.68s

1500m 6^th 4m 45.91s

4k cross country 10^th 14m 25s

cross country team 2^nd

Dave Valentine West Suffolk M60 weight throw 6^th 16.18m

hammer 3^rd 48.23m

Andy Vince Falkirk M60 discus 20^th 36.90m

weight throw 8^th 14.43m

hammer 5^th 44.27m

weight pentathlon 10^th 3038pts

Colin Welsh Gala/TevioT M35 800m 8^th 2m 00.01s

Our Computer expert Karen Connal wrote: “The Canicross is going really well. My young dog is amazing and has fairly given me my running mojo back. We did a freedom run round my new local parkrun in 22:09. I have been training there on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Loving it!”

Photo by Karen. How happy all four look!

(Fifty years ago, the editor and Bob Anderson were clubmates in Aberdeen University Hare & Hounds. For several weeks in 1970. Bob visited Portsea in Australia, where the legendary coach Percy Wells Cerutty trained 1960 Olympic 1500m champion Herb Elliott and other great athletes. This is a photograph of one of Percy’s inspirational essays.)

HISTORY SECTION

THE D. McNab Robertson Memorial Trophy

(for Scottish Road Runner of the Year)

PART ONE: 1952-1957)

In 1951 an appeal was launched to commemorate the outstanding Scottish marathoner Donald McNab Robertson who had died so suddenly in 1949. This appeal came to fruition in 1952 when the Scottish Marathon Club handed over a trophy to the Scottish Amateur Athletic Association, to be awarded annually to the Scottish athlete with the most meritorious performances in long-distance road racing, as adjudged by a joint sub-committee of the SAAA and the SMC.

Donald Robertson (Maryhill Harriers) had been the AAA Marathon champion six times (1932, 1933, 1934, 1936, 1937 and 1939, adding a silver medal in 1946. He had finished second in the 1934 London Empire Games; and, aged over 40, won the first two Scottish Marathon titles in 1946 and 1947. In Leni Riefenstahl’s notorious yet epic film of the 1936 Berlin Olympics, Donald can be seen finishing seventh. Tragically, he died in 1949, aged only 43.

(N.B. From 1987, gaps appear in the list of Robertson Trophy winners; and there are no certain recipients after 1995. However, I have done my best to nominate yearly candidates right up to 2018. When one candidate seems to have the best claim, I have indicated this in bold italics. When it was difficult to make a decision, I have not emphasised any name in this way. At some point, the Donald McNab Robertson Memorial Trophy ceased to be presented; and now it seems to be lost. However, I wish to suggest that there should be annual recognition of Scotland’s best distance road (or trail) runner.)

1952 Charles D Robertson: The minutes book of the SMC makes clear that Charlie Robertson was chosen unanimously as the first trophy winner “by virtue of his fourth place in the AAA Championship Marathon, when he returned a time of 2 hours 30 minutes and 48 seconds, the fastest time ever recorded by a Scotsman.” The presentation was made by Miss Betty Robertson, sister of the late Donald McNab Robertson. Charlie (Dundee Thistle Harriers), the 1948 Scottish Marathon champion, was no relation of Donald. Before nearly making the 3-man GB Olympic team in the AAA event, Charlie had broken the Perth to Dundee 22 miles record; finished first in the Edinburgh Marathon; and then, after the AAA, tackled the Scottish Marathon (a lengthened Perth to Dundee), winning by 25 seconds from John Duffy.

1953 Joe McGhee: While Joe (St Modans) was the up-and-coming runner, and definitely a member of the SMC, he was beaten into third place in the Lauriston (Falkirk) to New Meadowbank Scottish Marathon championship, the winner being John ‘Jock’ Duffy (Broxburn and Hadleigh Olympiads), who had taken the train up from Southend to London and then Edinburgh. This was a twelve-hour journey. He slept for a few hours in his father’s Broxburn house; then more travelling to the start, rather tired already! Duffy was not a member of the SMC, so was not considered for the Robertson Trophy, which was awarded to Joe “for consistently high standard running in 14 races and particularly for his fine performance in the Perth to Dundee race on 29th August 1953, when he beat the existing record set by C.D.Robertson, who had been awarded the Trophy in 1952.”

1954 Joe McGhee: Joe had joined Shettleston Harriers and increased his training. At the end of May, the Scottish Marathon course was from the Cloch Lighthouse, Gourock, to Ibrox Park. Joe set a new championship record of 2.35.22. In early August at the Vancouver British Empire Games, Joe McGhee secured a famous victory in the marathon, after Jim Peters of England collapsed during the final lap of the track. Joe was made an Honorary Life Member of the Scottish Marathon Club. The SAAA presented him with the ‘Coronation Cup’ as “outstanding Scottish athlete of the year.” Naturally, he kept the Robertson Trophy.

1955 Joe McGhee: Joe was fitter than ever, ready to show that he was a worthy Empire Games champion, when at the end of June, over the Falkirk to Edinburgh course, he won the Scottish Marathon by nine minutes. John Emmet Farrell, a Scottish cross-country champion before and after World War Two, wrote in ‘The Scots Athlete’ “Joe McGhee’s championship record-breaking 2.25.50 was easily the feat of the SAAA Championships, puts him into world class and adds extra glitter to his British Empire gold medal.” The SAAA awarded Joe the ‘Crabbie Cup’ for the best performance at the Scottish Athletics Championships; and it was a formality for Joe to retain the SMC Robertson Trophy.

1956 Joe McGhee: Joe retained his Scottish Marathon title – a third successive triumph – in 1956. Injuries had prevented some training but this was a successful come-back. He won in 2.33.36 – a meritorious performance in warm sultry conditions. The pace was fast from the start, but Joe had to slow down after 20 miles. However, his rivals suffered even more and the margin of victory was thirteen minutes. Therefore, Joe McGhee was awarded the Donald Robertson Trophy for the fourth year in a row.

1957 Harry Fenion: This was to be Harry Fenion’s most successful season. The diminutive Bellahouston Harrier became not only the Scottish Cross-Country champion but also the Scottish Marathon winner. Even in 2019, this double achievement in a single year remains unique. Before the Marathon, Harry finished first in the Clydebank to Helensburgh 16. For some time after the start in Falkirk, on a cold and sometimes damp day, Harry was content to lurk in the leading pack. At the first water station after ten miles, he put in a kick and quickly pulled away. When he eventually entered the track, someone told him that he had a chance of beating the 1955 championship record, so he gave one final sprint and did so – by six seconds, in 2.25.44, three minutes clear of Hugo Fox (Shettleston) who finished second. The SMC agreed that this race was ‘undoubtedly the performance of the season’; and Harry Fenion received the Robertson Trophy.

(Next Time: 1985-2019, featuring 17 wins by female athletes.)

IN PRAISE OF THE TEN-MILER

Don’t you think 10 miles is the absolute greatest race distance?

Most races nowadays are 10k or Half Marathon but the 10-miler just fits so perfectly in between – a handy extra-endurance run for the 10k enthusiast, an ideal tune-up race for the Half Marathoner. There don’t seem to be very many of them but somehow we have ended up, barely into April, with 4 different 10 mile races already under our belts this year.

Netherhall 10-mile Road Race in Maryport, West Cumbria was the first (24th Feb), and was in our calendar only because it was in our Club’s Grand Prix. Starting and finishing at a (very easy to find) school, it’s a loop on mostly minor roads through gorgeous countryside which starts with a pell mell downhill 200m, then turns a corner out of town and grinds steadily uphill for a mile and a half. Whew! There are a couple of uncomfortably steep downhill stretches and some lesser climbs, but other than that it’s fairly low key ‘undulating’ and this year the weather was glorious enough to pass for May. The local support was enthusiastic, and the spread provided afterwards was incredible, with sandwiches, pies and quiche as well as the usual sweet treats.

Lasswade 10-mile Road Race a few miles South of Edinburgh was next (3rd March). This one was in the Scottish Veteran Harriers race list. Registration, changing, prizegiving and post-race feasting at the Whitehill Welfare football clubhouse. It was a sunny, bright day, with SERIOUSLY gusty wind, strong enough at times to lean right into and causing havoc with ponytails. This is not a joke, being whipped across the face with a 50mph ponytail hurts! The course description also prompted much in-race whining about the point at which use of the word ‘undulating’ should become illegal. A short climb out of town, an astonishingly long, quad-trashing downhill into a village that felt almost deep enough to be in the crater of a volcano, then a 400m climb so steep that if you were walking you’d be bracing your hands on your thighs…there were a few later hills which would have paled in contrast if you hadn’t already destroyed your legs in the first 3 miles! The best bit was a long but very gentle (and wind-assisted!) down slope between 6 and 7 miles which delightfully brought together a classic uplifting super-hero bound with that wonderful stage of a 10 miler where you start to overtake the 10k runners as they run out of steam. The finish on leafy cycle path was lovely and the sweet and savoury edibles offered were judged excellent.

Tom Scott 10-mile Road Race is a regular for us, run in Strathclyde Park (just off the M74, 20 mins south of Glasgow), on 31st March. This is usually the Scottish Championship 10 miler and so attracts hordes of super-fast runners. It’s mostly flat, and a good one if you’re looking for a time…if only you could battle your way up to near the front at the start ahead of the elite runners (it’s a big race with a gun start and chip mat only at the finish line), except you’d then have to avoid being trampled by them on the narrow cycle paths! The route goes out around the Loch then loops back on itself and round the other way. Between miles 5 and 6 anyone at a pace over 8-minute miles better watch out for ‘elites’ thundering past on their final mile.

The parking and accessibility is great, the changing facilities and showers excellent (though a few more toilets wouldn’t go amiss on race day!), and the wee printout slips showing your time are brilliant. They don’t, alas, do the ‘spread’ but there were Tunnock’s Caramel Logs as well as Mars Bars at the end. The weather at this race always seems to be perfect – cold, clear, bright sunshine.

3 Village 10 Mile Road Race (7th April, another Grand Prix race) starts in Weatherall, a few minutes off the M6 just below Carlisle in pretty rural Cumbria. A very picturesque run which goes twice round a hilly 5-mile loop and passes through 2 other villages (the clue is in the name!) on the way. Lucky with the weather again, it was cool but dry with a bit of breeze. Considering the size of the villages it was amazing how many cheering supporters were on the road outside their houses or clapping at corners. This race has it all. The community centre used is right on the main road, with an excellent sized, airy hall for the registration, prizegiving and after race re-fuelling as well as plenty of space for hanging around. Well laid out, amply marshalled, generously provisioned, and the added benefits of a chip mat at the start and, like the Tom Scott, a wee printout of your time and position straightaway at the finish!

Reasons to love 10 milers – apart from the secret joy of picking off the ‘roadkill’ of 10k runners in the last 3 miles – are mostly related to the fact that they always seem to be local ‘club’ races rather than bigtime money-making extravaganzas, which from a runner’s point of view means

– Cheaper entry.

– Starting from a local hall or community centre (Parking! Proper toilets! Changing rooms! Showers!).

– Easier to get there. Why is it that ‘big’ runs always seem to start in the middle of a city at some ungodly hour on a Sunday too early for public transport!?

– Less waiting about, shivering in your race kit at the start.

– Lots of friendly marshals and local supporters round the route to cheer and encourage.

– Post-race tea and coffee and tables laden with cake/biscuits/scones and other goodies, often supplied by volunteers and nearly always free for race participants.

– Age group prizes! And they generally wait till everyone has finished running before they start the prizegiving.

– ‘Teams’ from clubs often travel to the race together, so arrive together, cheer each other in and wait together to leave. This means that (especially at registration, buffet time and prizegiving) it’s like a big party with groups of runners in their club colours all mingling and laughing catching up with rivals and comrades from other clubs.

– Tricky, hilly, challenging and otherwise interesting routes where your time can’t really be compared to anything except another time on the exact same course.

And the icing on the cake is that it’s harder than a 10k, but less damaging to ageing joints and muscles than a Half-Marathon, meaning quicker recovery so that even for old-timers, 4 races in 2 sets of consecutive weekends inside 7 weeks is more than just survivable, it’s fun!

By Anne Macfarlane

OFFICE BEARERS SEASON 2018-2019

Honorary President: ALASTAIR MACFARLANE

President: CAMPBELL JOSS 25 Speirs Road Bearsden, G61 2LX Tel: 0141 9420731 cdjoss2@gmail.com

Immediate Past President: ALASTAIR MACFARLANE

Vice-President: ADA STEWART 30 Earlsburn Road, Lenzie, G66 5PF Tel: 0141 578 0526 stewart2@ntlworld.com

Honorary Secretary: ARLENE LEWIS 202 Archerhill Road Knightswood Glasgow, G13 3YX Tel: 07850 070337

Honorary Treasurer: ANDY LAW Euphian, Kilduskland Road Ardrishaig, Argyll PA30 8EH Tel. 01546 605336 Lawchgair@aol.com

Membership Secretary: ADA STEWART 30 Earlsburn Road, Lenzie, G66 5PF Tel: 0141 5780526 stewart2@ntlworld.com

Handicapper: PETER RUDZINSKI 106 Braes Avenue Clydebank. G81 1DP Tel.0141 5623416 p.rudzinski@ntlworld.com

Committee Members:

JOHN BELL Flat 3/1, 57 Clouston Street Glasgow G20 8QW Tel. 0141 9466949

WILLIE DRYSDALE 6 Kintyre Wynd Carluke, ML8 5RW Tel: 01555 771 448

DAVID FAIRWEATHER 12 Powburn Crescent Uddingston, G71 7SS Tel: 01698 810575

EDDIE McKENZIE Little Haremoss, Fortrie, Turriff Aberdeenshire, AB53 4HR Tel: 01464 871430

STEWART McCRAE 17 Woodburn Way, Balloch Cumbernauld G68 9BJ Tel: 01236 728783

PAUL THOMPSON Whitecroft, 5 Gareloch Brae, Shandon, Helensburgh G84 8PJ Tel. 01436 821707

ROBERT YOUNG 4 St Mary’s Road, Bishopbriggs Glasgow G64 2EH Tel. 0141 5633714

BMAF Delegates To be appointed Ada Stewart

SAL West District Delegate Willie Drysdale

SAL Delegate at AGM To be appointed

Website Ada Stewart

Auditor George Inglis

FIXTURES

December 2019

Sun 22nd Xmas Handicap Sea Scouts Hall, Miller Street, Clydebank, Race start 11:00am

January 2020

Fri 3rd Scottish National 3000m Championships Emirates Arena, Glasgow

Sun 26th TBC SVHC Open Masters Road Relays Strathclyde Park, 11:00am February 2020

Sat/Sun 1st/2nd Scottish Athletics Indoor Combined Events. Emirates Arena, Glasgow

Sun 2nd Scottish Athletics Indoor Masters Championships. Emirates Arena, Glasgow

Sat 8th Scottish Masters XC Championships McMaster Community Sports Centre, Johnstone

Sun 9th British Masters 10 Mile Road Championships Lytchett Minster Sports Centre, Post Green Rd, Lytchett Minster, Poole, Dorset BH16 6JD

Sat 22nd Scottish Athletics XC Champs, Callendar Park, Falkirk

Sun 23rd British Masters Indoor Pentathlon Championships Lee Valley Athletic Centre Meridian Way London N9 0AR

March 2020

Sun 1st TBC 10 Mile Road Race (Lasswade AC) Whitehill Welfare FC, Ferguson Park, Carnethie Street, Rosewell Start time, 12:00pm

Sun 1st Inter-Area Indoor Track & Field Challenge Lee Valley Athletic Centre Sat/Sun 7th/8th British Masters Indoor Track & Field and Winter Throws Championships Lee Valley Athletic Centre

Sat 7th British Masters Open Cross Country Championships Rhug Estate, Corwen, Denbighshire, North Wales UK, LL21 0EH

Sun 15th – Sat 21st European Masters Indoor Track & Field Championships Braga, Portugal

April 2020

Sun 5th TBC Tom Scott 10 mile Road Race Water Sports Centre, Strathclyde Park, Motherwell 10:00am

Sun 19th British Masters 10k Road Championships Grangemouth Stadium, Falkirk St, Falkirk FK2 9DX

May 2020

Wed 6th TBC Snowball Race 4.8 miles Coatbridge 7:30pm Changing at Lochview Golf Driving Centre

Sat 16th TBC British Masters Road Relay Championships Sutton Park Sutton Coldfield Birmingham B74 2YT

Sun 24th British Masters Mile Championships Westminster Mile, The Mall, London. Assemble in Green Park London SW1A 1AA

The winning M35 team at Aintree

The winning W65 team

Photos by Pete Bracegirdle


M35	Darren Scott	21.15	2008	Ljubljana Slovenia
M40	Darren Scot	t 21.64	2010 Nyiregyhaz Hungary	British Record
M45	Darren Scott	22.49	2015	Lyon France
M50	Alasdair Ross	23.	2002	Hendon
	Darren Scott	23.6 (m)	2019	Warrington
M55	Alasdair Ross	24.66	2007	Riccion Italy
M60	Alasdair Ross	25.38	2015	Lyon France
	Alasdair Ross	25.3 (m)	2013	Abingdon
M65	John Ross	26.38	2003	Norfolk Virginia U.S.A.
M70	John Ross	28.86	2008	Pitreavie
	Ernie Plimer	28.8 (m)	1987	Glasgow
M75	James Smith	30.6	5 2019	Birmingham
M80	John Ross	36.54	2018	Grangemouth
M85	Duncan McLean	41.1 (m)	1972	Crystal Palace London
M90	Duncan McLean	49.2 (m)	1975	Toronto Canada
W35	Joss Harwood	24.5 (m)	1993	Edinburgh
W40	Joss Harwood 25.9 (m)	1999
W45	Pat McKinnon	27.8 (m)	1997	Coatbridge
W50	Christine Scarles	28.6 (m)	1995	Pitreavie
W55	Esther Linaker	29.94	2000	Jyvasklya Finland
W60	Esther Linaker	29.59	2003	Pitreavie
W65	Betty Steedman	35.64	1998	Sheffield
W70	Betty Steedman	38.04	2004	Arhus Denmark
W75	Christine McLennan	41.31	2007	Riccione Italy
W80	Christine McLenna	n 44.28	201	1 Sacramento USA


M35	Darren Scott	49.35	2008	Stretford
M40	Darren Scott	49.81	2011	Sacramento USA
M45	Alasdair Ross	51.18	1997	Durban South Africa
M50	Alasdair Ross	53.55	2003	Derby
M55	Alasdair Ross	54.94	2007	Riccione Italy
M60	Alasdair Ros	s 56.53	2015	Lyon France
M65	John Ross	59.71	2003	Norfolk Virginia U.S.A.
M70	John Ross	64.84	2008	Pitreavie	British Record
M75	John Ross	72.48	2014	Birmingham
M80	Harry Tempan	83.79	2008	Kingston
M85	Fred Cowan	1.36.00	2019	Grangemouth	British Record
M90	Hugh McGinlay	2.19.46	2017	Grangemouth
W35	Philippa Millage	55.59	2016	Southampton
W40	Dianne MacKenzie	59.47	2000	Inverness
W45	Barbara Oliver 60.00	1989
W50	Laura Mahady	61.05	2009	Lahti Finland
W55	Laura Mahady	64.60	2013	Birmingham
	Laura Mahady	64.6 (m	) 2013	Aberdeen
W60	Betty Steedman	78.84	1993	Miyazaki Japan
W65	Liz Bowers 85.99	2018	Solihull
W70	Ann Bath	2.06.22	2018	Birmingham
W75	Christine McLennan	90.15	2006	Poznan Poland


M35	Colin Welsh	1.58.56	2018	Stretford
M40	Alastair Dunlop	1.58.45	1996	Malmo Sweden
M45	Alastair Dunlop	1.59.08	2001	Brisbane Aus
M50	Alastair Dunlop	2.03.14	2005	San Sebastian Spain
M55	James Whiteford	2.07.62	1999	Gateshead
M60	Harry Tempan	2.15.2	1985	Wormwood Scrubs
M65	Fred Cowan	2.19.8	2001	Pitreavie
. Harry Tempan	2.21.0	1990	Glasgow	British Record
M70	Jimmy Todd	2.38.94	1994	Glasgow
M75	Jimmy Todd	2.42.35	1997	Birmingham
	Jimmy Todd	2.45.82	1997	Durban South Africa	British Record
M80	Harry Tempan	3.08.8	2008	Kingston
M85	David Morrison	4.19.81	1999	Gateshead
M90	Emmett Farrell	4.38.99	1999	Gateshead	British Record
W35	Philippa Millage	2.05.13	2016	Manchester
W40	Sonia Armitage	2.19.3	2004	Aberdeen
W45	Sonia Armitage 2.19.8	2007	Dundee
W50	Laura Mahady	2.19.50	2009	Lhati Finland
W55	Laura Mahady	2.27.05 2013	Grangemouth
W60	Sandra Branney	2.53.61	2016	Grangemouth
W65	Janette Stevenson	3.00.33	2016	Perth Australia


M35	Stuart Campbell	4.04.62	2006	Grangemouth
M40	Ian Elliott	3.57.9	1992	Grangemouth
M45	Bill Boyd	4.11.16	1999	Gateshead
M50	Alastair Dunlop	4.12.65	2005	San Sebastian Spain
M55	Alastair Dunlop	4.25.83	2011	Sacramento USA
M60	Harry Tempan	4.36.04	1985	Rome Italy	British Record
M65	Harry Tempan	4.44.0	1990	Solihull	British Record
M70	Jimmy Todd	5.12.51	1992	Kristiansand Norway	British Record
M75	David Morrison	5.50.1	1989	Newcastle
M80	Harry Tempan	6.30.1	2007	Kingston
	Gordon Porteous	6.39.4	1995	Jarrow	British Record
M85	Gordon Porteous	7.41.45	1999	Gateshead	British Record
M90	Gordon Porteous	9-01.92	2004	Birmingham	British Record
W35	Phillippa Millage	4.20.22	2017	Glasgow
W40	Carol Sharp	4.40.9	1995	Birmingham
W45	Sonia Armitage	4.45.36	2007	Riccione Italy
W50	Fiona Matheson	4.46.86	2012	Derby
W55	Sandra Branney	4.57.58	2009	Pitreavie
W60	Janette Stevenson	5.25.47	2009	Birmingham
W65	Janette Stevenson	5.50.62	2016	Perth Australia
W70	Ann Bath	8.22.09	2018	Birmingham


W35	Sandra Branney	9.26.0	1989	Walthamstow
W40	Lesley Chisholm	10.05.47	2016	Glasgow
W45	Janette Stevenson	10.17.7	1995	Coatbridge
W50	Fiona Matheson	9.58.0	2012	Grangemouth
W55	Sandra Branney	10.13.8	2009	Meadowbank	British Record
W60	Janette Stevenson	11.20.22	2009	Pitreavie
W65	Jocelyn Ross	12.47.6	1993	Wormwood Scrubs


M35	Robert Quinn	14.23.08	2002	Scotstoun
M40	Donald Macgregor	14.33.5	1979	Edinburgh
M45	Archie Jenkins	15.21.0	1997	Jarrow
M50	Iain Campbell	16.08.3	2010	Eton
M55	Alistair Murray	16.56.00	2008	Pitreavie
M60	Andy Brown	16.48.40	1994 Ayr
M65	Willie Marshall	18.02.12	1993	Jarrow	British Record
M70	Willie Marshall	19.16.8	1999	Edinburgh
M75	Jimmy Todd	20.00.13	1997	Durban South Africa
M80	Gordon Porteous	23.39.1	1994	Coatbridge
M85	Gordon Porteous	24.51.7	1999	Edinburgh	British Record
M90	Gordon Porteous	31.25.45	2004	Birmingham	European Record
W35	Sandra Branney	16.08.15	1989	Jarrow
W40	Hayley Haining	17.02.03	2014	Glasgow
W45	Fiona Mathieson	17.23.93	2008	Pitreavie
W50	Fiona Mathieson	16.55.08	2011	Scotstoun	British Record
W55	Sandra Branney	17.52.82	2009	Pitreavie	British Record
W60	Janette Stevenson	19.05.70	2009	Birmingham
W65	Janette Stevenson	21.08.25	2016	Perth Australia
W70	Ann Bath	29.17.78	2018	Birmingham


M35	Chris Robison	28.47.26	1997	Sheffield
M40	Donald Macgregor	30.04.2	1979	Hanover Germany
M45	Kerry-Liam Wilson	31.33.38	2016	Crownpoint Glasgow
M50	Jeff Farquhar	32.58.51	2010	Meadowbank
M55	Bill Stoddart	33.35	1986	Glasgow
M60		Alastair Walker	34.54.08	2019	Carluke
M65	Willie Marshall	37.30.60	1993	Jarrow
M70	Willie Marshall	40.12.88	1999	Edinburgh
M75	David Morrison	42.03.4 1989	Coatbridge
M80	Gordon Porteous 48.06.0	1994 Greenock
M85	Gordon Porteous	55.03.48	1999	Gateshead	British Record
M90	Gordon Porteous	69.27.5	2004	Coatbridge	World Record
W35	Hayley Haining	32.47.96	2007	Watford
W40	Janette Stevenson	36.25.0	1990 Glasgow
W45	Fiona Matheson	35.53.8	2010	Coatbridge
W50	Fiona Matheson	35.05.7	2011	Coatbridge	World Record
W55	Fiona Matheson	37.04.54	2018	Glasgow	British Record
W60	Joselyn Ross	43.01.1	1989	Reading
W65	Joselyn Ross	46.48.34	1994	Miyasaki	Japan
W70	Ann Bath	63.33.23	2018	Battersea Park London


M60	M Scott	8.54.7	1986	Grangemouth
M65	Andrew Galbraith	9.29.87	1999 Edinburgh
W35	Allison Simpson	7.02.33	2007	Scotstoun
W40	Claire Thompson	7.13.19	2016	Manchester	British Record
W45	Julie Wilson	8.10.23	2016	Perth Australia


M35	Grant Baillie	10.15.27	2014	Grangemouth
M40	John Kennedy	9.43.2	1990	Ayr
M45	Stewart McCrae	9.47.93	1992	Glasgow
M50	Jim Buchanan	11.19.41	2018	Birmingham
M55	Benjamin Hands	11.53.43	2016	Perth Australia ;
W35	Allison Simpson	10.36.91	2007	Manchester


M70	Ian Steedman	15.39	1998	Sheffield
W40	Joss Harwood	11.55	1999	Gateshead
	Joss Harwood	11.68	1998	Hexham	British Record
W45	Joss Harwood	12.58	2005	San Sebastian Spain
	Joss Harwood	13.02	2008	Pitreavie
W55	Rosemary Chrimes	14.87	1989	Reading
W60	Betty Steedman	17.56	1996	Malmo Sweden
W65	Betty Steedman	18.56	2002	Sheffield
[.table]
100 m hurdles

M50	Tom Leeson	14.89	2013	Porto Alegre	Brazil
M55	Roy Buchanan	16.33	2010	Grangemouth
M60	Ian Steedman	16.9 (m)	1988	Grangemouth
M65	Ian Steedman	17.41	1993	Miyasaki Japan
W35	Joss Harwood	13.96	1993	Birmingham


M35	Francis Smith	15.42	2017	Grangemouth
M40	Paul Sutherland	15.90	2006	Birmingham
M45	Eamon Fitzgerald	17.1 (m)	1994	Grangemouth
	Tom Leeson 17.1 (m)	2009	Dundee


M60	Robert Stevenson	44.86	2013	Porto Alegre Brazil	British Record
M65	Ian Steedman	49.52	1993	Miyasaki Japan
M70	Ian Steedman	59.01	1998	Newport
	Ian Steedman	58.8 (m)	1998	Grangemouth
W50	Angela Graham	61.19	2012	Tauranga New Zealand

M35	Derek Paisley	53.27	2009	Lee Valley London
M40	Paul Sutherland	56.87	2006	Eton
M45	Robert Stevenson	57.91	1999	Gateshead
M50	Robert Stevenson	58.40	2oo3	Pitreavie
M55	Robert Stevenson	61.34	2008	Ljubljana Slovenia
W35	Jane Low	60.70	1996	Malmo Sweden
W40	Jacqui Etherington	74.37	2019	Venice Italy
W45	Catherine Geddes	80.15	1994	Ayr


M35		Jamie Creighton	1.85	2019	Grangemouth
M40	Geoff Parsons	1.91	2005	Watford
M45	Eamon Fitzgerald	1.80	1992	Kristiansand	Norway
M50	Eamon Fitzgerald	1.75	1998	Inverness
M55	Allan Leiper	1.60	2015	Lyon France
M60	Eric Simpson	1.55	2008	Grangemouth
M65	Bill Lonsdale 1.40	2017	Kingston
M7	0 Trevor Madigan	1.30	2014	Aberdeen
M75	John Ross	1.12	2014	Birmingham
W35	Christine Drewry	1.55	1983	London
	Christine Drewry	1.55	1986	Wigan
	Nikki Thompson	1.55	1990	Glasgow
	Jacqueline Gilchrist	1.55	1997	Durban	RSA
W40	Rosemary Chrimes	1.55	1975	Toronto Canada
W45	Janice Hardcastle	1.40	2006	Milton Keynes
W50	Lilian McNab	1.35	2011	Wishaw
	Alison Murray	1.35	2017	Rugby
		1.35	2018	Twickenham London
		1.35	2019	Wimbledon
W55	Rosemary Chrimes	1.37	1989	Reading
W60	Rosemary Chrimes	1.30	1993
W65	Rosemary Chrimes	1.25	1998	Newport
	Rosemary Chrime	s 1.25	1999	Edinburgh	British Record
W70	Rosemary Chrimes	1.26	2003	Carolina USA	British Record
W75	Rosemary Chrimes	1.18	2012	Nuneaton	British Record
W80	Rosemary Chrimes	1.10	2013	Porto Alegri Brazil	World Record
W85	Rosemary Chrimes	0.90	2019	Univ Birmingham	British Record


M35	Dougie Graham	4.20	2013	Aberdeen
M40	Dougie Graham	4.20	2018	Malaga Spain
		4.20	2019	Birmingham
		4.20	2019	Venice Italy
M45	Allan Leiper	4.10	2006	Basingstoke
M50	Eamon Fitzgerald	3.70	1997	Linwood
	Eamon Fitzgerald	3.70	1998	Cesenatico Italy
	Allan Leiper	3.70	2015	Aldershot
M55	Allan Leiper	3.60	2015	Lyon France
M60	Bob Masson	3.00	2010	Aberdeen
M65	Bob Masson	2.90	2012	Pitreavie
	Bob Masson	2.90	2013	Aberdeen
M70	Bob Masson	2.70	2019	Aberdeen
M75	John Ross	1.70	2014	Birmingham
W35	Gillian Cooke	3.22	2019	Grangemouth
W40	Janet Lyon	2.81	2004	Aberdeen
W45	Alison Murray	3.30	2016	Wimbledon
W50	Alison Murray	3.10	2017	Birmingham	British Record

M35	Ian Paget	6.62	2010	Pitreavie
	Ian Paget	6.62	2011	Grangemouth
M40	Darren Scott	6.37	2009	Manchester
M45	Robert Stevenson	6.11	2001	Pitreavie
M50 Eamon Fitzgerald	6.01	1997	Sheffield
M55	Robert Stevenson	5.68	2008	Pitreavie
M60	Mike Clerihew	5.14	2008	Birmingham
M65	Robert Stevenson	4.98	2019	Grangemouth
M70	Trevor Madigan	4.22	2016	Aberdeen
M75	James Smith	4.00	2019	Grangemouth
W35	Jane Scott	5.48	2016	Perth Australia
	Zara Asante	5.48	2019	Birmingham
W40	Fiona Davidson	5.25	2015	Grangemouth
W45	Linda Nicholson	4.66	2006	Poznan Poland
W50	Linda Nicholson	4.87	2010	Cardiff
W55	Sylvia Wood	4.20	1999	Jarrow
W60	Betty Steedman	3.87	1994	Bedford
W65	Betty Steedman	3.45	2001	Eton
W70	Betty Steedman	3.08	2005	Birmingham
W80	Rosemary Chrimes	2.34	2014	Birmingham

M35	Stuart Benson	13.10	2017	Cosford
M40	Eamon Fitzgerald	12.76	1991	Birmingham
M45	Eamon Fitzgerald	12.25	1992	London
M50	Eamon Fitzgerald	11.78	1999	Meadowbank
M55	Robert Stevenson	11.33	2010	Ayr
M60	Robert Stevenson	10.29	2016	Aberdeen
M65	Robert Stevenson	10.33	2018	Grangemouth
M70	John Oulton	8.33	2003
M75	James Smith	7.80	2019	Venice Italy
W35	Zara Asante	13.41	2018	Sportcity Manchester
W40	Fiona Davidson	11.39	2017	Aarhus Denmark
W45	Sylvia Wood	9.36	1992
W50	Sylvia Wood	9.87	1996	Grangemouth
W55	Rosemary Chrimes	9.12	1988	Cwmbran
W60	Betty Steedman	8.17	1994	Bedford
W65	Betty Steedman	7.06	1999	Gateshead
W70	Betty Steedman	6.48	2005	Birmingham

M35	Neil Elliott	16.55	2007	Wakefield
M40	Steve Whyte	16.27	2004	Eton
M45	Steve Whyte	15.12	2009	Leeds
M50	Steve Whyte	15.54	2014	Solihull
M55	Jim Hogg	14.17	2010	Linwood
M60	Jim Hogg	15.44	2015	Livingston	British Record
M65	John A. Scott	12.22	2007	Grangemouth
M70	John A. Scott	12.78	2012	Crownpoint Glasgow	British Record
M75	John A. Scott	11.72 2016	Crownpoint Glasgow
M80	Ian Miller	10.88	2014	Birmingham
W35	Rosemary Chrimes	14.60	1972	Crystal Palace
W40	Rosemary Chrimes	14.67	1974	Port Elizabeth RSA
W45	Rosemary Chrimes	11.25	1978
W50	Rosemary Chrimes	11.34	1987
W55	Rosemary Chrimes	12.97	1989
W60	Rosemary Chrimes	12.20	1993	Miyasaki Japan	British Record
W65	Rosemary Chrimes	11.04	1999	Gateshead
W70	Rosemary Chrimes	11.02	2003	Derby	World Record
W75	Rosemary Chrimes	10.35	2010	Cardiff
W80	Rosemary Chrimes	9.50	2013	Univ Birmingham
W85	Rosemary Chrimes	7.09	2019	Univ Birmingham
		7.08	2019	Birmingham	British Record


M35	Tom Dobbing	60.81	2008	Portsmouth
M40	Alex Black	59.00	1990	Glasgow
M45	Alex Black	53.98	1994	Meadowbank
M50	Steve Whyte	44.42	2014	Amersfoord Ned .
M55	Allan Leiper		41.41	2019	Hull
M60	John Ross	45.04	1998	Solihull
M65	John Ross	39.07	2003	St George Utah USA
M70	John Ross	36.11	2009	St George Utah USA
M75	John Ross	31.92	2013	St.George Utah USA
M80	John L Scott	20.64	2019	Grangemouth
W35	Norma Bruc	e 36.01	2005	Scotstoun
W40	Jane Kirkpatrick	29.98	2014	Scotstoun
W45	Jayne Kirkpatrick	26.89	2018	Lee Valley London
W50	Joyce Rammell	27.22	1997	Grangemouth
W55	Margery Swinton	25.23	1998	Eugene USA
W60	Margery Swinton	27.22	2007	Grangemouth
W65	Margery Swinton	18.72	2009	Pitreavie
W80	Rosemary Chrimes	12.40	2014	Birmingham

M35	Andy Frost	66.25	2016	Eton
M40	Steve Whyt	e 60.13	2006	Twickenham
M45	Steve Whyte	59.80	2009	Leeds
M50	Chris Black	66.92	2002	Potsdam Germany
M55	Chris Black	55.88	2006	Stretford
M60	Bill Gentleman	52.90	2001	Brisbane Australia
M65	Bill Gentleman	50.04	2005	San Sebastian Spain	British Record
M70	Bill Gentleman	47.60	2011	Birmingham
M75	Bill Gentleman	41.59	2015	Livingston	British Record
M80	Ian Miller	35.44	2014	Birmingham
W35	Mhairi Porterfield	53.15	2017	Livingston
W40	Susan Freebairn	35.77	2006	Scotstoun
W45	Claire Cameron	33.75	2004	Arhus Denmark
	Claire Cameron	33.75	2008	Malmo Sweden
W50	Margery Swinton	36.84	1996	Jarrow
W55	Margery Swinton	35.56	2000	Kamloops Canada
W60	Margery Swinton	31.96	2004	Reading USA
W65	Rosemay Chrimes	31.62	2001	Nuneaton
W70	Rosemay Chrimes	31.62	2003	Derby
W75	Rosemary Chrimes	28.63	2010	Leicester
W80	Rosemary Chrimes	24.31	2013	Porto Alegre Brazil
W85	Rosemary Chrimes	19.40	2019	Birmingham	British Record


M35	Neil Elliott	48.53	2007 Meadowbank
M40	Steve Whyte	48.30	2004	Ewell Court
M45	Steve Whyte	47.31	2009	Compiegne France
M50	Steve Whyte	50.40	2014	Amersfoort	Ned.
M55	Steve Whyte	44.89	2019	Hull
M60	Jim Hogg	49.36	2015	Livingston
M65	Bob Masson	42.45	2012	Pitreavie
M70	Bob Masson	38.13	2019	Aberdeen
M75	Jim Sloan	31.10	2017	Grangemouth
M80	Ian Miller	25.41	2014	Birmingham
W35	Rosemary Chrimes	58.02	1972	Birmingham	British Record
W40	Rosemary Chrimes	56.40	1973	Crystal Palace Lon.	British Record
W45	Rosemary Chrimes	44.26	1978	Wolverhampton	British Record
W50	Claire Cameron	34.99	2009	Ancona Italy
W55	Rosemary Chrimes	40.86	1989	Eugene OregonUSA	British Record
W60	Rosemary Chrimes	37.56	1993	Miyasaki Japan	British Record
W65	Rosemary Chrimes	34.95	2001	Nuneaton	British Record
W70	Rosemary Chrimes	31.62	2003	Derby	British Record
W75	Rosemary Chrimes	30.07	2010	Leicester
	Rosemary Chrimes	29.07	2008	Ljubljana Slovenia	British Record
W80	Rosemary Chrimes	24.18	2013	Birmingham	British Record
W85	Rosemary Chrimes	18.61	2019	Birmingham	British Record

M35	Chris Black	19.03	1986	Grendon Hall
M40	Steve Whyte	18.52	2004	Randers Denmark	British Record
M45	Steve Whyte	17.38	2010	Milton Keynes
M50	Steve Whyte (Indoor)	22.10	2014	Budapest Hungary	British Record
M55	Chris Black	20.01	2007	Riccione Italy
M60	Bill Gentleman	20.06	2002	Leon Mexico
M65	Bill Gentleman	17.06	2007	Riccione Italy
M70	Bill Gentleman	18.65	2010	Nyerigyhaza Hungary
M75	Bill Gentleman	15.52	2015	Jarrow	British Record
M80	Ian Miller	14.44	2014	Birmingham	British Record
W35	Susan Freebairn	13.25	2003	Derby
W40	Claire Cameron	11.02	2003	Derby
W45	Claire Cameron	11.41	2004	Randers Denmark
W50	Claire Cameron	11.39	2012	St. John Canada
W55	Claire Cameron	11.33	2014	Budapest Hungary
W60	Margery Swinto	n 12.01	2004	Hendon London

M65	John Ross	4032 pts	2003	Solihull
W40	Carolyn Smith	3845 pts	2003	Pitreavie


W60	Betty Steedman	4149 pts	1995	Sheffield


M60	John Ross	7582 pts	1998	Scotstoun


M50 Steve Whyte 4590 pts 2014 Amersfoort	Ned. British Record
W45 Claire Cameron 3668 pts 2004 Aarhus	Denmark

Posted in Uncategorized

SVHC NEWSLETTER: AUTUMN 2019

Posted on April 10, 2020 by Admin

(Dale’s friend was Aileen Lusk, another important pioneer of Scottish Veteran Women’s running.)

MEMBERSHIP NOTES 12th August 2019

MEMBERS Standard Membership £20 Non competing Membership £10 Over 80 Membership Free

SVHC was saddened to learn of the passing on 12th May of Dale Greig, aged 82. She had been an Honorary Life Member since 1984, and for many years she printed our Newsletter. We also regret to report the passing of Hamish Cameron on 6th June, George Armstrong on 13th June and Hazel Bradley on 31st July.

Welcome to the 19 new and 9 reinstated members who have joined or re-joined since 4th April 2019. As of 12th August 2019, we have 528 members, including 25 over 80 & 4 Life Members.

NEWSLETTER The electronic version of the Newsletter is now the preferred option. Any member who would rather receive a printed Newsletter must contact David Fairweather (djf@ dfairweather.plus.com), if they have not already done so. Please inform David if you add or change your email address.

Please send photos, news, letters, articles, etc for the next issue To: COLIN YOUNGSON TOMLOAN, SANQUHAR ROAD, FORRES, IV36 1DG e-mail: cjyoungson@btinternet.com Tel: 01309 672398

SVHC EVENTS

Stewards/marshals are required for club races. The club appreciates all members & friends who volunteer to act as stewards/marshals. If you are not competing just turn up and introduce yourselves to the organisers.

STANDING ORDERS Thank you to the members who have set up standing orders for membership subscriptions. Please keep me informed if your membership details change (especially email addresses. Standing order details: Bank of Scotland, Barrhead, Sort Code: 80-05-54, Beneficiary: Scottish Veteran Harriers Club, Account No: 00778540, Reference: (SVHC Membership No. plus Surname). stewart2@ntlworld.com 0141 5780526 By cheque: please make cheque payable to SVHC and send to Ada Stewart, 30 Earlsburn Road, Lenzie, G66 5PF.

CLUB VESTS Vests and shorts can be purchased from Andy Law – £18 for vests, including postage and £23 for shorts, including postage. If ordering both together deduct one lot of postage. Or, can be delivered to any of the Club races by arrangement with no postage. (Tel: 01546 605336. or email lawchgair@aol.com)

NEW MEMBERS

NUMB CHRS SURN JOIN TOWN

2499 Ana Richardson 04-Apr-19 Glasgow

2500 Margaret Connolly 16-Apr-19 Canterbury

2501 Gordon Simpson 16-Apr-19 Invergowrie

2502 Robert McHarg 13-May-19 Old Windsor

2503 Paul McMonagle 15-May-19 Cumbernauld

2504 Kevin Durnian 16-May-19 Motherwell 2505 Chris Smith 19-May-19 Bellshill 2506 Patrick Gibbons 11-Jun-19 Helensburgh

2507 Iain MacCorquodale 02-Jun-19 Glasgow

2508 Nina Cessford 10-Jun-19 Galashiels

2509 Shirley Simpson 14-Jun-19 Kilsyth

2510 Ian Horsburgh 21-Jun-19 Doune

2511 Ian Smith 21-Jun-19 Sandford

2512 Martin Glancy Pending Kirkintilloch

2513 Douglas Dickson 15-July-19 Kilmarnock

2514 Kenny Leinster 27-July-19 Clarkston

2515 Paul Nichol 02-Aug-19 Peebles

2516 Fiona Jordan 11-Aug-19 Clydebank

2517 David Gill 11-Aug-19 Warrington

589 Jane Waterhouse 16-Apr-19 Dunblane

2225 Elaine Hogg 01-May-19 Moodiesburn

2305 AnnMarie McGregor 23-May-19 Kirkintilloch

1862 John McKeown 28-May-19 Banchory

2458 Emma Dawson 07-Jun-19 Peterhead

787 Joyce Rammell 10-Jun-19 Dumfries

1963 Stan Walker 13-Jun-19 Bridge of Don

2008 Grant Ramsay 28-Jun-19 Stevenage

1978 Kerry-Liam Wilson 04-Aug-19 Girvan

Ada Stewart Membership Secretary

(Doug Gillon, the eminent sports journalist who knew Dale well, wrote the following obituary. Additional information came from Arnold Black, the Scottish Athletics historian. Many thanks to both.)

Dale Greig, athletics pioneer, administrator, benefactor, World veteran marathon champion, and inaugural holder of the women’s world marathon best

Born 15th May 1937; Died 12th May 2019

“Dale Greig, who wore plimsolls when she set the first officially ratified world record for the women’s marathon, has died in a Paisley hospice three days short of her 82nd birthday. Her funeral on Friday (May 24) came just a day after the 55th anniversary of her world best, at Ryde on the Isle of Wight.

Taking time off work as secretary to Walter Ross, publisher of The Scots Athlete magazine, she was intent only on lasting the distance. Prevailing rules excluded women, so she started four minutes ahead of 67 men. Nineteen failed to finish in 80-degree heat, with an ambulance – and her widowed mum, Anna, in a car – following the event.

Dale finished in 3:27:45. “I felt sorry for the men I kept passing in the closing stages – they looked embarrassed,” she said subsequently.

Yet in interviews with The Herald she denied she was a campaigning feminist: “I never considered myself as championing women’s rights. I ran because I loved being outdoors.”

Her training regime, even by today’s standards, was mind-blowing. “I’d set out from Paisley at 7am, and head for Largs via Bridge of Weir. I’d stop there for an ice cream cone and walk while I ate it. By the time I’d got to Largs I’d done nearly 30 miles. I would have a swim in the outdoor pool. I’d hire a towel but I carried my costume in a pocket of my wet-suit top. Then I would go for a cup of tea and a scone in a cafe and return along the coastal route, along the shore of the Clyde by Wemyss Bay and Inverkip. If I got thirsty I’d just drink from a stream, or sometimes I might stop for a coffee and a wee cake before finishing in Gourock. I’d go to a friend’s for a bath and then catch the train and be home by 3:00 pm. The total run was just over 50 miles and I did it quite a few times.”

After the record race, she danced until midnight and rose early for a swim before travelling home.

Misogynist officialdom was incensed, however. The Ryde club received a letter warning there must be no repetition, “as the resulting publicity is not good for the sport.”

Greig received nothing for her trailblazing, but successors like Paula Radcliffe, only Briton to hold the women’s world best since Dale, have become millionaires while hundreds of women now make a living from marathons.

Greig spent much of her life in a house she bought from the council, but was adamant: “I’m not envious. We ran just for the fun of it. I never made a penny, and I was proud to be an amateur. That’s not to say I would not have liked to make a living as a runner, but I believed in the amateur code, and actually gave away my prizes. Now it’s professional and completely different. Drugs are terrible. What pleasure can they get?”

There was no women’s club in Paisley, so Dale formed her own: Tannahill Harriers, named after the Tannahill Weavers and the street where she lived. She was president, secretary, treasurer and the sole member – paying affiliation fees to the governing bodies from her own pocket.

She was a multiple national champion, representing Scotland for 13 years at cross-country, first having come to notice as runner-up for the national 880 yards title in 1956, before taking bronze at the mile four times in the next decade. It was the longest track race available to her.

She was the first woman to run the mountainous 40-mile Isle of Man TT course, first to race up and down Ben Nevis, and first to run the 53-mile London to Brighton. In 1974, then aged 37, over a difficult course, she won the inaugural World Masters Marathon, in Paris, in 3:45:21. It was the first time the sexes were allowed to race together, paving the way for mass participation and a whole industry. That historic race was a double Scotch: for Alastair Wood won the men’s race.

But in 1982 Dale jumped in the shallow end at a swimming pool. “You’d think I was a kid,” she recalled. “They were changing the water and it was shallower than it might have been. I hit my heels on the bottom, and suffered cracked bones in my feet. I was never quite the same.”

Feisty and independent, but modest, self-deprecatory, and never strident, she served as secretary, treasurer, and president of the Scottish women’s cross-country body and assistant secretary of the embryo global Masters movement, IGAL for five years from 1982.

She was inducted into the Scottish Athletics Hall of Fame last November. She was also a founder of the Scottish Women’s Cross-country Union, an Honorary Life Member of the Scottish Marathon Club and an invaluable official in the Scottish Veteran Harriers Club.

She dismissed the notion that she deserved an MBE: “I have worked at being anonymous, and been reasonably successful at it,”. she said. “I’m a wee shy person and don’t look for plaudits.” There was not a trophy to be seen in her home. She kept a veritable treasure trove hidden in a cupboard.

She was honoured annually, however, by the London Marathon, among an elite group of Brits who had held a world record or won a major title.

And in gesture surely rooted in her treatment by male officialdom, she helped establish a fund to give opportunities to Scottish female athletes. World champion Liz McColgan was among many benefactors. “I’d have loved the opportunity that they have to make a career and a life out of running,” said Dale.

She did, however, write a column, Dale’s Diary, for ‘The Scots Athlete’ magazine, for which she worked for many years.”

(Arnold added extra information.)

“Beginning as a schoolgirl sprinter, Dale soon found that her natural métier was stamina rather than speed. Between 1956 and 1959 she won a silver medal over 880 yards and two bronze medals at one mile in the Scottish women’s national championships before going on to specialise in cross country and road running.

She was the founder member of Tannahill Harriers, named after the famous Tannahill weavers from Paisley. In 1960, she won the first of four national women’s cross country titles.

This was the last Scottish Cross-Country Championship organised by the Scottish Women’s AAA and she is the only runner to have won national titles under both the SWAAA and the subsequent Scottish Women’s Cross Country Union organisations. As a member of the group of active women enthusiasts who established the SWCCU at a time when the sport was languishing in Scotland, Dale was the national secretary for six years and treasurer for a further five years.

She continued to compete on the track in mile races and won her 4th and final Scottish cross-country title in 1968, going on to finish 8th in the English championships and 14th in the International championship at Blackburn.

Her interest in long distance running grew from a meeting with the inspirational Rhodesian, Arthur Newton, pioneer of ultra-long distance running. This led to her Isle of Wight Marathon record-setting feat in May 1964.

However, she enjoyed conventional competition too much to break from the standard women’s events, and it was not until 1971 that she made her next attempt at a long distance event. After a thorough build up, running from 60 to 100 miles per week with continuous runs of 30 to 40 miles, she competed in the Isle of Man 40 miles race over the famous motorcycle TT course, finishing the distance in 6:48:00.

Another pioneering effort came in hill running, where she was the first woman to compete in and finish the Ben Nevis 10 mile mountain marathon race in Fort William.

In 1972 she decided to run in the classic London to Brighton 53 mile race. Her normal schedule of 50 to 60 miles per week was supplemented by three 40 mile runs, plus other continuous runs over 45 and 50 miles. For some of these long runs she ran from her Paisley home over country roads to the Clyde Coast, carrying her tracksuit in her shoulder rucksack.

Setting off on her solo run at 6 a.m. from Big Ben at Westminster Bridge, one hour before the male runners in the official race, she completed the arduous event, running non-stop with no noticeable aches or strains, in 8:30:03, representing a pace of under 9 minutes per mile.

GEORGE (IRONMAN) ARMSTRONG

Born 25/6/1939. Died 13/6/2019

Born in Jedburgh into a sheep farming family and was the eldest of three sons. His early life and school were in Hawick. He was a strong boy who loved action and played rugby for Hawick Juniors before moving to Dunbar in East Lothian after he married Jessie. They raised 5 children, Kenny, Christine, Pat, Colin and Caroline who now lives in Australia. George spent six years in the Royal Army Reserves.

George was a regular member of Haddington Rugby Club playing in the first team as a mobile forward. George’s love of running began by taking part in the Borders Highland games event and local hill races. He started his road running in his late 30s having been inspired when acting as a steward in the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh and ran his first marathon in 1981 under the Scottish AAA regulations around a 3-lap route in Edinburgh. He had to drop out at 20 miles, but his determination to finish was the hallmark of his further 140+ marathons during the marathon boom years with a personal best of 2hrs 36m.

In addition to his incredible marathon races George loved events such as the Corrieyairack Challenge, the Isle of Mull Fell Race and twice completed the 95 miles of the West Highland Way. George also was part of the Haddington East Lothian Pacemaker team to cover the East Lothian 3 Peaks run (Traprain Law, North Berwick Law and Lammer Law)

He was an original member of Lewisvale Spartans running club based in Musselburgh before it became Musselburgh DRC.

George was part of the successful HELP Veteran squad and also represented Scotland and Great Britain in numerous events including European and World championships in Europe, America, Japan and Australia. His medal haul is something that the local youngsters and fellow athletes were inspired by when they visited him. (In the Scottish Masters Cross-Country Championships, George won M50 bronze in 1990, M55 bronze in 1995 and M60 silver in 2008. One of his proudest moments took place in 1992, when he became M50 Scottish Champion.)

George’s tartan bonnet and shorts marked him out and his well-known ‘grunt’ told you that he was chasing you down.

After retirement from the building industry at 65 George decided to ‘put something back’ into his love of athletics by taking a Scottish Athletics Coaching Course as a JogScotland Leader encouraging people of all ages to take up recreational running. He regularly led groups at Meadowmill and Haddington. He would attend as many events as he could and we can all remember his battle cry “Mental Toughness”

An unfortunate accident at his home in Robertson Avenue Tranent which impaired George’s mobility resulted in a transfer to the Loch Centre Sheltered Housing Unit. Following several periods in hospital over the last year George became weaker and he passed the finish line of his greatest race, in peace, on Thursday 13th June 2019 just 12 days short of his 80thbirthday, supported along the road by his family and friends.

By Henry Muchamore.

MEMORIES OF HAMISH CAMERON

Born: 27/1/1947. Died: 6/6/2019.

Hamish and I first met in October 1966 when I started studying at Aberdeen University. We were both members of the AU Hare & Hounds – the cross-country running club. Hamish had started a year earlier, and ‘Athletic Alma’ the Summer 1966 edition of the annual sports magazine commented on him: “Elusive, but great potential as a runner. Social life unknown.” Two years later, his profile read: “Notable for picturesque language, he has improved greatly this year and won the Christmas Handicap.”

We travelled to races all over Scotland and usually trained together on Wednesday afternoons (the weekly club run) which could be on road, grass and sand. On warm days, it was noticeable that Hamish sweated a lot. His party trick, back outside the changing rooms, was to take off his running vest and wring an amazing amount of moisture from it. This was because his back had childhood scar tissue so the sweat could only come out of a limited portion of normal skin. Hamish never complained; his team-mates merely laughed!

Hamish steadily reduced his fastest time over the 6-and-a-half mile home course. By 1968 he was part of the first team (and is in the back row, third from the right, in this photo, looking young and happy). By 1969 Hamish had featured in several team victories against other universities, for example Queen’s (Belfast), Glasgow, Dundee and St Andrews; and had run twice in the prestigious Edinburgh to Glasgow 8-man road relay. One of his very best performances was in the 1968 event, when he overtook two rivals on the final stage, moving AU up to 12th (third university to finish) which was good, considering that only the best 20 clubs in Scotland had been selected.

After graduating in 1971, to begin teaching I moved to Glasgow, joined Victoria Park AAC – and discovered a familiar team-mate – Hamish Cameron, who met his wife-to-be-Edna in that city. Hamish remained calm, clever and usually a man of few words, who raced and trained as hard as possible – he loved the sport. There were club runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays, in the winter though dimly-lit streets on twisting traditional routes. Cross-country in the West of Scotland involved deep mud. VPAAC was a very good club, ranked in Scotland’s top four, but Hamish was right on the edge of the first team – indeed in 1972 he ran particularly well in the important McAndrew road relay and, judging by the time he set, should indeed have been one of the first 8 Vicky Park men. In 1974 Hamish appeared in the annual Scottish ranking lists, with a marathon time of 2.43.16, when he was 17^th in the Scottish Marathon Championships in Edinburgh.

Between 1973 and 1981 I taught firstly in Sweden and then for seven years in Edinburgh. However, I often came up to run the Forres Highland Games road race and saw Hamish there. When I ran for Aberdeen clubs between 1981 and 2008 we frequently took part in North District events. By then Hamish was the invaluable long-serving Forres Harriers club secretary and organiser of the North District Cross-Country League – such a series of strenuous, challenging races. Despite never drinking alcohol, or partly because of this, Hamish was a star performer in pub quizzes, as well as BBC television Mastermind. In fact he was an outstanding Scottish International Quizzer.

In 2009 I moved to Forres and naturally joined the Harriers. Hamish was a clubmate yet again and running better and better – as most of us slowed down, Hamish maintained fitness and became a real ‘friendly rival’ – an opponent to worry about, specialising in 10km road races, an amazing 137 parkruns and cross-country. I remember that five years ago I got round a parkrun in Sydney and won my age category. Hamish replied with glee that he had raced that exact one earlier – and had run it faster than I had! We both ran for medal-winning M65 Scottish teams in the annual Five Nations Masters International Cross-Country event: Belfast 2012 and Dublin 2015. Before that, in the 2014 Benromach Forres Harriers 10k, Hamish had been too strong for me at last; and in the 2016 Scottish Masters XC Championships at Forres, when he was 69, finished a long way in front. A fine career in the M70 category seemed certain. Unfortunately, injuries prevented this, but Hamish kept very fit by cycling many days each week. In addition, he could still run when necessary, and was one of the small leading group of old graduates in the 2017 AUH&H reunion run, when the two of us finished side by side on the King’s College playing fields, which we remembered so well from the 1960s.

I could only marvel at Hamish’s impressive expertise and quick responses in ‘Mastermind’. He did a lot to help others and achieved a great deal during his life, which has been cut cruelly short.

He and Edna were a devoted couple, who were so proud of Niall, Mairi and Isla. We can only remember a good, clever, determined man and express our sympathy to Hamish’s family.

by Colin Youngson

QUESTIONNAIRE (for SVHC Newsletter)

(Jenny MacLean has won many National medals, including gold in the 2007 Scottish Half Marathon Championship. In Masters competition, at W35 she was first overall in the Scottish Masters XC (2009 and 2010); won the 5k road title in 2014; the 10 miles gold in 2012; and the Half Marathon crown in 2013. In the 2016 British and Irish Masters XC, Jenny was part of the silver medal-winning W40 Scottish Masters team.)

NAME Jenny MacLean

CLUBs Edinburgh AC

DATE OF BIRTH 28/11/73

OCCUPATION R&D Engineer for Bosch Rexroth (Hydraulic Motors)

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THE SPORT?

Looking for something to do in the evenings during my third year University work placement in Warrington. I’d come across a Women’s Jogging Initiative organised by a lovely American lady who was a founder member of the Reebok Running Sisters. It was for total beginners and was a fab group of people. Despite considering myself pretty fit, I was horrified when I found that I couldn’t get all the way round the (small) local park without stopping to walk! 10 weeks and my first 5k later and I was hooked – running has been an important part of my life ever since.

HAS ANY INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP HAD A MARKED INFLUENCE ON YOUR ATTITUDE OR INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE?

Moving to Edinburgh in 2003, joining EAC, finally doing ‘proper’ sessions, running with lovely people and getting advice on a proper, structured programme was the real kick which I needed. Up to that point I’d mostly been a 3-4 miles, 3-4 times a week runner, though had been starting to do more and getting more competitive. Mixing with like-minded and knowledgeable folks and being more consistent gave me rapid improvement and a real sense of belonging.

In 2007 I was probably running at my best when hit by my first real experience of injury. At the time I was in charge of a small fitness business and met loads of really interesting people, one of whom helped me massively with focus and self-belief. As a result, I’m much better able to deal with disappointment and injury and also to really pull myself together when racing.

WHAT EXACTLY DO YOU GET OUT OF THE SPORT?

For me, running is a sanity check. It’s my ‘me time’ where I can let my mind run free and let the endorphins do their brilliant thing. I’ve always loved being outside immersed in nature and love watching the seasons, the scenery and whatever else is going on as I’m running past. It also helps me to scratch my very competitive itch – the buzz of competing during training and racing is the most difficult thing to replace if I’m out injured. Despite doing the majority of my running solo, I really value the social side. Whether that’s chatting on a long run or between reps during a session, or getting to know people better on a trip away. That sense of community developed over the years just gets stronger and makes races even more attractive.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR BEST EVER PERFORMANCE OR PERFORMANCES?

The results I’m proudest of are probably from cross country races – 4th at the Nationals in 2009 and 2nd at the National short course in 2010. They’re certainly the highest profile. Much more recently, I was chuffed to come second at the British Masters in Forres in 2018, despite patchy training.

At the longer distance scale, I had a great run of results at the Corrieyairack Challenge (16 mile run over the pass, followed by a 26 miles road bike at the time when I did it – it has become shorter since then), with three wins in four attempts.

The most unexpected was the first time I did the London Marathon back in 2004. I got married at the end of January and had a 10-day ski honeymoon (zero running), so even with some good training after that, went into the race with very little expectation. The day before the race I started feeling a bit coldy and woke up on race day with basically no voice and a slightly sore throat. I squeaked and croaked my way round, chatting to people and enjoying the experience and was delighted to duck under 3:15 and gain myself a championship place for the following year. No sleep on the sleeper back up to Edinburgh (every muscle in my body hurt), and was then floored by a horrible bug for the next fortnight. You’d never recommend that to anyone, but the gamble paid off on that occasion.

YOUR WORST?

For some reason, half marathons feature prominently here, despite having had some really good experiences and results! At Glasgow in around 2006, it was a really warm day, training had gone really well and I thought this was going to be a breakthrough run. But the wheels really fell off 10 miles in and I remember miserably trundling the last three miles wondering where I’d gone wrong. I think it was fairly soon after that I managed to bust the 1:20 barrier, so it was just one of those bad days. More recently, in 2013, training had also been going really well for the Loch Ness Marathon, but I had achilles niggles. The second half of the Moray Half was VERY sore and disappointing, so that the thought of walking back from the town for the prizegiving was too much and I limped slowly back to the train station instead.

But I think the most disappointing was when I had a place in the elite field at the 2007 Great North Run (sat on the bus behind Paula Radcliffe and Kara Goucher). I’d had some ankle tendon issues in the lead up and deep down knew it was unlikely to end well and I shouldn’t even have started. But… it was too good an opportunity not to have a go, so I persevered and was struggling so badly I had to limp across the regular finish line as they’d already pulled the elite one in. Could barely walk onto and off the train home and spent the next couple of days with my ankle on fire and elevated whilst lying on the sofa. The start of the most persistent and painful period of injury I’ve ever had.

WHAT UNFULFILLED AMBITIONS DO YOU HAVE?

The marathon and I have unfinished business – have never felt that my results and times have lived up to the shape I’ve managed to get myself in beforehand. Contemplating trying again in the autumn if I can manage to keep myself in one piece after several years of on-off training with niggly injuries. Also eyeing up age group duathlon/triathlon. I dabbled in triathlon in the mid-2000s and did quite well. Having always cycled as well as run, there’s a big part of me which wonders how good I could be if I focused on it more seriously…

OTHER LEISURE ACTIVITIES?

I have to confess that a lot of them are also pretty active! Having avoided gyms for a decade and a half, I’m trying to balance out the running with some weights and mobility work and thoroughly enjoying some cardio classes into the mix.

Cycle touring is one favourite type of holiday and my husband and I have had some fun adventures the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland (including accidentally routing across the Hardnott and Wrynose Passes first thing on a Monday morning, on a day which was to be 90 miles and when we’d arranged to meet friends in Ambleside for coffee mid-morning).

Walking is a particular favourite – last summer’s best adventure was a midsummer 13 miler starting at 11:30pm, along the River Avon with headtorches, tip-toeing past isolated West Lothian farmhouses to get up Cockleroy hill at 2:30am to see the Lothians laid out below us pre-dawn and getting home in almost full daylight before 4am!

Gardening is very therapeutic (we did our new build house garden in conjunction with BBC’s The Beechgrove Garden in 2015, so feel we have to keep on top of it).

I do enjoy a good sit down too and can get lost in a good book for very many hours on end. Cinema, music and theatre trips also feature prominently in the social calendar.

WHAT DOES RUNNING BRING YOU THAT YOU WOULD NOT HAVE WANTED TO MISS?

A feeling of freedom and challenge. Camaraderie and connection to other people and the wider world. Getting to see different places (great for exploring whilst away too). I’ve been lucky enough to get trips to Milan, Dublin, Manchester and Conwy (amongst others) in a Scottish vest and see things I wouldn’t have otherwise.

CAN YOU GIVE SOME DETAILS OF YOUR TRAINING?

When in one piece and training seriously, I’ve always been pretty consistent, generally putting in 45-55 miles over 6 days. One tempo type run or longer efforts, one session with shorter efforts (anything from short hill reps to laps of the Meadows, with pyramids, mile reps etc… also represented), often a mid-week longer (7-8 mile) run, a proper long run (typically 12-16 miles, off-road where possible), plus a couple of easy/recovery runs. If marathon training, volume goes up, if fighting off niggles, volume and intensity both go back down.

In the summer, some runs may be replaced with, or supplemented by cycling. In the winter, I’ve rediscovered spin classes and the gym for some variety and extra challenge. I was a Pilates teacher for many years and am increasing finding I’m missing it – at some point I’d like to be able to slip quietly into the back of someone else’s class for some more regular core work!

Having moved out of town to Linlithgow a few years ago, I’m really appreciating the variety of great off-road training routes accessible right from my front door, and now make a point of cutting out the worst of the pavement pounding whenever I can. Point me in the direction of an interesting trail, preferably with a view and I’m happy!

Mabie 10k Trail Race. 10/06/18

(Or The Sad Demise of the Small Race Trophy)

Is there a setting more beautiful but still eminently accessible, than Mabie Forest? This wee race has to be one of the best ever. We’ve entered every year since we started racing…6 years now…and it was the first race where I ever won a trophy.

In those days they had trophies 1st to 3rd in each veteran age category going in 5-year steps, Mine was a 3rd place F45 trophy and I was a LONG way behind the F45 winner, but was immensely proud of myself. Although it’s not exactly lost in the mists of time, it seems as though, since then, we’ve entered a different, ‘voucher’ era in race prizes.

Nowadays Mabie has a total of 3 female veteran prizes, one each for 40+, 50+ and 60+…(same for men) and no trophies!  Sad to say, this now seems to be a feature of smaller races. The (small) collection of modest little trophies I have, from various small-town races around the country, seem to have tailed off around 2015 even though I still do many of the same races (and probably more often win age group prizes!) (A major benefit of getting older as a runner – the competition thins out somewhat).

It’s a nice run anyway. Mabie Forest is an excellent reason to live near Dumfries, it’s fresh and green and lovely and only 10 mins drive from the town centre. Our kids used to love the climbing frames, death slide and monkey bars in the adventure playground, and there are dipping ponds, bridges for Pooh sticks, long grass meadows and interesting forest walks short enough to herd small children round without too many tantrums. We often go for training runs around the miles of paths there and have family nicknames for most of the features.

Don’t you love the cheerful buzz at the start of a wee local race? Even if you don’t know anyone it feels nice, and completely different to bigger, commercially organised events. Dumfries Harriers always have plenty of marshals, and they’re all very friendly and encouraging, whether you’re rocketing off at the front or slogging along at the end. I was extra pleased to see that so many of their fast female runners were on marshal duty…

We came into this race pretty tired (yes, I know, excuses, excuses!); the Dick Wedlock 10k And Edinburgh Half being actual target, proper-taper, hard-effort races and us only 2 weeks past that, with 2 extra races (Race the Train and Grantown) last weekend instead of recovery. Also, Reformer Pilates on the Friday. The thing about Reformer Pilates is it really works all kind of obscure core muscles in a way that definitely helps your running, but is really exhausting and makes said obscure core muscles tender and sulky…but you have to do it to get the benefit and if you’re racing all the time and missing it so you won’t be sore in the races then you have to sacrifice that benefit. Probably matters more for auld yins too. Long story short: if it’s not a ‘target’ race, no taper, do the classes and just tell the obscure core muscles to shut up and do their best.

Ready to go

So Mabie was, emphatically, a training race. No anxiety, don’t chase anyone, take as long as it takes, concentrate on good form. It was a perfect running day, sunshine in the sky and all the wee birds tweeting prettily in the trees. The starting horn sounded and off we trotted, half a mile on level fire road. Alex (partner of Michelle the Niece and Serious Running Snake) meanwhile, tore off in a cloud of dust!

The long hill that starts half a mile into the race route is known in our family as ‘Relentless brown’ (because it’s on the brown walking trail). The lack of shade as you plod up the endless hill prompted a re-think on how perfect the weather was, but, hey, it’ll likely be hotter in Malaga…the next junction in the race is only 2/3 of the way up old Relentless and turns off onto more level roads which was welcome, as was the sporadic shade. Another half mile or so later it heads up into the woods on a favourite, undulating path…in this case undulating means proper ups and downs, some of them (like ‘Mountain Goat Crag’ which looks out over a truly magnificent view of the Solway Estuary with Criffel posed in the background) almost needing hands as well as feet. I got caught behind someone in less of a hurry on the way up there, mega frustration! Pet hate of the day: slowing down against your will when going uphill. Losing momentum, IMHO, just makes it harder.

Next is ‘Badger path’ where a – surprisingly long-legged – badger actually crossed in front of me once on an early morning run, it undulates (less sharp but still up and down) down the other side and is a good place to pick up a bit of speed…unless you’re stuck behind someone running just a bit too slow on the single file path!

Then the route turns along the side of the hill overlooking a Loch on ‘Butterfly Walk’. I think that might be the actual Mabie Forest name of that bit, there’s certainly lots of butterfly information along the way. And actual butterflies . At the end of Butterfly Walk is the water station…on a T junction with the fire road…too busy offering water to remember with directions; Alex reported having to pause his charge to ask which way he was supposed to go! There were a couple of runners in front of me gave up and walked on the next set of uphills, but I’m always too paranoid to do that in case I can’t get started again.

The levelling out is welcome again along the top of the hill, then it’s right onto a tricky wee path until the terrifyingly steep downhill of ‘The Glorious 12th’, which is (!) on the orange walk. Geddit!?

The 12th was actually ok that day as it was dry underfoot, so apart from the odd loose rock didn’t feel too life-threatening. At the bottom of the hill there’s a super, open and undulating (very gentle undulations this time) section for another half mile or so, just enough of an overall downhill slope for powerful springing like a superhero. Turn right at the ‘Crocodile Pond’ (elder daughter named that one!) and up the ‘Green Hill’ (some names are better than others!).

When the marshal at the bottom of the 12th said I was 1st female I thought I’d heard him wrong, but the next one said the same. Oh no! Instant Pressure. What if someone overtakes me!? How close is the next one (CAN’T LOOK BACK!)?…It doesn’t matter, I told myself sternly. It’s still a training race, and 2nd or 3rd is still brilliant. It’d be lying to pretend I didn’t speed up a shade, but I tried hard to keep the head.

After the Green Hill there’s a longish stretch on fire road around the side of the hill, then the last km (it’s marked!) follows a stream through shade-dappled beech-woods which we call ‘Antelope Trail’, because it gives you a real ‘bounding gazelle-like through the sunlit forest’ feel.

As it happened, the person I could hear behind was male with no other females close, so I came in 1st female. Yes, really!

2nd female, would you believe it, was the Running Niece! Oh, and Mr Running Snake had blistered the trails to come in a full 2 mins in front of everyone else in the race, winning 1st Male.

Running Niece, Running Snake, and First Female

Here’s the sad thing. I’ve never been 1st in a race before (school doesn’t count). I think it’s not all that likely that I ever will again. I got 1st prize, and it’s a voucher. How am I supposed to gloat over that in my old age?

“See these Injinji socks?” I’ll say to the clustered great-grand-weans…”These came from my winnings the time I actually WON a race!”

Nah, vouchers are fine for superhero runners with trophy fatigue; I say bring back the cheapo keepsake trophy for us normal mortals who want to treasure our wee moment of glory forever!

By Anne Macfarlane

Road Running Round-up

Neil Green (Giffnock North) made quite a comeback (after only running six races in the previous 12 years). Now aged 51, in the Monklands Half Marathon in May, he finished second overall and first M40 in a time of 1 hour 20 minutes. A couple of weeks earlier, Neil completed the Victoria Park run in 17.10.

At the British Masters Indoor Championships trophies and certificates were presented to the best athletes of 2018. Some also gained World and European awards.

BRITISH AWARDS: FEMALE LONG-DISTANCE RUNNER – FIONA MATHESON

TRACK AND FIELD REPORTS by Mike Clerihew

3rd March 2019. Scottish Masters Indoor Combined Events Championships.

The combined events competition took place in over the weekend 16th and 17th February and saw M60 Brian Slaughter (Eastbourne) win the male heptathlon competition with a total of 5126 points ahead of M70 Bob Masson (Aberdeen) with 4870 points. As best placed Scot, Bob won the Steedman medal (I assume that Scottish Athletics are still presenting the medal) and also had the consolation of setting two Scottish Masters best performances in the high jump with 1.33m and pole vault with 2.65m.

In the woman’s pentathlon competition W45 Amanda Broadhurst (Wrexham) won with a total of 2976 points.

3rd March 2019. Scottish Masters Indoor Track and Field Championships.

The Indoor T&F Champs took place in the Emirates Arena on Sunday 17th February and some excellent performances were witnessed.

Six new Scottish Masters best performances were recorded and another equalled. Bobby Stevenson (Ayr) set new figures in the M65 category winning the long jump with a leap of 4.75m and the triple jump with 10.10m and Fred Cowan equalled this feat with new bests in winning the M85 200m and 400m double with times of 44.00s and 1m 31.97s respectively. Fred’s 400m time is superior to the current British record of 1m 40.37s held by Eric Shirley so I hope that the necessary paperwork has been completed and submitted to BMAF for ratification. John Ross (Corstorphine) also set a 400m best in the M80 category with a time of 1m 29.18s but lost his M65 200m best when Bob Douglas (Livingston) won the event in 28.38s, one hundredth of a second faster than John’s time from 2004. Linzi Marsh (Edinburgh) equalled the W40 best with a winning clearance at 1.40m.

With the 3000m championships (held in January) included 22 Championship best performances were set and another equalled. In addition to Fred Cowan, Bob Douglas, John Ross and Bobby Stevenson’s performances mentioned above new championship bests were set by:-

Andrew Lewis (Harrow) M50 60m hurdles (8.98s) and long jump (5.79m)

Mary Barrett (Loughrea, Ireland) W60 60m hurdles (11.87s), shot (10.12m) and high jump (1.20m)

Bob Douglas (Livingston) M65 400m (64.71s)

Jacqui Hodgson (Durham) W50 200m (28.63s) and 400m (64.82s)

Kathleen Stewart (North Shields) W75 60m (11.78s) and 200m (39.32s)

Catriona Pennet (Edinburgh) W35 60m hurdles (9.35s)

Robert Biggar (N. Ireland) M60 1500m (4m 51.05s)

Bobby Young (Clydesdale) M75 1500m (6m 04.72s) and 3000m (12m 39.28s)

Stuart Gibson (Cambuslang) M35 3000m (8m 39.04s)

Jacqui Etherington (Cambuslang) W40 800m (2m 25.45s)

Ian Horsburgh (Central) equalled the M40 60m best in 7.32s.

22nd March 2019. British Masters Indoor T&F Championships and Winter Throws Competition.

The BMAF T&F Indoors and Winter Throws took place at Lee Valley, London over the weekend 9th/10th March with Scots athletes winning a total of 28 medals (7 gold, 16 silver and 5 bronze) and setting two Scottish Masters best performances at the indoor championships.

Gillian Cooke (Edinburgh) secured a golden double in the W35 pole vault, in a new Scottish Masters best performance, with a 3.30m clearance and long jump with 5.21m as did John Thomson (Fife) in the M60 800m with 2m 26.14s and 1500m in 5m 5.66s. Other winners were Claire Cameron (VP Glasgow) in the W60 shot with 9.47m, John Coyle (Garscube) in the M45 3000m with a time of 9m 45.15s and Allan Leiper (Aldershot, Farnham & Dist) in the M55 shot with a throw of 12.80m.

James Smith (Motherwell) claimed four silver medals in the M70 age group, 60m in 9.22s, 200m in 30.79, triple jump with 8.63m and long jump with 3.64m, Jacqui Etherington (Cambuslang) won three in the W40 category, 800m in 2m 28.74s, 1500m in 5m 6.47s and 3000m in 11m 6.11s and Graeme Armstrong won two, the M60 60m in 8.25s and 200m in 27.35s. Other silver medal winners were Alison Murray ( Hercules Wimbledon) W50 pole vault with 2.81m, Colin Welsh (Gala) M35 1500m in 4m 9.50s, Ian Johnston (SVHC) M50 3000m in 9m 48s, Paul Masterton (Corstorphine) M55 high jump with 1.49m, Ron Todd (Central) M55 pole vault with 3.20m, John McGarry (Irvine) M65 60m in 8.63s and Bill Lonsdale (Aberdeen) M65 long jump with 4.19m.

In addition to his silver in the 1500m Colin Welsh won bronze in the M35 800m in 1m 59.78s which is a Scottish Masters best performance, whilst further bronze medal winners were Gary Leek (Edinburgh) M55 60m in 8.05s, Gary’s son Stephen in the M35 long jump with 5.73m,

Jim Sloan (Annan) M75 shot with 9.66m and Dean Kane (Inverness) M35 3000m in 10m 7.85s.

In the throws Claire Cameron won the W60 weight with 11.21m discus with 26.02m and came third in the hammer with25.74m. Jim Sloan came second in the M75 discus with 28.56m, Allan Leiper second in the M55 discus with 37.89m and Stephen Leek third in the M35 discus with 25.09m.

Well done to all Scots competing.

4th April 2019. World Masters Indoor Championships.

The 8th version of the WMA Indoor Championships took place in Torun, Poland from 24th to 30th March with the British contingent finishing 4th in the medals table with a total of 166 (60 gold, 58 silver and 48 bronze). Germany once again headed the list with 262 medals (100 gold) followed by USA with 159 (62 g) and Poland with 182 (60 g).

To my knowledge 21 Scots competed winning a total of 4 individual and 6 team/relay medals. As I no longer either compete or officiate I have kind of lost track of Scottish athletes so I apologise now for anyone I have omitted from the undernoted.

Four new Scottish Masters best performances were set with Bob Douglas (Livingston) recording a time of 63.60s in the in his heat of the M65 400m to add to his 200m best from the Scottish Masters Championships and Colin Welsh (Gala) bettered his own best from the BMAF Championships with 1m 59.51s in his M35 800m heat. Jamie Creighton (Liverpool) cleared 1.90m in finishing 4th in the M35 high jump and Ron Todd (Central) cleared 3.35m for 10th place in the M55 pole vault.

Medallists:-

Jacqui Etherington (Cambuslang) won bronze in both the individual W40 8k cross country and team event as well as a silver in the 4 x 200m relay.   Anne Howie (Aberdeen) won bronze in the W55 1500m (5:17.22), Alison Murray (Hercules Wimbledon) bronze in the W50 pole vault (2.80m), Gillian Cooke (Edinburgh) silver in the W35 long jump (5.36m), Susan Ridley (Edinburgh) gold in the W50 cross country team, Ronnie Hunter (Corstorphine) silver in the M55 4 x 200m relay, Brett Rund (Edinburgh) gold in the M40 4 x 200m relay and Bob Douglas silver in the M65 4 x 200m relay.

Other results:-

Jacqui Etherington 5th in the W40 800m (2:25.25), 5th in the 1500m (4:52.38) and 5th in the 3000m (10:50.31).

Anne Howie 5th in the W55 800m (2:37.59, heat 2:36.82).

Susan Ridley 8th in W50 3000m (11: 29.06s) and 5th in 8k xc .

Brian Scally (Shettleston) 11th in the M50 half marathon (1h 20m 03s.)

Ronnie Hunter heats of the M55 60m (8.11s) and 200m (26.47s).

Brett Rund sf of the M40 200m (23.55s, heat 23.35s) and 6th in the 400m (51.62s).

Bob Douglas sf of the M65 200m (29.39s, heat 28.53s).

Fiona Steele (Motherwell) heat of the W50 60m (9.03s) and sf of the 200m (29.52s, heat 29.47s).

Colin Welsh (Gala) 9th in the M35 800m (2:02.31, heat 1:59.51) and 11th in the 1500m (4:19.07s, heat 4:11.40).

Andy Ronald (Falkirk) heats of M50 M50 800m (2:16.32s) and 1500m (4:35.25).

Paul Forbes (Edinburgh) 6th in M60 800m (2:20.36, heat 2:20.24).

John Thomson (Fife) 4th in the M60 1500m (4: 50.84).

Chris Upson (Cambuslang) 18th in M55 3000m (10:27.33) and 22nd in 8 k cross country.

Allan Leiper (Aldershot, Farnham & Dist) nh in M55 pole vault, 6th in the shot (12.67m) and 14th in the discus (28.12m).

Jim Sloan (Annan) 10th in the M75 shot (9.70m) and 10th in the discus (27.11m).

Claire Cameron (VP Glasgow) 15th in W60 weight (11.04m), 14th in the hammer (25.98m) and 6th in the discus (25.56m).

Dave Valentine (West Suffolk) 6th in M60 weight (17.17m) and 4th in the hammer (47.92m).

Well done to all competitors and again apologies to any I have missed.

Scottish Masters Track and Field Indoor Best Performances

(from Mike Clerihew)

            60 metres

M35 Gary Leek 7.00 1996 Glasgow

M40 Darren Scott 6.98 2010 Manchester

M45 Darren Scott 7.26 2015 Manchester

M50 Alasdair Ross 7.61 2004 Cardiff

M55 Alasdair Ross 7.67 2007 Helsinki Finland

M60 Alasdair Ross 7.92 2014 Lee Valley London

M65 Brendan Lynch 8.51 2017 Emirates Arena Glasgow

M70 Walter Hunte r 8.64 2014 Emirates Arena Glasgow

M75 Walter Hunter 9.16 2017 Emirates Arena Glasgow

M80 Andy Coogan 11.21 1998 Glasgow

W35 Joss Harwood 7.80 1994 Glasgow

W40 Joss Harwood 8.04 1998 Glasgow

W45 Fiona Davidson 8.25 2018 Emirates Arena Glasgow

W50 Linda Nicholson 8.66 2011 Ghent Belgium

W55 Esther Linaker 9.14 2001 Cardiff

W60 Esther Linaker 8.98 2003 San Sebastien Spain

W65 Esther Linaker 9.43 2007 Helsinki Finland

W70 Rosemary Chrimes 10.41 2005 Cardiff

W75 Rosemary Chrimes 10.86 2010 Lee Valley London

W80 Rosemary Chrimes 11.49 2014 Lee Valley London BR

            200 metres

M35 Darren Scott 21.62 2008 Clermont-Ferrand F

M40 Darren Scott 21.71 2010 Birmingham WR

M45 Darren Scott 22.52 2015 Torun Poland WR

M50 Alasdair Ross 24.05 2004 Sindelfingen Ger.

M55 Alasdair Ross 24.42 2007 Helsinki Finland

M60 Alasdair Ross 25.24 2014 Budapest Hungary =ER

Alasdair Ross 25.24 2015 Torun Poland =ER

M65 Bob Douglas 28.38 2019 Emirates Arena Glasgow

M70 John Ross 29.14 2009 Lee Valley London

M75 Walter Hunter 31.67 2017 Emirates Arena Glasgow

M80 Willie Russell 43.64 2012 Glasgow

M85 Fred Cowan 44.00 2019 Emirates Arena Glasgow .

W35 Joss Harwood 25.29 1992 Cosford

W40 Joss Harwood 25.99 1998 Glasgow

W45 Pat MacKinnon 28.60 1997 Glasgow

W50 Fiona Steele 29.09 2017 Lee Valley London

W55 Esther Linaker 31.15 2001 Cardiff

W60 Esther Linaker 30.43 2003 San Sebastien Spain

W65 Esther Linaker 32.51 2007 Helsinki Finland

W70 Betty Steedman 39.03 2004 Cardiff

W75 Betty Steedman 46.61 2011 Glasgow

            400 metres

M35 David Agnew 51.70 2015 Emirates Arena Glasgow

M40 Darren Scott 49.35 2010 Birmingham BR

M45 Alastair Dunlop 53.72 1999 Glasgow

M50 Alasdair Ross 55.37 2004 Cardiff

M55 Alasdair Ross 56.60 2008 Lee Valley London

M60 Alasdair Ross 58.13 2014 Budapest Hungary BR

M65 Bob Douglas 63.60 2019 Torun Poland

M70 John Ross 66.08 2009 Lee Valley London BR

M75 John Ross 71.90 2014 Lee Valley London

M80 John Ross 89.18 2019 Emirates Arena Glasgow

M85 Fred Cowan 91.97 2019 Emirates Arena Glasgow

W35 Philippa Millage 57.10 2016 Emirates Arena Glasgow

W45 Gillian Dicherty 66.31 2007 Glasgow

W50 Laura Mahady 64.20 2013 Emirates Arena Glasgow

W55 Laura Mahady 64.11 2013 San Sebastian Spain

W65 Betty Steedman 93.31 2001 Cardiff

            800 metres

M35 Colin Welsh 1.59.51 2019 Torun Poland

M40 Alastair Dunlop 1.58.36 1995 Glasgow

M45 Alastair Dunlop 2.02.02 2000 Glasgow

M50 Alastair Dunlop 2.02.20 2004 Sindelfingen Ger.

M55 Alastair Dunlop 2.09.99 2009 Glasgow

M60 Alastair Dunlop 2.20.19 2015 Lee Valley London

M65 Harry Tempan 2.22.28 1993 Glasgow

M70 Jimmy Todd 2.34.2 1912 Glasgow BR

M75 Jimmy Todd 2.42.35 1997 Birmingham ER

M80 Hugh McGinlay 3.52.47 2006 Glasgow

M85 Hugh McGinlay 4.10.88 2011 Glasgow

W35 Philippa Millage 2-05.96 2018 Emirates Arena Glasgow BR

W40 Sonia Armitage 2.24.44 2004 Sindelfingen Ger.

W45 Sonia Armitage 2.22.77 2006 Linz Austria

W50 Laura Mahady 2.30.40 2009 Glasgow

W55 Laura Mahady 2.27.84 2013 San Sebastian Spain WR

W60 Liz Bowers 2.59.27 2013 Lee Valley London

W65 Liz Bowers 3.08.57 2018 Lee Valley London



            1500 metres

M35 Jozsef Farkas 4.05.44 2017 Deag S South Korea

M40 Andrew Brown 4.08. 2018 Emirates Arena Glasgow

M45 Alastair Dunlop 4.12.68 2002 Glasgow

M50 Alastair Dunlop 4.18.40 2004 Sindelfingen Ger.

M55 Alastair Dunlop 4.24.39 2009 Glasgow BR

M60 Alastair Dunlop 4.39.74 2014 Budapest Hungary

M65 Harry Tempan 4.53.02 1991 Glasgow

M70 Jimmy Todd 5.13.1 1992 Glasgow BR

M75 Jimmy Todd 5.42.26 1997 Birmingham BR

M80 Hugh McGinlay 7.52.47 2006 Glasgow

M85 Emmett Farrell 8.41.47 1997 Glasgow BR

W35 Susan Bevan 4.32.55 1996 Birmingham

W40 Lesley Chisholm 4.46.45 2016 Emirates Arena Glasgow

W45 Sonia Armitage 4.45.85 2006 Linz Austria

W50 Fiona Matheson 4.48.70 2013 Emirates Arena Glasgow

W55 Fiona Matheson 4.56.51 2017 Emirates Arena Glasgow WR

W60 Liz Bowers 5.55.25 2013 San Sebastian Spain

W65 Liz Bowers 6.13.42 2018 Lee Valley London



            3000 metres

M35 Stuart Gibson 8.39.04 2019 Emirates Arena Glasgow

M40 Eddie Stewart 8.32.6 1997 Prague Cze.

M45 Archie Jenkins 8.56.69 1999 Glasgow

M50 John Linaker 9.16.6 1990 Glasgow

M55 Hugh Rankin 9.37.9 1990 Glasgow

M60 Andy Brown 9.43.88 1994 Glasgow WR

M65 Willie Marshall 10.32.28 1993 Glasgow

M70 Jimmy Todd 11.08.49 199 4 Glasgow BR

M75 Jimmy Todd 12.12.72 1997 Birmingham BR

M80 Gordon Porteous 14.10.79 1994 Glasgow BR

W35 Liz McColgan 9.31.11 2004 Glasgow

W40 Lesley Chisholm 10-13.52 2016 Emirates Arena Glasgow

W45 Susan Finch 10.22.84 2008 Glasgow

W50 Fiona Matheson 9.56.39 2011 Glasgow WR

W55 Fiona Matheson 10.18.87 2018 Emirates Arena Glasgow WR

W60 Jocelyn Ross 12.33.3 1990 Cosford

W65 Jocelyn Ross 13.09.42 1994 Glasgow

            60 m hurdles

M35 Francis Smith 8.39 2017 Emirates Arena Glasgow

M40 Carson Graham 9.05 2018 Lee Valley London

M45 Tom Leeson 9.15 2009 Glasgow

M50 Tom Leeson 9.09 2014 Emirates Arena Glasgow

M55 Roy Buchanan 9.82 2010 Lee Valley London

M60 Robin Sykes 10.54 1995 Glasgow

M65 Ian Steedman 10.54 1994 Glasgow

M70 Ian Steedman 11.71 1999 Glasgow

W35 Joss Harwood 8.69 1993 Birmingham

W40 Joss Harwood 8.88 1998 Glasgow

W45 Joss Harwood 9.49 2005 Glasgow

W50 Joss Harwood 9.62 2008 Clermont-Ferrand Fr. BR

W55 Joss Harwood 10.32 2013 Lee Valley London

            High Jump

M35 Jamie Creighton 1.90 2019 Torun Poland

M40 Jim Malcolm 1.72 2004 Glasgow

M45 Eamon Fitzgerald 1.76

Brian Whittle 1.76 2012 Glasgow

M50 Eamon Fitzgerald 1.71 1998 Glasgow

M55 Eamon Fitzgerald 1.60 2002 Glasgow

M60 John Freebairn 1.50 1998 Glasgow

M65 Bill Lonsdale 1.41 2017 Deagu South Korea

M70 Bob Masson 1.33 2019 Emirates Arena Glasgow

M75 Ian Adams 1.16 1997 Glasgow

W35 Nikki Thompson 1.50 1990 Glasgow

W40 Elaine Forbes 1.40 2017 Emirates Arena Glasgow

Linzie Marsh 1.40 2019 Emirates Arena Glasgow

W45 Jan Hardcastle 1.38 2007 Lee Valley London

W50 Rosemary Chrimes 1.30 1987

Janice Hardcastle 1.30 2011 Ghent Belgium

W55 Rosemary Chrimes 1.36 1989

W60 Rosemary Chrimes 1.30 1997 Birmingham

W65 Rosemary Chrimes 1.25 1999 Birmingham BR

W70 Rosemary Chrimes 1.18 2005 Cardiff BR

W75 Rosemary Chrimes 1.16 2010 Lee Valley London BR

W80 Rosemary Chrimes 1.09 2014 Lee Valley London WR

            Pole Vault

M35 Dougie Graham 4.10 2012 Glasgow

M40 Dougie Graham 4.17 2017 Emirates Arena Glasgow

M45 Allan Leiper 4.12 2006 Carshalton

M50 Allan Leiper 3.80 2014 Budapest Hungary

M55 Ron Todd 3.35 2019 Torun Poland

M60 Bob Masson 3.02 2009 Grangemouth

M65 Bob Masson 2.90 2012 Grangemouth

M70 Bob Masson 2.65 2019 Emirates Arena Glasgow

W35 Gillian Cooke 3.30 2019 Lee Valley London

W40 Janet Lyon 2.70 2004 Glasgow

2.70 2005 Glasgow

W45 Alison Murray 3.11 2015 Lee Valley London

W50 Alison Murray 3.02 2017 Carshalton BR



            Long Jump

M35 Ian Paget 6.21 2012 Glasgow

M40 Ian Paget 6.24 2014 Budapest Hungary

M45 Robert Stevenson 5.82 2002 Glasgow

M50 Tom Leeson 5.69 2014 Glasgow

M55 Robert Stevenson 5.29 2008 Glasgow

M60 Robert Stevenson 5.07 2015 Glasgow

M65 Robert Stevenson 4.75 2019 Emirates Arena Glasgow

M70 Trevor Madigan 4.28 2016 Emirates Arena Glasgow

W35 Gillian Cooke 5.65 2018 Emirates Arena Glasgow

W40 Fiona Davidson 4.93 2015 Emirates Arena Glasgow

4.93 2017 Lee Valley London

W45 Fiona Davidson 5.14 2018 Emirates Arena Glasgow BR

W50 Linda Nicholson 4.66 2011 Glasgow

4.66 2011 Ghent Belgium

W55 Sylvia Wood 4.07 2001 Glasgow

W60 Betty Steedman 3.80 1994 Glasgow

W65 Betty Steedman 3.42 2001 Glasgow

W70 Betty Steedman 3.88 2006 Linz Austria

W80 Rosemary Chrimes 2.58 2014 Lee Valley London

            Triple Jump

M35 Ian Paget 12.82 2010 Glasgow

M40 Steve Wallace 11.89 2000 Birmingham

Ian Paget 11.89 2014 Grangemouth

M45 Eamon Fitzgerald 11.81 1992 Glasgow

M50 William Beattie 11.52 2004 Cardiff

M55 Robert Stevenson 11.00 2012 Glasgow

M60 Robert Stevenson 10.32 2017 Emirates Arena Glasgow

M65 Robert Stevenson 10.10 2019 Emirates Arena Glasgow

M70 James Smith 7.97 2018 Lee Valley London

M75 John Scott 7.40 2015 Lee Valley London

W35 Zara Asante 12.75 2018 Birmingham

W40 Fiona Davidson 11.02 2014 Budapest Hungary

W45 Fiona Davidson 10.45 2018 Emirates Arena Glasgow

10.45 2018 Emirates Arena Glasgow

W50 Sylvia Wood 9.21 1995 Birmingham

W55 Sylvia Wood 8.58 2001 Glasgow

W60 Betty Steedman 7.98 1994 Glasgow

W65 Betty Steedman 7.00 2001 Glasgow

W70 Betty Steedman 6.69 2005 Cardiff

            Shot

M35 Neil Elliott 16.56 2009 Glasgow

M40 Steve Whyte 16.18 2005 Eskilstuna Sweden

M45 Steve Whyte 14.66 2014 Lee Valley London

M50 Steve Whyte 15.75 2014 Budapest Hungary

M55 John A. Scott 13.45 1998 Glasgow

M60 John A. Scott 13.33 2002 Glasgow

M65 John A. Scott 12.12 2007 Lee Valley London

M70 John A. Scott 12.75 2013 Lee Valley London BR

M75 Ian Miller 11.15 2010 Lee Valley London

M80 Ian Miller 10.20 2015 Lee Valley London BR

W35 Mhairi Porterfield 13.54 2018 Emirates Arena Glasgow

W40 Rosemary Chrimes 14.40 1973 Cosford

W45 Claire Cameron 10.74 2004 Glasgow

W50 Rosemary Chrimes 12.48 1986 BR

W55 Rosemary Chrimes 12.04 1989 Glasgow

W60 Rosemary Chrimes 11.66 1997 Birmingham

W65 Rosemary Chrimes 11.75 2002 Glasgow BR

W70 Rosemary Chrimes 9.79 2005 Cardiff

W75 Rosemary Chrimes 9.66 2011 Gent Belgium

W80 Rosemary Chrimes 9.58 2014 Lee Valley London BR



Multi Events Pentathlon (Age Graded) Points

M50 John Freebairn 3756 1988

W35 Carolyn Smith 3060 1997 Glasgow



            Heptathlon (Age Graded)

M50    Eamon Fitzgerald     5240   1998   Glasgow

Scottish Masters Outdoor Track and Fleld Championships: Report One

The 5000m races were held in Aberdeen on 26^th May. Officials were efficient yet relaxed and encouraging. This is not always the case at Grangemouth…….

Age-group winners:

Michelle Slater (Moray Road Runners W40, with a Championship record of 20.02.60);

Karen Kennedy (PH Racing Club W45 – faster than W40 with a Championship record of 19.13.69);

Anne Howie (Aberdeen AAC W55);

Richard Mair (Kilmarnock H and AC M35 – with a Championship record of 15m 02.27);

Darran Muir (Law and District AC M40);

Gordon Barrie (Dundee Hawkhill Harriers M45);

Ross McEachern (Cumbernauld AAC M50);

Athol Burnett (Aberdeen AAC M55);

George McPherson (Metro Aberdeen M60).

Charlie Noble (Fraserburgh AC M65);

Bobby Young (Clydesdale Harriers M75, with a Championship record of 21.52.86 – he also went on to win the 1500m gold medal in another Championship record);

Colin Youngson (Forres Harriers M70).

Other Track and Field events were held at Grangemouth on 13^th July, along with a bewildering amount of Junior and Senior Multi-Events. The official results are in random order and I apologise for errors or omissions.

Although most of the Men’s Masters events were well-contested, the number of Women Masters competing was disappointing.

On the track, multi-event winners included:

Fiona Steele (Motherwell AC W50) 100m and 200m;

Karen Kennedy (PH Racing Club W45) 800m and 1500m;

Anne Howie (Aberdeen AAC W55) 800m and 1500m.

Ian Horsburgh (Central AC M40) 100m and 200m;

Stan Walker (Aberdeen AAC M50) 100m and 200m;

Gary Leek (Edinburgh AC M55) 100m and 200m;

Bob Douglas (Livingston AC M65) 100m, 200m and 400m;

James Smith (Motherwell AC M75) 100m, 200m, long and triple jumps;

Paul Forbes (Edinburgh AC M60) 400m and 800m;

Gordon Barrie (Dundee Hawkhill Harriers M45) 800m and 1500m;

Ian Johnstone (Inverness Harriers M65) 800m and 1500m.

On the field, multi-event winners included:

Mairi Porterfield (Victoria Park W35) hammer, discus and shot;

Claire Cameron (Victoria Park W60) hammer, discus and shot;

Julie Tuck (Aberdeen AAC W40) long jump and shot;

Carson Graham (Shettleston M40) long and high jumps;

Bob Masson (Aberdeen AAC M70) javelin and discus;

James Sloan (Annan and District M75) discus and shot.

Edward McKenzie (Aberdeen AAC M50) shot and javelin.

Once again, WHY NOT INCLUDE the Masters 5000m? All Scottish Masters track and field events could easily be timetabled in one day, by shifting multi-events onto different dates. Alas, Scottish Athletics refuse to listen to this recurring and entirely justified complaint about the exclusion of Indoor 3000m and Outdoor 5000m from the other Scottish Masters T and F championship events.

Scottish Masters Outdoor Track and Field Championships: Report Two

(by Mike Clerihew)

The main championships were held at Grangemouth on Saturday 13th July and, certainly in terms of best performances, were very successful. A British Record, six Scottish Masters Best Performances and 23 Championship Best Performances were recorded.

Fred Cowan (Bellahouston) set a new British Record of 96.00s in the M85 400m to add to his recently set indoor record. Additional Scottish Masters Bests came from James Smith (Motherwell) with 4.00m in the M75 long jump and 31.02s in the 200m, Bobby Stevenson (Ayr Seaforth) with 4.98m in the M65 long jump, John L Scott (Kilbarchan) with 20.64m in the M80 javelin and Jamie Creighton (Liverpool) with 1.85m in the M35 high jump.

Championship Best Performances:-

Kevin Brown Royal Sutton M50 discus 41.61m

Claire Cameron VP-Glasgow W60 discus 25.59m

Eoin Coull Ross County M45 3000m s/c 11m 12.31s

Fred Cowan Bellahouston M85 400m 1m 36.00s

Jamie Creighton Liverpool M35 high jump 1.85m

Paul Forbes Edinburgh M60 400m 60.36s

M60 800m 2m 17.72s

Ian Horsburgh Central M40 100m 11.23s Electronic best

M40 200m 22.30s

Jayne Kirkpatrick Nithsdale W45 javelin 26.80m

Linzie Marsh Pitreavie W40 high jump 1.43m

Bob Masson Aberdeen M70 discus 36.71m

Catriona Pennet Edinburgh W35 100m hdls 14.99s

Joyce Rammell Nithsdale W70 hammer 15.60m

W70 shot 6.13m

Hugh Ryan North East Vets M80 hammer 25.00m

John L Scott Kilbarchan M80 javelin 20.64m

James Smith Motherwell M75 long jump 4.00m

M75 triple jump 7.45m

Bobby Stevenson Ayr Seaforth M65 long jump 4.98m

Ron Todd Central M55 pole vault 3.30m

Alastair Walker Teviotdale M60 1500m 4m 44.50s

Bobby Young Clydesdale M75 1500m 6m 09.50s

The combined events championships were also held at Grangemouth over the weekend 13th and 14th July with, unfortunately, only four competitors. Derek Glasgow (M55 Inverness) gained gold in the decathlon with an age graded score of 5774 points. The women’s heptathlon was a close-run thing with Rosemary Gibson (W45 Ireland) winning with an age graded score of 3053 points followed by Mary Scanlon (W40 Ireland) with 2993 points and Kathryn Ballard (W40 North Ayrshire) in third with 2734 points.

The 5000m championships were held in Aberdeen on 26th May and saw some excellent performances with four Championship Best Performances being set. Karen Kennedy (PH Racing Club) ran 19m 13.69s in the W45 category, Michelle Slater (Moray Road Runners) 20m 02.60s in the W40s, Bobby Young (Clydesdale Harriers) 21m 52.86s in the M75s and Richard Mair (Kilmarnock) 15m 02.27s in the M35 age group.

Full results for all the above events can be found on the Scottish Athletics website.

The 10,000m championships are due to be held on 31st August at the John Cumming Stadium in Carluke.

Finally, a big thank you and well done to all competitors for continuing to support Masters Athletics in Scotland and good luck to those intending to compete in the British Championships in Birmingham on 10th/11th August and at the European Masters Championships in Venice from 5th to 15th September.

MASTERS INTER-AREA TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Clare Barr wrote:

“On Saturday 6th July the SVHC T&F team had an absolute ball at the Masters Inter-Area Championships.

We had 28 members competing in Coventry in ideal conditions. Eddie McKenzie has said he’ll do a write-up for you and hopefully you’ll be able to put something up on Facebook/website and in the newsletter.

SVHC came 5th overall from the seven areas taking part. We had some excellent performances but need to fill in some of the empty slots if we are to score more highly in the future; the top teams from other areas covered almost every event and therefore managed to amass loads of valuable points. We need to get recruiting for next year! It would be great if SVHC helped to promote this – summer track can be very beneficial for winter cross country runners!

It was such an excellent experience for all the SVHC members. Usually we compete as individuals so it was lovely to be part of a team and have the support and friendliness that comes along with that. It was also great for the runners, throwers and jumpers to mix – again, often our paths don’t cross that much so it was a wholly positive day.”

SVHC Winners: Paul Forbes (M60) 400m and 800m; Colin Welsh (M35) 800m and 1500m; Alastair Walker (M60) 3000m; Carson Graham (M40) Long Jump; Allan Leiper (M55) Shot; Chris Smith (M40) Javelin; Linzie Marsh (W40) 400m and High Jump; Anne Howie (W55) 1500m; Gillian Cooke (W35) Pole Vault, Triple Jump and Long Jump; Joyce Rammell (W70) Long Jump; Claire Reid (W40) Discus; 4x100m relay (W35/W40): Nina Cessford, Julie Hendry, Linzie Marsh, Gillian Cooke.

RECOLLECTIONS

When distance running years have passed

And walking proves quite hard enough

What memories might we recall

Of days when we were fit and tough?

As tireless children, we could play

For hours, resilient and carefree.

Contesting Primary School sprints,

Would earn us cheers, not victory.

Yet Sports Day at the Secondary

Demanded stamina plus speed –

The longest (One Mile) track race gave

A chance for us to take the lead.

Back then, our ‘training’ might turn out

To be a joke, more fake than real –

Mere jogging, hard laps, round-the-block

Then home in time for evening meal.

Cross-country, though, came as a shock –

The four-mile course, long-distance,

On steep and bumpy grass or roots,

Through heavy mud resistance.

And yet, thin youngsters learned to like

The challenge, effort, getting fit,

Then banter – even foolish pride,

With show-off badges on our kit.

Then, after school, we had to work,

But joined a club and trained much more.

That greatest race – the E to G –

Would motivate, in Days of Yore.

You grabbed the baton, ran off fast,

Yet had to learn to chase and pace

yourself but not slow down at all –

avoid collapse and cruel disgrace.

The ‘National’ (major target) next,

A mud-fest round a racecourse, then,

Or snowbound struggling up and down,

To separate the ‘boys’ from ‘men’.

The girls and women raced elsewhere,

their company we’d sorely lack,

because of separate championships –

until we watched them on the track

At Meadowbank Athletics; the

3000 was the most they’d run.

Unfairly, men could tackle a

10,000 or the Marathon.

The Marathon! But first you had

To suffer roads near Highland Games,

rough routes round random distances

With finish lines by dancing dames.

A rite of passage was the Hill,

Though going up was hard but fair –

Ben Nevis was the famous one –

Where wheechin’ doon wis affy sair.

‘Road fairies’ tried The Ben but once,

Preferring 26-mile slogs.

Was carbo-loading overdone?

If so, seek vainly en-race bogs.

Take care to set off cautiously

And concentrate on every stride.

Don’t ‘go for home’ till very late –

Avoid ‘the wall’ and those who ‘died’.

Attempt an Ultra? What about

Two Bridges? Or the L to B:

Run forty well-paced miles; what’s left?

“Just” fourteen (“post-wall”) to the sea!

‘Peak Year’ ascent then slip away

(Plateau till 35 or so)

But running was the sport we loved –

So we fought Time, our matchless Foe.

‘The Boom’ for fun-run Marathons,

Ten Ks and Halfs changed things a lot –

At least our ageing ‘serious’ pace

Looked pretty fast if not ‘red-hot’.

Then 40 loomed – a ‘Vet’ at last –

A chance to wear fresh Scottish kit.

To try new races, just perhaps

To win new medals for ‘Top Brit’.

We raced old rivals and new friends

Both male and female, Scots or not.

Defeat hurt less; resilient,

We laughed and then ‘revenge’ we sought.

The marathon might give you up

But Kelvin Hall could be a treat.

A second youth! “Short stuff” again –

Flat-out, steep bends and sliding feet.

A ‘Master’? Hardly true because,

At 60 plus, the legs said “Oi!

Slow down, run fewer, cautious miles –

You’re getting older now, My Boy.”

Ah, well. To get outside feels good

And realistic goals are set –

Take part and do your best today,

Who knows how fast and far you’ll get?

Olympic stars and joggers too –

A runner is a runner, still.

Wait long enough, all win and lose,

Get injured, fit again, until?

Was it all worth the effort, then?

Of course – it was the finest game!

The Joy of Moving, Dance of Life,

Regardless of success or “fame”.

(by Colin Youngson)

OFFICE BEARERS SEASON 2018-2019

Honorary President: ALASTAIR MACFARLANE

President: CAMPBELL JOSS 25 Speirs Road Bearsden, G61 2LX Tel: 0141 9420731 cdjoss2@gmail.com

Immediate Past President: ALASTAIR MACFARLANE

Vice-President: ADA STEWART 30 Earlsburn Road, Lenzie, G66 5PF Tel: 0141 578 0526 stewart2@ntlworld.com

Honorary Secretary: SHARON TAYLOR 14 Skaethorn Road Glasgow G20 0TQ Tel: 07801 653103

Honorary Treasurer: ANDY LAW Euphian, Kilduskland Road Ardrishaig, Argyll PA30 8EH Tel. 01546 605336 Lawchgair@aol.com

Membership Secretary: ADA STEWART 30 Earlsburn Road, Lenzie, G66 5PF Tel: 0141 5780526 stewart2@ntlworld.com

Handicapper: PETER RUDZINSKI 106 Braes Avenue Clydebank. G81 1DP Tel.0141 5623416 p.rudzinski@ntlworld.com

Committee Members:

JOHN BELL Flat 3/1, 57 Clouston Street Glasgow G20 8QW Tel. 0141 9466949

WILLIE DRYSDALE 6 Kintyre Wynd Carluke, ML8 5RW Tel: 01555 771 448

DAVID FAIRWEATHER 12 Powburn Crescent Uddingston, G71 7SS Tel: 01698 810575

ARLENE LEWIS 202 Archerhill Road, Knightswood Glasgow, G13 3YX Tel: 07850 070337

EDDIE McKENZIE Little Haremoss, Fortrie, Turriff Aberdeenshire, AB53 4HR Tel: 01464 871430

STEWART McCRAE 17 Woodburn Way, Balloch Cumbernauld G68 9BJ Tel: 01236 728783

PAUL THOMPSON Whitecroft, 5 Gareloch Brae, Shandon, Helensburgh G84 8PJ Tel. 01436 821707

ROBERT YOUNG 4 St Mary’s Road, Bishopbriggs Glasgow G64 2EH Tel. 0141 5633714

BMAF Delegates To be appointed Ada Stewart

SAL West District Delegate Willie Drysdale

SAL Delegate at AGM To be appointed

Website Ada Stewart

Auditor George Inglis

FIXTURES

August 2019

Sat 31st SA Masters & SVHC 10000m Track Champs. Main event 12:30 John Cumming stadium, Carluke On-line entries only. See SA website

September 2019

5th – 15th European Masters Track & Field Championships Venice, Italy

Sat 14th Masters Cross Country Trials Tollcross Park. Start 11am – 11:30am First Race:Women & M65+ followed by M35 to M64.

Sat 21st British Masters 10,000m Track Champs Monkton Athletics Stadium, Dene Terrace, Jarrow NE32 5NJ

October 2019

Sun 6th Loch Ness Marathon, Inverness

Sun 6th SVHC Half Marathon Champs, Kirkintilloch

Sun 20th SVHC Trail Race. Time 1:30pm Pollok House, Pollok Park, Glasgow Followed by AGM, 2:30pm See website for full details

Sun 20th BMAF Marathon Champs, York

Sun 27th Ruby’s 5km race Kilmarnock

November 2019

Sat 16th British & Irish Masters Cross Country International – Southport, England December 2019

Date TBC Xmas Handicap Sea Scouts Hall, Miller Street, Clydebank, from 12.30. Race to start at 13:30

January 2020 Fri 3rd Scottish National 3000m Championships Emirates Arena, Glasgow

Sun 26th TBC SVHC Open Masters Road Relays Strathclyde Park, 11:00am February 2020

Sat/Sun 1st/2nd Scottish Athletics Indoor Combined Events

Sun 2nd Scottish Athletics Indoor Masters Championships Emirates Arena, Glasgow Sat 8th Scottish Masters XC Championships McMaster Community Sports Centre, Johnstone

Sat 22nd Scottish Athletics XC Champs, Callendar Park, Falkirk

Photo by Clare Barr from Masters Inter-Area Championships

Former British and Scottish International Paul Forbes (now M60) out on his own.

FPSG Masters 2019 (C) Bobby Gavin of www.thatonemoment.co.uk

Posted in Uncategorized

SVHC NEWSLETTER: SPRING 2019

Posted on April 10, 2020 by Admin

MEMBERSHIP NOTES 1st April 2019

MEMBERS Standard Membership £20 Non competing Membership £10 Over 80 Membership Free

Welcome to the 11 new and 2 reinstated members who have joined or re-joined since 30th November 2018. As of 1st April 2019, we have 489 members, including 459 paid, 25 over 80 & 5 Life Members.

NEWSLETTER The electronic version of the Newsletter is now the preferred option. Any member who would rather receive a printed Newsletter must contact David Fairweather (djf@ dfairweather.plus.com), if they have not already done so. Please inform David if you add or change your email address.

Please send photos, news, letters, articles, etc for the next issue To: COLIN YOUNGSON TOMLOAN, SANQUHAR ROAD, FORRES, IV36 1DG e-mail: cjyoungson@btinternet.com Tel: 01309 672398

SVHC EVENTS

Stewards/marshals are required for club races. The club appreciates all members & friends who volunteer to act as stewards/marshals. If you are not competing just turn up and introduce yourselves to the organisers.

STANDING ORDERS Thank you to the members who have set up standing orders for membership subscriptions. Please keep me informed if your membership details change (especially email addresses. Standing order details: Bank of Scotland, Barrhead, Sort Code: 80-05-54, Beneficiary: Scottish Veteran Harriers Club, Account No: 00778540, Reference: (SVHC Membership No. plus Surname). stewart2@ntlworld.com 0141 5780526 By cheque: please make cheque payable to SVHC and send to Ada Stewart, 30 Earlsburn Road, Lenzie, G66 5PF.

CLUB VESTS Vests and shorts can be purchased from Andy Law – £18 for vests, including postage and £23 for shorts, including postage. If ordering both together deduct one lot of postage. Or, can be delivered to any of the Club races by arrangement with no postage. (Tel: 01546 605336. or email lawchgair@aol.com)

NEW MEMBERS

NUMB CHRS SURN JOIN TOWN

2488 Lorna Simpson 05-Dec-18 Linlithgow

2489 Alistair Peat 04-Jan-19 Bishopbriggs

2490 Catriona Pennet 08-Jan-19 Bridge of Don

2491 Neil Green 16-Jan-19 East Kilbride

2492 Adrienne Caldwell 28-Jan-19 Crieff

2493 Ross Houston 05-Feb-19 Roslin

2494 Jennifer Learmonth 05-Feb-19 Dundee

2495 James Annan 27-Feb-19 Settle

2496 Duncan Ryan 13-Mar-19 Perth

2497 Alan Robertson 27-Mar-19 New Brighton

2498 Ian Sutcliffe 01-Apr-19 Orkney

1144 Michael Clerihew 05-Dec-18 South Queensferry

2210 Jim Scott 07-Mar-19 Edinburgh

Ada Stewart Membership Secretary

SCOTTISH MASTERS XC, HAWICK 2ND FEB 2019

Scottish Athletics reported as follows:

“Garscube Harrier Lesley Chisholm landed the Scottish Masters XC title on a sunny afternoon in Hawick – making it four wins in five years for the Scotland international.

In the men’s race, Central AC runner Scott Brember became the first M45 to take victory in the M40-60 race for the first time since Kilbarchan’s Bobby Quinn some six years ago.

Brember prevailed in an exciting finish in the sunshine in the Borders. Title holder Jethro Lennox (Shettleston H) and Scott shared the lead after the first lap of the two -lap race over the hilly Hawick course. During the second lap Graeme Murdoch (Gala Harriers) moved into the lead and coming into the final field he was still leading with Brember close behind. But, over the final downhill sprint it was Scott who came through to become 2019 champion closely followed by first M40 Murdoch. Winner for the past two years, Lennox took bronze on this occasion.

The team gold for M40+ went to Cambuslang Harriers with the same club retaining the M50+ team title.

The other men’s Age Category gold medals were as follows: M50 Charlie Thompson (Cambuslang); M55 Colin Donnelly (Cambuslang); M60 Alastair Walker (Teviotdale); M65 Andrew McLinden (Hamilton); M70 Alex Sutherland (Inverness); M75 Bobby Young (Clydesdale); M80 Stephen Cromar (Dundee Hawkhill).

Central AC’s Scott Brember is joined by bronze medallist Jethro Lennox (left) and silver medallist Graeme Murdoch at Hawick (photo by Alex Corbett)

Champion Lesley Chisholm is flanked by silver medallist Charlotte Morgan (right) and third-placed Carol Parsons (photo by Alex Corbett)

In the women’s race, Chisholm and 2018 champion Charlotte Morgan (Carnethy HRC) shared the lead after the first lap. During the second, Lesley went clear with Charlotte taking silver and Carol Parsons (Dundee Hawkhill) the bronze.

It was a special day for Chisholm with her dad, Alex, taking silver medal in the V60 men’s race.

Dundee Hawkhill Harriers won Women 40+ team gold, the first ever Masters women’s team medals of any colour for the Hawks. Edinburgh AC retained the Women’s 50+ team title.

Other women’s Age Category gold medals were as follows: W45 Megan Wright (Hunters Bog Trotters); W50 Veronique Oldham (Aberdeen AAC); W55 Rhona Anderson (Dunbar RC); W60 Isobel Burnett (Carnegie); W65 Linden Nicholson (Lasswade AAC); W70 Sheila Strain (Hunters Bog Trotters)

A sunny though cold day contrasted to the near blizzard conditions the 2014 Master’s Championships held over the same course.

Teviotdale Harriers are again due thanks for all the work involved in hosting the championship; with thanks also to (local farmer) John Mercer for use of his fields.”

The editor added the following.

Although the weather, bright with a chilly breeze, was nothing like the Nordic nightmare hypothermic hell of five years ago, the course posed definite problems. It was frozen rock-hard and bumpy with steep downhills, which were difficult (especially for older stagers) to negotiate, nasty little climbs, a slippery slanting section round the side of a hill and a stumbling awkward finish. A real test for knees, ankles, hamstrings, nerves and resilience. Nevertheless, three valiant M80s completed the course: well-deserved respect for role-models Stephen Cromar (9 wins so far), Walter McCaskey (also 9) and James Pittillo (M80 winner in 2017).

Great runs by Lesley Chisholm and Scott Brember, of course, but others shone very brightly indeed.

In the Women’s race, an impressive fourth overall was Veronique Oldham W50 (who has now won a total of four titles in three age groups) just in front of M45 champion Megan Wright. Rhona Anderson was first W50 in 2015; and first W55 in 2019. Isobel Burnett completed a hat-trick of W60 titles to add to her W55 win in 2014. Linden Nicholson, reigning W65 British champion, gained Scottish gold.

In the Men’s race, the tireless Colin Donnelly continues to amaze: a third successive M55 title took his individual gold medal count to 9 in four age categories. M60 World (and British and Irish) champion Alastair Walker raced away with the Scottish championship on his Teviotdale Harriers home course. British M70 champion Alex Sutherland now has 5 titles at M65 and M70. British and Irish champion Bobby Young’s M75 victory makes his total so far 7 wins between M55 and M75.

Congratulations to all the medallists. As for the rest of us: at least we finished!

SCOTT BREMBER ANSWERS THE QUESTIONNAIRE

NAME: Scott Brember

CLUBs: Central AC

DATE OF BIRTH: 27/10/1972

OCCUPATION: Customer Service Coach

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THE SPORT?

I have been running on and off over the years and ran a couple of half marathons in my 20s.   I started running more regularly in my late thirties and ran the Edinburgh marathon a couple of times. I heard about Central AC from a friend that was interested in going along and decided to go to one of their training sessions to try it out.

HAS ANY INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP HAD A MARKED INFLUENCE ON YOUR ATTITUDE OR INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE?

All the members at the club have had an influence on my attitude and in particular the coach, Derek Easton. Everyone works hard at the sessions and it’s really beneficial to be in that environment. I don’t think I would get as much out of a session if I was training on my own. Derek is always available to offer advice and encouragement and has helped me immensely in the time I have been at the club.

WHAT EXACTLY DO YOU GET OUT OF THE SPORT?

The main benefit I get from the sport is to help stay fit and healthy. I also like the feeling I get from running. Running lifts my mood and if I’ve had a stressful day at work it can help me to relax.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR BEST EVER PERFORMANCE OR PERFORMANCES?

The National Masters Cross Country at Hawick! (Surely Scott’s silver medal in the M45 category at the 2018 Swansea British and Irish Masters International XC also deserves a very honourable mention. He was first Scotsman in the race, beating our M35 and M40 runners. Ed.)

YOUR WORST?

The London marathon in April this year. Although I was reasonably happy with my time it’s the hardest race I’ve ever run. It was a hot day and I made the mistake of going off too fast at the start which caught up with me as the race went on. Hopefully, I will learn from the experience. In spite of that the atmosphere was incredible and I’d like to give it another go.

WHAT UNFULFILLED AMBITIONS DO YOU HAVE?

Longer term I would like to run some ultras. I go for a long trail run on a Sunday which is my favourite run of the week so I would like to pursue this at some point. There are loads of great races in Scotland and abroad that I would like to try.

OTHER LEISURE ACTIVITIES?

I used to go hill walking on a fairly regular basis but I haven’t been out as often the past few years as running has taken over. I still get out occasionally though and always enjoy it when I do.

WHAT DOES RUNNING BRING YOU THAT YOU WOULD NOT HAVE WANTED TO MISS?

I enjoy the social side of running. I look forward to meeting up with other runners at the club and finding out how they got on at the weekend or any races they have planned. I’ve always loved the outdoors so it’s great to spend a Sunday afternoon on a trail somewhere.

CAN YOU GIVE SOME DETAILS OF YOUR TRAINING?

I normally do most of my races between August and December. During this period an average week would be roughly 60 miles. This would be;

Monday – 10 miles (easy pace)

Tuesday – Club session

Wednesday – 10 miles (easy pace)

Thursday – Either Club session or 5 miles easy pace (incl. short hill sprints) if racing at the weekend

Friday – Rest

Saturday – Race or tempo run

Sunday – Trail run (16 – 20 miles)

I go to the gym once or twice a week for strength and conditioning.

In the winter I will start building up my weekly mileage (up to 80 miles) for a spring marathon. I do the same in the summer to get ready for the autumn races.

ISOBEL BURNETT ANSWERS THE QUESTIONNAIRE

NAME: Isobel Burnett

CLUBs: Carnegie Harriers, SVHC

DATE OF BIRTH: 21/12/1956

OCCUPATION: Retired teacher

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THE SPORT?

About 14 years ago I used to go for a weekly short run with a couple of friends until one of them persuaded me to enter the Smokies 10-miler. She handed me the paper form (online entries were few and far between then) after giving me a lift back from the hospital. I was recovering from a varicose veins op, wasn’t allowed to drive and could hardly walk 10 metres, never mind run 10 miles! This was November, however and, never one to dismiss a challenge, I had till March to get my legs in some sort of working order for it to happen. I got the bug!

I entered several more races after that, and about two years later I joined Carnegie Harriers, a club I have remained with for the last 10-11 years.

HAS ANY INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP HAD A MARKED INFLUENCE ON YOUR ATTITUDE OR INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE?

I found the regular training provided by Carnegie Harriers caused a noticeable improvement in my times; and the wise practical advice of the more experienced members of the club was worth following. It has also been a club with a variety of running genres catered for so I have easily been able to join in hill-racing, cross-country and trails as well as the road-running that I started with. I have put my foot in the ultra waters 4 or 5 times but I don’t feel the love like some of our members do!

WHAT EXACTLY DO YOU GET OUT OF THE SPORT?

At first it was a good way to get out in the fresh air and take some exercise, and I was happy to run on my own, whether on road or trail. I have always enjoyed sport and played hockey and tennis matches at school, and later played badminton and squash (leisure only). Running up and down a hockey pitch or fast movements in racquet sports always gave me a lot of satisfaction so, although I did a little athletics as part of the normal school curriculum, I wasn’t surprised when I found that taking up running at the age of 49 seemed to work for me.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR BEST EVER PERFORMANCE OR PERFORMANCES?

I think, in sense of personal time achievements, my favourites would be getting a parkrun PB of 19:40 at the age of 56, and in the same year running the Smokies 10-miler in under 70 minutes (69:16). I also managed to run the Loch Ness Marathon the year before in my best marathon time of 3:16.

I have also been able to wear my Scottish vest on 5 occasions for the British and Irish XC Internationals, and gained team medals at 4 of those. And in the Scottish Masters XC Championships I have just this year completed a hat-trick of golds for my age group.

YOUR WORST?

I don’t feel I’ve ever performed really badly but I have had two races which were certainly challenging for different reasons. In 2017 I was pleased to complete the London marathon in 2017 with a splint on my arm, albeit the slowest marathon time I’ve ever had of 3:45. Recovering from a broken wrist and therefore having missed a lot of training gives your completion of the race plenty of meaning.   Also, my first attempt at the Lairig Ghru, an off-road/hill race of 26.5 miles, was an experience of being wet and cold to the point of numbing, and therefore unable to open my much-needed cereal bar or unzip my jacket for the checkpoint marshals to see my number. I learned a lot from that race about Scottish mountain weather in June, about lack of salt causing cramping and how to just hang on in there to the end – a real sense of achievement!

WHAT UNFULFILLED AMBITIONS DO YOU HAVE?

I wouldn’t call myself particularly ambitious and so, apart from an occasional little flirtation with the idea of trying track running, I mainly aim to keep fit and uninjured, trying hard to attain performance times which are equal or close to what I’ve achieved in the previous year.

OTHER LEISURE ACTIVITIES?

Sailing (usually weekly for the April to September season) – hanging out the edge of the boat is great cross-training, helping core and quad strength as well as upper body… although on the cooler days out on the splashy Forth, I often look wistfully over at the sun shining on the Pentlands! Weekly Pilates and swimming plus fortnightly field archery and an occasional cycle all help with general fitness and, although Scotland’s snow is somewhat erratic, I enjoy an annual ski holiday in the French Alps to keep the knee joints working! Non-sporting leisure time is spent doing stained-glass work or spinning and dyeing wool, but time seems to be limited!

WHAT DOES RUNNING BRING YOU THAT YOU WOULD NOT HAVE WANTED TO MISS?

Friendships, the challenges and self-discipline that training for and running races give you, and the amazing opportunity to explore the area of Scotland I live in – far more than I would otherwise have done, with plenty of wildlife encounters (including a face-on challenge from a belligerent capercaillie, never to be forgotten (not in Fife, I hasten to add).

CAN YOU GIVE SOME DETAILS OF YOUR TRAINING?

As I tend to enjoy a variety of race distances, it can depend on what races are coming up, but my general rule is to run 4 times in the week, one of which will include club training and to aim for a speed intervals session, a tempo run, a hill session and a longer run. The longer runs vary from 9 or 10 miles up to over 20, depending on how close a marathon race might be.

I usually try to do at least 2 of my own runs on trails, as there is a fantastic amount of accessible woodland in West Fife that I can use as my training ground. The problem I have is trying not to stop every time I spot some flora or fauna or interesting flying creature that requires further inspection!

In the winter season I use cross-country as part of my training as it keeps me focused on my running fitness and I enjoy the club and inter-club camaraderie at XC races.

Along with the cross-training activities, I also fully believe in good recovery time after a race, getting adequate sleep (easy for me to say since retiring), including making time for a “wee snooze” after a particularly hard race or after a very long training run. Recovery is a much bigger part of training than many runners appreciate, and becomes even more important, I think, with advancing years. That’s my excuse anyway for taking my time in the morning these days!

MICHELLE SANDISON ANSWERS THE QUESTIONNAIRE

(Michelle Sandison has run both 5000m and 10,000m for Shetland in the bi-annual NatWest Island Games four times, in Lerwick (2005), Sandown (2011), Jersey (2015) and Visby in Sweden (2017). Her Power of 10 profile lists umpteen track or cross-country races from under-23 (for Shettleston Harriers) back in 2001; onto representing Springburn Harriers from 2010 onwards. It is notable that Michelle’s personal bests (for 3000m, 5000m, 10,000m, parkrun and 10k) have all come in 2017 and 2018, after she moved into the W35 age-group. In 2016 (Glasgow), 2017 (Derry) and 2018 (Swansea), she took part in the prestigious British and Irish Masters International, running very well for Scottish Masters: obtaining individual bronze and team gold in Glasgow; finishing fourth individual in Derry (team silver but in front of England); and winning the W35 title in Swansea (team bronze). Michelle also secured W35 bronze (and GB team silver) in the 2018 World Masters cross-country in Malaga.)

CLUBS Springburn Harriers and SVHC

DATE OF BIRTH 11.04.80

OCCUPATION Additional Support Needs Teacher.

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THE SPORT?

I have run all my life. I grew up on a small island in Shetland and running was a natural way to get to places quickly. When I was young, I accompanied my dad on his long hikes through the hills and, when I reached 10 years old, he had to give me his fly-fishing gear and the water to carry – he says it was to slow me down so he could keep up! I joined Shetland Amateur Athletics Club which was based on the mainland of Shetland when I was 12 years old. For me to train on the mainland of Shetland required a lot of dedication from my parents, who had to drive me to and from the sessions. The journey consists of a 30-40 minute ferry journey and 30 minute drive, often in challenging weather conditions.

Running became a lot more serious for me when I left Shetland to go to Stirling University in 1998. I joined Central AC and had my own coach. At Uni I was selected to run for Scotland at Cross Country and I represented the Scottish Universities and East District team at Inter Districts events. I also competed in 3000m and 5000m events on the track.

HAS ANY INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP HAD A MARKED INFLUENCE ON YOUR ATTITUDE OR INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE?

There are four people that spring to mind.

Firstly, my parents. They have always accepted and supported my love of running even when they haven’t understood it. They allowed me the freedom to be outdoors, get very muddy and to run everywhere as a child. They drove me to and from athletics three times a week and sat waiting in some awful conditions until I had finished. My father’s love of the hills, nature and being outdoors certainly had a huge impact on me as a child, helped me to appreciate what’s around me when I run and how to pace myself. My dad has always been my biggest fan and has been proud of me when I have won but, more importantly, has been there for me the many times that I have lost or been disappointed.

Secondly, my husband whose background in sports psychology has helped me significantly change my approach to racing and training.

And finally, my coach, Anne-Marie Hughes. Without her I don’t even know if I would still be running. Anne-Marie became my coach in 2002 when I was seriously ill and had not been able to run for nearly a year. She agreed to take me on at a time when I felt like I had lost running forever. Her honesty, love and belief in me is something that shaped my future, my running and my attitude to life.

WHAT EXACTLY DO YOU GET OUT OF THE SPORT?

My husband says running for me is my “default state” and in many ways he is right. It’s something that I have done for as long as I can remember and, when I can’t run due to injury or illness, I yearn for it.

Running has widened my horizons and given me opportunities to travel. It is running that brought me to Glasgow, where I now live and work and where I met my husband. It has also provided me with deep, ever-lasting friendships and a busy social life. I have a lot to thank the sport for.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR BEST EVER PERFORMANCE OR PERFORMANCES?

The most memorable and most meaningful performance for me was when I won 10,000m gold at the 2005 Island Games in Shetland. It wasn’t my fastest time or best tactical race but running (and winning!) in front of my family, friends and my community was a very rare opportunity. It gave me an experience that I shall never be able to repeat and will stay with me forever.

YOUR WORST?

My worst was in Holyrood Park in 2001 when I was running for the East District in the Great Edinburgh International and Inter Districts event. I was not well and hated every step. When I crossed the line, I was a wreck physically and mentally. It was the last time I ran for a year.

WHAT UNFULFILLED AMBITIONS DO YOU HAVE?

I try very hard not to set outcome goals, as I find they tend to work against me, rather than be a source of motivation. I have things that I would still like to accomplish in my running, of course, but it won’t be the end of the world if I never do.

OTHER LEISURE ACTIVITIES?

I love catching up with friends near and far, so I tend to go out socialising quite a bit and travel to see people when I can. As a teacher and a runner, I don’t get much time for leisure but in the holidays I like to read.

CAN YOU GIVE SOME DETAILS OF YOUR TRAINING?

I am a low mileage runner. I usually run between 25 and 30 miles per week. I have learned over the last 38 years what my body is happy with and that I have to listen to it or I will get injured. My job is also very physically demanding so I see work as my first session of the day.

A typical week consists of:

Mon – Quality session consisting of anything from 300m reps to mile reps.

Tue- Cycle and weights session.

Wed – Hard tempo run and Kettlebells.

Thurs – Speed type session.

Friday – Rest.

Sat – Hard reps session or hills. Core work.

Sun- Either a swim or a few easy miles, usually no more than 4 or 5.

MALAGA WORLD MASTERS REPORT

It’s been a while since I wrote a race tale, but I thought our BIGGEST RUNNING ADVENTURE EVER might be of interest!

We didn’t even know there was such a thing as World Masters until 3 or 4 years ago; What a fantastic idea …running not only against other people in your own age group but from all over the world! We discovered that it’s held every 2 years and moves around the world. Korea and Australia sounded a bit far to travel but it was due to be in Malaga, Spain in 2018…that had the added benefit (at the time) of being far enough in the future to be exciting but un-scary.

I was surprised, at first, to learn there are no qualifying standards. Then I actually thought about it. International games for young athletes are sponsored by companies who make their money because people want to watch televised coverage with adverts (including kit…remember those rainbow-coloured Nike trainers from the Rio Olympics?) and product placement. Since there’s not a huge audience looking to watch old athletes, it has to be self-funding like any other race. Hence, like most other races (obviously they do other events; throwing and jumping etc., but we’re biased too! you enter online, pay your entry fees, claim your number at registration and wear it to compete. And like any race, you can only race the other people who enter!

We agreed that Malaga was our only real goal this year and tried to gear training towards that. A most excellent plan which worked perfectly…until we introduced life to the mix…weddings, funerals, illnesses, weather (including the allotment), oh, and then there were all the other races that we didn’t want to miss even though they didn’t really fit the training plan…oops. So maybe the training didn’t go EXACTLY as intended, but it was hard to be proper upset about that. After all, we run because we like it! Neither of us was expecting to do particularly well (at this point my husband Planman usually inserts some loud comment to the effect that HE doesn’t expect to do well but of course I will…he’s a sweetie and simply doesn’t see that I’m nowhere near the best W55 in Scotland never mind UK!) and the adventure never was about actually winning anything.

Flights and accommodation were no problem, we had that all sorted last October (well you give the man a chance to plan…!) and as soon as the event entries opened, we were online getting our spots.

Complication number 1 presented itself…we’d both assumed we’d run for Scotland. Turns out there is no Scotland in World Masters (then how come Gibraltar get to be a country!? Not fair!!) and it goes by your actual passport – having an Irish spouse isn’t enough. I suppose that makes sense, there has to be some method other than just picking a country you like…so it’s non-negotiable; I’m GB and Planman is Ireland.

Then there’s the kit. Again, it makes sense when you think about it…you have to wear your country’s official kit to compete, and so you have to buy it (unless you’re Irish, they have a sponsor!). There are howls of outrage all over the internet about the injustice of having to shell out for your own kit when you’re representing your country, but really, who do they think is going to pay for it? And £20 odd for a vest isn’t cheap, but it’s not ridiculous. Having said that, buying horrible, strangely sized (or is it me who’s strangely sized…?) uncomfortable Lycra shorts and weirdly shaped vest tops by mail order definitely qualifies as the low point of my Malaga adventure, I thought I’d grown out of being self-conscious about body shape! Still, as my Irish spouse observed, at least I HAD kit…a convoluted saga involving missed calls and factories burning down resulted in us leaving for Malaga with still no Irish kit…being unprepared so close to a deadline, you understand, being something close to Planman’s worst nightmare!

Malaga, as expected, was hot. Not as hot as the sauna though! This was our clever idea before we came…I had vaguely remembered one of the offspring coming home from a biology class all excited at learning that in a hot climate your body fats actually change to ones that solidify at higher temperatures – hence people from hot countries become sluggish when visiting Scotland in winter, and us Scots genuinely feel like our blood might be boiling when it’s hot…because it is! Well, apparently it takes at least a fortnight for the body fats to adapt, so in order to get a head start we visited a sauna several times in the 2 weeks before we left.

We arrived with only a few minor adventures on the journey, took the (excellent and super-cheap) train straight from the airport into town (don’t you just love European public transport!) and walked 4 min to our apartment which was also 12 mins from the subway that would take us to the stadium.

By the way, I’d definitely recommend going for an apartment or aparthotel any time you want accommodation in Europe…it’s usually cheaper, you have more space, you can cook and eat whatever and whenever you want and, for a longer stay, especially if it’s hot, a washing machine and drying space makes life much easier.

Next morning we set off to find the stadium. It took a bit of wandering (and more than 12mins!) to find the subway station the first time, but already we were seeing people around the streets that looked like athletes, including a skinny and happy-tired looking guy in Brazilian kit who must have been on the way back from competing in one of the sprint events. We found the subway, chatted to Naana, a bubbly GB W35 100m runner on the journey and she helped us find registration.

The stadium was just ALIVE with people…mostly athletes and their supporters, with events happening out on the track, people registering or declaring, stalls with info about other events or selling kit. In less than an hour we’d almost signed up for Venice (European Masters next year), chatted to several other athletes (and the son of an M90 100m runner) and found some Irish people who knew, or at least had heard of, the person who might have the Irish kit, hallelujah!

For the next couple of days we did a few wee practice runs, trying to hit the times and temperatures we were expecting on race day, and learned:

– Even if you can take the heat, the sun burns the bits you don’t usually expose (duh!).

– You need sunglasses (unless you wear glasses anyway) because the wind is hot and gritty

– Spanish ice cream is many-flavoured and delicious.

– It’s really hard not to overeat when you’re not doing much else and hardly running.

We spent time at the stadium to watch other events and it was BRILLIANT

We walked, we lounged, we arranged a clandestine meeting with a stranger in a train station to procure the elusive Irish kit (whew!), we read a lot of books and drank strong Spanish coffee, and we checked the weather forecast – I’m not kidding – every half hour.

At long last, Sunday 9th September arrived and it was time for the 10k.

It had been hard to decide whether to enter 10k or Half Marathon for the best results…it was our esteemed coach who suggested we did both. “But I can’t run a good HM just 7 days after a hard 10k!” I wailed. “So run the 10k easy” says he, “and use it to acclimatise to the conditions” and we did pairs of 10k/HM races to try it out, especially to practise doing actual 10k races slowly. Don’t laugh! It’s ridiculously difficult not to run as fast as you are able once you’re out there with all the other runners racing past you!

An added twinge of angst, I realised with some embarrassment as we prepared for the race, was that ‘everyone’ would think that WAS the fastest I could run…Down, my over-sensitive Ego!

My beloved just laughed in absolute delight…he’d no intentions of running anything other than as fast as he possibly could and was determined to seize the opportunity to try and beat me in the 10k!

Our number bibs were pinned to vests the night before (and tried on to make sure they were in the right place…don’t want to discover that when you’re on a timescale in the morning!). You have 3 numbers, one for your front (that one has a timing chip in it), one for your back (so anyone coming up behind you can see what age group you’re in…this is essential information as the only people you’re actually racing against are the ones in the same age/gender category) and one for your bag. The coffee was in the pot ready to switch on, kit laid out, sunglasses, shoes all ready. We were a tad anxious about finding and using the bag drop facility so just travelled in our vests and shorts with essentials (apartment key, subway cards, emergency euros, spare hanky…) in a waist belt.

It was still dark when we crept out, courteously quiet, and the streets were deserted…as a fellow Scot you can probably appreciate how surreal it felt to be walking along a street in the dark morning dressed in only a vest and shorts. Dark mornings mean the clocks have gone back, it should be winter! Instead the air was so warm it pressed gently against your bare skin. The closer we got to the subway, the more fellow athletes and supporters we saw. We waited for the train beside Americans, Kiwis, Colombians, Swedes, Spaniards, Latvians and Argentinians. We sat in amongst a Chilean group on the train, then came out at the other end to a twilight morning in a real crowd all headed for the stadium.

The streets around the stadium are wide and open, and were teeming with jogging athletes in various national kit, warming up already in the brightening morning. The crowds denser the nearer we got.

There wasn’t any obvious sign of the start line, but somehow the information filtered through the crowds that we’d all to head underneath the stadium and we’d be ‘processed’ there. Inside was a huge, almost warehouse-like space which must have been beneath the main seating area…there was plenty room for literally hundreds of athletes to run, skip, stretch as we all warmed up. The M35-65 athletes were herded first through the big double doors into the arena; the rest of us had to wait another 10mins to start…hence your Uncle’s gleeful optimism about beating me, in most 10k races he’d be around 10 mins slower, he was determined that today I wouldn’t catch him!

It seemed a long 10mins before we all crushed through the doors and out onto the track. A start gantry marked the beginning and the runners were all loosely clustered behind it. Well, the part of the crowd I was in anyway…the ones at the front were (as evidenced by the race photos!) crammed tight, poised on the start line. I couldn’t even hear the start gun but suddenly noticed those front runners as they came into my field of vision running like the wind and already half way round the track! The back end of the race kind of shuffled over the line, people jostling for position as we ran a loop of the track and out of the stadium at the other side. It was actually difficult not to trip over people at the same time as keeping moving…lesson learned for future events…though really you’d think I’d have got this by now – if the time matters, wriggle up nearer the front!

From there it was a case of trying to settle into a pace, dodging round people where necessary, not too fast. My strategy, in order to NOT risk any impact on the HM was to run nose-breathing pace (that’s both in and out through the nose) until 8k, then hurry it up a bit for the last 2k. Even I can recover from 2k hard in a week

By now it was full daylight and sunnier than it was forecast (did I mention we’d been checking the weather forecast every 5 mins? The most recent we’d seen predicted light rain with 24 degrees (feels like 28) at the start time and humidity 77% (I’ve no idea what that means!)) rising to 29 (feels like 31).

There was no rain, it was bright though not full sun, with hot air hugging you weirdly…a bit like being in a swimming pool…

The streets are wide and mostly flat, some with palm trees up the sides, and the route was more or less straight along the front on the main road with some side loops. There were several sections where you ran one side of cones with, on the other side, the people in another part of the race going the opposite direction, so you could see roughly where you were in the race. I was surprised, at first, to notice quite a few barefoot runners, some towards the back but others well up. There was an enormous range of speeds and as my bit of the pack started to overtake the end of the men’s race it was clear that the slower runners weren’t necessarily the older ones.

I ran as hard as I could manage without trading up to mouth-breathing and concentrated on feeling comfortable in the pressing warmth…on the grounds that my brain will let me run better if I’m feeling good. I declined any anxiety at the sight of women with W55 bibs running past me (it’s a training race, it’s a training race…) and focused on form. Then I saw the 8k marker and – as your mother would say – ran like hell!

What a buzz!! Charging past all the (well, at least some of them!) people who’d outpaced me in the last stretch, opening out the legs and really going for it. I overtook an Australian M65 who gave me a fight for it, then chased down a Colombian W45 and a Polish M55…as we came into the stadium for the final lap I saw a woman in GB kit maybe 50m ahead and upped the pace to close on her…close enough to see the W55 on her back! There was that still moment where I realised there wasn’t time to catch her before the finish gantry, then decided all of a sudden to blast it and try. Eyeballs bursting and snot flying I somehow lunged past her a few feet before the line…and saw, to my utter dismay, that this was the start gantry and the actual finish was another 75m down the track

That last 75m must be one of the hardest I’ve ever run…the kind of effort you pay for in grey hairs and try to reserve for the times that matter. I could FEEL this instant rival right on my shoulder, battling to get her place back. All in my overheated head though – the finish times say she was nowhere near my shoulder (6 seconds behind).

Once over the line we had time to make friends as well as with another GB W55 who was not far behind, and we pledged to look out for each other at the Half Marathon the following Sunday.

Planman was smugly content to beat me in by 3 mins and the pair of us strutted the stadium feeling pretty darned pleased with ourselves

Upstairs, there was some big ‘Masters Athletes’ research study going on, run by a German university, and in the haze of endorphins following the race, we signed ourselves up, committing to appointments on the Friday.

Now for the Half Marathon.

It was still dark when we got out of bed and we couldn’t wait to get started! At long last, the reason we came to Malaga in the first place, the World Masters Half Marathon, the main race of our whole year, probably the most important race of our lives so far.

Doing the 10k as a dry run had been a superb idea…we knew how long the journey would take, where the bag drop was, all the things that help you feel comfortable going to any race. We were glad we’d set off a little earlier this time, because the subway station was much busier. Standing among the groups of athletes waiting for the train we started a casual conversation with a British couple nearby. Then I, politely, asked the woman if she’d be running…Oh no! Have you ever had someone ask you how your run went, when you know they’re really not the slightest bit interested, and in a split second of pure evil you decide to tell them, EXACTLY how your run went!? (…am I the only evil one in this family?)

So this random stranger seized the opportunity to tell me – including countless details like the name of each specialist, the dates of the various scans and procedures and a blow-by-blow of every actual experience of attempting running with the affliction which was preventing her from running today

I had no idea how to stop her.

Speaking of afflictions, it was hard for me to even hear this poor injured runner over the loud whinging of my right calf. Clever race prep tips: do not (eagerly!) sign up to participate in scientific studies of Masters athletes (Masters Athletics Field Study – MAFS) 2 days prior to an important race. I mean, it was truly fascinating…they plugged us into various machines and gave us intriguing feedback on our body composition, cardio-vascular function and resting metabolism. The problem was the calf-strength test. Let me describe…you sit with your foot flat on a platform, there are electrodes all over your calves and ankles, some kind of pressing weight thing is on the knee and when they say ‘push!’ You’ve to push up on tiptoe AS HARD AS YOU CAN against the weight for 6 seconds while they take ultrasound readings of what your muscles do. The testers whoop and cheer you on. You can also see your muscles shift and pull on a wee screen as you do it. Cool! Well they said as hard as you can and so…visualising the granny who lifts a car to save a trapped grandchild I pushed with all my heart and all my might. 6 reps was the test, and although I was all chuffed to have lifted 75% of my bodyweight on a single muscle (they said that was good, though for all I know they might’ve said that to everyone!) the cramp afterwards was a bit alarming. I limped around all the next day (at least by the next morning the cramp had stopped!) and, I kid you not, on the way to the race my calf was so tight and sore that it was all I could do not to burst into howls of manic, gasping laughter at the sheer ridiculousness. Like I said, biggest race EVER, all that preparation, and then do something like that 2 days before it!?!

Ah well. I wasn’t really limping much; it only hurt, by now, when pushing through my toes…like at the take-off point on a running stride

Off the train in the twilight morning again, up to the stadium, quick visit to the bag drop and into warm up.

This race started out on the street, the route looping around several times (I think we passed the start line 4 times) with long stretches backwards and forwards along the main road in the open sun. It’s a very flat route, but that doesn’t make it easy…it feels endless and by half way you’d do anything for a wee variation.

The runners were corralled by age-group, with the youngest (35+) at the front. Some older people had sneaked into our corral, which I didn’t think anything of at the time because I didn’t realise till afterwards that there was no chip mat at the beginning…this meant that we ONLY had gun times. I think the rationale was that it was a race to the line, against only the others in your own age group (who should all be in the same corral) so your actual time was irrelevant. Well, even without the dodgy calf and the roasting sun, I was never going to be in a medal position, so it didn’t really matter!

The first kilometre or so, until the field opened out a bit, was hard going, with all speeds of people mixed in together (mostly) by age, there was lots of potential for tripping. After that it was, pure and simple, a slog in the hot sun. For the first time in my life, I emptied water over my head. Weirdly, it felt as though it slowed me down a bit every time (which was every water station!), but I figured it was all investment in holding off the overheating. If I’d tried the tactic before, I’d probably have realised that there’s a technique to maximise the cooling without getting water a) in your shorts (now that’s an unpleasant feeling!) or b) in your shoes …just call me Squelchy McGee!

Experiential learning in effective cooling with water aside, the race went as well as it could. I worked hard, ignored, as much as possible, the pathetic bleating from my calf, and tried to stay focused. Twice I nearly back-ended into other runners who stopped suddenly. I don’t know if that was them giving up altogether, or just temporarily running out of steam. Every so often there would be an athlete sitting or crouching at the side of the road, or walking sadly in the opposite direction to the race. You can’t tell from the results how many started but didn’t finish (anyone who didn’t finish is recorded as DNS), but a full third of the runners in my age group didn’t finish…only 29 out of 45 entrants actually completed the race!

The sun beat down as we ran, on and on. Looking at the route map before the race didn’t help at all, we just followed the runners in front of us round bends, along roads and between buildings, tiny, tree-sized patches of shade on sun baked streets, over and over. Passing the same things repeatedly added to the surreal relentlessness of it all. Squelchy shoes, fried eyeballs. It seemed at least 3 weeks later we were finally in the stadium where the last stretch went round the outside of the track (the track itself was being used for the 1500m finals at the same time). The spouse’s moment to treasure came as he powered in and overtook the W80 champion in that final circuit! Mine was after the race.

We had to wait 3 hours for the results, and couldn’t go home (well, back to the apartment!) to change until we knew…if you get a prize, you see, you have to be wearing your national kit (and we didn’t exactly buy spare kit just in case!)…I knew there were lots of individual W55s ahead of me, but there are team prizes as well. The first 3 ‘counters’ from each country have their times added together and the lowest totals win.

And we did it!

My very absolute best claim to fame (so far) and treasured possession, is a bronze team medal for GB from the W55 World Masters Half Marathon. Not only that, but I was FIRST counter in the team.

Icing on the cake…My sister – the stat geek – told me, when we got home (to Scotland), that if they HAD let me run for Ireland, Ireland would have won the Gold Team Prize. Their loss!

We loved the World Masters and would recommend it to anyone. Not just competing, it’s absolutely incredible to watch – you’d be truly astonished at the power and the speed and the passion, and it does something warm to your insides seeing the performances in the older age groups. The spectators (other athletes and their families) out of their seats without even meaning to – on their feet, hearts bursting with the sheer joy of it, bouncing up and down whooping and cheering because when we’re that age, maybe WE can be like that!

By Anne Macfarlane (Dumfries Running Club)

(This article was previously published in the Road Runners Club Journal.)

Anne and her husband after the Malaga World Masters Half Marathon

SCOTTISH MASTERS INDOORS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Friday 4^th January 2019. GAA Miler Meet

*There were Scottish Masters golds at 3000m at the Emirates Arena for the following athletes:

W40 Lesley Chisholm (Garscube) 10.23.59

W45 Cath Ferry (Edinburgh AC) 11.33.32;

W55 Anne Howie (Aberdeen) 11.34.04

Lesley Chisholm. Photo by: Bobby Gavin of www.thatonemoment.co.uk

M35 Stuart Gibson (Cambuslang) 8.39.04;

M40 Darran Muir (Law and District AC) 9.02.00;

M45 Kerry-Liam Wilson (Cambuslang) 8.59.06;

M50 Stephen Allen (Motherwell Ac) 9.24.78;

M55 Guy Bracken (North Shields) 9.10.14;

M60 Roger Homyer (Highland HR) 12.13.98;

M65 Ray Aiken (Keith and District) 13.20.89;

M75 Bobby Young (Clydesdale) 12.39.28.

Sunday 17^th March: Scottish Masters Indoors Track and Field

Scottish Athletics reported: “At the Emirates Stadium, medals were on offer in five-year age categories from V35 with a number of our Masters looking for good performances ahead of other competitions later in the year – starting with the British Masters on March 9-10. The World Masters is also next month, taking place in Poland.”

The Combined Events, Relays and Masters Indoors Championships. Note that Masters come last in the list. Judging by the confusing, near endless results, nowadays fewer and fewer Scottish athletes enter Masters Indoors Track and Field. Top honours are frequently taken by people from Northern Ireland or England; and the timetabling mish-mash of events for Young Athletes and Multi-Eventers, plus lots of hanging around, surely discourage participants. If only it were possible to bring back the Kelvin Hall and one day of Masters-only fixtures, including the 3000m!

Not many contestants; inevitably lower standards, in spite of superior facilities.

The 2019 edition, despite the fact that some runners, jumpers and throwers must have enjoyed taking part, seems to have produced few notable performances. Apologies if I miss out significant names; I can only judge by the results information and memories of past championship standards.

Double wins were achieved by I Horsburgh of Central AC (M40 60m and 200m); G Cooke of EAC (W35 60m and Long Jump); C Welsh of Teviotdale Harriers (M35 800m and 1500m); G Barrie of Dundee Hawkhill Harriers (M45 800m and 1500m). There was a triple victory for J Smith of Motherwell AC (M70 60m, 200m and Long Jump).

In the M65 800m and 1500m, Andy McLinden of Hamilton Harriers came out on top, as he continued his old rivalry with Frank Hurley of Cambuslang Harriers.

There were two especially well-contested races. In the Women’s 1500m, Lesley Chisholm of Garscube Harriers won the W40 clash, in front of J Etherington (Cambuslang) who had earlier finished first the 800m. Third overall was the tireless W55 Fiona Matheson of Falkirk Victoria Harriers, well clear of W45 and W50 rivals. R Bigger of Northern Ireland just managed to pip J Thomson of Fife AC in the M60 1500m.

At least one Scottish Masters record was broken, by Bobby Young of Clydesdale, whose 6 minutes 04.72 seconds reduced the M75 1500m mark, previously held by Hugh McGinlay of FVH by 17 seconds.

Former World Masters Triple Jump Champion Fiona Davidson of Aberdeen AAC finished first in the W45 Shot Put but, inexplicably, results for the Triple Jump (and some other events) were not available two days after the fixture.

LANDSCAPES I HAVE RUN THROUGH..…….

Running memories often come back to visit as a parade of sharply etched vignettes, probably heightened by the physical exertion and intensity of the activity at the time they were experienced. My own theory as to why recalling this can be so enjoyable most of the time is that basically we are still pursuit animals accumulating useful life skill experiences. This really becomes noticeable when you are part of a race pack or during a competitive interval training session.

Sometimes the location is the centre of the memory. One autumn weekend heading east to Portmahomack to avoid the equinoctial gales sweeping the Highlands I found the receding storm had whipped up huge amounts of foam onto the shore line route so that you ran through a mixture of knee-high soapsuds totally covering the path surface. An interesting contrast to the previous day’s Bught Parkrun in Inverness when the running surface was rich with multi-coloured fallen leaves.

Then there was running across suburban Toronto to get to the start of a 10km race. The city is built over a deeply fissured lakeside landscape. The sound of a rock band from a park in the distance gave a clue to the event and, after extensive but frustrating suburbs, the most direct line to make the start seemed to be via a short-cut through an industrial estate which lead to an inevitable cul-de-sac and a high chain-link fence. There was only one choice and once scaled it was into thick brush with a steep drop off into a gorge and a tree-hanging descent to the bank of a suspiciously deep stream of sinister grey muddy water.

Meanwhile the sound of the warm-up band at the race start point was growing louder but further away. It is bad enough rushing to arrive at the start but even more frustrating to have to overcome man-made in addition to natural obstacles. Wisely I decided not to swim the river and eventually found a vestigial path which led to a footbridge. Got into the race and won a prize (a nutritional book for aspirant runners) but with a diminished ambition to take up orienteering or tough mudding.

In Perth, Australia, the obvious choice was to try a run along one of its famous beaches. Some miles into it I began to notice that garments were becoming more minimalist and then non-existent. All became clear when a sign appeared providing information that clothing was optional! And then there was the near-vertical section of the Knockfarrel hill race when the young lady close behind me felt herself slip and instinctively grabbed the waistband of my shorts!

Hill races are all about sure-footedness and fast fearless descents sharing a lot with downhill skiing. I once tripped on a descent from Ben Bhraggie, Golspie, (after spitting on the Duke of Sutherland’s statue) and managed to convert a potentially disastrous fall into a forward roll with no more than slight gravel rash in the small of my back,

Beaches are also great for self-examination of running style through your footprints, but it is also possible to check posture and angle of lean from shop windows, shadows and even shadows on bigger road signs from rear headlights.

The Isle of Man has a great hill run along its south western coast high above the water and cliffs overlooking the Irish sea. Some distance into this route there is an old detached farm house now an outdoor educational centre. A minibus full of youngsters and a hassled instructor are wrestling with a large table trying to get it through the door. Arrival of one elderly runner who shows them how to turn it on its side and shuffle two legs past the porch and right angle to the living room and hey presto job done and the good Samaritan high tails it up the next hill. Who was that guy?

Animals – all part of the mixed terrain experience with usually manageable and predictable outcomes but there are some more memorable encounters. My worst dog experience was once again running along the riverside in Inverness in full winter darkness. A car with headlights at full beam completely dazzled me and the next sensation was a full-on impact from an Alsatian being run beside its owner’s car. On the other hand, running local back roads in darkness it is sometimes the deer which get the biggest surprise. Hens and ducks, just messy, but don’t be afraid of a hissing sinuous goose with its head out since they are great cowards and will back off if you stand up to them.

Similarly, dogs: don’t let them sense your fear. And then there is the dog that decides to come along for the outing. I confess to some enjoyment from seeing an overweight owner struggling to bring one back to heel. I’ve had a number of runs in company with horse riders and here the main thing is to be aware of kicks, foot crushing and being pinned against a fence or wall by half a ton of animal. It is a bit like approaching a helicopter: always let the animal and or the pilot or rider see you. Cattle, and cows with calves at foot – never get between a mother and its young and generally just give all livestock lots of space, although llamas and alpacas can spit with deadly accuracy from up to 10 metres!

Cats will regard your progress with bemused indifference but beware the post-run moggie that leaps onto your lightly protected lap with unsheathed claws!

Pigs are very bright animals and often think an intruder into their field is bearing refreshment so they may stampede towards you but, if cornered, remember they can be transported into ecstasy by a well-administered back rub.

And then sometimes spectators can cause a smile. The two cailleachs (old ladies on Skye) chorusing, “He isn’t even breathing hard!” was better than being overtaken by someone dressed as a pantomime fairy then a dog with a runner in tow.

And finally, if the Stromness Shopping Week Queen presents you with an award for their half marathon don’t miss the chance to administer a sweaty embrace to the surprised young lady.

By Alex Sutherland

A FAVOURITE RACE MEMORY

THE LONG WARM UP

On the 9th May 1989, just short of the my 39th birthday, a bus load of Fraserburgh Athletes was leaving Fraserburgh to take part in the North District Track and Field Championship events at Queens Park, Inverness. As it was a particularly fine morning, I left instructions with the bus driver that I intended to run as far as I could and to look out for me en route and pick me up on the road somewhere.

I set off at 5am on a quiet main road, passing New Pitsligo, Macduff, Banff, Portsoy and I was just short of Cullen when the bus came along and picked me up.

I had covered 37.4 miles in 4hrs 36mins, averaging 7.22 mins per mile.

Later that afternoon, when we finally reached Inverness, I ran the 5000 metres track race. The first few laps were a struggle until I got going properly but I managed to run that race in a time of 16mins 43secs and achieved 6th place out of a field of 21 runners.

Nowadays, that time of 16mins 43secs would win most Park Runs!

By Charlie Noble

Fraserburgh Running Club

(Editor adds: Charlie is a legend in Fraserburgh and Aberdeenshire. Almost 70, he is still running well. He completed all 12 Aberdeen Marathons; between 2001 and 2003 won the M50 category three times in the Scottish 50km Championship; ran for Scotland at 100km; and was a Scottish Masters Cross-Country International.)

My Favourite Race Memory

The Dumfries Marathon, 1986 – a Sprint Finish!

It was a fine, breezy day on Sunday, October 12th, 1986, when several of us, members of Law and District AC, travelled south to run in the Dumfries 800 Marathon, a celebration event to mark the Octocentenary of the town. It would perhaps be the only ever Dumfries Marathon so I wanted to take part even though I had run the Glasgow marathon 3 weeks previously, finishing 10th woman in 3.03, and just failing yet again to break the 3 hour barrier.

I was still disappointed with my Glasgow run and had no great expectations in Dumfries, my 13th marathon, other than to enjoy a run around the pleasant Dumfriesshire countryside. I knew that there were another couple of women running who would be strong competitors, Carolyn Brown of Dumfries Running Club and Kate Todd of Loudoun Road Runners but I decided just to run my own race. It was all going quite smoothly until the 25 mile mark when someone in the crowd shouted to me that the first lady was only a short distance ahead. So that was it. I had to make a bit of an effort. I suppose the adrenaline must have kicked in and I put on a bit of a spurt but not too much too soon as I couldn’t risk cramp at this stage. And then, with just a few hundred yards to go, I saw her. It was Carolyn, just 50 yds ahead. Then it all came back to me – the good advice given to me by the legendary David Morrison who mentored me when I first joined the ‘vets’ – how to pass rivals effectively – “get up to them, collect yourself, then GO and never look back and once you have gone you can’t slow down just KEEP GOING no matter how bad you feel”. So, with David’s words ringing in my ears, I did go and I didn’t look back and I did feel bad. There was doubt in my mind. Did David really think I could do this in the last few hundred yards of a marathon? Well, I would soon find out and I wouldn’t let him down. I hung on and there was the finish line. I had won the women’s race. It was a slow 3 h 11 mins, well outside my PB, with Carolyn finishing just seconds behind me and, unbeknown to me, Kate Todd was finishing strongly less than a minute behind Carolyn, 70 seconds separating the first three women according to the official record. I never expected to have to finish a marathon with a sprint finish but I had done it! It was my fifth marathon win.

I was delighted to find that David Fairweather had placed second in the race, and first vet, clocking 2 h 28 min, after an equally dramatic battle with eventual winner, Dave Wilson of Wallasey. The next surprise was that our team from Law and District AC were awarded the team prize, with David Fairweather, Ian Donnelly who finished 24th in 2 h 55 min and myself counting for the team. However, that was not the end of the drama. A complaint was made to the organisers by a well-known Central Belt club which shall remain nameless. The complaint was that a team containing a WOMAN wasn’t allowed to win the team prize! I thought that this was a bit silly as surely if a team of 3 men couldn’t beat a team of two men and a woman they didn’t really deserve to win the prize. I think the organisers must also have thought that it was a bit silly as, after some discussion, the complaint was dismissed and we retained our team prize. I suspect that the organisers had actually broken some SAAA rule in awarding us the prize but rules are made to be broken. I have always remembered the words of Walter Ross, one of our SVHC founding fathers, who once said to me “with running as with everything in life, let’s not take ourselves too seriously. Running is for fun and, at the end of the day, we are all fun runners.”

Kay Dodson

A VIEW OVER THE BARRIERS

My interest in finding out about the steeplechase event was stimulated by talking with other athletes, followed up by viewing internet videos. I had returned to running aged forty-five, some nine years ago, with my favoured surface turning out to be cross country – the rougher and muddier the better, demonstrated by winning my first age group gold in the Kilmarnock mud last year. Whilst there are various opinions about steeplechase technique and tactics, everyone agrees that a heightened degree of exhaustion is caused by hurdling the barriers. It’s this management of complexity and concentration, with increased tiredness levels, that fascinates me.

Masters men, until the age of sixty, compete over 3000m with 28 hurdles (36” in height) and 7 water jumps. Masters women compete over 2000m with 18 hurdles (31” in height) and 5 water jumps. It’s also important to state that the steeplechase barriers are solid and heavy, and are extremely unforgiving if hurdling technique or timing falters.

Early hurdling attempts during the Winter 2017/18 were a bit ‘Alf Tupper’, with several wooden pallets set on their side across the lawn at home. Successfully surviving these clearances provided confidence to go ‘semi-public’, and to set up the sprinters’ hurdles at the local track. Although I do admit to timetabling my sessions to avoid club training times, until I felt a further degree of confidence. Steeplechase training utilises the lighter weight sprint hurdles, four located at the correct track positions, and one located outside the water jump. Few athletes will train over the actual water jump, as the jump down and outwards produces forces up to seven times body weight. Add these stresses to those of training and there is a recipe for numerous aches, pains and longer lay-offs through injury.

Early sessions emphasised ‘volume’, so I gradually built up to 10 x 400 with hurdles, allowing an accumulation of sixty hurdle clearances. This volume was then moulded into differing configurations, 5 x 800, 4 x 1200, and peaking at 3 x 1mile. A second hurdle session each week was light on volume, and more about drill techniques emphasising hip mobility. Unfortunately, I tried to cover too many areas within training, plyometrics for dynamic hurdling movement, yoga for flexibility, track technique drills, plus endurance sessions – hence somewhat inevitable (with hindsight) knee inflammation.

With six weeks to go till the Scottish Masters Track & Field Championships at Grangemouth (July 2018) I spent most days undertaking spin sessions on the bike or some light pool running. With a week to go the inflammation eased enough for several light hurdle sessions, which re-established confidence at clearing the obstacles. Attendance at the Championships for the first time also introduced the nerves and protocols of warm-up areas, call-up rooms and the starter’s orders – all very enjoyable but maybe another layer of nerves for a first run-out over the barriers!

Whilst my time of 11.30.48 felt slow, it was enough to claim gold and set a new Scottish best outdoor performance. I cleared all 35 barriers without incident – a success, considering that I had missed six weeks of running. The experience made clear that the dynamic action of hurdling creates a high level of tiredness, and it’s hard to describe the exhaustion brought on by the water jump. The push off the top of the water jump barrier presents a particular physical challenge in structural loading to the legs upon landing. The further one jumps, the greater the impact. Landing on one leg for a rolling restart creates a high force; or you can share the landing load across two legs, but then have to make a restart to your running from a momentarily stationary position.

An additional challenge with the water jump is the need to land the lead foot on top of the barrier. The other barriers can be hurdled and cleared, whereas this one requires a precise placement of the foot on top. Then sufficient momentum to roll the foot forwards into position for a push off across the water. It’s my current thinking to ‘Alf Tupper’ this as well and construct a solid barrier in the garden, so that this leap up, foot placement and push off can be regularly practised.

A second run out over the steeplechase came at the British Masters Track & Field Championships in late August. It was a dreary wet Sunday 9.30am morning race, with no one seemingly ‘up for it’. There were three known (to me) steeplechase exponents in my M50 age group. It was delightful that one let slip being seemingly “stuck on about 11.18…”, I confess to deploying a fine Scottish lowland stalking technique for five laps before slipping past to claim bronze and the time further reduced the Scottish age group outdoor best to 11.19.42.

With this year being in my last in the 50-54 age group, the emphasis is on gathering more race experience over several steeplechase distances of 1500, 2000 and 3000. But also entering (flat) track races at those distances to gain experience in race strategy, positioning and competitiveness. As stated earlier, the lesson of last year was not to cover too many aspects within a training cycle, so a better periodised overview is being planned. I also recognise that I have joined a small band of runners, perhaps with a slightly different headspace, and there is a great sense of camaraderie in that heightened shared challenge.

I should like to conclude my ‘view over the barriers’, by acknowledging the guidance and encouragement given to me by coach David Hood (Nithsdale AC). Sadly, David passed away this January, and will be sorely missed. His words prior to my first steeplechase were along the lines of ‘No matter where you are (in the race) it’s all about the next hurdle, sight it, and focus on it until it’s cleared’. These words are about personal focus and awareness and, in a simple phrase, I was given a key, not only to unlock the complexity of the steeplechase, but also a way to approach daily life in a more rewarding way.

Jim Buchanan

Jim leading at Grangemouth. Photo: Bobby Gavin/Thatonemoment

FROM THE ARCHIVES

GREAT SCOTTISH VETERAN RUNNERS: GORDON PORTEOUS

When, at the age of 93, Gordon died on 18th of January 2008, his club Maryhill Harriers published a respectful, affectionate and informative obituary. He was described as “a gentleman and a fine example to others in many ways. He was a courteous, caring individual and an ambassador for Maryhill Harriers and Scotland.” Anyone who was privileged to meet Gordon, or to receive one of his elegant, precise but witty letters, can only agree wholeheartedly.

The obituary continued: “Gordon’s contribution to and support for Maryhill Harriers was simply breath-taking. A member since 1935, he held every senior office and did so for many years at a time. As well as support the club administration, he would still turn up to help out at those races in which he was not competing, whatever the weather. He had encouraging words for several generations of runners and was notable in never having a bad word to say about anyone. He was simply inspirational, always positive.

At the time of his death, Gordon was Honorary President of Maryhill Harriers and Honorary President of Scottish Masters Athletics (incorporating the Scottish Veteran Harriers Club).

He was a keen modeller who used to escape his female-oriented household to the loft to undertake this hobby for many hours at a time. He would only re-enter the house if there was a John Wayne movie on the TV!”

Gordon Porteous was born on the 20th of February 1914. In the late 1930s he trained and raced with illustrious clubmates like the Olympians Dunky Wright and Donald McNab Robertson and the 1938 (and 1948) Scottish Cross-Country Champion John Emmet Farrell. When the Second World War ended in 1945, despite a poor diet (which continued for years of severe rationing in Britain), Gordon wasted no time in returning to athletics at the ‘advanced age’ of 31. On 16th June 1945 he travelled south to take part in the famous Polytechnic Marathon from Windsor to Chiswick, finishing 8th in 3 hours and 14 seconds. That sounds like an inauspicious debut, although it did rank him in the top 70 in the world that year. Gordon’s excuse was that he “suffered severe stomach cramps around the 21-mile mark and had to actually stop – couldn’t even walk – so much so, that my clubmate Andy Burnside, who had been over four and a half minutes behind me at 20 miles, passed me before I could get going again. I probably lost about 5 minutes as a result. That was the only time cramp ever affected me during a marathon. (I never had cherry pie again for my lunch!)”

In 1946, after a trial race, Gordon Porteous was selected to run for Scotland in the ICCU Cross Country Championship in Ayr. He finished 43rd as one of his country’s counting team.

That was the year when the first Scottish Marathon Championship took place, although Gordon did not take part. However, he provided useful information which is quoted in ‘A Hardy Race’. “After the war, dietary problems included digesting dried egg and getting hold of enough food to sustain us. Runners lucky enough to be ‘possibles’ for the 1948 Olympics received food parcels from South Africa, courtesy of the AAA. Survivors of the Saturday long run replenished reserves with Bovril (served in special club Bovril mugs) and cream crackers or a pie. Maryhill road men had one advantage over their rivals. Dunky was a member of the Home Guard. The crafty fellow obtained a supply of heavy brown Army plimsolls, which had much thicker rubber soles than the usual ones. More cushioning and fewer blisters. The alternative was Dunlop Green Flash – a tennis shoe which would ensure blood on the road for its masochistic owner. This brand was still used in the 1960s!

Other kit comprised shorts, a vest, grey flannel trousers for the warm-up and a jersey with long sleeves to be pulled down over the hands on cold nights. Training was usually thirty miles a week. Maryhill Harriers (motto: ‘Good Fun – Good Fellowship – Good Health’) ran together from Maryhill Baths on Tuesdays and Thursdays – about seven miles a night. There might be a slow pack and a fast pack, each one with a Pacer and a Whip. A good deal of wisecracking could be heard, especially as the fast pack whizzed past, unless runners were breathless. On Saturdays, if there was no race, a pack of runners might cover fifteen or even eighteen miles over road and country, followed by tea, buns and a singsong to the music of mouth organs etc. An alternative was some serious hiking.

Not surprisingly, Sunday was considered to be the day of rest. However, Dunky Wright and Donald Robertson (who was ‘a bit of a horse’) added a long Sunday run to the regime.”

By 1948, Gordon was ready to have another go at the marathon, and improved to 5th in the Scottish Championship at Dundee, finishing in 2.54.11.

By 1962, aged 48, he hadn’t been doing much racing, when John Emmet Farrell, who was five years Gordon’s senior, suggested having a go at the Scottish Marathon. Consequently, they trained together doing about 40 or 50 miles per week, with the odd 20 miler nearer the race. Gordon suspected JEF of “doing an extra run on the QT.” The race started outside Old Meadowbank Stadium, and went through Dalkeith, Cockenzie and back to finish on the ash track. “Since it was a warm day,” (Gordon wrote) “the two (not so old) warriors ran steadily together. This was a wise move since JEF was notorious for going off course. Then with 50 yards or so to go, the old b…. sprinted to hold me off at the line! I never let him beat me in a marathon after that.”

Amazingly, Gordon Porteous was still breaking the three-hour barrier in 1981 at the age of 67. (He stated that his so-called ‘failure’ to run as fast after then, was due to a hamstring injury sustained while track training for the 10,000 metres in the European Veterans Championship in Strasburg.) Between 1949 and 1969 he contested only eight marathons (PB 2.49.23) and dropped out of three of them. However, he ran two in 1970 and never missed the Scottish Senior (or Veteran) Marathon Championship between 1972 and 1982.

At the age of 60 in 1974 he ran 2.53.08 and in 1975 two M60 World Marathon records: 2.51.35 in the Scottish Senior and 2.51.17 to win the inaugural World Veterans Championship in Toronto. This was nearly three minutes faster than his 1948 effort!

Gordon Porteous went on to achieve a truly marvellous series of successes. He set European and World age-group marathon records at: M65 (2.57.00); M70 (3.11.45); M75 (3.23.12); and M80 (3.47.04).

He won World Veteran Marathon gold medals in Coventry 1976, Berlin 1978, Hanover 1979, Glasgow 1980, and New Zealand 1981 plus Rome 1985. A European Marathon gold medal was won in Brugge, Belgium in 1989.

In 1976 Gordon actually won an amazing four World Championships in ten days. As well as the marathon in Coventry, he was first in 10,000 metres on the track, 10k cross country and 25k road!

Of course, he won many gold medals at shorter distances and in British championships too. Doug Gillon wrote about the occasion when in September 1994, at the age of 80, Gordon “added another title and record to a portfolio which, in its way, rivals that of Linford Christie. Porteous took more than nine minutes from the UK over-80 10,000 metres track record, clocking 48.06, when he won his age group in the Scottish Veterans championships at Ravenscraig Stadium.”

Gordon enjoyed many glory days in the company of his close friends John Emmet Farrell and Davie Morrison. The three of them travelled together all over the world to championships and broke so many records. I remember in particular the splendid and well-deserved newspaper and television coverage of those three Scottish heroes in the 1999 British Veterans Championships at Meadowbank; and the subsequent World Championships at Gateshead.

Even when he was over 90 years old, Gordon said, in an interview “In a good week I manage to run 30 to 40 miles. The idea is to keep fit, although a little piece of pride also comes into it. When I began running, I didn’t imagine it would become as popular as it is today. Normally, you try to do a wee bit better each year, but eventually you reach a stage when you’re just hoping to finish!” He was married to Nettie for more than 60 years. She survived him for just two.

Even now in 2010, Gordon Porteous continues to hold three world age group records: M85 5000m (24.51.7); M90 5000m (31.25.45); and M90 10,000m (69.27.5). He should be remembered as a great champion and a wonderful role model.

Please sing along to these lyrics! They were compiled by Dougie Gemmell of Clydesdale Harriers, a fine road and cross-country runner as a senior athlete; and, when M50, Scottish Veteran XC champion; Scottish and British 3000m winner; and 2^nd in the British and Irish International XC.

The scenario is as follows: a runner is responding to a request from his club to compete in multi-events for cheap points; and the tune is ‘The Laughing Policeman’ (google it if you are too young), and the voice a cross between folk-singing legend Matt McGinn and actor John Grieve.

The photo is of Dougie being presented (by Walter Ross) with a cup at Clydesdale’s Annual Dinner in 1977. Walter was the founder, and driving force behind, the SVHC.

OH I RUN THE TEN THOUSAND

Oh I run the ten thousand

That’s all I ever do

I do not run the steeplechase

You always get wet through

Five thousand metres is too short

The marathon too far

Tae travel a’ thae miles away

I’d rather take the car.

I tried the hundred metres

But found I couldny sprint

The gun went BANG, I fell and said

A word ye cannae print

Two hundred, it was just as bad

Goin’ roon the bend I tripped

I tumbled ower my wulkies and

My brand-new shorts got ripped.

Oh I don’t run the metric mile

Three laps and up the straight

Cause I like runnin’ roon an’ roon

And wavin’ tae ma mates

I don’t run ower the hurdles

I canny jump that high

And I don’t do the pole vault,

Cause I’m too young to die.

I do not do the triple jump

I canny count to three

And I don’t throw the hammer –

It’s awfy MICHTY ME!

I do not do the indoor meets

I like to breathe fresh air

Nae Kelvin Hall or Emirates

Ye willny see me there.

You’ll always find me doon the track

I canny get enough

What, gie up sunshine, rain or hail?

Not on yer Nelly Duff!

Cross-country is another thing

That I just willny do

Gie me a nice flat Tartan track

Wi’ nae sign o’ a coo.

Oh I run the ten thousand

To that I’m dedicated

It used to be the six-mile race

But I’ve been metricated

Oh I run the ten thousand

And OOOYAH! That was SORE!!

I’ve torn my hamstring a’ tae shreds

QUICK! Bring that stretcher ower!

Ooooh ….. I canny move.

OH GOOD, IT’S A CLUBMATE!

(The Psychology of Running Teams)

‘Rover’. ‘Wizard’. ‘Hotspur’. ‘Adventure’. The best comics for boys I ever read. Nineteen Fifty-something. Most stories had one drawing and a long action-packed yarn, featuring swarthy snarling baddies, toffee-nosed snobs and clean-cut daring heroes or admirable eccentrics such as ‘The Great Wilson’ and of course ‘Alf Tupper – the Tough of the Track’. How I wish I had kept those comics – a fine escape from reality. My mother even gave me a subscription to B.O.P. – “Boys’ Own Paper” – the most morally-improving magazine imaginable. Now how would these publications have portrayed running and the bond between team-mates?

“Now pay attention, chaps. This is the Public Schools Cross-Country Trophy and we just can’t let these rotters from Chancerhouse make off with it. Now we’re all white men – and that includes you, Ram Jam Singh – and won’t resort to shortcuts, tripping, spiking, barging, bribing officials, twins running a relay and so on. It’s a jolly good job that amphetamines and diabolic steroids haven’t been invented yet, or they’d use them too. Make no mistake – they’re out to win by foul means or fouler! So keep your wits sharp, stick together and give your best for the old Alma Mater. We can be confident that, in this comic, good always triumphs over evil, so let’s toe the line, give them a rousing chorus of the school song – and run united to victory and a gruff word of congratulation from ‘Slasher’ Grimthorpe, our beloved Headcase!”

Heart-warming stuff – and nonsense? Well, not entirely, if you consider Road or Cross-Country Relays (and no doubt sprint or 4×400 metres relays too – although as a slow-twitch ectomorph I have no experience of these exotic athletic events). Certainly, a team-mate passing responsibility on to you (by baton, touch of a hand or simply overlapping) does excite a surge of adrenalin and a desire to gut yourself for the cause. Some folk collapse under the strain but many produce their best performances in relays. Tactics (apart from ‘eyeballs-out’) are seldom needed, unless you’re allowed a brief rest behind an opponent into a severe headwind – and even then you have to take your share of the work to prevent other clubs from closing up. Six, Eight or even Twelve-Man road relays are best. The ‘stars’ of the team are only marginally more valuable than the slowest runners. Anyone who can squeeze out more effort, and save a few seconds, may contribute to a famous victory or a more respectable placing. I’m not particularly devoted to amateurism – everyone likes a decent prize – but relay medals are to be treasured because they remind you of occasions full of drama, whole-hearted trying, good fellowship and (probably) beery exultation.

How about ‘team spirit’ in normal racing and training? I don’t propose to discuss athletics as such. No doubt it’s pleasant if a busload of assorted juniors and seniors from Princetown Posers descend on a track and field competition – the South-East Minor District Athletics League Round Five, for example. At the end of the day, once the points have been added up for third place in the standing bunny-jump, second in hurling the haggis and fifth in the metric mile medley, the Posers are first overall! How easy will it be for massive-muscled chuckers, egocentric speedsters, elongated elastic-jointed springers and sinewy middle-distance mules to find enough in common to communicate – let alone celebrate together? More difficult than the athletics, I would suggest. But what about a team of distance runners?

A vital feature of any cross-country or road-racing team is the Weekly Evening Run. If some folk meet up on Sunday mornings as well, this only emphasises how important pain (suffered or inflicted) is to them. No one totally unfit attends the club session. Slow jogging, helpless panting, stopping and walking, stiff sore legs and that sick weak exhausted feeling – these stages are best endured in the dark, on your own (unless they coincide with the last six disastrous miles of a mass marathon, in which case begging onlookers for drinks and sweets can be added.) In the dressing room before the club run, most people look and sound relaxed and carefree. Of course, cautious types will choose to run steadily with others incapable to ‘beating’ them. But for the first team and those on the fringe, the club session will not lack ‘needle’ despite the banter and bonhomie. Passers-by may think “Skinny men but friendly ones”. Insiders might disagree.

You see, racing well is partly a matter of talent and effort and partly a matter of confidence. A good competitive so-called ‘training session’ will provide that confidence. All you have to do is record a fast time for the Winter nine and a quarter – or manage to drop your ‘chums’ and leave them grovelling. Unless the best runner zooms off from the word go, the first couple of miles will involve no more than a stride-out for a group of friends, chatting on the run. Then, strangely enough, the jokes and reminiscences cease, and you reach a certain point (usually the bottom of a long tough hill) when companionship disappears abruptly as, without apology, someone leans into the slope, the effort increases fifty per cent, and the bunch fragments. Some will hang on as long as possible before heading back by a shorter route (trying not to be caught by the fast boys); others, running very nearly flat out, will grit their way onwards to the finish. Usually the pecking order stays the same: but the savage joy of someone who moves up the rankings can barely be concealed.

During a ‘proper’ competition, status quo may well be re-established. There are those who perform much better in ‘training’ than in racing. But although most runners will wish both clubmates and rivals the best of luck before a race, and say well done or sympathise afterwards, this is partly insincere tradition. During the struggle for supremacy or self-respect, there is nothing worse than sensing someone looming up beside you – and realising that he’s wearing an identical club vest! What a stab in the vitals; or motivating kick up the rear! Strangers may pass without much retaliation, but to be beaten by a ‘friend’ or old foe is not to be contemplated, unless you are injured or about to pass out from the sheer desperate insanity of effort recently produced to keep the devil behind you. To concede sixth place in the club charts, especially without any real fight, would be an admission of imminent senile decrepitude. Next stop Zimmer City!

And yet, I may exaggerate. Rightly or wrongly, there are rumours of nastiness and hatred between footballers, cricketers and rugby players. Are runners quite as resentful? Probably not, because distance running is a very humbling sport. We all have our good races; and even champions know what it is like to fail, and flounder in the mud, their hopes trampled by better men (on the day). Could there actually be genuine friendship and respect – even between clubmates?

CLUB NIGHTS

For dogged old runners in their seventies, club sessions must be avoided, since one tends to try too hard to keep up with swifter youngsters and injury is almost guaranteed. In youth and middle age, however, training with clubmates was essential to improve fitness and confidence and achieve potential. Hardier athletes might manage to run hard in company perhaps two or three times per week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays for example. Others might restrict themselves to once a week for speedwork and once for endurance. It depended on the training pattern of your own club and I competed for quite a few.

At Aberdeen University in the late 1960s, we only ran together on Wednesday afternoons. Few lingered for long in the Hare & Hounds dressing room in King’s College pavilion, due to the rank, musty, sweaty pong. Less hygienic harriers simply removed their steaming amber vests and wound them round the hot pipes, so that they would be dry, crusty and aromatic in time for the next outing. Starting slowly, we might go round the varied six and a half miles race route: past St Machar Cathedral, over the cobbles, onto the road, down the dodgy steps and over the narrow Don bridge, along the towpath, over the fence and up the grassy hill to Balgownie, fast down the road hill to the main Ellon road, onto the dunes, back along the sand, and then onto the undulating riverside path to finish in Seaton Park by sprinting up to the cathedral. Our annual half marathon was twice round plus laps of King’s field.

In Aberdeen AAC, aspiring long-distance runners usually ventured out on Woodie’s Sunday run (15 miles or further). Several youngsters might be suffering a hangover, since races plus piss-ups were usually on Saturdays. At 10 a.m. the group left the house of Alastair Wood, irascible marathon guru, and almost immediately battled up King’s Gate, a long hard hill en route to Hazlehead pony-track, the golf-course, narrow country lanes, and more forest paths before plunging down to Cults for the final two-mile ‘race-track’ along the pavement of the North Deeside Road. A truce was called at Mannofield and most survivors pretended to be cruising easily home – before the redoubtable Wood (and his equally hard training companion Steve Taylor) cut off, whereupon the rest of us sagged against pillar-boxes and groaned back to our residences at walking pace.

Victoria Park AAC was a traditional Glasgow club, heavily influenced by pre- and post-war training patterns. Tuesdays and Thursdays might feature club races or time-trials round the streets made familiar by the McAndrew Relay. Yet the usual system involved a slow pack and a fast pack, both with a ‘Pace’ to choose appropriate leg-speed and a ‘Whip’ to ensure that the pack kept together. However, by the early 1970s we were less amenable to regimentation. Ronnie Kane the coach would give stern instructions that the slow pack were to be given at least two minutes start, as a five-mile route like the ‘Shorter Knightswood Backward’ was tackled, but Alastair Johnston, Pat Maclagan, Ian Binnie, Albie Smith and co normally started chasing the moment their less talented clubmates were round the corner, swept past and bashed on mercilessly in the dim light of winter streetlights. No prisoners! On Sundays, only Pat and Alastair did long runs, which lesser men found ridiculously fast. The alternative was a testing cross-country effort out at Milngavie. Nearly all Vicky Parkers preferred the roads.

Fredrikshof Idrottsforeningen, was a wealthy Stockholm club that provided free kit and paid my racing expenses during the ten months (1973-1974) I taught in Sweden. Sadly, since I lived a hundred miles away from the city, I was forced to train alone. When I did join up with the team, it struck me that the pace was a lot friendlier than back in Scotland. However most of them were not very fast competitors!

Edinburgh Southern Harriers was one of the very best Scottish clubs when I ran for them between 1974 and 1981. While there were club nights at Fernieside, where the old cinder track was used for speedwork, most of the key distance runs were open to all-comers and started at The Meadows. On Mondays there was a ten-mile, sixteen short repetition session, lapping the park; Wednesday featured another ten-mile run, with nine longer reps, out by Colinton; and Sundays could be sixteen miles out and back to Balerno, via the old railway track, or anything up to 25 miles, if one added the reservoirs, Bonaly Tower, and extra circuits of the Meadows. It is fair to say that any athlete who avoided injury despite participating regularly and putting real effort into these three runs could only get fitter! A number of these guys were ex-university, so after races (still on Saturdays!) rather a lot of real ale might be downed, to prevent dehydration of course.

Back with Aberdeen AAC during the 1980s (when the club won three E to Gs), Wednesday night was the important one. After warming up round the Linksfield track or nearby streets, the group headed out at a good pace, up King Street, down the Beach Boulevard, up the promenade to the Bridge of Don, left towards Balgownie. If the pace was not fast enough by then, it lifted savagely on long uphills, and continued through housing estates before zooming homewards past Woodside, down St Machar Drive and back to Linksfield. This was thought to be ten miles, but the record-holders made clear that it could not be further than nine and a quarter. The second half at least was very competitive and runners sometimes chose to hang on desperately until they were forced to let go, before straggling back or cutting the route short. Either way, it was a serious session, which gave a real indication of how fit or unfit we were. One of our members supplied beer to pubs, so he often arranged for post-run beers (and free snacks) at some hostelry. The venue had to keep changing, since publicans were displeased because, unlike rugby types, most of us could only manage a couple of pints before heading home knackered to bed.

Metro Aberdeen Running Club was formed by road-runners who reckoned that AAAC concentrated too much on young athletes and track and field. Coach Jackie Stewart organised evening rep sessions or hill-work not far from King’s College, and in addition (after the initial democratic delusion, soon ignored, that we would all wait for the slower athletes) there was usually a very similar road race/run to the one described in the previous paragraph. Regular rehydration continued, since Metro continues to be very sociable.

10 years ago, I retired from my main job and moved north to join Forres Harriers. We have 80 to 100 members, young and old, with many female runners. Once again there are club sessions on Tuesdays (speedwork) and Thursdays (about six miles on the pavements). Sometimes there are hill-sessions from Grant Park. For several years, the Harriers won the North District cross-country league, partly because I am far too slow nowadays to count in races. In recent years I have also been too slow to train with anyone apart from myself.

In all these fine organisations, there has been complaining about real or imaginary injuries, banter, insults, jokes, motivation, friendship, fellow-suffering and team spirit. Long may such marvellous running clubs flourish!

Canicross, my Motivation to Run by Karen Connal

The editor has asked me if I would write a story about Canicross (I put together the artwork for this newsletter), and as there is a full page empty in this newsletter, here goes.

I started running when my kids were of an age to join the local running club and I was not the sort of mum to drop them off and go for the shopping so I slotted in to the slowest group and discovered how much fun and how social running could be. My sport had been dog agility but my dogs had got too old for even a good walk so running was something to do till I eventually got another dog for Agility in 2007.

That dog was a border collie called Jura and in 2008 we took her down to Crufts dog show, this would change my life as we saw a demonstration race of Canicross. I watched it with my son and we both got excited that we could do this with Jura. We shot off to the trade stall and bought some kit, not the right kit but it was a start and we were seen running round a Birmingham hotel car park that night with a rather bemused dog.

That was the start but we were disappointed to find that our new sport was only really happening south of Birmingham, although we did find an event at Kielder but it clashed with a ski holiday and we only managed the 2nd day on very tired ski legs but we were hooked.

In those days I was not a fan of driving long distances so the few races we got to were those furthest north (Hamsterly forest, Kielder and Glen Tress) but the desire to run with the dogs was a strong one so a few of us decided to put on a race in Scotland.

Canix, the company holding the races down south tried to host one at Mugdock park in Milngavie but ignored all our advice and clashed it with the Great Scottish Run so the Canicross entries were low as people had already entered the GSR so the following year in 2012 we held an event at Mugdock Park independently and it was well attended and people seemed to love it.

Over the years the other organisers moved away or dropped out, it was a lot of work to host races, but I carried on and eventually built it up to hosting one race event a month over the season which is September to May in the cooler months.

We went from an entry of 36 up to a capped entry of 150 with races selling out in a matter of days. Other organisations and Canicross clubs started to host races and the sport is Scotland is strong and growing with a large Scottish team assembling to challenge for the “Fur Nations” a 3 part home international which Scotland has won in 2018 and 2019.

I now happily travel all over the country to run and race with my dogs, we have represented the UK twice in the Canicross European Championships and my son was Junior World Champion in 2013 when it was held in the UK.

I personally continue to host races under the Umbrella of “Cani-Sports Scotland”.

I find great motivation in my furry pacemakers, they need exercise and running with them is a great way to get a run in at the same time. If I go out for a run without them I don’t enjoy my run so much.

Canicross has taken me to some of the most beautiful places in the country, because I seek out off-road, quiet places that suit my running buddies, I find gems of tranquillity off the roads and on the trails. Old aches and pains from my years of road-running are gone as the trails seem to suit me better.

I have made friends from every corner of the country and attended races in far flung places to support them as they start up in their area as I started up in mine. It even got me into running Ultra Marathons but that’s another story.

The turning point for me, when I had just discovered the sport, was a friend telling me “you can run with a dog at parkrun you know!” “parkrun what’s that?” I said and another addiction was kicked off.

I started at Strathclyde parkrun which is still a favourite for running with a dog as the start is wide and grassy. I have run at nearly all Scottish courses (4 still to do at time of printing) mostly with a dog to pace me. Tiree is my dog of choice for parkrun as she really knows her job and responds to instructions very well and she really loves it. Finn & Jura get a shot sometimes. I have a young dog in training but he won’t do a parkrun till he has learned to respond to commands like “steady” and has sharp directional commands.

Although I am not a fast parkrunner I do like to start nearer the front with a dog as they don’t understand pacing and set off full pelt only settling in to the run after the excitement has died down. I find it much easier and safer for other runners to overtake me when they can see me and my dog than to be forced to start at the back and have to overtake half the race to find our place, startling or offending people as we pass.

Canicross etiquette is to let people know that you are about to overtake “I’m coming by you on the left/ right with a dog” is my warning. In nondog runs, like parkrun, especially when people have headphones in, we have to be very careful not to startle folk.

Things we are asked and things that are said: “That’s cheating.” It’s not cheating, It’s what we do, it’s Canicross, it’s fun and in trail races where dogs are allowed we aren’t allowed to take a podium place or there are separate results for Canicross runners, parkrun can mark the run as assisted.

“Can I get a tow?” No because I won’t lend my running partner to anyone who hasn’t trained and learned his/ her ways, they are our partners we are a team.

“That shouldn’t be allowed.” We use parkrun as training and for fun the same way as non-dog runners do. Parkrun is an excellent place to teach our dogs how to race, it’s local and it’s free, perfect, the same reason many other people go there to run.

“My dog would pull me over.” It won’t, with the right equipment, a waist-belt puts the pull on your hips, it’s a great core workout, a hand-held lead will pull you over as it upsets your point of balance. Once you get going it just feels great. Once your dog learns the commands, you’re a team.

The bond you build with your dog in a shared activity is second to none. There are local clubs and groups who can help you get started. Look up

www.canisportsscotland.co.uk

OFFICE BEARERS SEASON 2017-2018

Honorary President: ALASTAIR MACFARLANE

President: CAMPBELL JOSS 25 Speirs Road Bearsden, G61 2LX Tel: 0141 9420731 cdjoss2@gmail.com

Immediate Past President: ALASTAIR MACFARLANE

Vice-President: ADA STEWART 30 Earlsburn Road, Lenzie, G66 5PF Tel: 0141 578 0526 stewart2@ntlworld.com

Honorary Secretary: JOHN SOFTLEY 6 Cathkinview Road Mount Florida Glasgow G42 8EH Tel. 0141 5701896

Honorary Treasurer: ANDY LAW Euphian, Kilduskland Road Ardrishaig, Argyll PA30 8EH Tel. 01546 605336 Lawchgair@aol.com

Membership Secretary: ADA STEWART 30 Earlsburn Road, Lenzie, G66 5PF Tel: 0141 5780526 stewart2@ntlworld.com

Handicapper: PETER RUDZINSKI 106 Braes Avenue Clydebank. G81 1DP Tel.0141 5623416 p.rudzinski@ntlworld.com

Committee Members:

JOHN BELL Flat 3/1, 57 Clouston Street Glasgow G20 8QW Tel. 0141 9466949

WILLIE DRYSDALE 6 Kintyre Wynd Carluke, ML8 5RW Tel: 01555 771 448

DAVID FAIRWEATHER 12 Powburn Crescent Uddingston, G71 7SS Tel: 01698 810575

ARLENE LEWIS 202 Archerhill Road, Knightswood Glasgow, G13 3YX Tel: 07850 070337

EDDIE McKENZIE Little Haremoss, Fortrie, Turriff Aberdeenshire, AB53 4HR Tel: 01464 871430

STEWART McCRAE 17 Woodburn Way, Balloch Cumbernauld G68 9BJ Tel: 01236 728783

PAUL THOMPSON Whitecroft, 5 Gareloch Brae, Shandon, Helensburgh G84 8PJ Tel. 01436 821707

ROBERT YOUNG 4 St Mary’s Road, Bishopbriggs Glasgow G64 2EH Tel. 0141 5633714

BMAF Delegates To be appointed Ada Stewart

SAL West District Delegate Willie Drysdale

SAL Delegate at AGM To be appointed

Website Ada Stewart

Auditor George Inglis

FIXTURES

May 2019

Wed 1st Snowball Race 4.8 miles Coatbridge 7:30pm Changing at Lochview Golf Driving Centre

Sat 18th BMAF Road Relay Champs Sutton Park, Birmingham

Sat 25th Bathgate Weslo Cairnpapple Race 2:30pm £3 entry

Sun 26th SAL Masters 5000m Track Champs Aberdeen

June 2019

Sun 2nd BMAF 10 Mile Champs Dorking, Surrey

Wed 5th Corstorphine 5 Mile Road Race Turnhouse Rd, Edinburgh, 7:30pm

June 2019

Sun 16th Horwich Leisure Centre Victoria Road Horwich BL6 5PY

Wed 26th SVHC 5K Champs Sea Scouts Hall, Miller Street, Clydebank, 19:30

Sun 30th BMAF Multi-Terrain Champs, Gravesend

July 2019

Sun 7th BMAF Half Marathon Champs Ashbourne, Derbyshire

Sat 13th SAL Masters T&F Champs Grangemouth

August 2019

Sun 11th Glasgow 800 10km road race Cartha Rugby Club, 1:30pm

Sat 31st SA Masters & SVHC Andy Forbes 10000m Track Champs Carluke

September 2019

5th – 15th European Masters Track & Field Championships Venice, Italy

Sat 14th B&I Masters Cross Country Trials Tollcross Park October 2019 Sun 6th Loch Ness Marathon, Inverness

TBC SVHC Half Marathon Champs, Kirkintilloch AGM, Date & venue TBC See website for full details

Sun 20th BMAF Marathon Champs, York November 2019

Sat 16th British & Irish Masters Cross Country International – Southport, England

Colin Donnelly at Hawick (Photo: Pete Bracegirdle)

Veronique Oldham at Hawick (Photo: Alex Corbett)

Alastair Walker (275) heading for M60 gold (Photo: Pete Bracegirdle)

Isobel Burnett easing towards W60 hat-trick victory (Photo: Pete Bracegirdle)

Posted in Uncategorized

SVHC NEWSLETTER: WINTER 2018

Posted on April 10, 2020 by Admin

MEMBERSHIP NOTES 30th November 2018

MEMBERS Standard Membership £20 Non competing Membership £10 Over 80 Membership Free

Welcome to the 14 new and 13 reinstated members who have joined or re-joined since 12th August 2018. As of 30th November 2018, we have 555 members, including 301 paid, 10 underpaid, 215 unpaid, 24 over 80 & 5 Life Members.

NEWSLETTER The electronic version of the Newsletter is now the preferred option. Any member who would rather receive a printed Newsletter must contact David Fairweather (djf@ dfairweather.plus.com), if they have not already done so. Please inform David if you add or change your email address.

Please send photos, news, letters, articles, etc for the next issue To: COLIN YOUNGSON TOMLOAN, SANQUHAR ROAD, FORRES, IV36 1DG e-mail: cjyoungson@btinternet.com Tel: 01309 672398

SVHC EVENTS

Stewards/marshals are required for club races. The club appreciates all members & friends who volunteer to act as stewards/marshals. If you are not competing just turn up and introduce yourselves to the organisers.

STANDING ORDERS Thank you to the members who have set up standing orders for membership subscriptions. Please keep me informed if your membership details change (especially email addresses. Standing order details: Bank of Scotland, Barrhead, Sort Code: 80-05-54, Beneficiary: Scottish Veteran Harriers Club, Account No: 00778540, Reference: (SVHC Membership No. plus Surname). stewart2@ntlworld.com 0141 5780526 By cheque: please make cheque payable to SVHC and send to Ada Stewart, 30 Earlsburn Road, Lenzie, G66 5PF.

CLUB VESTS Vests can be purchased from Andy Law for £18, including Postage. (Tel: 01546 605336. or email lawchgair@aol.com)

NEW MEMBERS

NUMB CHRS SURN JOIN TOWN

2474 Mark King 15-Aug-18 Glasgow

2475 Donnie Macdonald 15-Aug-18 Muir of Ord

2476 Robbie Paterson 25-Aug-18 Forres

2477 Iain Robertson 04-Sep-18 Glasgow

2478 Brian Robinson 14-Sep-18 Ayr

2479 Romy Beard 16-Sep-18 Glasgow

2480 Ewen McNair 25-Sep-18 Alloa

2481 Julie Gordon 15-Oct-18 Glasgow

2482 Lesley Corr 15-Oct-18 Glasgow

2483 Morna Fleming 21-Oct-18 Dunfermline

2484 Claire Wharton 30-Oct-18 Eaglesham

2485 Steven Park 30-Nov-18 Edinburgh

2486 Penny Gardiner 15-Nov-18 Dunbar

2487 Derek Clyne 27-Nov-18 Galashiels

2351 Grant Baillie 24-Aug-18 East Kilbride

26 George Black 13-Sep-18 Kingskettle

2358 David Eckersley 14-Sep-18 Balfron

2135 Scott Hunter 16-Sep-18 Rutherglen

2278 Sheila Lewis 01-Oct-18 Clarkston

2128 John Duffy 01-Oct-18 Cumbernauld

1869 Alexander Chalmers 07-Oct-18 Bearsden

2211 Andrew White 30-Oct-18 Greenock

2303 Chris Devine 30-Oct-18 Loughbrickland

2160 Emilio Cosimo 06-Nov-18 Muirhead

2275 Deborah Roe 12-Nov-18 Lenzie

2374 Charles Steven 20-Nov-18 East Kilbride

745 Thomas Feeney 26-Nov-18 Uddingston

Ada Stewart Membership Secretary

2018, SWANSEA, WALES

This year saw our team head for Swansea which, if truth be told, isn’t the easiest of places to reach. As Mens’ team manager, I was just hoping everyone would be all right for race day after such a testing journey.

Ross McEachern V50 suggested that I could fly to Bristol then hire a car and drive to Swansea, allowing me to be there early to collect team numbers and check out the course etc.

So, when our team arrived finally arrived, slightly battered and bruised, I really didn’t know what to expect come race day but, in fairness to our team, the mood was upbeat, which I must say was better than I would have been after travelling on a bus for some 11 hours.

With numbers handed out and our new newbies all kitted up you could see some nerves starting filtering through which. for a team manager, is a good sign, if you ask me. Our team had a real mix of old hands and newbies.

Our hotel was only a mile from the course, so some opted to run there and some took the coach to the course, which in hindsight maybe wasn’t the best idea, as the second coachload missed our allocated photo slot time of 10.35 a.m. However, Innes Bracegirdle’s husband Pete took some excellent photos, so many thanks Pete we really appreciated it.

On to the real business of the day, the races itself. First up for the males would be our V65, V70 and V75+, who started alongside the young whipper-snapper women of the V35 category.

I was hoping that the day would start well and by the end of the race we would have some silverware to get the rest of the age groups fired up. I had high hopes especially of our experienced V75 quartet (Bobby Young, Jim Scobie, Ian Leggett and Pete Cartwright). It was great to have strength in depth for this age group.

Our V65 and V70 runners had a wealth of experience at this level and included individual medallists from previous years so medals would depend on who raced well on the day.

Under starting orders on a dry course, which seemed to spectators fairly flat, but like a lot of courses it was not until you put the foot down you realised there was always a sting in the tail. The second half of this course was no different, with a long testing drag up to the highest point where you could see positions change throughout the day. First to come over the line for Scotland was none other than Andy McLinden V65 in 8^th place, one in front of Tony Martin. Along with Ed Norton, the team secured Bronze medals.

With so many runners being in the first race, it is always hard to keep track of positions throughout the age groups, but in-form Alex Sutherland M70 had set his stall out early and was always in contention for an individual award, which he duly delivered with a gutsy performance to claim Bronze. Unfortunately, this age group wouldn’t be claiming any team medals as Norman Baillie had to pull up with a hamstring injury after just 50 metres, taking the team out of contention, although it didn’t deter Stewart McCrae from putting in a sterling performance finishing an excellent 7th M70.

If I had been asked beforehand which teams I thought had the best chance of medals, I would have opted for our V60 and V75, both very strong at British level and generally performing well at these events. It was great to see Pete Cartwright toe the line after his recent health issues, despite his doctor advising him not to run (what do doctors know about us runners?). Evergreen Bobby Young M75 never fails to amaze me not only by drinking skills afterwards but especially by his running achievements. He seems to rise the occasion every time with a calculated run making his final surge for victory on the tough climb to claim victory by 20 seconds. First Gold of the day for our men’s team! Jim Scobie, Mister reliable, put in a tough shift, fighting all the way to finish 7^th and help us claim a well-deserved team Bronze.

Just past mid-day and the medals were starting to come our way.

V50 to V64 races

The V60 year age group was up next, and this is where I thought we could play our ace of the pack, Alastair Walker, who I had down as pre-race favourite although nothing is guaranteed in this game such is the competition each year. Alongside the formidable Walker, we had the likes of Paul Thompson, Jeff Farquhar and Alex Chisholm, so hopes were high for a team medal of some colour. Despite being in the sport for a few years more than I care to remember, I still get excited watching guys like Alastair warm up, totally focused on the task ahead. After the first lap Alastair looking relaxed and composed. He was leading the the V60s but not without a spirited effort from the Northern Ireland athlete Laurence Johnston, who was trying to match Alastair’s every move. Jeff Farquhar, now back on the stage where he belongs, ran a great race to finish 7th, Paul Thompson was 8th and Alex Chisholm 9^th. These guys were a team manager’s dream. Yet the day belonged to Alastair who was under pressure throughout but stayed calm and extended his lead on the final lap to 32 seconds, which may sound comfortable but my stomach was churning just watching as the NI athlete also ran a cracking race. Second Gold of the day! Not only that but we managed to secure team Silver for our efforts.

Our V55 team was made up of Mick McLoone 10^th, Dave Eckersley, Steven Worsley and Stan MacKenzie. They had it tough as the strength-in-depth from the other nations was impressive. If I’m being honest, I think this may have been the strongest V55 I’ve seen from England and Northern Ireland, which left Ireland, Wales and ourselves fighting for the scraps, but fight we did, right to the end, with a great effort put in by everyone. Well done lads.

V50: This one had me monitor the team performance maybe more than others, as I know most of the team very well and have trained with them on many an occasion. Couple this up with me turning the Big 50 next year – who knows, will I aim for a comeback? (Watch out, Chalmers, your place is on a shaky peg!). Once again England and Northern Ireland were to the fore dictating the proceedings but, from a Scottish point of view, all our team gave us a great race to watch and to see who would come out on top of the V50 Scottish guys. Well that top spot went to Andrew White, finishing in a credible 14^th, but as I say a great race to watch as all the guys had a turn at the front at one stage for the Scottish top spot – Andrew White 16^th, Stephen Allen, Ross McEachern, Alex Chalmers, Howard Elliott and Ian Johnston.

Now we move on to the young guns – V35 to V45.

Our trial winner Scott Brember V45 was looking to perform well, as his recent racing programme had shown good signs. Alongside Scott we had Paul Rogan, who made his debut the same day as myself a few years ago down at Birmingham, but was feeling slightly nervous as he had thought he may have overcooked his build up to the race. However, as the results would show, Paul put in a top-class performance. Paul Monaghan had a nasty tumble at the start of the race and never fully recovered to get himself back in to the race where he had hoped he would like to have been, and the result didn’t do him justice, but thankfully at the end of the day it was only his pride that was hurt and nothing more serious. On the injury note, Davie Gardiner pulled a hamstring with only 150 meters to go to which I feel slightly guilty about as I was yelling at him for that last push to the line. Justin Carter and Stephen Allan again showed what the Scottish vest meant to them by putting in 100% on the day – what more could we ask for? So back to Mr Brember, who was tracking his English rival like a man possessed and kept making inroads each lap but maybe just ran out of grass before that Gold would have been his – but hey, who wouldn’t be happy with an excellent Silver medal against a top-class English runner? Great run Scott – he was first Scot home in this race, beating all his younger team-mates – but unfortunately there were no V45 team medals today.

V40: As the age group goes down, the pace usually gets faster so to medal at these age groups everyone has to run well and not just well but probably out of their skin even to be just considered for a team medal. So our boys did very well by claiming an excellent team Bronze. Without being disrespectful, I was thinking this would have been a tall order for the boys but I love to be proven wrong, especially when medals are up for grabs. Graeme Murdoch 10th and his team of Donnie MacDonald, Chris Devine, Darran Muir, Malcolm Lang and Stevie Campbell had us all celebrating. This race turned out very similar to the men’s V50 event with each of the guys striving to finish in that counting four. As this result came out of the blue, it was probably the one I will savour the most. As is often said, cross-country races are not won on paper but on the course – guys, sorry for doubting you but at the same time so happy for you all.

V35: Please excuse me for starting my V35 report by mentioning the race winner, Mark McKinstry of Northern Ireland, but I couldn’t help but admire the manner in which he took this race by the scruff of the neck right from the gun. Initially I thought he had started far too fast but he just kept going to from strength to strength to claim a well-deserved victory.

Our own guys (Grant Baillie 9^th, Darrel Hastie, Mike Houston, Chris Mooney, Robbie Paterson and Garry Matthew flew the flag as well as they could but, without making any excuses, the pool our English counterparts have to choose from in this age group is always going to be the toughest, as some of the athletes are still competing for their country as seniors, never mind as veterans. Grant Baillie came away with a top 10 placing which might not sound particularly special but I thought this was a great run. Not to be outdone, all our other guys fought tooth and nail to be part of that counting four and were only separated by a mere 50 seconds. Unfortunately, Garry Matthew had to pull up with one lap to go with a calf injury but, after a few shandies, he seemed on the way to recovery.

Now for a brief overview. May I finish by saying that once again it has been a great pleasure, being asked to be team manager for a great bunch of guys who gave nothing less than 100%. Our Scotland team is not made up of any superstars or elitist athletes – just a mere bunch of hairy-arsed Scotsmen willing to give everything they have on the day for the vest!

So, roll on next year!

By John Bell

SCOTTISH WOMEN’S RESULTS

W35

Michelle Sandison has written about her splendid individual gold medal in this age-group. Backed by Sara Green and Romy Beard, the team won bronze medals.

W40

Carol Parsons finished an excellent fifth, with Jennifer MacLean 9^th. Jacqueline Etherington completed the team and secured bronze.

W45

Megan Wright (7^th) was first Scot home in this category. Karen Kennedy and Allie Chong allowed the team to obtain bronze medals.

W50

Mary McCutcheon ran well for 6^th place. Her bronze medal-winning team-mates were Sue Ridley (9^th) and Rhona Anderson.

W55

Our perennial star, Fiona Matheson, delivered individual victory yet again, for the third successive time in this age-group. (Between 2011 and 2013 she achieved the same feat in the W50 category and added two individual silvers in 2014 and 2015!) Fiona was ably backed by all her silver medal-winning team-mates: Anne Howie (7^th), Pamela McCrossan (9^th) and Mary Western (10^th).

W60

Team bronze was the result for Isobel Burnett (a fine 5^th), Margaret Martin (8^th) and Innes Bracegirdle (9^th).

W65

Last year’s W65 gold medallist, Ann White, won an excellent individual silver this time; and team silver too, with superb backing from Linden Nicholson (4^th) and Morna Fleming.

W70+

Liz Corbett (5^th) was the outstanding Scottish runner in this category, and along with Anne Docherty and Margaret Robertson the team obtained bronze medals.

The Long and Winding Road: A By-Stander’s Perspective

When Paul McCartney penned the lyrics for the Long and Winding Road in the late 1960s he is said to have credited the road from Carradale to Campbeltown as part of his inspiration. That’s as may be, but I don’t know if he ever spent a dark and cold November night on a Parks of Hamilton 53-seater going over the twists, turns, ups and downs of the Brecon Beacons in Wales after being on the road from Cowcaddens in Glasgow since 09:00.   By the time the troops fetched up in Swansea the last thing they felt like doing was singing! Just over half of the Scots contingent came that way, others by car, plane (or two planes and hire car in the case of Susan Linklater from Shetland – with her husband, mark you), train and maybe even the odd ferry thrown in. Whatever, Swansea is not the easiest place to get to, but it does have a great waterfront, beach (excellent running along at least a three mile stretch of firm sand, best done on a dark early morning with the sun a mere suggestion in the south-eastern sky) and, as BBC reported after the event – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-46237354. – “possibly the most disappointing Christmas parade in the UK.”……. A Christmas parade has been branded a “shambles” after parents said it had just three floats and was “all over in five minutes”.

We were greeted by the welcoming sight of The Dragon Hotel, digs for most of us and also, by happenstance, for the English team. No grief with that, although race day breakfast was carnage in the dining room – it’s just as well most of the runners did not want too much to eat. There was the odd ‘normal’ guest in the hotel too who stumbled into the melee and must have jaloused that their chance of a well-cooked full breakfast was a bit dodgy!

Jim Baxter – Parks’s driver – drove us back and forward to the course on the day and his gentle Glasgow patter and observations no doubt set the runners up for the battle ahead. Spectators had a great course to view the races, over what appeared to be a nicely firm surface, plenty of twists and turns and pretty challenging hills. The weather gods had been appeased, which was maybe just as well as there appeared to be no shelter from the storm, if it had come. Teams adopted their own particular tree in the park for kit drop, etc and that seemed to work well. Watching the runners, it was instructive as to how the runners with the best form also seemed to be the ones who got towards the front of their respective packs. As a comparison watching the final section of the race around two hundred metres from the finishing straight there was a fairly steep downhill and sharp final bend where (especially some of the more mature) athletes came down absolutely all out, heads flung back, gasping for air and arms flailing around to keep their balance. Good photography territory.

Brangwyn Hall – https://www.swansea.gov.uk/brangwynhall – at night for the prizegiving and meal where the Welsh had set things up admirably. The catering by an outside firm was as good as one was likely to get for the 500 or so odd folk there. Drinks orders seemed to arrive. Wall murals were admired and puzzled at and the craic was good. The decibel level of cheering for the successful athletes seemed to be in inverse proportion to the overall success level of the teams. Hence Northern Ireland made a goodly amount of noise for their victories, the Scots, Irish and Welsh not far behind, but strangely muted were the English celebrations of success. It may be that many of their team had gone off home after the event, or they were just being suitably modest as the best overall team by a long way.

A couple of interesting things to note about the evening event: –

         While acoustics for the speechifying were pretty lousy, the speeches themselves were admirably constrained and to the point. Well done to Mel James and Arthur Kimber for that.

         Photographs were not organised, in fact actively discouraged at the podium. That worked very well to speed up the flow of prize-winners and let individual teams do the necessary with smartphones, etc back at their tables.

Some of the Scottish team’s support pack simply soaked up the race atmosphere and shouted on their team and individuals. Others did that and ran in the open race, and a few participated in the Parkrun on race-day morning, in particular one who managed the women’s team – Ada Stewart take a bow. John Bell was seen to don a pair of shorts on Sunday morning, so no major hangover there then; maybe he was starting his training stint for an attempt on team selection for Southport next year!

By Andy Law

Wow, what a weekend… Swansea.

A flight from Glasgow to Bristol and a car share to get there but every second of travel was worth it.

Race Day – Singleton Park. As I warmed up, with pre-race music ringing through my head, I could feel the sun on my cheeks, I could smell a hint of mud which made me feel happy and I remembered how grateful I am to be injury-free and fit and healthy. So many times through my running life, as for every athlete, this has not been the case but bad times ensure that the good times feel even better. I went through my race plan, recalled my process goals and worked hard to keep the adrenaline at bay until the start line.

When standing there, I often think, “It’s not too late to change your mind, you don’t really have to do this” and “you need a wee” but deep down I know I do want to do it, I’m actually desperate to run it and I don’t really need a wee. Weird head demons.

BANG! Elbows, elbows, elbows!! The tussle seems to have popped me out in front so I settle. I don’t need to be at the front, that is not the race plan and is an unrealistic goal! All I recall about the first lap is working hard at keeping the adrenaline as low as possible, finding the hard tempo pace that I am happy with, remembering the best lines around the course and focusing on my breathing, my feet, my shoulders. The first time up the hill feels good but I know that it won’t always seem that way so I prepare myself mentally for how it may feel harder next time.

Lap 2 is inevitably where it starts to hurt physically and mentally. I had planned a small “rest” period here to ensure I had plenty for lap 3 so I focused very hard on every aspect of my body…relax the jaw, shoulders down, use the arms, lean gently from the hips, switch on the glutes, listen to your feet, listen to your breathing….calm, calm, be calm. I am aware that I am leading V35 but I shove that knowledge far away. This is not the time to get carried away.

As I enter Lap 3 I am tired, I feel a bit sick and my arms and legs are starting to get heavy. “It’s only a lap and a bit of Glasgow Green (one of my training areas in Glasgow) you’ve done that tired many times” I tell myself. Last big effort. The tannoy cuts in – I hear my name. It makes my heart jump, my adrenaline spike “shhhhhh, be calm, you need to breathe”. The spotlight effect has not always been my friend so I force myself to ignore it and run away from the noise. As I run, my mind wanders, asking itself nonsensical questions, allowing demons in and losing focus on my body, another sign of fatigue for me. I work so very hard mentally to pull it back under control, to focus completely on my body and my breathing and I visualise all the times I feel like this in training. I force myself to hear the voice of my coach, Anne-Marie, in my head, I force myself to leave the reality of Swansea and go to the island I grew up running on (I am from Shetland). I visualise running through knee-deep heather with my father, as I did as a child, and force myself to block out the physical and mental pain. As I approach the final hill someone shouts “there’s a medal in there for you Scotland” but I brush it off. I have a hill to climb and a “sprint” finish to complete, there’s no medal if you collapse before the finish line!

Luckily, I didn’t collapse and did cross the finish line and there was a medal. A gold! I was so exhausted that the overwhelming emotion at the finish was pure relief. I had followed my plan, I had kept my focus and had executed the race as I had wanted. I had run every ounce of energy out of my body (so much so that I got a visual migraine but even that was positive as I was looked after by the best team-mates you can ever hope for… but that is another story). Relief was quickly followed by elation and a final massive surge of chemicals through my body. The runner’s high, I guess. And nothing beats it.

By Michelle Sandison

A Good Result

The race was on the side of a ‘mountain’. 1k straight down and 1k straight up. Last 200m steep climb to high point and 200m steep down to start/finish.

Ran first lap to be told “Welshman 50m ahead”. Didn’t see him till got to steep climb on second lap and pulled him in. On long downhill he opened 30m. Eased up to him over gradual climb and made contact at bottom of steep 200m. Bombed up the hill and tore down steep 200m to finish!

Took about 20s advantage on the hill!

Turned out he was Emyr Davies. Old foe!

That was my 27th British and Irish XC contests out of 31.

25th team medal: 2 Gold 14 Silver and 9 Bronze.

8th individual medal: 2 gold 3 silver and 3 bronze.

Training 2018

Mileage 40-50 per week

80% comfortably steady   20% Quality (Intervals/hills/race)

Mon         5-6 miles             steady

Tue          6 miles                 session                  e.g. 12 x 400m or 6 x 800m

Wed         5-6 miles             easy

Thu          6 miles                 session

Fri           5-6 miles              easy

Sat           5-6 miles               Race or Parkrun

Sun         10-16 miles           longer steady run

Phases

Stamina, then Strength, then Speed (Arthur Lydiard)

A Pyramid beginning with Stamina, acquired by concentrating on maximum steady mileage and only one session per day. The broader the base (aerobic threshold) the higher the peak.

Strength involves Tuesday/Thursday on hills (for about 4 weeks).

And finally Speed with 2 interval sessions and a race or parkrun (for 6-8 weeks).

Monday/Wednesday/Friday can be shorter or omitted if recovery is needed.

By Bobby Young

GREAT SCOTTISH RUNNERS: ROBERT QUINN

Robert cycling the Pyrenees, 2018

Robert Quinn (‘Bobby’ in his younger days) has been one of Scotland’s finest distance runners for many years. Do look up his full profile by Brian McAusland under ‘Elite Endurance’ on scottishdistancerunninghistory.scot

Robert joined Kibarchan AAC in 1981 and in 1983 won his first Scottish cross-country title in the Youth age group. Since then he has added many Scottish XC titles: Junior in 1984; Senior in 1996, 1998, 1999 and 2000; the SAF 4k in 1999; Masters M40 in 2008 and 2009; M45 in 2011 and 2013 (winning the race outright on both occasions) and 2012 (second home)); M50 in 2017.

He ran for Scotland in the World Cross – at Junior and Senior levels; and for GB as a Senior.

Several memorable cross-country successes came in British and World Universities competition. Robert Quinn led Glasgow University Hares and Hounds to British victory in 1984. After becoming 1986 Scottish Universities cross-country champion, he was 9^th in the World Student Championship. In 1992 he ran what he considers his best-ever cross-country performance on the international stage. First, Robert won the British Universities title by quite a long way and as a result captained the UK team in the World Student XC Championships in Dijon, France. In this event, Robert secured the individual bronze medal and led the British team to bronze medals. He was only seconds behind the winner Sean Creighton, who had been sixth in that summer’s Olympic steeplechase.

On the track, Robert has been Scottish 10,000m champion four times – the last one in 2010, aged 44! He was twice ranked first in Scotland. Naturally he ran for Scotland many times over 5000m and 10,000m as well as on the road.

Brian McAusland reported that Robert reckoned he was always a good uphill runner, being light with a good strength to weight ratio, so he was suited to hill and mountain racing in a way that many cross-country runners are not. Spending summers charging over the most beautiful mountains in Europe and beyond, he describes as ‘great’ and who would disagree? His record is fantastic.

Robert ran for GB in the World Mountain Trophy six times between 1994 and 2002 with his best individual performance being third in 1998; to this can be added four participations in the European Mountain Running Trophy (including sixth in 2000); and tenth in the 2009 Commonwealth Mountain Running Championship. In the annual Grand Prix for Mountain Running, Robert won a major event in 1999 and was world-ranked third that year.

One of his many claims to fame is that he was the first person to gain full senior UK representative honours across all major surfaces: Track (European 10,000m Challenge, Lisbon 1996); Road (World Ekiden Road Relays, Copenhagen 1997); Cross-Country (World Championships 1995); and, of course, Mountains.

Robert Quinn has been very loyal to his club and has taken part in countless team events. In the Edinburgh to Glasgow Road Relay he recorded fastest times on the very classy Stage Two; and Kilbarchan won silver and bronze medals; as well as having similar success in the Six-Stage Road Relay and the Cross-Country Relay. In the National XC, Robert contributed to team silver medals (Youth and Junior).

As a Masters athlete, Robert has also enjoyed many successes, despite periods of inevitable injury. His M40, M45 and M50 Scottish Masters XC wins have been mentioned earlier in this article. Kilbarchan won team bronze in 2008 and silver in 2009. In 2007, he was first Masters finisher in the Gateshead UK XC Challenge. On the track, he was first in a gale-torn 2010 Scottish Masters 5000m at Pitreavie (a title he regained in 2013); and, also in 2013, won the Scottish Masters indoor 3000m at the Emirates Stadium, Glasgow.

Robert’s three races for Scotland in the splendid annual British and Irish Masters XC International have been outstanding. In 2007 at Stormont, Belfast, he won the M40 title and at the presentation was cheered deafeningly as the hero of his entire team (female or male, aged 35 to 70 plus). In 2008 at the very muddy and hilly Singleton Park, Swansea, he may have been second to England’s Tim Hartley, but considers this run to have been even better than Belfast. At Derry in 2017, despite being hampered by limited training due to injury niggles, he narrowly missed a medal, battling to fourth M50.

In the Scottish National senior cross-country Robert finished first Master three times, in 2008, 2009 and 2011, with his best position tenth.

In UK Masters rankings, Robert has been first M40 in 3000m, 5000m, 10,000m and Parkrun; and first M45 in Parkrun.

In 2018 he has taken a break from running, hopefully freshening his legs for future age-groups! Naturally, he remains very fit. This summer, as well as completing bike tours of Arran, Mull of Kintyre, round Loch Fyne, Bute and Rothesay, Robert cycled up major Pyrenean climbs like Luz Ardiden and the Tourmalet. In fact, before the road was closed on 27^th July, he ‘nipped’ up the Tourmalet again to take photos of the Tour de France racers who were not far behind.

Brian McAusland finished his profile with the following. “A talented athlete, a superb worker, a ferocious competitor and a real and practising lover of our sport.” All his many friends, including SVHC runners, wish this intelligent, friendly, admirable man a speedy return to running.

NEW FEATURE: MY BEST RACE

(or My Favourite Race Memory etc)

Since the Newsletter is struggling for lack of contributions, please consider emailing the editor with a short or long article describing an important event in your running career.

To kick things off, the editor remembers the very best race he ever ran, way back in Mediaeval Times…….

Sandy Keith was, in the mid-1970s, a major marathon rival and I trained with him on long runs near Edinburgh only when I felt good, since he was basically stronger than me. I defeated him three times in the Scottish Marathon – in 1974, 1975 and 1982. However he beat me in 1977 and was the superior marathon runner from 1976 to 1979.

My training at this time included three key weekly sessions. Monday meant The Meadows: four laps including no less than sixteen repetitions – short or long, on the flat, uphill or downhill on tarmac paths. Wednesday was a nine-mile pavement fartlek through Colinton with a series of testing longer efforts. Saturday was race day in the 1970s but, no matter what state you were in, the Sunday run was compulsory – a basic sixteen miles from The Meadows through Colinton Dell and out the old railway line to Balerno (and then back). The route might be extended via the reservoirs and Bonaly Tower. Anything between 16 and 25 miles might be covered (the latter with a sadistic little final lap of The Meadows, pretending not to be exhausted, until you parted from your companions/rivals with a cheery wave, turned a corner, and struggled wearily home. If you added some recovery running or a few hill reps on the intervening days, you had about eighty miles of excellent training in the hilly city – worth a hundred in the flat south?

Saturday 28th June 1975, Meadowbank Stadium, Edinburgh.

It was a warm, sunny day, and Sandy Keith took the initiative from the start, racing away down the hill to Portobello into a slight headwind. Only Colin tucked in behind and tried to relax. It seemed a hard way to start 26 miles! Sandy’s ambition was to win a marathon from start to finish, from the front – and how he tried! Five miles in 25.30, ten in 51.30, the turn in 67.30. As the pair, on their return journey, passed ex-champions Alastair Wood and Donald Macgregor, who were approaching the turning point, Wood muttered that the young fools would destroy each other. Macgregor warned that they were about two minutes ahead already!

Since there was now a pleasant following breeze, and to show that he was feeling good in spite of Sandy’s efforts, Colin moved alongside and they ran together for the next five miles. Then, at nineteen, as the route swung into a lay-by for a drink station, an official was clumsy in handing up Sandy’s cup of water. Sandy swore, quite uncharacteristically, hesitated for the drink, and Colin, seeing that his rival was feeling the strain, simply surged away for a full mile, down the Wallyford hill. 20 miles in 1.43.45. A nervy glance back revealed a decent gap, fifteen seconds, and it was head down again and flat out for Musselburgh and Portobello. The pace was still fast, but tiredness and worry set in. To win the Scottish Marathon was Colin’s main ambition in the sport, and now it was a case of hanging on grimly. Up the long hill to Jock’s Lodge and then, at the twenty-five mile mark, Youngson’s right leg suffered cramp. Would Keith catch up, so near to the finish? Keeping the limb as straight as possible, Youngson bashed onwards, to the stadium and round the track. No sign of Sandy until the final bend was reached and it was safe to negotiate the straight and break the tape.

What a relief for Colin Youngson, who felt sure that he must have broken the 2.20 barrier at last, but was very surprised to find that Jim Alder’s championship record had been broken by 21 seconds. Finishing times were: Colin Youngson (Edinburgh Southern Harriers 2.16.50; Sandy Keith (Edinburgh Athletic Club) 2.17.58; Alastair Wood (Aberdeen AAC) 2.21.14; Davie Wyper (West of Scotland) 2.25.44; Gordon Eadie (Cambuslang) 2.25.48; Alistair Blamire (ESH) 2.26.20; Ian Trapp (EAC) 2.28.26; Mike Logue (Victoria Park AAC) 2.29.56.

After the race, Alastair Wood said, “Well done, Colin. I think you’re at your peak now.” To which Colin replied that he felt there was a little more to come. But in fact Alastair did turn out to be right since this remained Colin’s fastest time ever. Still, the rest of the season produced further success: second to Allister Hutton (1990 London Marathon winner) in the 10,000 metres track race for Scotland against Iceland in Reykjavik; second behind ‘ultra’ great Cavin Woodward in a fast ‘Two Bridges’ 36 miler; and a close second to Olympian Danny McDaid of Eire in the international marathon in Berchem, Antwerp. This was Colin’s only race representing Great Britain as a senior, and he and Max Coleby won the team race. At the end of the 1975 season Colin Youngson was presented with the Scottish Amateur Athletics Association ‘Donald McNab Robertson Memorial Trophy’ as Scottish Road Runner of the year.

THE ULTIMATE MASTERS CHALLENGE

By Doug Cowie

In November 1971 I started the transition from being a footballer to a runner, and for the last 47 years it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster ride.

For someone who would be described as a ‘decent’ club runner I achieved a fair bit of success both as a Senior and a Master. I represented Scotland on numerous occasions, represented G.B. in three different events and won two European medals, but my FINAL athletic event was to prove to be the icing on the cake.

Regardless what sport we played, we all had our heroes and I was no different. My hero was American middle-distance runner Steve Prefontaine. Tragically ‘Pre’ was killed in a road traffic accident on the 30th May 1975 and for the last 39 years the Prefontaine Memorial 10k has been held in his home town of Coos Bay on the Oregon coast.

It was a race I’d always wanted to do but the right opportunity never arose, until last September. I decided I would retire the following February so with regard to the race, it was now or never. Plans were made and this year, September 2018 I made the trip to Coos Bay, Oregon, USA.

We spent 5 days in Vancouver before hiring a car for our trip to Coos Bay. The journey was broken with a couple of days in Seattle and Portland before heading out to the coast. Our route took us through Eugene where I visited ‘Pre’s Rock’, the place where that fatal accident took place.

On arrival in Coos Bay we booked into the Edgewater Inn not knowing that this was where the Prefontaine Tours left from. We visited the museum where a room is dedicated to Prefontaine, showing photographs, records and medals. One picture I was very familiar with was of Prefontaine being pipped for bronze on the line by Ian Stewart in the 1972 Olympic 5000m final.

The race was Saturday morning but registration was open from 1600-1800 on the Friday evening so I decided to collect my number then. As soon as I said who I was or rather where I came from I got the feeling they were waiting for this runner from Scotland to arrive. I was taken to meet Prefontaine’s sister Linda and the rest of the committee. The hospitality was amazing.

Preceding the 10K was a junior race where 28 High School teams were introduced to the spectators. Each had approximately 20 runners and they were immaculately turned out in club colours. Monies raised from the Prefontaine races go to promoting sport in youth.

Before the main event got underway the runner from Scotland, along with a few others were introduced to the crowd.

At this point I was still not sure whether I’d be able to complete the race…………I was definitely going to start!

Back in March I sustained a Medial Meniscus tear and I had not run a step since then. My fitness levels had been maintained by cycling and swimming. It didn’t help either when I fell off my bike 6 weeks before the race. It was quite a heavy fall and I lost a chunk out of my arm and couldn’t walk properly for four or five days.

My knee was sore warming up and the plan was to run the first half mile or so, drop out and walk to the finish.

That was the plan! My knee didn’t get any worse so I decided to carry on and try to finish.

I crossed the line in 47.23, 84th overall out of about 1000 and 4th in the 60-69 age group. My slowest time ever for a 10K.

I was obviously disappointed with the time but on the other hand very happy to have been able to run and finish and to be honest it was the toughest 10k course I’ve ever run. Apart from the first and last half miles it was 5 miles of rolling road. If you weren’t running uphill you were running downhill.

All things considered it was a truly wonderful experience – it was everything I hoped it would be, and more.

I would urge anyone who is remotely thinking about doing it, to JUST DO IT! You won’t be disappointed.

[Steve Roland “Pre” Prefontaine (January 25, 1951 – May 30, 1975) was an American middle and long-distance runner who competed in the 1972 Olympics. Prefontaine held American records in seven different distance track events, from 2,000 to 10,000 metres; he died aged 24 in an automobile accident near his residence in Eugene, Oregon. Prefontaine’s career, alongside those of Jim Ryun, Frank Shorter, and Bill Rodgers, generated considerable media coverage, which helped inspire the 1970s “running boom.” He was known for his moustache and long locks of hair that parted as he ran. (Wikipedia)]

Racing Round-up

World Masters Championships, Malaga, Spain

Scottish athletes did very well at this year’s highly-competitive World Championships, securing individual and team medals. Thanks to the following for noting these performances: Mike Clerihew (and his valuable website scottishmasterstrackandfield.com); Fiona Matheson; Norman Baillie; as well as online official results.

Alastair Walker (Teviotdale Harriers), the BMAF 10km road champion, won two individual medals: bronze in the M60 5000m; and a runaway gold in the 10km road race. Last November in Derry, a rather late convert to veteran racing, Alastair (formerly ‘Sammy’) was an impressive silver medallist in the British and Irish Masters International XC; and now he is a World Masters Champion!

Fiona Matheson (Falkirk), in her third season in the age group, added to an illustrious W55 Masters medal haul with 1500m bronze and 5000m silver.

Andy Mclinden (Hamilton) sprinted home to snatch individual silver in the M65 Half Marathon and his GB team won gold.

Yvonne Crilly (Lothian) ran superbly to win silver in the W55 800m.

Ann White (Garscube) not only secured individual W65 silver in the Half Marathon but also contributed to the GB W60 team which finished second.

Her daughter Katie (Garscube) was second home in the W35 Half Marathon, leading the GB team to silver medals.

In the cross-country, Michelle Sandison (Springburn) won W35 individual bronze and team silver. Phyllis Hands (Motherwell) contributed to W60 GB team silver; while Stephen Allan (Cumbernauld) and Justin Carter (Cambuslang) secured M45 team bronze.

On the track, Ronnie Hunter (Corstorphine) was part of the GB team that finished second in the M55 4x100m relay.

In Half Marathon, Kerry-Liam Wilson led the GB team to M45 silver. Anne Macfarlane (Dumfries) gained W55 team bronze; and Norman Baillie (Garscube) M70 team bronze.

Apologies for any omissions.

Andy Mclinden – photo by Doug Smith of shaggysphotos.com

TWO TOUGH RACES

Linda and I travelled with two of our friends on 06 Sep and stayed for a week in Torremolinos. The change in temperature from home was dramatic and I hoped itwould ease a bit for the 10k. Had three mornings of dodging early strollers and joggers along the front before the first of two big days arrived.

10k Road Race 09 September

The early start of the race (9.00 am) meant a 7.00 am taxi ride to the start at the main athletics stadium in Malaga. Even that early as light was breaking there were athletes from all over world milling around and the throng just grew and grew as start time approached. Had quick word with Justin Carter from Cambuslang in the warm-up area and outside while jogging, and ran into Paul Forbes and later Paul Thompson’s lovely lady Jan. Back into the stadium and it was time for the start on the track. There I spoke to Paul Mingay, my nemesis from the Run Britain rankings who I had never met and had spent two years hating!! Turned out he was a really nice guy. The start was just a free-for-all. All ages pushing in. The gun went and we were off to a slow start till we got clear of stadium. The course was out and back and very flat. Thankfully, although it was still hot there was cloud cover. I felt that I was going well and my mile splits were as I had hoped. Didn’t see many V60 numbers en route. My wife and friends had been briefed to look out for V60 runners. Finished very tired in 35.56 and hadn’t a clue about my position I’d finished. I got to the reunion area for my wife to say I’d won and my friends confirming this. After a long wait for the official results, I was indeed World Champion. Then it all got quite surreal, with strangers lauding me, flags, national anthems and a gold medal. All very emotional. A truly unforgettable day.

5000m Track 12 September

This was held at the Carranque Stadium, one of three where events were held. Because of the numbers entered there were 3 seeded heats with the gold medal going to come from third heat which I was in. I wished John Thomson luck as he was about to compete and started my warm-up. It was much hotter than the day of the 10k. Then it was off to the call room and the start of the race. I noted that the Spaniard who won gold in the cross-country and the New Zealander who got bronze were both on the start line. My plan was to sit in but the pace was so slow I took it on from 800 metres. The Spaniard sat in and passed me with 300 metres to go and the New Zealander, who I wasn’t conscious of being there, passed with 50 metres left. Could I have run differently? I don’t know. Bronze this time. I wished Fiona Matheson all the best as she was about to compete and headed off on my warm down. My World Champs were over.

Footnote: Paul Mingay, who I beat in the 10k, won the half marathon V60 on the following Sunday and the 1500 metres was won in 4.51. (I’d done 4.52 at Grangemouth). If only, ha ha. Roll on Toronto!

By Alastair Walker

Alastair on the 10k Podium: photo by Linda Walker

A HOT HALF MARATHON IN MALAGA

We knew it was going to be very hard. We had trained in the heatwave during the summer and had found it difficult to maintain pace during speed sessions: we are just not used to that sort of weather in Scotland. The Beast from the East was more our thing. At least the race was early in the morning.

We were not sure of the route so we arrived early at the stadium and tried to work out where we would be running and where the water stations would be. We took advantage of the opportunity to have our own electrolyte drinks at two of the water stations. Having warmed up we headed for the start which was arranged in age groups.

Katie’s race: Having not run in any of the International Masters events before I didn’t really know what to expect from the race so I had no target time in mind. After an over-crowded start and a first loop around the stadium people started to spread out a bit and I settled into a consistent pace on the long out and back section of the course. On the first lap it was nice to find a bit of shade, but unfortunately it didn’t last long. I wasn’t sure what position I was in until the turn-around point at about 4.5 miles. Then I realised I was the second woman with quite big gaps between the women in first and third place, so I just hoped I would be able to keep a steady pace and maintain my position. I don’t normally drink anything during a half marathon but I tried to make good use of all the water stations both for drinks and to throw water over myself to keep cool. Looping around the stadium to start the second lap there was some good support for the GB team, which really helped encourage us on as we set out on the long out and back again. The gaps between me and the other women runners didn’t seem to have changed much and I was maintaining a relatively comfortable pace. It was good to finish with a lap of the track and experience the support in the stadium. Other than the hours spent waiting for the results I really enjoyed the event so hopefully it will be my first of many more International Masters events.

Ann’s race: I set off at the pace that would give me my target finishing time but after the first few miles I realised that, because of the heat, I would not be able to maintain it for the whole race. There was an athlete in my age group from Finland just ahead of me and I had decided to use her as a pacemaker but I had to let her go and just run at a pace that I thought I could manage for 13.1 miles. We did two laps of the course, round the stadium and out and back along the coast. On the first lap there was some shade from the tall buildings along the way but later we seemed to be in the blazing sun all the time. It seemed a very long way between some of the water stations and it was a relief to pick up my drinks and pour water over my head. There were several moments during the race when I thought I wouldn’t be able to finish but I just tried to maintain my pace. Starting the second lap was daunting as I knew exactly what I was up against but there was some good support along the way that kept me going. And then, about three miles from the finish, I spotted the Finnish runner up ahead! I steadily gained on her and then had a dilemma. Should I overtake her now or just tuck in behind and then make a break nearer the finish? I decided to risk it and went past her, expecting her to come back at me any second. But she didn’t! Then it seemed a very long run back to the stadium, particularly the last mile where we had to circle the outside of the stadium and then do a lap of the track. I was getting cramp as I circled the track but I was spurred on by the sight of Katie cheering me on from the stands. What a relief to finish and get into the shade of the stadium.

I had no idea where I had come. Indeed it wasn’t until very late in the afternoon that the results were revealed and I was delighted to find out that I had won an individual silver medal in the W65 age group and team silver in the W60 age group. Although we had to wait for several very trying hours in the heat for the medal ceremony, it was a great feeling to be on the podium with the Union flag. I was very proud to see Katie get her silver medals as well and we had an excellent paella and a couple of beers to celebrate later that evening.

By Ann and Katie White

SVHC QUESTIONNAIRE ANSWERED

(Two experienced and successful athletes are profiled in this edition. Sharyn Ramage has been mainly a track specialist but has run for Scottish Masters in the British and Irish XC International and won the Scottish W50 XC title in 2013. Pamela McCrossan has concentrated more on road and country: she finished first W55 in the 2018 Scottish XC championships; and has run for Scottish Masters several times in the British and Irish XC.)

NAME: Sharyn Ramage

CLUBS: EAC & Ayr Seaforth

D.O.B: 06/08/1962

OCCUPATION: Retired

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THE SPORT?

I was in the school gymnastics and netball team and as competition was fierce they required extensive training to ensure selection for the teams. I left school at 15 and my body was so conditioned to training that I needed something to fill the void. I began to jog and one day I stumbled on a group of 4 or 5 men warming up to go for a run and was invited to join them. From there Colchester Joggers was formed. I was hooked immediately and found myself running many half marathons, mostly within a 20-mile radius of Colchester, with reasonable success. My then husband was posted to Berlin where I joined Berlin Harriers for group training – however races were limited due to the restriction of the wall. I ran the Berlin marathon and 25km road race. I worked for the military whilst there where I ran the 7 miles to and from work every day. My colleagues were keen for me to run for them in the cross-country league. I was really not interested but after a lot of persuading I started competing for them and went on to win every race. To those colleagues, I am forever thankful. However I do not ever remember running in mud up to my armpits like here in Scotland, our,next posting. It was imperative I found a running group. I acted on an advertisement for a training group at Saughton and this was where I met Kim (Fisher) Forbes. Kim and I immediately struck up a friendship, running many miles together both in training and competition, usually not without incident, we always had a story to tell. During this time I joined Pitreavie for a short period. When I wasn’t running I was playing netball for Edinburgh.

HAS ANY INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP HAD A MARKED INFLUENCE ON YOUR ATTITUDE OR INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE?

I ran up until the birth of my son, Reece, and was back on the roads 6 weeks to the day after his birth. I was looking to get the elusive sub-three-hour marathon. Kim, suggested meeting Bill Walker at Meadowbank and he advised me to join the middle-distance group. I fell in love with the training sessions and the 800m. Bill, a no-nonsense coach, together with a focused, competitive and supportive squad, helped develop me into the athlete I am today. Having joined Bill’s squad I also joined my current club, Edinburgh Athletic Club.

WHAT EXACTLY DO YOU GET OUT OF THE SPORT?

Initially I began running solely for my health and well-being. Never did I envisage it being such a huge part of my life. Running has brought me everything I could possibly wish for and more. The camaraderie, lifelong friendships, amazing places I have travelled and picking up a few medals on the way, for me the best tonic ever.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR BEST EVER PERFORMANCE OR PERFORMANCES?

My first memorable performance was at the East District Championships 1500m at Pitreavie 1999. Hayley (Parkinson) Ovens, a Scottish senior squad member at the time, set the pace. I was a W35 and I tucked in behind her. What was I thinking? I remember wondering ‘where are they’? i.e. the rest of the field. As Hayley started to pull away with a lap to go, I believed I could medal. With true grit and determination along with the benefit of Bill’s training, I held onto win the silver medal with a PB of 4:44:04.

The second memorable performance was at the British Masters Championships 800m in Newport, Wales. The weather conditions were wild with torrential rain and a wind that could almost hold my body weight. My Mum and Dad were spectators. Mum had just been diagnosed with breast cancer and as I left for the call room I said, ‘This one is for you’. My husband, gave me a pep talk advising I should tuck in behind given the gale force winds. Nodding my head, I made my way to the start line. Immediately after the gun I went to the front – I suspect Alan was shaking his head at this point. With 200m to go an athlete passed me, I was expecting more to follow. Visibility was poor and the headwind on the home straight was brutal. I’m hanging on for dear life to medal, working my arms like never before – I’m sure my eyes were closed – however I was aware of increased volume from the spectators. I was thinking the rest of the field were queuing up behind me. I remember looking down asking myself ‘where the f*** is the finish line’? There it was, I lunged and pipped the leader to take the title. British Master W35 800m Champion, for my Mum!

YOUR WORST?

My worst performance has to be the Scottish Masters Indoor Championships 800m in Kelvin Hall. Leading from the gun I won! Oh no! I eased up at the wrong line, and let another athlete slip pass on my inside. I was gutted, adding to my woes Bill, my coach, was on photo finish. For months I was regularly reminded ‘How far is 800m’?

WHAT UNFULFILLED AMBITIONS DO YOU HAVE?

Before I became very ill, I had been very close to a World and European individual medal. Eventually after two years I was diagnosed with Coeliac disease – this was a huge relief. After various tests and following a strict gluten free diet I was back to full health. At the time it had a massive impact on training and performance, too much time had elapsed and I never really recovered previous fitness levels. Occasionally there is a glimpse of my former self but mostly I’m propping up Edinburgh Athletic teammates Sue Ridley and Karen Dobbie for team medals in cross country races.

OTHER LEISURE ACTIVITIES?

For a laugh, my friend sent me a link to play “WALKING” Netball. The hardest thing is to not burst into a run, however, I now facilitate it and play regular netball myself. I didn’t think I would ever play netball again.

CAN YOU GIVE SOME DETAILS OF YOUR TRAINING?

Training sessions have been varied over the years. In the early days I would run 6 miles to Meadowbank followed by a session and run the 6 miles back. Typical sessions were 10-12 300m or 400m with a minute recovery, 4 sets of 4 x 200m with 30 seconds recovery and 5 minutes between each set, 600m reps with 8-12 minutes recovery. Then there were the 150m reps, I hated them. Too fast and too short. I remember shouting at Bill, ‘I’m going to scream if we have 150m tonight’! Yep, we had 150m and yep I screamed. I didn’t appreciate the value of these sessions until my times improved.

My most memorable sessions were quite contrasting. The first being hill reps at Arthur’s Seat with Andy Stoane. As it was just the two of us the reps were increased, and all on the long steep hill where Bill sat on a rock at the top with stop watch poised. Not shy of training hard we were giving it all we had. Lactic was excruciating unlike I had ever felt before to the point when returning to the bottom was a challenge in itself. We were walking down backwards, sitting down and eventually any which way in an ungainly manner ready for the next rep.

The second was at Meadowbank, only myself and David Ovens showed for training. Bill wanted us to work on our technique. Following his postural instructions and trying to run at the same time felt ridiculously alien to us, we giggled uncontrollably while Bill, unusual for him, quietly despaired. Incredibly we got faster every rep. I have so much to thank him for.

I am currently coached by Paul Forbes when I’m free of injury.

NAME Pamela McCrossan

CLUBs Clydesdale Harriers and SVHC

DATE OF BIRTH 10/6/1961

OCCUPATION Theatre Charge Nurse

Pamela on the podium after the Monklands Half Marathon

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THE SPORT?

Cliff Brown is neighbour of mine and he was a runner and a member of Clydesdale. He encouraged me to do a Ladies 10k race one year (about 20 years ago) and he helped me train for it. He then persuaded me to join Clydesdale Harriers and I have been running and racing ever since.

HAS ANY INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP HAD A MARKED INFLUENCE ON YOUR ATTITUDE OR INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE?

Clydesdale Harriers have had a huge influence on my running and helped me improve over the years. I have received so much help, support and encouragement from everyone there and I have made many good friends. Now I am very proud to be an Honorary Member of the club and current Ladies’ Captain.

WHAT EXACTLY DO YOU GET OUT OF THE SPORT?

So many things!   It keeps me fit and healthy and I get to enjoy the pre and post-race banter and chat with other runners. I often get to meet new people when I race or do parkruns and I get a great sense of achievement after a good race or a hard training session. I also get to spend time with like-minded people and fellow runners who are always so friendly

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR BEST EVER PERFORMANCE OR PERFORMANCES?

That’s a difficult question as I have done so many races over the years. However I was totally surprised and delighted to finish as first lady in the Aberfeldy Marathon in 2012 at my first attempt at the distance. I have also been lucky enough to be part of a medal winning team on the 5 occasions I have represented Scotland at the Masters International British and Irish Cross-Country events.

YOUR WORST?

A Dunbartonshire cross country race many years ago when I went over on my ankle and had to be carried off the course by John Hanratty! I then had to go to the Western Infirmary as a fractured ankle was suspected (it was actually ligament damage) and I had to take time off work. The only race yet where I have been a DNF.

WHAT UNFULFILLED AMBITIONS DO YOU HAVE?

None really. At my age I consider myself very fortunate just to be able to run and still compete in races.

OTHER LEISURE ACTIVITIES?

I go to classes in the gym, go to the theatre and cinema and I like to go on holiday as often as possible! First thing I pack is the running gear!

WHAT DOES RUNNING BRING YOU THAT YOU WOULD NOT HAVE WANTED TO MISS?

Running has brought me the opportunity to represent Scotland and the chance to spend many wonderful running holidays in the Canary Islands with friends from Clydesdale and other clubs. I have also enjoyed many weekends travelling away for races and special social occasions with friends I have met through running. These are just a few things I would not have wanted to miss.

CAN YOU GIVE SOME DETAILS OF YOUR TRAINING?

I try to run 4 or 5 times a week and do different types of sessions. There may be a speed session, a steady run, a hill session, a long run and maybe a parkrun too. I also like to do some classes in the gym for cross training.

Landscapes I have run through..…….

Running memories often come back to visit as a parade of sharply etched vignettes, probably heightened by the physical exertion and intensity of the activity at the time they were experienced. My own theory as to why recalling this can be so enjoyable most of the time is that basically we are still pursuit animals accumulating useful life skill experiences. This really becomes noticeable when you are part of a race pack or during a competitive interval training session.

Sometimes the location is the centre of the memory. One autumn weekend heading east to Portmahomack to avoid the equinoctial gales sweeping the Highlands I found the receding storm had whipped up huge amounts of foam onto the shore line route so that you ran through a mixture of knee-high soapsuds totally covering the path surface. An interesting contrast to the previous day’s Bught Parkrun in Inverness when the running surface was rich with multi-coloured fallen leaves.

Then there was running across suburban Toronto to get to the start of a 10km race. The city is built over a deeply fissured lakeside landscape. The sound of a rock band from a park in the distance gave a clue to the event and, after extensive but frustrating suburbs, the most direct line to make the start seemed to be via a short-cut through an industrial estate which lead to an inevitable cul-de-sac and a high chain-link fence. There was only one choice and once scaled it was into thick brush with a steep drop off into a gorge and a tree-hanging descent to the bank of a suspiciously deep stream of sinister grey muddy water.

Meanwhile the sound of the warm-up band at the race start point was growing louder but further away. It is bad enough rushing to arrive at the start but even more frustrating to have to overcome man-made in addition to natural obstacles. Wisely I decided not to swim the river and eventually found a vestigial path which led to a footbridge. Got into the race and won a prize (a nutritional book for aspirant runners) but with a diminished ambition to take up orienteering or tough mudding.

In Perth, Australia, the obvious choice was to try a run along one of its famous beaches. Some miles into it I began to notice that garments were becoming more minimalist and then non-existent. All became clear when a sign appeared providing information that clothing was optional! And then there was the near-vertical section of the Knockfarrel hill race when the young lady close behind me felt herself slip and instinctively grabbed the waistband of my shorts!

Hill races are all about sure-footedness and fast fearless descents sharing a lot with downhill skiing. I once tripped on a descent from Ben Bhraggie, Golspie, (after spitting on the Duke of Sutherland’s statue) and managed to convert a potentially disastrous fall into a forward roll with no more than slight gravel rash in the small of my back,

Beaches are also great for self-examination of running style through your footprints, but it is also possible to check posture and angle of lean from shop windows, shadows and even shadows on bigger road signs from rear headlights.

The Isle of Man has a great hill run along its south western coast high above the water and cliffs overlooking the Irish sea. Some distance into this route there is an old detached farm house now an outdoor educational centre. A minibus full of youngsters and a hassled instructor are wrestling with a large table trying to get it through the door. Arrival of one elderly runner who shows them how to turn it on its side and shuffle two legs past the porch and right angle to the living room and hey presto job done and the good Samaritan high tails it up the next hill. Who was that guy?

Animals – all part of the mixed terrain experience with usually manageable and predictable outcomes but there are some more memorable encounters. My worst dog experience was once again running along the riverside in Inverness in full winter darkness. A car with headlights at full beam completely dazzled me and the next sensation was a full-on impact from an Alsatian being run beside its owner’s car. On the other hand, running local back roads in darkness it is sometimes the deer which get the biggest surprise. Hens and ducks, just messy, but don’t be afraid of a hissing sinuous goose with its head out since they are great cowards and will back off if you stand up to them.

Similarly, dogs: don’t let them sense your fear. And then there is the dog that decides to come along for the outing. I confess to some enjoyment from seeing an overweight owner struggling to bring one back to heel. I’ve had a number of runs in company with horse riders and here the main thing is to be aware of kicks, foot crushing and being pinned against a fence or wall by half a ton of animal. It is a bit like approaching a helicopter: always let the animal and or the pilot or rider see you. Cattle, and cows with calves at foot – never get between a mother and its young and generally just give all livestock lots of space, although llamas and alpacas can spit with deadly accuracy from up to 10 metres!

Cats will regard your progress with bemused indifference but beware the post-run moggie that leaps onto your lightly protected lap with unsheathed claws!

Pigs are very bright animals and often think an intruder into their field is bearing refreshment so they may stampede towards you but, if cornered, remember they can be transported into ecstasy by a well-administered back rub.

And then sometimes spectators can cause a smile. The two cailleachs (old ladies on Skye) chorusing, “He isn’t even breathing hard!” was better than being overtaken by someone dressed as a pantomime fairy then a dog with a runner in tow.

And finally, if the Stromness Shopping Week Queen presents you with an award for their half marathon don’t miss the chance to administer a sweaty embrace to the surprised young lady.

By Alex Sutherland

FROM THE ARCHIVES

A DAY OUT OF THIS WORLD

The first signs of dawn could be seen in the midsummer sky as twenty of us met at Milngavie railway station for the first official running of the West Highland Way Race. The air was filled with a mixture of excitement and apprehension as we made our last-minute checks to food, clothes and back up arrangements.

Words of ‘encouragement’ came from the course record holders. “You must all be mad!” said Bobby Shields. “You will know what suffering is before this day is out!” said Duncan Watson. “It will truly be a day out of this world!”

Undaunted, at 3 a.m., we set off. Our objective, of course, was to cover the 95 miles and 9400 feet ascent to Fort William in under 24 hours.

For the first four miles we all ran together at a very easy pace, chatting and getting to know those around us. The early morning mist hung over Craigallian Loch and it felt good just to be up and running at that time on a summer’s day. The pack began to break up now and I found myself keeping good company with fellow SVHC Jim Templeton. Jim and I were to stay together, sharing the joys and helping one another through the bad patches.

Soon we were past Drymen at 12 miles and on up to Conic Hill. Before we descended, we paused for a moment to look down over Loch Lomond and its islands. It can never have looked more beautiful and we lifted our gaze to Ben Lomond and the Crianlarich hills beyond which led towards our destination. But at Balmaha our dreams were shattered as we ran into our first significant problem – midges! We quickly had some tea and a bite to eat but could hardly bear to stop as we were attacked by the relentlessly biting beasties. It was a relief to be running again and soon we were at Rowardennan – but so were the midges and we didn’t linger for long.

The next fourteen miles of the way are perhaps the hardest going of all and certainly the slowest because of the roughness of the ground. We reached Inverarnan, our first major checkpoint, at 40 miles, in good spirits. We realised that the sun was very hot as we left the shade of the trees. The going became better now but the sun became even hotter as we continued northwards up Glen Falloch, through the new plantations near Crianlarich and eventually on to Tyndrum.

At 60 miles, Bridge of Orchy was our second major checkpoint. We were still keeping closely to the schedule I had set and we heeded the good advice we had been given and still managed to eat a little every hour. It was becoming increasingly difficult to get going again after a stop as the legs stiffened up quickly. On we went to Forest Lodge, up through Black Mount and past Ba Bridge. The cool of the evening was most welcome as we came off Rannoch Moor at Black Rock Cottage – with ‘only’ a marathon to run – and the Devil’s Staircase looming in the distance. We went on past the Kingshouse to Altnafeadh and the first of two stiff climbs began.

Strangely enough it was almost a pleasure to be walking up the steep zigzags as ‘fresh’ muscles were discovered. Eventually we reached the top and began the long descent to Kinlochleven.

The distance would not beat us now. Only time and darkness would be our enemy. At Kinlochleven we had our last ‘pit stop’ – cups of tea and hunks of cake (well, they do say that a good runner can always manage to eat regardless of the situation).

With only 15 miles to go, we began the climb out of Kinlochleven and on through the Lairigmor. Regrettably, darkness had now descended upon us and because of the roughness of the path it became dangerous, on tired legs, to attempt more than a fast walk. For safety reasons, the race followed the road from Lundavra to Fort William. Luckily the darkness prevented us from seeing the tortuous route which lay before us as we concentrated simply on putting one foot in front of the other. At last the street lights of Fort William lit the sky and we were almost there.

A warm welcome greeted us at the Nevisbridge Hotel. There were sandwiches and soup, hot showers and even floors to sleep on for those who had not arranged for accommodation.

Fourteen completed the race, nine under 24 hours. The winner was Dave Wallace of Edinburgh in 18 hours 8 minutes. But the day surely belonged to the women vets and in particular to Betty Hall (Westerlands) who was second overall in 19.43 and Sylvia Watson (Leeds) who was fourth in 21.40. Their performances demonstrated women’s ability over long distances, a fact which women themselves have always known but which men have been reluctant to accept! Jim and I were well pleased with our joint seventh place in 23.09.

It was certainly an unforgettable experience and one which any vet could enjoy with a little physical and a lot of mental preparation!

It really is a “day out of this world”. Perhaps the best epilogue lies in the last line of the inscription on the special pottery flask which every finisher received: “Your prize is neither fame nor fortune, merely satisfaction”.

By Kay Dodson, November 1988

(Kay was an invaluable member of the SVHC committee; a former editor of this Newsletter; and a tough determined runner! Do look up the West Highland Way Race website for the history and past results of this challenging annual event.)

Shakespeare needed stamina to cope with multi-tasking, as playwright, director, actor, manager and poet. Could he have been a runner?

(If you have written poetry about running; or have read some good ones, what about emailing the editor for inclusion in a future Newsletter. Contributions of any sort are always needed, in normal sentences as well as poetry, of course!)

A LATER SONNET

Oft do my footprints mark the morning dew

As I light-limbed, exultant, onwards tread

When sunrise sky is brushed a rosy hue

And freshness floods my Spirit, clears my Head.

Through every Season of my Life I’ve run,

Relishing Youth’s resilient joyous Spring,

Then racing, Victory’s garlands to be won

And now, with speed so sadly slackening.

Our Year is brief; so let us live with zest,

Strive to succeed and thus remember to

Put Brain – and Body also – to the test.

When faced with sure Defeat, which will be due

To swift opponent Time’s relentless pace,

We hope to welcome rest and peace with grace.

IT’S STODDART’S TITLE

Scotland’s Bill Stoddart, current world champion at 10,000 metres, aquaplaned his way through driving wind and rain to annex the M40-49 World Veterans 25 Kilometres title at Douglas, Isle of Man, on 20th May 1973.

At half way it looked as though he was on the verge of being dropped by speedsters Kilmartin and Rooke, but he rallied at the toughest part of the course and forged his way into a lead which he stretched steadily to the finish. Ken Hodkinson surprised everyone with a real eye-opener of a performance to finish second, while Germany’s Willi Irmen finished strongly to take third as he did in the Cologne marathon last year.

Over 500 competitors from more than 20 countries had made their way to Douglas during the preceding three days, and they were welcomed by beautiful sunny weather tempered by a cool breeze off the Bay. Many made the most of that weather by looking over the Island, running round the course and taking trips on the horse-drawn trams along the Promenade. It was just as well 1hey did, for Sunday morning brought the most abysmal weather imaginable. Gale force winds lashed across the Bay driving wind, sea spray and anything free of anchorage against the terraces of hotels which lined the hill over the Bay.

Only runners ventured forth from the sanctuary of their hotel rooms that morning. Certainly no sane person would have done so. And they were to find no respite when their low-geared bus journey finally deposited them at the start in Glencrutchery Road, for they were now high enough to be in the midst of the trouble making elements themselves!

For up to an hour the mass of runners huddled beneath the T.T. stand jogging, singing and chanting in a variety of languages to keep their spirits up and their nervous energy at hay. The T.T. stand which is usually packed with motor cycling enthusiasts watching the world’s fastest two-wheeled drivers race round the closed road circuit in pleasant weather, was now nothing more than a shelter from the wind-lashed rain outside. But those beneath the stand were not only out of the rain they were out of sight of the road and out of earshot too. The verbal warnings of the start, if they were made at all, were lost in the hub-bub of that patiently waiting crowd. The inevitable happened. The brave ones (and perhaps the wise ones too) stripped down just before 10.00 hrs. and jogged down to the start, a good 200 metres away. They were drenched within a minute or so, and having got their line positions were impatient to get away. Back at the stand the hub-bub continued, oblivious of the thinning ranks and the growing stream of runners jogging to the start. At 10.01 hrs. the gun was fired and it was 10.05 before the last man had crossed the start line.

Martinez of France and Cibosch of Czechoslovakia lead the charge over the first 800 metres when the course took a sharp right-hand turn and the road narrowed. This itself produced a bottleneck which hampered the late starters. It was noticeable though that most of the leading runners had not been caught napping and it was a relief to see lrmen, Hodkinson, Rooke, Wild, Mu!ler, Kilmartin, Jonsson, Holmroos and Stoddart all in the first group. With the head of this tadpole-like field well past, the tail brought forth its unhappy string of late starters. At about 40 seconds Bill Allen and Bob Bowman tore past in track style, with Bowman imploring his partner to “cool it”. Twenty seconds back a despondent Arthur Walsham had already accepted that his title was lost. A half minute later Roy Coxon was beginning a chase he was destined to abandon at halfway, and a full 2 minutes behind the leaders came Ron Franklin cursing his way round the course and delivering unfinished sentences to each of the 400 odd runners he was due to pass. Even further back was a very cross John Tarrant, a good 3½ minutes down. After the first mile the leaders hit the l ¼ mile climb which they had to face on each of the 4 laps.

The pace was viciously fast with 1972’s top 1500m man Terry Kilmartin. forcing the pace. At the end of the first lap (19:58) Kilmartin, Rooke and Hodkinson were just ahead of Wild, with Stoddart ten metres back, hanging on. And well he might be, for the pace was averaging 5:08 per mile! Almost a minute of rainy silence went by before the spattering of the next group was heard lrmen, Holmroos and Allen. Allen! He had taken over 300 runners in one lap to get up there. Could he possibly hold it? The second lap (21:01) showed only a slight easing in pace, but this certainly wasn’t apparent as Kilmartin and Rooke towed the field through. Hodkinson, running the race of his life, was 5 metres down with Stoddart, straining again on this fast stretch, another 5 metres back. Wild had faded lo a 100 metres deficit and was now in the sights of a strong looking Irmen. When the leaders reached the long climb on the third circuit, Bill Stoddart’s strength and class began to tell. He went to the front, refusing to allow the pace to lag and left the speed merchants in his wake.

Terry Kilmartin faded and it was left to Rooke and Hodkinson to lake up the chase.

A buzz of excitement went around the stand at the end of lap 3 (21.13) as Stoddart whipped past 100 metres clear of the field. And 50 metres behind the chasing English duo was Holmroos of Finland – already ahead of Kilmartin! With Irmen and Muller now up to 6th and 7th it was still very open. No one could afford to ease, even a fraction.

Bill more than doubled his lead on that final circuit (21 :26) and was taking no chances, thrashing himself right through to the line; Ken held his form well too and thoroughly deserved his second place. Terry Rooke was caught by the fast-finishing Irmen over the last 1,000 metres, Willi adding another bronze to the one he gained in the 1972 marathon. Rooke’s was a courageous effort, for it was only 6 weeks earlier that he had suffered the tragedy of his wife’s death.

H Muller of Germany gained Fifth place ·after a workmanlike effort, but probably paid for being over-cautious on that first lap. Terry Kilmartin’s performance was the reverse. He paid for the early pace-making but still surprised many by the way he kept going and actually re-took Holmroos on the line.

Johnny Wild ran his usual brave race of hanging on to. the leaders and when dropped, saying “to beat me they have to pass me. To pass me they have to catch me. To catch me they have to run faster than me, and I’ll make it as hard as I darned well can!” His 8th place was a fine effort.

Bill Allen of Canada went into the race as a medal prospect. On track and country he is very good, but the road is his true forte – and that first lap showed he would have been with the leaders but for missing the start. He took his disappointment very sportingly and showed no resentment. It is very likely he would have made 3rd or 4th.

Erik Ostbye was not his usual devastating self, but then he had no need to be, for he ran out an easy winner of the class 2 event once more from Englishmen Ken Hall and Jack Fitzgerald. Former marathon champion Tom Buckingham was amongst those who missed the start, finishing in an uncharacteristic 26th position.

Erich Kruzycki was an equally convincing winner of the class 3 race (60-69), beating marathon holder Jensen (Sweden} with Weichert (Germany) repeating his 3rd place of last year’s marathon. It was surprising t0 see Farrell (Scotland) and Nordin (Sweden) out of the first three.

But 20th May 1973 was definitely Bill Stoddart’s day. He had his problems too, as you will read elsewhere in these pages, but he overcame them to produce a run of high quality, portraying all the attributes of a great runner – judgement and self control, stamina and speed, courage and determination. A worthy champion.

With the race over and the bedraggled athletes back at the Summerland taking their baths and showers, the rain stopped and the sun appeared once more. Perhaps there is an omen there somewhere. Omen or not, there were plenty of high spirits abroad at the Summerland and neighbouring hotels that night in Douglas, Isle of Man.

Bill Stoddart said afterwards, “I made my effort on the hill the third time round and this time they didn’t respond. From then on it was just a matter of worrying whether an injury caused the previous Tuesday would affect my running in the latter stages and how much daylight I could put between myself and the chasing group. I finished happy but very sore and it gave me as much pleasure as I can ever remember to beat such a large and experienced field.”

1 Bill Stoddart GB/SVHC 1.23.38

2 K. Hodkinson GB 1.24.16

3 W. Irmen GER

4 T. Rooke GB

5 H Muller GER

6 T. Kilmartin GB

7 B. Holmroos FIN

8 J. Wild GB

9 B. Allen CAN

10 R. Monseur BEL

11 E. Goosens BEL

12 W. Vergison BEL

13 Charlie McAlinden IRE/SVHC

14 A. Walsham GB

15 J. Lindholm FIN

16 A. Taylor CAN

17 M.Ciboch CZH

18 J. Flannery IRE

19 Bobby Calderwood GB/SVHC

31 Bill Ramage GB/Scotland

480 finishers

By Clive Shippen (in ‘Veteris’ Magazine, September 1973)

OFFICE BEARERS SEASON 2017-2018

Honorary President: ALASTAIR MACFARLANE

President: CAMPBELL JOSS 25 Speirs Road Bearsden, G61 2LX Tel: 0141 9420731 cdjoss2@gmail.com

Immediate Past President: ALASTAIR MACFARLANE

Vice-President: ADA STEWART 30 Earlsburn Road, Lenzie, G66 5PF Tel: 0141 578 0526 stewart2@ntlworld.com

Honorary Secretary: JOHN SOFTLEY 6 Cathkinview Road Mount Florida Glasgow G42 8EH Tel. 0141 5701896

Honorary Treasurer: ANDY LAW Euphian, Kilduskland Road Ardrishaig, Argyll PA30 8EH Tel. 01546 605336 Lawchgair@aol.com

Membership Secretary: ADA STEWART 30 Earlsburn Road, Lenzie, G66 5PF Tel: 0141 5780526 stewart2@ntlworld.com

Handicapper: PETER RUDZINSKI 106 Braes Avenue Clydebank. G81 1DP Tel.0141 5623416 p.rudzinski@ntlworld.com

Committee Members:

JOHN BELL Flat 3/1, 57 Clouston Street Glasgow G20 8QW Tel. 0141 9466949

WILLIE DRYSDALE 6 Kintyre Wynd Carluke, ML8 5RW Tel: 01555 771 448

DAVID FAIRWEATHER 12 Powburn Crescent Uddingston, G71 7SS Tel: 01698 810575

ARLENE LEWIS 202 Archerhill Road, Knightswood Glasgow, G13 3YX Tel: 07850 070337

EDDIE McKENZIE Little Haremoss, Fortrie, Turriff Aberdeenshire, AB53 4HR Tel: 01464 871430

STEWART McCRAE 17 Woodburn Way, Balloch Cumbernauld G68 9BJ Tel: 01236 728783

PAUL THOMPSON Whitecroft, 5 Gareloch Brae, Shandon, Helensburgh G84 8PJ Tel. 01436 821707

ROBERT YOUNG 4 St Mary’s Road, Bishopbriggs Glasgow G64 2EH Tel. 0141 5633714

BMAF Delegates To be appointed Ada Stewart

SAL West District Delegate Willie Drysdale

SAL Delegate at AGM To be appointed

Website Ada Stewart

Auditor George Inglis

FIXTURES

December 2018

Sun 16th Xmas Handicap Sea Scouts Hall, Miller Street, Clydebank, from 12.30. Race to start at 13:30

January 2019

Fri 4th Scottish National 3000m Championships Emirates Arena, Glasgow

Sun 27th SVHC Open Masters Road Relays Strathclyde Park, 11:00am

February 2019

Sat 2nd Scottish Masters XC Championships Hawick

Sun 17th Scottish Athletics Indoor Combined Events & Masters Championships Emirates Arena, Glasgow

Sat 23rd Scottish Athletics XC Champs, Callendar Park, Falkirk TBC

March 2019

Sun 3rd 10 Mile Road Race (Lasswade AC) TBC Whitehill Welfare FC, Ferguson Park, Carnethie Street, Rosewell Start time, 12:00pm

Sat 9th British Masters Open Cross Country Championships Stormont, Belfast, Northern Ireland

Sat 9th – Sun 10th BMAF Indoor Track & Field Champs Lee Valley Athletics Centre Sun 24th – Sat 30th World Masters Indoor Track & Field Championships Torun, Poland

Sun 31st Tom Scott 10 mile Road Race Water Sports Centre, Strathclyde Park, Motherwell 10:00am

May 2019

Sat 18th BMAF Road Relay Champs Sutton Park,Birmingham

June 2019

Sun 2nd BMAF 10 Mile Champs Dorking, Surrey

Sun 16th BMAF 5K Champs, Horwich Sun 30th BMAF Multi-Terrain Champs, Gravesend

November 2019

Sat 16th TBC British & Irish Masters Cross Country International – Southport, England

Posted in Uncategorized

SVHC NEWSLETTER: SPRING 2018

Posted on April 10, 2020 by Admin

MEMBERSHIP NOTES 12th March 2018

MEMBERS

Welcome to the 12 new and 18 reinstated members who have joined or re-joined since 15th Nov 2017. As of 12th March 2018, we have 466 paid up members, including 21 over 80 & 5 Life Members. 104 have either not paid, or underpaid, their subscriptions. SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE NOW OVERDUE FOR 2017/2018 Standard Membership £20 Non competing Membership £10 Over 80 Membership Free

NEWSLETTER The electronic version of the Newsletter is now the preferred option. Any member who would rather receive a printed Newsletter must contact David Fairweather (djf@ dfairweather.plus.com), if they have not already done so. Please inform David if you add or change your email address.

Please send photos, news, letters, articles, etc for the next issue To: COLIN YOUNGSON TOMLOAN, SANQUHAR ROAD, FORRES, IV36 1DG e-mail: cjyoungson@btinternet.com Tel: 01309 672398

SVHC EVENTS Stewards/marshals are required for club races. The club appreciates all members & friends who volunteer to act as stewards/marshals. If you are not competing just turn up and introduce yourselves to the organisers.

STANDING ORDERS Thank you to the members who have set up standing orders for membership subscriptions. Please keep me informed if your membership details change (especially email addresses. Standing order details: Bank of Scotland, Barrhead, Sort Code: 80-05-54, Beneficiary: Scottish Veteran Harriers Club, Account No: 00778540, Reference: (SVHC Membership No. plus Surname). stewart2@ntlworld.com 0141 5780526 By cheque: please make cheque payable to SVHC and send to Ada Stewart, 30 Earlsburn Road, Lenzie, G66 5PF. CLUB VESTS Vests can be purchased from Andy Law for £18, including Postage. (Tel: 01546 605336. or email lawchgair@aol.com)

NEW MEMBERS NUMB CHRS SURN JOIN TOWN

2431 Jim White 05-Dec-17 Carluke

2432 Gordon McCaffrey 08-Dec-17 Clydebank

2433 Paul Forbes 09-Jan-18 Kirknewton

2434 Nicola Gauld 11-Jan-18 Aberdeen

2435 Yan Horsburgh 15-Jan-18 West Linton

2436 Graeme Armstrong 18-Jan-18 Edinburgh

2437 Oliver Scott 19-Jan-18 Lenzie

2438 Catriona Gourlay 31-Jan-18 Giffnock

2439 Colin Berry 02-Feb-18 Great Sutton

2440 Susan McRitchie 08-Feb-18 Forres

2441 Jim Meehan 01-Mar-18 Inverness

2442 Ian Thomson 06-Mar-18 Inverness

2199 Nicol Baird 16-Nov-17 Aberdeen

2268 Hylda Stewart 27-Nov-17 Newton Abbot 2262

Mark Gallacher 11-Dec-17 Motherwell

1210 Gerald Kennedy 15-Dec-17 Old Kilpatrick

2139 Keith Haining 18-Dec-17 Stewarton

1825 Scot Hill 18-Dec-17 East Kilbride

2167 Phyllis O’Brien 18-Dec-17 Edinburgh

2292 Frank Murphy 19-Dec-17 Strathaven

2245 Graeme Scott 21-Dec-17 Wemyss Bay

2244 Cameron Douglas 27-Dec-17 Dumfries 2252

Neil Young 28-Dec-17 Leven

1823 Hamish Cameron 02-Jan-18 Elgin

1973 Craig Johnston 02-Jan-18 Larbert

2234 Morag Taggart 15-Jan-18 Broughty Ferry

2002 Stephen Wylie 28-Jan-18 Blantyre

1861 Mike Stewart 30-Jan-18 Fochabers

1925 William Richardson 12-Feb-18 Seamill

28 Bernard Gough 20-Feb-18 Hamilton

Ada Stewart Membership Secretary

JACK McLEAN PROFILE ONLINE (To read an excellent profile of our only surviving SVHC founder member, go to anentscottishrunning.com and read the front page.) It starts like this:

“Jack McLean is a well-liked, much respected athlete who has been seriously involved in middle and long distance running since the 1950s. A life member of Bellahouston Harriers, he joined the club in 1950 after his National Service was over.

Jack has run all distances from 880 yards up to marathon in his career and has even won a medal, as part of an English team, for walking. Known throughout Scotland, he was a member of the Scottish Marathon Club, the British Marathon Runners’ Club and a founder member of the Scottish Veteran Harriers Club.

He is currently in his 68th year as a member of Bellahouston Harriers and to find out what has kept him in the sport so long we asked him to complete a short questionnaire and we can look at his responses before going on to some detail about his involvement in the sport.” (After lots of information about Jack’s running career, a fascinating section of Jack’s profile is about the start of our club!)

“The club in which he been most active has been the Scottish Veteran Harriers Club, of which he is the only surviving founder member. The other members of the group were Walter Ross of Garscube Harriers, Jimmy Geddes of Monkland Harriers, George Pickering, Roddy Devon of Motherwell and Johnny Girvan of Garscube.

How did that come about? After the Midland District Cross-Country Championship at Stirling University in 1970, Walter Ross spoke to me. He wanted to form a veterans’ club with a minimum age of 40 years, and paid me the compliment of being one of the enthusiasts of the game. The committee was formed of Walter and six others, and we held our meetings in Reid’s Tea Room in Gordon Street with a regular starting time of 7:00pm. We all put forward our ideas and Walter drew up a constitution.

In the beginning the age groups went up in ten-year intervals. I organised the very first Veterans race. It was in Pollock Estate on Saturday 20th March, 1971. We had very few officials at that point: Davie Corbet of Bellahouston started the race and shouted the times to George Pickering of Renfrew YMCA. I had laid the trail in the morning with markers of wee pegs with paper attached. 33 runners started and 32 finished. As I worked in the “Daily Record”, I arranged for a reporter and a photographer to attend. There was a wee piece in the Daily Record about it. The race was run over about 5 miles and the winner was Willie Russell of Shettleston. He was followed by Hugh Mitchell, Willie Marshall, Tommy Stevenson, Willie Armour, Chic Forbes, Jack McLean and Andy Forbes in that order.

Within a year we had 1000 members from the whole of Scotland. Internationally we had great success as a small country. The first World Championship for the marathon was held in Toronto in 1976. I took part. There were about 750 runners. The race started at 7:30 am to avoid the heat. I started well and was twenty second at two miles. Then I started to be sick, I kept running and vomiting but I recovered at about 8 miles and finished 27th in 2 hours 43 minutes. Gordon Porteous finished not long after me, smashing the world record for the sixties age group. After that I put it to Walter that ten-year age groups were too much, so Walter put it forward at the World Committee meeting. Vets were well established by then and five-year age groups were adopted. I also put forward the idea of colour coding for groups which was also adopted. In the beginning the Scottish Vets took part in all the World Championships.”

MY FAVOURITE RACE: Ben Lee

The distinction between a “favourite” and most memorable run can become blurred through the passage of time and of course the vicarious pleasure from reliving an old running experience is a great and enjoyable way to iron out the memory of discomforts, anxiety, or what on earth am I doing here? This usually begins soon after any hard event as relaxation, refreshments, banter and camaraderie take over.

Ben Lee looms above the small port of Lochmaddy in North Uist. It sits on the other side of the bay and is a prominent landmark without any direct connection to the village and ferry terminal. The 10.5 K. hill race was first held in 1994 and takes place on an August evening followed the next day by a race up Ben Kenneth in South Uist which also has the intriguing option of a swimming short cut.

The start is unusual, runners assemble on the pier, are handed out life jackets then taken across the bay by a small boat and landed on a sloping barnacle and seaweed covered slab of rock with waves threatening to pull you back into deep water. The hill race starts from that point and I just remember it as mainly being a joint effort by everyone to establish a foothold on dry land and to shrug off life jackets.

From there on everything was wet and I followed a steep self-guided route to the summit at 263 metres with occasional rock sections from a genuine sea level starting point. Of course, it was wet and windy and the local coastguards, complete with radios and survival gear were the marshals in a worsening storm. Several participants bailed out at the first check point, and the rest of us were directed along the ridge before being pointed down a gully into mist-strewn bogs and lochans. I relied on trying to keep another runner in line of sight while trying to navigate a route through the pathless bog pools, leaping over the remains of several long-deceased blackface sheep until eventually a welcoming single-track road provided the final mile return to Lochmaddy.

The finish was on the main street in the village and, of course, after changing into dry clothes, it was straight into the welcome warmth of a hotel bar and restaurant and great craic about what we’d just survived and then inevitably plans for other events began to creep into the conversation…. Certainly one for the memory bank!

Alex Sutherland

MEMORIES OF DERRY

The excitement really started to build at the team photos, seeing how many people were taking part and what it meant to everybody to be there running for their country. A warm-up jog round the course revealed how muddy some sections were, the difficult corners and the long, tiring stretches.

The start line was very crowded but the initial straight was quite wide and the field soon spread out. Although we were wearing numbers on the back and front of our vests I found it impossible to know how I was doing in my age category as I didn’t see anybody else with a 65 number for the full three circuits. So it was just a case of going as fast as I could and hoping for the best. The support around the circuit was tremendous particularly as we approached the end of each lap and it really kept me going.

The celebration dinner was lovely and the food was excellent. I was absolutely delighted to have won an individual gold and team silver. The medals are a really beautiful design. The organisation was superb and I had a great time both at the race and the dinner.

Everyone in Derry was really friendly and the city itself was very interesting, highlights for me being the Peace Bridge, the city walls and the Museum of Free Derry.

We also ventured further afield and went to the Giant’s Causeway and Belfast where we visited the Titanic Exhibition. Thanks to everyone who took part, the organisers in Derry and in each of the participating countries and all the supporters.

By Ann White

After struggling (due to illness) through the race in Tollcross the previous year, my aim for the race this year was to finish as a counter for the team. Conditions on the day were good, and after checking out the course during the warm up we were ready to go.

As I tend to start slowly and gradually improve my position throughout the race, I was a bit concerned that I had started too fast as early on I found myself just behind the leading group. But I was feeling good and as the group gradually broke up I was able to make up a few places and by the start of the last lap there were three of us left challenging for first place.

The support all around the course was great and really helped push me on to finish in second place overall in a close race. I was delighted to have far exceeded my expectations and win my age group. I then had a nervous wait hoping that mum would finish well in her age group too.

It was a great weekend, a well organised event, with good support and cameraderie between all the runners. I enjoyed being part of the SVHC team and will hopefully get another opportunity in Swansea next year.

By Katie White

I have been a road runner for about 10 years. I never thought about Cross Country running until two keen friends from my club encouraged me to enter the trials for the British and Irish Masters at Tollcross in 2016. So I did, thinking that would be an end to that. To my amazement I was told I had been selected to run for Scotland for my age group. How could I refuse!

2017 was unfortunate for me as I had a number of injuries. I had to drop out of the Cardiff Half marathon and I thought it would be the same for the Cross Country at Derry. However, I recovered and was looking forward to taking part. A week before the event I was out training in Bellahouston Park when I was bitten by a dog. I ended up in A&E and the first question I asked the Doctor, was, “Will I be able to run next week?” Needless to say, I did.

Derry was a wonderful experience. My daughter and I stayed in the hotel with most of the Scottish Team members. It was good to mix with the other participants at the reception or at breakfast and get to know them. On the day itself, I found there was a great atmosphere in Gransha Park. We encouraged one another even though we hoped our nation would win.

At the dinner and awards ceremony in the evening, again the ambience was friendly even when sitting in our respective country groupings. For me, it was a privilege to represent Scotland for a second time. I made new friends, visited a new city, and also realised how much preparation and planning goes on behind the scenes for the country that is hosting this event. Now I’m looking forward to the 31st British and Irish Cross country in Swansea and I hope I will be representing Scotland again for another year!

By Jeanette Craig

My trip to Derry last November to run in the over 70 team brought back memories of my previous involvement with Scotland. Mind you it was a long time ago and even my running diary was struggling to remember. However, the fact that the teams included runners like Colin Youngson and Bobby Young who were there 20 and 30 years ago when I previously took part made me feel very welcome.

I took part in the first meeting in 1988 when, as Janette Stevenson mentioned, it was only England and Wales we ran against. As with a few of the earlier years I was accompanied to the venue in Moss Valley, Wrexham by my Dundee Roadrunners friend Sue Roger who is slightly older and sometimes ran in my age group and sometimes in the next one up. There is a very fuzzy picture of us on the Scottish Distance Running History website wearing what would now be considered very tight shorts and with very 1980s looking hairstyles. In that race the over 40s team, which I was a part of, was 3rd.

I also took part in the next event in 1989 which was at Ampthill Park in Bedfordshire. My main recollection of this course is of Heartbreak Hill and the strongly worded encouragement I got as I struggled up it! In addition, I have vivid memories of the journey to the race. One of my team mates was Tricia Calder from the Borders racing family. At the time I had a Vauxhall Astra which conveyed us to Ampthill. After we picked up Tricia she took over the driving and my car exceeded speeds and did things it never did before or after. We travelled with Sam Graves from Fife AC and Sue Roger and the look of fear on Sam’s face was worth seeing. Scotland was second W40 team at the race with Janette Stevenson, Sue and myself.

I was in Scottish teams for Aberdeen 1991 and Cardiff 1993. By 1993 I was 46, but there was no W45 team at the time, and I finished 11th W40. Dundee Roadrunners were well represented with myself, Sue and Irene Gibson who were both in the over 50 race by that time and the over 50 team got silver. The picture on the Scottish Distance Running History website only has Christine Price and myself with all the men. Again, my strongest memory of this event was not of the race but the opulence of the Cardiff hotel, which I think had a moat round it. I have a picture of me and Sue Roger in the room which was extremely nice.

1993 was my best year at cross country and in the Vets Championships at St Andrews I was 1st over 45 and 3rd overall behind the greats – Sandra Branney 1st W35 and Janette Stevenson 1st W40.

I also took part in the 1998 competition at St Asaph in Wales. I’m not sure how I ran but probably not great. Round about the mid-90s, when I was at my best and doing reasonably high mileage, I got a stress fracture of my foot which was not diagnosed at the time, and that led to a long period in the wilderness of not being very competitive.

My final British and Irish International before 2017 was at Ballymena in 2002. Our W55 team comprised Phyllis Lemoncello, Sheila Bauchop and myself. We packed well at 9th, 10th and 11th and got the bronze.

I got back to competitive running in the last few years through parkruns and found a challenge in trying to get as high up the over 65 and over 70 charts as possible. I didn’t do the trial for the Scottish Vets team, as I had lost track of what level was necessary to get into the team, but hours of scanning the parkrun charts gave me the confidence to say “yes” when I got the call from Ada Stewart. In the end our W70 team got bronze and I was 2nd counter.

This involvement has got my adrenalin going, and I have invested in a new pair of spikes and am determined to push on over the next year to see if I can keep it up. I always enjoyed cross country and running in spikes gives such a buzz. Let’s see what 2018 brings – I am even entered for a half marathon for the first time in about 20 years.

By Margaret Robertson

I was pleased to make the V60 team for the British and Irish XC International in Derry in November probably helped by being towards the younger end of the 5 year age bracket. Our hosts in Derry put on an excellent event. It was also worth going for a few more days either side of the run to take in and explore the lovely historic city of Derry.

The course in Derry was generally flat but testing underfoot due to recent rain. Although sapping, it didn’t turn into a mud-fest characterised by many cross- country courses in Scotland in recent years. It is interesting to compare our ideas of cross country to those of other nations, a recurring theme when watching seniors at televised World and European events. I had first-hand experience of this as I was persuaded to run in 2 World Masters Championship events in Perth, Australia (October 2016) and Daegu, South Korea (March 2017). Both championships opened with a cross country event. Both courses were pancake flat and firm underfoot to the point of suiting a road runner like myself rather than a cross country or hill specialist. No need for anything but road racing footwear. My impression for this, at least at these Masters events, is that the cross-country event and indeed a half marathon are add-ons to what are essentially track meetings and their inclusion makes such championships more attractive to road runners like myself who might baulk at travelling to potentially expensive destinations to run in just one or two track races.

Runners who have yet to participate in a World Masters event might be surprised by the lack of strength in depth in the field although most races were competitive at the sharp end. As might be expected medals generally went to runners in the younger end of the 5 year age category. Also at World events many countries outside Australasia, Europe and USA fail to have enough runners to compete for team medals (awarded in the cross country and road events) so GB athletes have plenty of opportunity to compete for both individual and team medals. In 2018 the World Championship is in Malaga so one anticipates more intense competition for both individual and team medals.

I would encourage runners to take in at least one World or European Masters Championship as the experience is interesting on many levels. They really are the Olympic equivalent for the master athlete in that they are structured along the same lines with as much rigour and organisation. Unlike the Olympics, however, we are lucky as no selection is necessary.

Running in a GB vest as opposed to a Scottish one is also interesting. Incidentally, the tale of purchasing my GB vest is a long and complicated one and my wife (Jan) has the story and it involves a few tears and a lot of angst culminating in an acrimonious encounter with an unofficial team GB person which nearly resulted in a Glasgow kiss. For the first few events in Perth I ran the cross country in a borrowed female vest 2 sizes too small but the correct vest, ordered some 4 months previously, was finally purloined.

In Perth and Daegu, the Scottish contingent was numerous and tended to gravitate together helped by excellent daily reporting on the SVHC website by Alan Ramage. There was, however, a general camaraderie amongst the GB runners and many new friendships were formed which were renewed in Derry.

By Paul Thompson

I started running at Bearsden Academy, in 880 yards and mile races, which shows my age. Then with Dunbartonshire County. I did one Scottish Schools age group mile championship, at Westerlands, perhaps in 1964, when I may have finished fourth. All training and races at school were on grass track or football pitches, so maybe I should have taken up cross-country then. Then I left athletics behind, except for a couple of local half marathons and early Glasgow marathons, with very ordinary times, as I recall.

I ran Some Polaroid 10k races in 2007, and got the bug and joined Garscube around 2008. Interestingly, I did the Buchlyvie 10k, unattached in 2009, and got round in a new PB around 44 minutes. It was 2010, when I stopped working (if I ever started) in the insurance industry in Glasgow, when I started training properly, and enjoyed my running and improved my times a lot.

Onto Derry, which was a great experience, despite having a previous aversion to X/C, for no good reason. I think Derry was my 5th-ever mud race. I loved the camaraderie and the characters, no names, although I had known Archie previously. I was only convinced to do the Trial in Tollcross, by John Bell and am very grateful to him. It is only a pity that this is the only Scotland Masters representative race. However it is definitely very much worth being involved in. I loved it.

The event itself seemed to me very well-organised, particularly when listening to some of Bobby Young’s stories from early years, when “ a cup of soup or Bovril and a sandwich“ was the best you could hope for after the race, before driving straight home. Obviously holding this event anywhere in the UK is so much better when the host city is near an airport. The whole weekend experience was fabulous and I will remember it all for a long time.

By Norman Baillie

Being a bit of a runner myself I know the feeling when it comes time for another race. The preparations, the anticipation, the pre-race nerves and the post-race endorphins, but attending race events as a bag carrier/supporter is a different thing altogether. You get the opportunity to travel with someone going thru all these highs and lows, whilst you are wondering what range of ales will be on offer in the bar, and will white AND black pudding be available at breakfast.

Cross Country has never been my favourite type of running, but carrying Fiona’s bag on the GB and Ireland XC international certainly has been. I got hooked early, with a trip to Dublin, and every subsequent trip to the Emerald Isle has been a joy. With the growth in Park Runs I have had a run on the Saturday morning prior to heading off to the course to see the best Master athletes from these islands going thru their paces.

Derry/Londonderry was no exception – indeed it was perhaps the friendliest and most enjoyable venue that I have been to. Everything was close by and the mid November weather was great. Many of you will know that Fiona is not very keen on flying, but she makes an exception occasionally, and the trip from Glasgow to Derry was very straightforward and the flight was about 30 mins in the air. On landing we were fortunate to pair up with Willie Murray, who showed why he was selected by tearing thru the airport and getting to the front of the taxi queue. Well, truth be told, ignoring any mention of a queue and leaving the younger runners to ponder how they might plan their airport escape better next year.

SVHC management had flown over the day before to get the logistics up and running and I have to thank Ada, John, Andy and Ishbel for block booking rooms for us in the Di Vinci hotel, which was a great base for the team, being very close to the city centre, and having a lively bar. Fiona and I had booked our Friday night dinner at a local restaurant (so no di Vinci Last Supper for us,) and the mile walk there and back was a pleasant leg stretch for us both, and allowed us to find our bearings. Fortunately for me it coincided with part of the Parkrun route so I was able see where I had to go in the morning.

On Saturday morning I was up early to get ready for the parkrun, which was a well-run event. The RD was well aware that he had many visitors running that morning, supporters of the athletes running the International, and asked us to cheer when he called our country out. Needless to say, Scotland got the biggest cheer. The route was an out and back, starting on the river walkway and going over the Peace Bridge, along the other side of the river, round a picnic bench and back. My main aim was to get it done, get back to the hotel, have a shower, get down in time for a cooked breakfast and figure out how to get to the course. Fiona was away on the bus to the course by the time I got back, but I did manage to get my cooked breakfast, and get a lift to the course from Eddie Devine who was over shouting on his son, Christopher. Like me, Eddie had done the parkrun and was enjoying his post run breakfast. Thanks again Eddie.

Eddie and I, between us managed to find the course, and in perfect timing for race one starting. It was a good course to spectate on, offering a few different vantage points, and it’s always a pleasure to see the Scots runners mixing it up with the other 4 teams.

Fiona’s race finished and as she always enjoys a post-race chat with the many friends she has made at these events over the years, I got to see the other two races before we headed back to the hotel on the bus.

Being on my holidays I headed straight to the hotel bar when Fiona went to get showered and changed, and then we went off for a late lunch, before heading back to the bar at the hotel. My second visit to the bar (Fiona’s first) was an unusual one as it was one of the few times when Fiona has asked me to visit a bar, and not the other way round. The Gala girls (and boys,) were fine company.

The dinner and medal awards in the evening was a well organised event, and the Scots were all within the main room. Some of the speeches went on a little, but the company at the table was good and the time went quickly.

The scrum for the taxis at the end of the evening was a bit of a low point as the booking system had broken down completely, but Fiona and I decided to walk and see if we could flag down a taxi on the way. We met up with Frank Hurley and his better half, who had had the same thought and we weren’t even off the hotel’s driveway when we struck gold, jumped in a taxi, and were soon back in the bar at the di Vinci, where Scottish accents were very much in prominence.

Sunday was a quiet day, we went to walk round the city walls, where you can see why this very welcoming small city has two names. A quick flight home and the weekend was over.

For those who have the honour of being selected for 2018, yin dod ar yr Alban!

By Grant Matheson

First of all, I would like to say huge thank you to all the Scottish Team of Volunteers, and Team Captains that spent their valuable time in organizing this trip as without them this type of event would not take place. It is always quite exciting visiting a new place for the first time and when Grant and myself arrived at the hotel in Derry we were quite keen to get our bearings so decided after the travelling (flying which is a challenge to me before the actual event) it would be a good idea to stretch our legs as well as get our bearings and took a walk along the River Foyle for a mile or so then back again. While walking we were, of course, checking out the best café for cakes and coffee to come back to on Saturday.

The morning of the XC event I was pleased to see that the weather looked favourable as most of my family and friends know I don’t do cold/icy conditions in fact I think I would enjoy running XC more in the Springtime if I was given the choice.

Having done my usual preparation of looking to see the competition in the W55 Category from the other teams, I knew who would be my rivals in this age category. However, when you cannot get a chance to check out the course or run around it until the actual day, this can be a bit of the unknown, as everyone will have a particular XC course that they favour over others. However, this course at Gransha Park had a bit of everything in it, including quite a bit of mud which can be interesting especially when there is more than 1 lap involved. I try to take a mental note, on the first lap of a course about where the deepest parts of mud are. Thus, on the 2nd and 3rd Lap I may try to avoid this. However, I always end up ploughing through the same sections of mud nearly every time.

Before the Women’s race went off, it was Team Photographs for all and the Scotland Team were up first which is always good, as then it lets you do all your pre-race preparation in plenty of time. Just after the Scottish Team Photograph, Archie Jenkins seemed oddly keen for me to stick around. However all eventually became clear, as Archie had kindly organized to surprise me by presenting Certificates for the World W55 records in 1500m and 3000m indoor events that I had achieved earlier in the year. This actually gave me the adrenaline rush I needed just before the start of the Women’s XC event, therefore huge thank you for that Archie!

I thoroughly enjoyed the whole weekend of competing and spending time with many like-minded great people from all Teams. Meeting new characters is always a bonus, as is spending time with many running friends that I have got to know over the years. Well done to all the Scottish Team! Here’s to a Healthy Fit 2018!

By Fiona Matheson

A TALE OF TWO ATHLETES

Sammy Walker – Played Rugby from school age up to 27 years old got swept up in the running boom of the mid 80’S (same as Davie Cavers who remarkably played prop). Joined my home town club of Teviotdale Harriers in 1983.

Got blown away in my first East District league race, total shock to the system. My abiding memory was there was a false start and Allister Hutton had run half a mile before they could stop him!

Decided needed take this running thing seriously. Finished 19th in the East Districts of 1984 and 33rd in the Scottish of that year. Was so chuffed and thought this was as good would ever get ….then my friend Colin Hume returned from college in the States. I thought I had been training hard but with Colin went to a different level. Was running at a pace I had never been near. The results were startling – 6th in the East Districts of 1985 and 17th in the Scottish of that year (which was the year that “Humegate” occurred when Colin made the Scottish World Cross Country team at Eddie Stewart’s expense.

Around this time, it all started to come together for Teviotdale. Brian Emmerson was there already and had been ploughing a lonely furrow. Now there was me, Davie Cavers had joined, Rob Hall from Jedburgh, Andy Fair was taking it seriously. Keith Logan came from the local cycling club and I was in Ian Elliot’s ear every day at work about coming back to us from ESH. There were legendary 15 mile runs on a Sunday morning which set off at 5.40 pace.

Best achievements of Sammy Walker. The win in the National relays at Inverness was an amazing buzz. We were just three Hawick guys plus one from Jedburgh. All mates had left Hawick at 6.00 a.m. To win was just insane. Two fastest legs at the E to G are right up there. Winning the Flockhart Trophy. Top ten finish in the Scottish at Dundee.

My proudest moment isn’t even in the record books. I finished 5th in the Paris to Versailles road race, beating Steve Binns (who I became good friends with). I went there with Brian Emmerson on one of those “running tours “ or joggers’ tours as I found out it was. As a result I had number 10756 so, when the guy with this number approaches the finish line in 5th they think…cheat and stop me crossing the line. Managed a 29.49 10k, 1hr 06 Half Marathon, 2.22 Marathon (in the last Glasgow).

So, got to 38 and Sammy fell out of love with running. Had done no too bad and “never going to run over 40 ..I mean that Vet stuff, it’s a bit of a joke isn’t it??”

Alastair Walker – 22 years on and two stone heavier than his namesake “Sammy” . Son Greg joins Teviotdale. Alastair goes to watch a few of the league races and catches the bug. Starts to go out a couple nights a week. Feels great. Flying. Be as good as that Sammy ever was ..maybe even better. Enters the Hawick 1OK (two-lap course ), blows up after a lap and drops out feigning injury.

Get Serious Time! So Alastair gets serious and ups the miles. Buys a Garmin and discovers all Sammy’s training runs are two miles shorter than listed in the training diaries. This is Strava time and Run Britain rankings. So much information on people and times. Goals to aim for.

Runs an acceptable 1OK at Jedburgh. Struggles at league race at Broxburn and enters the Scottish Vets at Dundee. Finishes a distant fourth in the V60 behind Eddie Stewart who must have been stored in ice for last 30 years because looked exactly same.

Now going get Really Serious. The result? Fastest 5k and 10k in Britain for 2017 for V60 and 2nd in the British and Irish Masters V60. One of the best weekends ever – the race, the people, the reception when received medal ..”I mean that Masters stuff, it’s what everyone should aspire to, right?” Sammy and Alastair doing the same training. Alastair a bit slower. One long run, 2 speed sessions. Other days steady running. Around 50 miles a week.

By Alastair Walker

SWAN SONG

It had been a day full of other days, yet unique, as every day may be, Alastair Taylor mused around midnight, as he lay on the hotel bed. Running hard was one reason for tiredness, of course, but travelling from the North of Scotland to Northern Ireland had not been straightforward – a long bus journey to Glasgow, overnight there, then bus, plane and taxi to arrive the evening before the event.

In his youth he had merely walked or cycled to a local grass track or parkland and rough trails for cross country. Scottish Schools’ championships had involved bus trips, true, while, at university, subsidised travel was by train and, later, minibus – or, each December, a swaying, dipping ferry to Ireland for two races in Belfast and Dublin, each followed by many pints of black nectar.

As a senior athlete, but still young, he cadged lifts from car owners. Planes had only been necessary years afterwards when expenses-paying European marathons beckoned. During more than fifty years, he had competed in a number of exotic countries: Greece, Italy, Spain, France, Belgium, Holland, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Czech Republic, Australia, USA (the Boston Marathon, with its ten miles of quadricep-mashing descents leading to five miles of wall-inducing heartbreak hills) – plus every part of the British Isles. Yet the actual venues often tended to be less attractive – post-industrial towns or sprawling untidy S cities. Never mind, in each place, only the race had mattered.

As usual, Alastair had slept fitfully the previous night, after booking in, chatting lightly with familiar grey-haired team-mates, exchanging ritual complaints about injuries and lack of fitness, marvelling at the athleticism of 35 and 40-year-olds. Old Masters, not! A sensibly small meal – low-fat and easily digested – had been consumed, with not even a beer to wash it down. He recalled that, in his prime, he had avoided alcohol only before marathons or ultras – concerned to avoid dehydration. While in his late 30s, with carefree confidence, the night before one Scottish Senior National Cross-Country Championship, he had downed four pints of real ale – after all, the distance involved had ‘only’ been seven and a half miles – and had almost made the top twenty, considerably better than expected. Nowadays, although M70s were expected to cover a paltry 6 km, he went teetotal for a couple of days beforehand. It would be stupid to add (to the impossibility of quality training and frequent leg niggles) yet another probable cause of failure. Before competition, optimism had never been one of his characteristics, unlike moaning.

Long ago, some self-appointed sage had stated that it was not sleep the night before that mattered – but sleep the night before that. If you could not doze off, between nightmares about missing the start, remember that you were lying down, as calmly as possible, getting plenty of rest. Easy for that guy to say.

On race day he had nibbled breakfast (toast, cereal, banana, fruit juice) a full four hours before the start, leaving plenty of time for digestion, sips of water, changing into kit and nervy repeated visits to the loo. Surely, at this late stage, he should be less twitchy? Yes, wearing a dark blue vest added extra responsibility, but nowadays he could only start slowly, not jet-propelled, so why not age-related wisdom and composure?

At least his pre-race meal had not been steak and chips, which he had chomped an hour before his first marathon back in 1969. Strangely, at the age of 21, that had not caused a problem. However, the pint of cream (in theory, taking on fatty acids as fuel, to go with a ‘fast start’ triple black espresso) half an hour before a Scottish Championship marathon in the late 70s had caused a massive personal worst after so many pukes, plods and pitstops. Curry was best avoided, too.

A brief coach trip to the course, two hours before “Go!” and the build-up began. A walk to inspect at least some of the two-kilometre lap – some tricky mud and rather mossy underfoot but only lightly undulating, thank goodness, and suitable terrain for veterans aged 35 to 80 plus. Steep climbs and drops nowadays? No thank you! Traumatic memories of ghastly trails passed through his mind with merciful brevity. The 1972 English National XC in Sutton (very) Coldfield (nine miles of mud, sub-zero temperatures, extra wind-chill and snowstorm – on the last desperate lap, a reigning Commonwealth gold medallist had been passed, upside down in a ditch); uphill slurry before clambering over barbed wire fences in Dunbartonshire; near death by hypothermia in Hawick. That one had been a Scottish Masters; the very first he had contested was Clydebank 1988. Some sadist had taken a film of the three laps. First one, pretty snowfall adding enchantment; second, the action totally obscured by a blizzard of heavy, wet, white flakes; the final lap, knackered survivors of a Norwegian notion of hell. Any hat-wearers now sported snow-stacks stuck to their heads.

Despite tackling any conditions when forced to, really Alastair had been a bit of a ‘road fairy’, whose favourite cross-country routes traversed firm, dry, grassy, mainly flat golf courses. Heat exhaustion, Alastair thought, had not been a problem in cross country events; only in long, scorching road runs, especially marathons or ultras. Foreign ordeals where you were shocked yet grateful when spectators sprayed you with garden hoses or chucked buckets of water; that Lairig Ghru 28 miler (80 degrees in mid-glen) when you struggled exhausted past the finish line on the wrong side of the busy main street in Aviemore. Officials hauled you across safely, then left you hanging over a fence in blessed shade. And how long it took before even a vestige of energy returned so you could fumble to untie over-tight running shoes and find something, anything, to drink! A final heatwave moment, was finishing as roasted runner-up in a South of France marathon. A photo in the local newspaper had been published in black and white – despite this, it was obvious his face had been bright scarlet. The report had referred to him as “Taylor, l’epouvantail”. Alastair’s schoolboy French had not included that word. Back in Scotland, a language teacher had cackled as she told him it meant “the scarecrow”.

Photographs were taken on time, an hour and a half before the start. So many grinning male and female teammates and now, unbelievably, he was in the second-oldest age group. When happy, he still felt like a teenager, as long as he avoided mirrors. However, while cycling a road bike in perfect weather gave an illusion of fitness, running told the truth about damaging impact, physical deterioration and advancing years. Never mind, shut up, too bad, keep trying!

Warming up routine. Alastair recalled that, in earliest days this was merely a five-minute jog; at the peak, an hour of steady running, stretching, strides and sprints; now the process was laughably but necessarily careful. This was no parkrun where, if something hurt before the start, you could simply forget it and get back into the car. Injury might force you to drop out, but it could only be even slightly acceptable if a calf or hamstring ruptured during the actual race.

Start by walking away from the rest to find a quiet area. Don’t be psyched out by superior-looking rivals – Alastair had learned that trick as a teenager, when impressive lads with fancy tracksuits covered with running badges usually proved easy to beat. Very slow jogging, short strides, try to keep upright, stop occasionally for a gentle hamstring stretch. Then five or ten minutes steady; concentrate on smooth progress. A loo check, no problem. Half an hour to go. Steady with a few fifty-yard strides, gradually working up to what passed for race pace. Save any real effort for mid-contest! More stretching, lower back, hamstrings. And, miraculously, muscles and tendons ease a little, permitting increased range of movement. Hope increases, some confidence re-appears. Maybe this might be okay! All you need is just a little luck.

Between 40 and 15 years ago, luck was hardly necessary, since injuries occurred seldom and proper training was normal – 60 to 80 miles each week, sometimes including a twenty miler, plus hill reps, group fartlek, steady runs and a time-trial or a race, in which you were almost certain to run well or even very well.

Nowadays, Alastair had to listen to his whingeing body very carefully indeed, and work within those frustrating limits. Still, fortunate to be able to jog at all. No hip or knee replacements yet!

A last, totally unnecessary, loo check. Then the call to the start-line. Alastair was edgy but under control. Not like before long ago high-pressure road relay events – they were the worst. Sometimes he actually stress-retched five minutes before receiving the baton – fairly cleared the tubes, though, for the panting, eyeballs-out charge all the way to the next changeover.

Now he took up position near the back of the field, alongside other old fogeys. Injuries usually happen soon after too rapid a start. With some common sense, he might just come through eventually to a decent finishing position. Let young women, fast old guys and idiots go for it! Some might blow up before too long. Experience might count for something, after all.

An officious self-important official bawled irrelevant guff about the course and warned that anyone with even a toe in front of the line would have it amputated. False starters would, deservedly, be executed. Or some such traditional nonsense. Impatient athletes jiggled up and down and ignored him. Alastair had a brief flashback to Nos Galan, the Welsh New Year event through the narrow streets of Mountain Ash, when stars like Dave Bedford used to emerge from shop doorways in front of the start line and took their places seconds before the race commenced. Then there was the English National, when thousands anticipated the gun and started jogging away inexorably before they were ordered to go. No chance of calling them back!

Bang! Release! While speedsters shot off, Alastair focused on getting into a short, pattering rhythm, keeping upright and swinging his arms forcefully. For the next 400 yards or so, the trail was extremely muddy – if this continued throughout the race, it would be horrible. However, they emerged onto the loop and most really sticky patches could be avoided. Gazing ahead, Alastair noticed without surprise that the leaders were already out of sight. At 41 he had led every step of the Scottish Vets cross country championship – a sequence of photos proved it. In this event at M45 he kept up with the fastest M40 men for quite a while, before winning his age group.

Ah well. Occasional nostalgia can be pleasurable; but remember to appreciate the present moment! Although he knew that few in his age group had started more slowly, Alastair still felt in control. In front he could see a straggle of individuals and small groups, including men around his age – who were the real targets today. Taking care to accelerate only slightly, he started to inject more effort, and gradually moved out to pass ‘victims’. If he could just keep working hard, then others might fade. Anyway, overtaking was much more fun than being overtaken.

At his peak, Alastair had loved front-running and also putting in surges mid-race. Road had been his favourite surface, and long uphills where he tried to break away. Not having much of a sprint meant that he had to go for it early, at unexpected moments. Even as a veteran on the track, these tactics had sometimes worked well.

Nowadays, grinding away, hopefully at a single semi-decent speed (the only alternative being slower) was the simple strategy. At least it meant that he didn’t have to think much. Just aim for the runner in front or try to hang on to others. As usual, he seemed to be puffing faster – still testing for possible heart attacks – compared to everyone he plodded past. A team-mate was only fifty yards behind and, when Alastair glanced back, it seemed that they were moving up the field at the very same pace, as if attached by invisible rope. Since this old friend possessed a sprint finish, Alastair would strive to keep clear as long as possible. Being trounced by strangers was much less irritating.

A long shallow downhill was negotiated gingerly. Thirty years earlier, in the British Vets XC, Alastair had been clinging on to the leader and race favourite – a very classy Welshman – when a steep downhill proved his undoing, as a hamstring strain forced him to ease off and (at least he was thoroughly warmed up) concentrate on holding second place. Eventually, still clear of the bronze medallist, but moving with difficulty and discomfort, he approached the finish, to be “congratulated” by a famously-grumpy Scottish blazer-wearer who grated, “Taylor, you’re such an ugly runner!” which, although he had never been a stylish swan, seemed a trifle uncharitable to Alastair, who had rated himself a “brave war-wounded soldier”!

Now, much closer to second-last but trying his best on the day, Alastair entered the third and last lap. He must have moved up thirty places, passing several age group rivals, but had no idea of his current position. Not last anyway, and still making slow progress. With two kilometres to go, he pushed some more, since he could see a few more strugglers coming back. Half a mile left and one more man within reach. At the start of the long finishing straight, Alastair forced himself ahead, but the effort emptied his energy tank, so his rival closed right up and then strode away in the last hundred yards. Knowing he was beaten, Alastair looked over his shoulder for other sprinters. Clear, thank goodness, and over the line. His team-mate was only eleven seconds down – they had both squeezed into the M70 top ten.

On a previous occasion, as a dirty, knackered runner collapsed at the end of a such a race, a bewildered spectator had inquired, “Who are you trying to impress?” Well the answer could hardly be a potential girlfriend, with a warped lust for mire and snotters. Self-respect after trying hard, that was all. A stamina adventure!

One good thing about having dodgy, fragile legs was that they would not permit racing too far or hard, so Alastair recovered quickly, glad that disaster had been avoided. His team definitely wouldn’t be fifth, thank goodness, and he would not be to blame. Quite an enjoyable run, in fact. Winners nowadays punch the air; while respectable also-rans mainly feel relief. Still in the game! And forget the warm-down. Who knew when he would next take part in an important race?

Of course, you could be left in a dreadful state after really tough events: hitting the proverbial in marathons, for example, battering through the final miles gasping, weaving about and groaning aloud. Off normal training, Alastair had once attempted the famous challenging London to Brighton road race (54 miles – and a quarter). Even pacing it perfectly, he had run out of blood sugar at 40 miles but did not drop a place during the last 14, since everyone within range was feeling just as weak. At the longed-for end, he waved away a space blanket and then his legs buckled! Shortly afterwards, he had been deposited in a deep bath, and had to scream for help, since it was far too hot. However, drinking colder water, warm tea and (with difficulty) consuming a few biscuits had encouraged a quick recovery. Since the pace had been steady, his legs hadn’t been destroyed and he managed to take part in a short road relay six days later. Years afterwards, he wished that energy bars and gels had been invented earlier….

The afternoon passed in a contented blur. The showers proved impossible to locate but he found a doorway and changed into dry clothes, while spectators were fascinated by much younger men bounding athletically through their races.

A lift to carefully selected Derry pubs – old friends, including all the M70 team, turned up – assured ‘rehydration’, thanks to pints of stout and nips of Irish malt whiskey. Back to the hotel, shower, change for the banquet – the food was delicious, but Alastair sobered up with water. The Scots had tables farthest from the stage. As ill-prepared speechmakers droned on and on, Alastair sat back and assessed the British and Irish Masters International XC experience.

A decade ago, he had looked through a long running career and tried to order his top ten races. These were fairly easy to list, but somehow he ended up with a top fifty worth remembering. It was not all about ‘lifetime best times’. (When else could you achieve them?) Nor about most significant wins or medals or (badly designed) trophies. As park-runs suggested (with their age-grading of times), any event, even when you were old, could give some sort of satisfaction. Team wins stood out as important. Running was essentially a solo activity, and it was a real bonus when fellow enthusiasts banded together to do well. Like today.

Was that to be his “swan song”? And what did those words mean, anyway? His phone supplied formal research answers. “Swan Song came from ancient Greek, and was a metaphorical phrase for a final gesture, effort, or performance given just before death or retirement. However, the common Mute Swan (Cygnus Olor), although not actually mute, was known neither for musicality nor to vocalise as it died. The only sounds it could make were honking, grunting, and hissing – not unlike overstressed runners, perhaps. Yet the snow-white Whooper Swan (Cygnus Cygnus), a winter visitor to parts of the eastern Mediterranean – and Scotland – did possess a ‘bugling’ call, and had been noted for issuing a drawn-out series of notes as its lungs collapsed upon expiry, both being a consequence of an additional tracheal loop within its sternum. This was proposed by naturalist Peter Pallas as the basis for the legend.” So there! Ye ken noo. Well, Alastair had no thought of imminent retirement from his beloved running, or indeed expiry, unless that referred to breathing out before breathing in again.

The medal presentations were nearly complete. Every recipient was applauded generously by folk from all five nations. The Scots were noisiest, as usual. His M70 team was announced – they had won surprise silver medals! White-haired Alastair and his three companions, heads high, floated the length of the hall, down a river of shouts, cheers, claps, handshakes and even mistimed high fives. Alastair tried to maintain dignity and smiling self-control. Yet, although no song came from mute lips, around his mind echoed a silent whoop!

By Colin Youngson

As promised in the previous Newsletter, here are two more reports about races which David Cooney selected as great team performances by Cambuslang squads. They took place at Sutton Coldfield, in the park which may be considered the spiritual home of UK road relay running.

RONHILL CAMBUSLANG RETAIN UK VETS ROAD RELAY TITLE 22 MAY 2003

Ronhill Cambuslang convincingly secured their third victory in the prestigious UK 8 man over-40 road relay trophy at Sutton Coldfield and their day was made complete when it was announced that John Cowan and Jack Brown had recorded the two fastest times of the day.

Cambuslang’s tactics were to start steadily and to produce a strong tail courtesy of Alex Robertson, John and Jack. However, things did not initially go to plan as Dave Dymond, who had prepared well for the event, felt below par right from the gun and struggled round the tough three-mile trail in 16.17 to hand over to Dave Thom in 30th place. Despite feeling unwell, Dave D had given his all, which is what relay running is all about.

Dave T, in spite of not having raced for a number of months, produced a solid and valuable time of 16.02 to gain 10 places for the club and to launch their comeback.

Hill runner Colin Donnelly in his annual road race carried forward the Scots’ momentum to finish in seventh place with a strong time of 15.30 which was the 4th fastest on leg three.

Frankie Barton now took up the challenge and to the delight of the Cambuslang team prised open a lead of 11 seconds over the fancied local club Telford. In clocking 15.23 Frankie had recorded the fastest time on leg 4 and had made it look easy with his smooth-running style.

Ian Williamson, although unsure about his fitness due to a longstanding injury, maintained the Scots lead over Telford and Woodford Green with a useful 15.44 (4th fastest on leg 5).

Alex Robertson with a 15.34 stint and 4th fastest on his leg held on to first but Woodford Green had moved to within 19 seconds of Cambuslang. Alex was disappointed that he did not get closer to his previous time of 14.57 but a persistent heel injury had hampered his preparations.

With two legs to go Woodford Green were feeling confident that they could overhaul the Scottish outfit. Their plan was to keep Cambuslang’s penultimate runner in sight to allow former British international John Sear the opportunity to run the glory leg. Unfortunately for them John Cowan sabotaged their plan by running a smooth and outstanding time of 14.51 to record a new club record and the fastest time of the day.

The London club was now 67 seconds behind with Telford 3 seconds adrift of them.

The glory leg fell instead to Jack Brown who anchored Cambuslang to an emphatic victory with a confident and relaxed 14.55, the second-best time of the day.

While Jack and John attracted the individual attention, it had been another great spirited team effort.

The Ronhill Cambuslang over-50 veterans also contested their 6-man event. In spite of injury problems, they managed a creditable 14th place. The star performer was Frank Hurley who ran a fast 16.26 to move Cambuslang into 4th spot after Freddy Connor had led off. After successive legs by Sandy Eaglesham, Ian Gordon and Tom McPake the Scots were 9th but dropped 5 places as Archie Jenkins suffering from a cartilage problem jogged round. Archie had only come to spectate but a late withdrawal by the injured Barnie Gough allowed Archie to step in.

There was further Scottish individual and team success as Clydesdale’s Bobby Young recorded the fastest time by a 60-year-old (16.58) and, with support from Peter Cartwright and Brian Campbell, the Clydesdale trio won the bronze medal.

REPORT ON UK VETS ROAD RELAY CHAMPIONSHIPS AT SUTTON COLDFIELD 0N 15 MAY 2010

Ronhill Cambuslang Harriers triumphed at the UK veterans’ road relay championships when winning the over-35 and over-50 team titles. The Cambuslang athletes were continuing the proud record which the club has in this prestigious event. The over 40 men had previously won gold in 1999, 2003 and 2004 as well as silver in 2000 and 2002 and bronze in 2001. The over 50 squad had also achieved bronze medals in 2002 and 2003.

This year the over 35, 40 and 50 athletes competed together with the younger age group doing 4 legs, the middle group 8 and the older group 6 legs. It was touch and go whether the club would be able to field an over 35 team as Alan Ramage had suffered a calf injury while training in Tenerife only 4 days before race day. However, Kerry-Liam Wilson kindly agreed to step in at the last minute to support Greg Hastie, Charlie Thomson and Jamie Reid. Greg and Charlie who are both over 40 vets were up against some younger rivals.

Greg (15.58) ran a well measured opening leg over the tough 3 miles and 8 yards trail to finish 10th in the over 35 age group. Charlie (15.43) provided his usual gutsy performance to advance the team 3 places. It was great to see Charlie back in serious competition after a lengthy spell of injuries over the last 4 years. Kerry-Liam, the Scottish Veterans cross country champion, proceeded to run a stormer (15.08) and catapulted Cambuslang into the lead ahead of Liverpool Harriers. His time was the 2nd fastest on the day by an over 35 and confirmed that he is running better than ever.

The experienced Jamie (15.21) who had major Achilles surgery last winter ran strongly from the front to anchor the team to a 27 seconds victory over Trafford with Preston a further 7 seconds adrift. This was an impressive performance by the Cambuslang runners who were only 10 seconds outside Salford’s course record.

Colin Feechan had the difficult task of launching Cambuslang’s over-50 challenge against the two younger age groups. Colin (17.20) paced himself well to finish 17th in his age category. Our rivals were lined up nicely ahead for Frankie Barton to majestically slice through the field to prise open a lead for Cambuslang. His time of 15.49 was the 2nd fastest of the day in his age category. Archie Jenkins (18.17) was now the target man for the opposition and although he lost some ground the club was still in close contention. Dave Thom who only turned 50 prior to the race restored RHC’s lead with a strong 16.26 stint which was the 2nd fastest for this leg and Iain Campbell with an impressive 15.59, the fastest on leg 5 and 5th fastest time overall, consolidated the club’s position at the head of the field. This allowed Frank Hurley (17.05) to run a hard but relaxed final leg which gave Cambuslang a decisive 86 seconds victory over Clayton Le Moor with South London Harriers 18 seconds further behind. Like the over 35 squad this was a well-balanced team effort and the second-best club performance ever behind Oxford City.

Interestingly Frankie, Archie, Frank and Dave had previously won gold in the over 40 race and Frankie had previously competed in all of the 6 medal winning teams while Archie had been in the two over 50 bronze medal teams and Frank in one of them. These statistics speak well of the longevity of the athletes concerned and of their commitment to the club and the sport.

Cambuslang also fielded an over-60 team for the first time. This race took place before the main event and was combined with the men over 70 and all the female age categories. The club finished 24th team through Davie Fairweather (21.15) who had recently returned from an extended holiday in Australia and New Zealand, David Cooney (20.16) and Robert Anderson (21.39).

However, the Cambuslang trio were overshadowed by former title holders Clydesdale who were 12th team thanks to Peter Cartwright (19.16), Brian Campbell (20.09) and Bobby Young (19.06). This UK event is unique in terms of atmosphere, excitement and quality of athletes taking part and it is surprising that so few Scottish teams have participated in the past. Certainly, Cambuslang hope to return again next year and contest all male age groups from over 35 to over 60.

By David Cooney

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Euphian, Kilduskland Road. Ardrishaig. Argyll PA30 8EH

I had the good luck to accompany the Scotland team to the British and Irish Masters 2017 Cross Country International in November and was struck by the great camaraderie around the weekend and the way in which this was seen by many of the runners there as one of (or perhaps) THE highlights of their running season.

That got me to thinking on how we could translate that back to the benefit of Masters Athletics in Scotland and more specifically what the SVHC can do to act as the catalyst in the process. My brief thoughts are a wee starting point for some further work and not all of these have a prescription attached. The suggestions and questions are mine only and not related to my role as the SVHC Treasurer, nor do they represent a Committee view.

The XC International is a pivotal target for many of the best runners in their age group in Scotland (as it is in the other nations) and we need to keep it as a focus for our annual planning. The trial leading up to the selection process has been a great innovation over the last two years and it gives everyone the chance to aspire to run against the best in the British Isles. We should have a wee bit more pushing to get non-SVHC members to join up and strengthen the team.

We should recognise that the running calendar is pretty full and that there is ample opportunity almost everywhere in Scotland for athletes to get their weekend fix in a variety of ways. ParkRun, every local community looking to raise a few bob, serious money making ventures – you know the kind of organisations I mean – and Jogscotland all seem to have added their wares to more established events since I started running seriously about 15 years ago. In this environment the SVHC have to be cute about how we target our own organised races and/or helping out other organisations.

3 The SVHC (Run for It) series is a good model to try and get folk to attend club races or other masters’ events, but does it suffer from having too much of a scatter-gun approach?

I would like to see our runners competing abroad in European and World Masters events wearing Scotland kit if they wish to do so (excepting where they are chosen to be part of a Great Britain and NI team). Most of these events are not selected on talent, apart from the ability to write a cheque, As I understand it if the BMAF was to register more than one kit for representatives of the home countries that would be a possible solution.

The SVHC Committee – or just the Club for that matter – needs help in maintaining its Facebook page, website and club magazine. Facebook by its nature is pretty self-serving but the website is hungry of resources and the magazine is excellent but too dependent on its editor. An under the bus scenario is not good to think about. Volunteers needed.

Is the best name for the club still the Scottish Veteran Harriers Club? I recall it was voted on at an AGM a few years back and it was quite divisive – as a lot of voting is. The traditionalists, including me then, won that debate and kept the existing name, but I wonder if use of the term Master in the name would be better in attracting new members? I’m not quite sure of my own views in this, just that there is a discussion to be had.

What can we do to engender interest in track events? What can we do to spread our events wider throughout Scotland – I’m writing from the west, not the central belt like all thae Glesca and Lanarkshire folk, but I know we are seen as a West of Scotland organisation. Interestingly mind you the XC International team was made up of athletes from across all parts of the country, so there’s maybe something in the mantra of “Put on an event and they will come”

Anyway, that’s enough for now, but it would be interesting to get some reaction.

By Andy Law, Ardrishaig

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR continued

FROM JAMES MUNN

John Emmet Farrell was Maryhill Harriers XC club champion for 21 successive years.

I asked Emmet about the first year he was NOT champion, “Who beat you Emmet? Was it an up-and-coming young man or someone who had come close in previous years?”

He was reluctant to answer but I was persistent and eventually got an answer.

“Jim, three of them beat me.”

“You were fourth, Emmet?”

“Yes, and when we got back to the clubhouse everyone was overjoyed. You would think they were pleased I had lost.”

“Emmet, they were pleased, and I’m with them …….. they were all fed-up with you winning every year.”

“Jim, some smart-alec stood up and called for everyone’s attention. “Listen lads it’s the Scottish XC championships in three weeks’ time so why don’t we have a medal for the first Maryhill Harrier to finish?” Everyone agreed it was a splendid idea.

However Emmet, in a light-hearted way, had his revenge on the whole pack of them – yes, he was the first Maryhill Harrier to finish and, yes, he collected the medal! Oh, and yes, I was back on Emmet’s side.

(As related to me by JEF himself.)

(John Emmet Farrell was one of the greatest ever SVHC members. See his profile under ‘Marathon Stars’ on scottishdistancerunninghistory.scot and read his autobiography “The Universe is Mine” on anentscottishrunning. com)

SCOTTISH WOMEN IN THE IAAF WORLD CROSS

Cross-country running is a traditional sport: a true test of endurance and resilience; meeting such a difficult challenge certainly forms character! Although the population of Scotland is small compared to many other countries, including England, Scottish International cross-country runners work very hard for selection and race even harder. Naturally, some have more talent than others and, assuming they have trained properly and have strong race day nerves, probably finish higher in the results. However, every person named in this article deserves considerable respect.

For Scottish teams, the ICCU International Championships started in 1935 with only one opposing outfit. By 1972, up to 18 teams were competing. Once the IAAF World XC Championships started in 1973, even more countries took part. By 1987, the record number of nations competing had risen to 28. Obviously, this meant a higher standard and truly world-class competition. Scottish Women (and Men) found it increasingly difficult to shine, especially against Russian, American or African opponents but, despite this, often ran well and always did their best on the day. Who can ask for more?

Between 1973 and 1987, Scottish teams took part in the annual IAAF World Cross Country Championships. From 1988 onwards, Scots could only participate as part of a British (United Kingdom) team. There were three types of event for Women during 1973 and 2017: Senior Women Long Course; Junior Women (under 20 years of age, from 1989 onwards); and between 1998-2005, a Senior Women Short Course.

The first IAAF World Championships was held in 1973 in Waregem, Belgium. 75 started and Scotland finished 9th team from 13, in front of Wales, France, Spain and Netherlands. Christine Haskett had won the Scottish National Senior title, but was beaten in the Worlds by her constant rival Margaret Coomber, who was 19th to Christine’s 27th. Ann Barrass finished 38th and Moira O’Boyle 43rd.

Moira O’Boyle was a precocious, determined young athlete who had won the 1973 Scottish Intermediate XC title. Aged only sixteen, she was selected for the Senior Women’s race in the 1973 World XC Championship. In 1974 Moira O’Boyle won the Senior National XC, beating Christine Haskett and Ann Barrass. She had won bronze and silver medals in the SAAA 3000m in 1972 and 1973. Eventually her family moved from Glasgow to Belfast and Moira (later Moira O’Neill) became Northern Irish marathon record holder (and champion three times) and ran for NI in two Commonwealth Games marathons, finishing 8th in 1986 and 12th in 1990. She won the Belfast and Dublin marathons and her fastest time was an impressive 2.37.07.

In 1974 the World Championships took place in Monza, Italy. There were 69 competitors. Mary Stewart ran a tremendous race to finish 8th (4th Briton); Christine Haskett was 33rd, Margaret Coomber 39th and Moira O’Boyle, the Scottish Champion, 43rd. The Scottish team finished 8th, beating four countries – France, Spain, Ireland and Wales.

Rabat, Morocco, was the 1975 venue. 71 ran. Mary Stewart repeated her excellent 8th position (with the same time as the leading British runner, England’s Ann Yeoman 7th), with Scottish Champion Christine Haskett 23rd ((6th Briton), Margaret Coomber 42nd and Ann Barrass 56th. The Scottish team finished 10th, beating Australia, Wales and Morocco.

The 1976 World Championships took place in Chepstow, Wales. 69 ran. Once again, Mary Stewart was first Scot in 9th place (second Briton). Scottish Champion Christine Haskett finished 23rd (4th Briton), Moira O’Boyle was 41st and Margaret Coomber 54th. The Scottish team was 9th, beating Spain, Finland and Wales.

Dusseldorf, West Germany, was chosen for the 1977 World Championships. 96 ran. Margaret Coomber (52nd) beat Scottish Champion Christine Haskett (61st). Judith Shepherd finished 65th and Gillian Hutcheson 86th. The team was 16th, in front of Wales. The medallists were: Soviet Union, United States and New Zealand.

Judith Shepherd was newly 18 when she ran the 1977 World XC. She was to be SAAA 3000m track champion from 1977 to 1979; break the Scottish record for that distance; and win Scottish National XC titles in 1978 and 1979.

The 1978 event was in Glasgow, at Bellahouston Park in wet, muddy conditions. 99 ran. Scottish Champion Judith Shepherd performed very well to be first Scot in 22nd place (5th Briton). Margaret Coomber was 69th, Scottish Intermediate XC winner Fiona McQueen 79th and Janet Higgins 87th. The team finished 16th, beating Wales and Italy.

Fiona McQueen won the Scottish Intermediates XC titles in 1977 and 1978. In 1983 she was first in the Senior National. On the track she became 1981 SAAA 3000m champion.

Violet Hope was Scottish 1500m champion in 1980 and 1983.

Limerick, Eire, was the venue in 1979. 100 ran. Judith Shepherd, Scottish champion once again, finished 44; Fiona McQueen 57th; Kerry Robinson 67th; and Margaret Coomber 82nd. The Scottish team was 14th, beating Wales and Northern Ireland.

In 1980 the World Cross took place in Paris. Scotland had a new champion – Christine McMeekin – and she ran very well indeed to finish 18th (and fourth Briton) from 104 competitors. Fiona McQueen was 73rd, Barbara Harvie 79th and Margaret Coomber – in the last of her fantastic fourteen successive International Cross Country appearances for Scotland – still a counter in 88th place. The team was 15th, just behind Netherlands and Denmark but in front of Wales and Northern Ireland.

Christine McMeekin (later Christine Whittingham) had a twin sister, Evelyn, and an older brother David. All three were outstandingly successful Scottish International athletes and took part in Commonwealth Games. Christine won several SAAA titles including: 800m (thrice); and Indoor 600m (twice). She ran 800m in the 1976 Olympics; and twice raced 1500m in the Commonwealth Games – in 1978 (when she finished fourth) and in 1986. She won two 1500m silver medals in 1986 – in the AAA and UK championships.

Sonia McLaren (later Armitage) was a versatile, durable athlete. In addition to her 1980 World Cross appearance, she secured two bronze medals in the SAAA 3000m in 1979 and 1983; won the 1996 Scottish Hill Running championship; ran for Scotland five times in the World Hill Running Cup and once in the European event; was first in the Scottish Indoor 1500m in 2010; and won four World Masters titles – Hill Running (W40 in 2001), Indoor 800m (W45 in 2010) and Indoor 1500m (W45 in 2008 and 2010).

The 1981 International was held in Madrid, at an altitude of 2200. Spanish athletes think that this makes running more difficult! The 4400m course was on a racecourse with a testing switchback section. Certainly, the British did not do well that day. 118 ran. Christine Price (who had switched clubs to Bolton United Harriers) finished 68th (6th Briton), Lynne MacDougall was 75th, Yvonne Murray 79th and Scottish Champion Alison Wright 95th. The team was 19th, in front of Angola. However, the Scots included two sixteen-year olds: Lynne and Yvonne, plus newly 17-year-old Linsey Macdonald.

Lynne MacDougall. Lynne won the Scottish Intermediate XC in 1982 – a year after her Senior World Championship debut! She won the Scottish Senior National XC in 1985. On the track she won Scottish titles at 3000m (twice) and 1500m (five times). In 1984 she ran 1500m for GB at the Olympics and finished 11th in the final. Lynne also competed in the European Indoors twice and in the Commonwealth Games 1500m in 1986 (8th) and 1990 (5th). In 1989 she became UK 1500m champion and was twice second in the AAA Indoor 1500m. Her long career ended in 2002, when she topped the Scottish marathon rankings with a very good 2.36.29.

Yvonne Murray enjoyed a superb career. Although she shone as a schoolgirl cross country runner and won the Intermediate National in 1981, the track was her best surface. As well as winning five Scottish titles (at distances between 800m and 3000m), Yvonne was AAA champion six times (1500m and 3000m) and UK champion twice (3000m and 5000m). She competed in four Commonwealth Games (winning the 10,000m in 1994); four European Championships (winning the 3000m in 1990); four World Championships; two World Indoor Championships (1993 gold in the 3000m); and two Olympic Games (including a 3000m bronze medal in 1988). Yvonne set many new Scottish records and was a truly great athlete.

Alison Wright had run 800m in the 1978 Commonwealth Games for New Zealand. Then she switched to Scotland and in 1981 won the Senior National XC and the SAAA 1500m.

Linsey Macdonald, it is fair to say, would not have considered cross country her best event. However, she was immensely talented on the track and at 16 years of age ran in the Moscow Olympics 400m (8th in the final) and then helped GB to a bronze medal in the 4x400m Relay. Injuries may have troubled her, but Linsey competed in the 1982 European Championships and Commonwealth Games (making an important contribution to Scotland’s 4x400m bronze). She also took part in the 1986 Commonwealth Games. Linsey was third in the 1982 AAA 400m. Scottish championships were won too: 100m and 200m in 1981; and 400m (1985). In addition, she secured two 800m silver medals in 1987 and 1988, as well as Indoor 800m silver in 1990.

The 1982 World Cross was held in Rome. 109 ran. Christine Price (Scottish champion for the sixth and last time) was first Scot home in 36th place (5th Briton); Yvonne Murray finished 42nd, Kathy Mearns 65th and Jean Lorden 66th. Liz Lynch (of whom much more later) was 71st and Lynne MacDougall 81st. The Scottish team improved considerably to finish 11th from 18 countries, ahead of Sweden, Belgium, Wales, Ireland, Netherlands, Algeria and Denmark.

Kathy Mearns became SAAA 3000m champion in 1983.

Jean Lorden won the Scottish National XC championship in 1986.

In 1983, the event took place in Gateshead, on the notoriously hilly Riverside course. 111 ran. Scottish champion Fiona McQueen was first Scot in 51st place (6th Briton), with Kathy Mearns 53rd (7th Briton), Elise Lyon 67th and Jean Lorden 77th. The team finished 15th, in front of Wales, Ireland, Netherlands and Northern Ireland.

Elise Lyon became Scottish National XC champion in 1984. The 1984 World XC was held in New Jersey, USA. 109 ran. Fiona McQueen was again first Scot, in 41st place. Elise Lyon was 77th, Christine Whittingham (nee McMeekin) 81st and Kirsty Husband 84th. The team was 16th, in front of Northern Ireland. Andrea Everett (the daughter of the famous Scottish One Mile champion and National XC winner Graham Everett) won the SAAA 3000m in 1984.

In 1985, the IAAF World XC took place in Lisbon. 131 ran. Yvonne Murray was first Scot in 42nd place (fourth Briton); and Elise Lyon finished 84th, Christine Price (back again!) 94th and June Standing 101st. The team was 19th, in front of West Germany, Denmark, Northern Ireland and Gibraltar.

Karen MacLeod was a very good runner but, despite the fact that she won the 1987 National XC, probably preferred track or road. She won three Scottish titles: 3000m in 1987 and 1988 and 10,000m in 1994. In 1985 she was third in the 1985 AAA 10,000m and won the 1987 AAA Indoor 3000m. In the Commonwealth Games, Karen ran the 1990 10,000m (12th) and the 1994 marathon (4th). She also ran marathons for GB in the 1993 World Championship and the 1996 Olympics.

Lynda Bain’s best surface was the road. She was SAAA marathon champion twice, in 1983 and 1984 (when she also represented GB in Czechoslovakia) and broke the Scottish record with an impressive time of 2.33.38 in the 1985 London Marathon.

(THIS ARTICLE WILL BE COMPLETED IN THE NEXT NEWSLETTER.)

MEMORIES: R.A.F. and BRITISH AND IRISH INTERNATIONAL

As I approach my 65th birthday my body is telling me I might also be approaching the time to ‘call it a day’ with regard to competing! For someone who started out as a football playing squash player I feel very honoured and privileged to have achieved what I have done as a runner. How was it all achieved? The love for the sport, dedication and hard work, good coaching and guidance, family support, great team mates, at ALL levels and…….talent!!!! Not sure about that one, I’ve always said that if I had talent I might have made a ‘Big Games’ rather than just dreamt about them.

As a runner I went through the RAF in the late 70s, 80s and into the 90s, where, when you lined up in a XC race your team mates were all current GB or Home International runners. I’ll give you an example. One year I finished 13th in the RAF XC Championships and ahead of me that day was Jones, Hackney, Goater, Rimmer x 2, Wild, Crabb, Jenkins, Donnelly, McNeilly and Flint, a fine mixture of great talent showing representation from the four Home Countries.

The history of RAF dominance during that period shows a streak of 23 consecutive wins in the Inter-Service XC Championships. The team would be nine strong, there would be five reserves and fringe runners got the opportunity to attend by being listed as, assistant team manager, kit man etc. I attended on a number of occasions doing one of those jobs and also for three years as Junior Team Manager.

I had to wait until I was a veteran before I got the opportunity to compete, and that was a very nerve-wracking experience to say the least, especially the start. I’d run for Scotland and GB in the marathon before but that was nothing to the pressure I felt waiting for the gun to go. Eighteen runners in the race, six from each Service and your team are favourites! The Inter- Service XC would bring the season to a close with the end of season dinner at night……always a night to remember! A few weeks after my second Inter-Service XC as a runner, I left the RAF. I was ready to leave the RAF but I felt perhaps that might be the end of my running at that level.

Quite the reverse really, because, for the last 20 years I’ve gone on to experience a fair degree of success as a ‘Master’. Although running marathons gave me the opportunity to travel world-wide, XC has always been by first love and The British and Irish Masters XC Champs. would become my new ‘Inter-Services’. I have been lucky enough to have competed in this race many times and every race, every venue brings back fond memories.

My first time, I was only a ‘youngster’, a newbie and the race was hosted by Wales. I boarded the team bus outside Glasgow railway station and we set off 11am. We arrived Cardiff 9.30pm, got our hotel room keys and off to bed. Immediately after the race it was a quick visit to Tesco for some food and drink, and then it was back on the bus getting into Glasgow about 1.30am. Talk about the poor relations.

The following year was much the same. A great course at a sports centre in Sunderland, muddy as hell and like the previous year it was back on the bus and straight back to Glasgow.

The next year it was a trip to Dublin and even today I’m still amazed we managed to get there and back in one piece! On the boat the bus developed a fault and for the rest of the trip we had to push the bus to get it started. It was good to experience, Dublin on a Saturday night and to finish off the evening singing and dancing to Joe Dolan and his Band. We had George Sim to thank for that one!

The Kissing Gate at St.Asaph, dining at Barnstaple around the indoor swimming pool and back to Ireland and Navan, Davie’s gold medal, the Flag! Every trip has a special memory.

One thing I particularly remember about those early trips is the first couple of hours after the races had finished. In those days the Rugby 5 Nations were this side of Christmas and many a time was spent in a pub with Archie, Ian and the Editor watching a game while engaging with the locals. The pub selected was usually one that was on Archie or Colin’s list. Their knowledge in that ‘field’ is something to be admired!

But, their knowledge was not just restricted to the U.K. I was lucky enough to accompany them both to the European Non-Stadia Champs in the Czech Republic. The ‘tour’ they took me on in Prague was nothing short of excellent and has been repeated.

My race, in short, was memorable! Archie and Colin both contested the 10K so it was great to have them encourage me in the Half Marathon. I had an inspired run and crossed the line securing a silver medal. Unfortunately, that meant we had to hang about for the medal ceremony. Now, if you think winning a silver medal in a European Championship wasn’t exciting enough it was nothing compared to the ceremony itself. I was presented with my medal by the late Emil’s wife Dana Zatopek. Unfortunately, I don’t have a picture of that in my scrapbook, since the photographer was dozing in the sun!

Many friendships were formed, not only within your own team but also with runners from the other countries and the meal, presentations and entertainment was always good fun. One year in Northern Ireland I had former RAF team mates all running for the other countries. Put them together and it would have been a winning team. It was always good too to go home with a medal and even better if it was a gold, which I did a couple of times. The best I did individually was, one year, finishing 5th but the success of any team I was in was mainly down to Messrs McLinden and Hurley. I think every time I was selected Andy was also in the team but to be honest there was always a good mix: Archie, Barney and Freddie etc.

Things are a little bit different now thanks to Budget Airlines but personally I don’t think it’s a change for the better. I know there was the odd issue travelling by bus but I do believe back in the early days there was a stronger camaraderie within the team. It was always good fun travelling by bus, Cambuslang slagging off each other; and everyone else on the bus slagging off Cambuslang.

Since I have been involved in organising and managing teams in the past, it cannot be underestimated just how important Davie Fairweather was to the team. A man of few words, the butt of the joke on many an occasion, but totally respected by all.

In this event I’ve competed in all but one of the countries – the one that always eluded me every five years was Scotland. Some things are just not meant to be.

I have a couple of things planned this year; on the ‘bucket list’ is a trip to Oregon for the Prefontaine 10K in September; and hopefully……one last trip to Wales for the XC!

By Doug Cowie

Scottish Masters 3000m Indoors

Eleven 3000 metres races were held on the afternoon of 7th January at the Chris Hoy Stadium, Glasgow. Full results are on the scottishathletics site. A successful event was put on by the Glasgow Athletics Association, the British Milers Club and scottishathletics working together for athletes, coaches and clubs with a view to raising standards. Two Olympic athletes appeared: Laura Muir won the Scottish Senior 3000m title in a fast time; and Eilidh Doyle started her year with a rapid 200m.

Scottish Athletics reported “There was another stunning run by Falkirk Victoria athlete, the incomparable Fiona Matheson. Fiona bettered her own time from this event last year to lower her W55 World Best for 3000m to 10.18.83 with a superb run that surprised her – with her husband, Grant (M55), setting a personal best a bit further back at 10.43. ‘Sometimes you get a performance when you least expect it and I’m really chuffed with this one,’ said Fiona. “To come straight in and run that time surprises me because it’s been difficult training through the Festive period and some tough weather. Grant and I found a hilly field near where we live in Falkirk for one session and then used a cleared mile path at Forth Valley Hospital to do nine x 1 mile reps! He’s getting quicker, now, so I need to watch my back!”

Other Women Masters champions were: Claire Thompson (VP City of Glasgow, who was well clear in the W40 category; Sue Ridley (W50 / EAC) who had a tight battle with Julie Wilson from Inverness and Karen Dobbie (EAC); and Phyllis Hands (W60 / Motherwell.

For the Men, Darrell Hastie (Gala / M35) set the fastest Masters time of the day with 8.51.06; Law’s Darran Muir won the M40 age group; Kerry-Liam Wilson (Cambuslang / M45) posted an impressive 9.02.23 personal best, which for Masters runners, was beaten only by Hastie; Brian Scally (Shettleston / M50) narrowly overcame Cumbernauld’s Howard Elliott; Garscube’s Rob McLennan (M55) won clearly; Allen Marr (P.H. Racing) took the M60 title; Keith’s Ray Aiken secured the M65 championship; and Colin Youngson (Forres H / M70) was content to finish under the standard time for his age group.

SCOTTISH MASTERS INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS AT THE CHRIS HOY STADIUM ON 4TH FEBRUARY 2018

Scottish Athletics apologised for scheduling this fixture the day after the (very well-organised) cross-country championships, but really this is, YET AGAIN, simply not good enough. Instead of cramming Masters Track and Field in with young athletes, relays and combined events, why can’t Masters athletes have a meeting on their own? In this particular case, our events could easily have included the 3000m which took place in early January – had it not been for the usual crazy timetabling, which seems to enjoy usually treating older athletes inconsiderately. When SVHC officials complain, they are fobbed off with weak excuses and perhaps some suggestion that the timetabling will be better next time. Should we believe this? Alasdhair Love is the Scottish Athletics spokesman, but who is actually responsible for such dreadful timetabling?

Although some very good Masters athletes took part in this event (many of them from Ireland and England), there is no doubt that the number of Scots entered was disappointing – partly because of the clash with XC.

The Throws and Jumps tended to have only one entrant in each age-group. Fiona Davidson (Aberdeen AAC), who is the current W40 World Masters Triple Jump Champion, was in fine form, winning three W45 events (60 metres, Long Jump and Triple Jump) and setting three Scottish Masters records. The Long Jump performance (5.28 metres) was a British Masters record as well. Sadly, Fiona took one triple jump too many and had to go to A & E with a badly injured Achilles tendon. Let’s hope she makes a full recovery before long.

Gillian Cooke (EAC – W35) won the 60m, Long and Triple Jump titles. David Carson Graham of Shettleston (M40) won both High Jump and Long Jump. James Smith (Motherwell M70) secured Long Jump, Triple Jump, 60 m and 200m gold medals. James Macgregor (Aberdeen AAC – M50) did well to win his High Jump, defeating competitors in younger age groups.

In the Throws, the star was Mhairi Porterfield (W35 – VPGlasgow AC) who achieved an impressive shot putt of 13.15m.

In the Sprints, Dougie Donald (Central – M55) won titles at 60m and 200m; as did his club-mate Cameron Smith (M45); and Martin Leyland (Shetland AAC – M60).

The Middle-Distance events produced some interesting results. Fiona Matheson (Falkirk Vics – W55) actually lost a race! This was the 800m, when Yvonne Crilly (Lothian Running Club) narrowly outsprinted her. However normal service was resumed when Fiona was well clear of her rivals in the 1500m, which she added to her 3000m victory.

Darran Muir (Law & District – M40) was second in the 1500m but won the 800m to go with his 3000m title; Gordon Barrie (DHH – M45) ran exceptionally well to complete the 800m/1500m double; Andy Ronald (FVH – M50) won gold in an extremely competitive battle with Howard Elliott (Cumbernauld AAC, who had previously won his 800m) and Brian Scally (Shettleston). In the M60 800m, Alastair Dunlop (Kirkintilloch) came out top in a tight contest against John Hughes (Motherwell AC). Frank Hurley (Cambuslang – M65), not content with his excellent silver medal in the previous day’s cross-country, showed great resilience by winning gold in the 1500m.

SCOTTISH MASTERS CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS AT KILMARNOCK ON 3rd FEBRUARY 2018

Scottish Athletics reported as follows: “Scotland international hill runner Charlotte Morgan claimed the Women’s gold at the Scottish Masters XC Champs with a dominant performance. And Shettleston’s Jethro Lennox made it two-in-a-row as he followed up his victory at Dundee last year with a repeat success at Dean Castle Country Park.

To say conditions were muddy would be an understatement. There was mud and hills and muddy hills, plus a horses’ field, tree roots to negotiate, paths with mats thereon and, not to forget, a log to hurdle on a steep uphill. It was, as organisers and host club Kilmarnock Harriers had promised, ‘proper cross country’ and a mental as well as physical battle.

Morgan (Carnethy Hill Racing Club) burst clear early on in the Women’s and Men’s V65 race and seemed to relentlessly keep building that advantage. In the end, she romped home in 23.41 – fully 51 seconds ahead of nearest rival, Catriona Morrison of Stirling Triathlon Club. There was a bronze medal for Lesley Chisholm of Garscube Harriers. Gala Harriers women are often prominent on these occasions and 2018 was no different as they took the team golds back to the Borders. Chisholm led Garscube to silvers, with Giffnock North AC landing the bronzes.

Lennox won the men’s V40-60 race over 8k in a time of 30.13 to take it by only a couple of seconds from silver medallist, Iain Reid of Cambuslang Harriers in an exciting finish. In fact, for Jethro it was basically a repeat of last year when he took the title from another Cambuslang athlete – Robert Gilroy. The bronze medal went the way of Tom Ferrington of Corstorphine. Ferrington’s performance helped Corstorphine to the team gold medals with Cambuslang taking silver and Shettleston Harriers bronze.

Tony Martin of Falkland Trail Runners won the M65 race ahead of Frank Hurley of Cambuslang and Andy McLinden of Hamilton Harriers.

Many thanks to host club Kilmarnock Harriers for superb efforts in staging the Masters XC and putting in a lot of work to deliver the event and a tough course. Thanks, too, to Dean Castle Country Park staff and to all the volunteers making a vital contribution as marshals, timekeepers, finish-line video and Results and so on. Your assistance is vital to making events happen.”

A very good report but more should be added. Some would say that the course was too tough for some of the older Masters runners, judging by a number of falls and injuries and general exhaustion……

The W45 contest was won, narrowly, by Karen Kennedy of PH Racing Club (which is based in Dunfermline) from Allie Chong of Giffnock North AC, with Jennifer Forbes (Gala Harriers) close behind.

The battle for W50 medals was also tight, and victory went to Sheila Gollan (East Sutherland AC), in front of Rhona Anderson (Dunbar Running Club) and Jill Morrow (Edinburgh AC).

Pamela McCrossan (Clydesdale Harriers) finished first in the W55 category, not far ahead of PH Racing Club’s Mary Western, with Fiona Carver (Corstorphine AC) third.

The W60 tussle produced a clear win for Isobel Burnett (Carnegie Harriers), from Susan Linklater (Shetland AC) and Innes Bracegirdle (Fife AC).

British and Irish champion W65 Ann White (Garscube Harriers) won easily from her International team-mates – Linden Nicholson (Lasswade AAC) and Jeanette Craig (Springburn Harriers).

Tony Martin’s M65 victory was well-deserved, since he had to defeat stern opposition in Frank Hurley (Cambuslang) and Andy McLinden (Hamilton Harriers).

Alex Sutherland (Inverness Harriers) produced a great run to win the M70 title (not far behind the M65 medallists) and was a very long way in front of Colin Youngson (Forres Harriers) and Phil Smithard (Carnegie Harriers).

M75 Stephen Cromar (Dundee Hawkhill Harriers) added another gold to his impressive medal collection from this annual fixture. Second was George Black (Fife AC) and third Ian Leggett (Lothian Running Club).

First over 80 home was Arnott Kidd; and SVHC stalwart Willie Drysdale (Law & District) soon followed.

The M40-M64 race was packed with impressive ‘young’ athletes!

M45 gold went to William Richardson of Irvine Running Club – he was fifth overall and well clear of Cambuslang’s Justin Carter and Stephen Wylie.

Jim Buchanan (M50 – Dumfries Running Club) had to fight hard to stay a few seconds in front of previous champion Nick Milovsorov (Metro Aberdeen Running Club). Cumbernauld AAC’s Ross McEachern was third.

The next two categories were won by particularly famous Scottish athletes, both from Cambuslang. Colin Donnelly was first in the M55 race, in front of Ted Gourley (Giffnock North AC) and Alick Walkinshaw (Cambuslang). Eddie Stewart became M60 champion but his team-mate Paul Thompson made him work hard and it was good to see Charlie Haskett (DHH) a former multi-surface Scottish International runner, secure the bronze medal.

In the 50-60 Men’s Team Race, Cambuslang won from Shettleston and Corstorphine. The Women’s 40-45 Team medallists were Gala Harriers, Garscube Harriers and Giffnock North AC; and in the 50+ contest, Edinburgh AC, Giffnock North and Fife AC.

There were long queues for showers and also for food and drink; but the medal ceremony was organised very efficiently by Alex Jackson and many colleagues.

Altogether, it was a memorable day and an extremely ‘challenging’ course!

Kilmarnock 2018

There is an apt Gaelic expression for when you encounter an obstacle or obstruction in your path. It’s “cnap staidhre” pronounced with a sneaky but appropriate “r” between the first two letters; literally an annoying or unexpected bump in your progression up some steps or indeed anywhere else where forward movement is affected. One of the pleasures of running with the ‘fast ladies’ is the occasionally shared feminine squeak when a sudden drop or mud slide comes up to meet you – not that they are incapable sometimes of a more robust response.

Anyway, Deans Park, Kilmarnock was not a course for the faint-hearted; no douce Holyrood parkland but a full-blooded, gutsy, mixed-terrain experience providing a continual challenge to find the best foothold, balance and pace adjustment. And that is why those of us who love to get off road can become addicted to cross-country running!

If I go off too quickly I can get the equivalent of travel sickness until the internal bits get used to the jolting, so a good 15-minute warmup confirmed the challenges ahead. Deans Park mud varied between shoe removing suction and sago pudding consistency. Spikes definitely helped on the firmer ground and uphill but how exactly do you run fast downhill in the things with no heel grips? Apply ski technique and just keep leaning forward looking for the turns and open up on the flat? And then there’s the fall-back of imagining you’re playing a good Highland Strathspey on the fiddle or on the dance floor with swoops and checks in rhythm and movement which allow you to soak up and even out the terrain on the musical journey.

So, to return to this race that I’m supposed to be writing about for Colin. It was useful to get a sight of the leaders at the bottom bend and although I’m in another age bracket I’m still racing these guys who have yet to move up to the biblical three score and ten category. Vocal support was good throughout and you could not at any cost let yourself be seen to drop to a walk pace breasting that hill for the second time. The offset log after the muddy drop and hairpin turn was an interesting uphill hurdle challenge which could have spelt disaster but that was claimed by Bobby Young who tripped on one of the rubber mats when almost safely home and proudly wore the local camouflage all the way back to the shower.

And that reminds me of another useful bit of terminology from Orkney. I am told that when you fall off a pier headfirst with a peculiar twisting motion you have “Capswevilled” into the drink. Bobby got an Olympic 9.5!

By Alex Sutherland

BRITISH CROSS-COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS AT FORRES ON 17TH MARCH

2018

Despite the icy wind blowing across Grant Park, it turned out to be a great day for the organisers Forres Harriers and for many Scottish Masters runners. The course wound round bumpy grass, up forest trails and a long, steep, horrible hill, and then along leafy litter (but very little mud), before plunging back down to the park and towards the finish; or into the final lap for non-pensioner men.

Women and old guys raced first, which was only polite. Merely six seconds separated the W40 medallists, with Jennifer MacLean of EAC squeezed into silver medal position by only two seconds.

Sara Green of Gala Harriers won the W35 contest: 5th overall but one place behind the amazing evergreen Fiona Matheson (Falkirk Victoria) who cruised to W55 gold – only a week before she had gained another two British Masters victories (1500m and 3000m) at the Indoor meeting at Lee Valley.

Michelle Slater of Moray Road Runners secured W35 bronze; and Anne Howie (AAAC) W55 silver. W50 bronze medallist was Rachel McCuaig of Nairn Road Runners.

In the W60 category, silver and bronze went to Fife AC runners: Innes Bracegirdle and Margaret Martin.

Linden Nicholson of Lasswade AC enjoyed a tremendous race and became the W65 British Champion by three clear minutes.

Forres Harriers favourite, Anne Docherty, made sure of yet another W70 British Masters title after a close battle with Lesley Bowcott of Wimbledon.

Tony Martin (Falkland Trail Runners), who has kindly sent in an action-packed report, thoroughly deserved his clear M65 victory against very good opposition; Cambuslang’s Frank Hurley sprinted to silver just in front of that durable campaigner Stan Owen from Salford.

Inverness Harrier Alex Sutherland, who is in great form, was clear favourite for the M70 title and won by two minutes. His clubmate Tim Kirk finished third.

A real Scottish Masters stalwart, Pete Cartwright of Clydesdale, ran strongly to win M75 gold.

Then there was a special moment for Les Nicol (Metro Aberdeen RC). He has won Scottish Masters XC titles at M70 and M75; and was M75 bronze medallist in the 2014 British and Irish Masters XC International; but now he achieved a greater triumph, becoming British M80 Champion a minute ahead of Steve James (Southport), who is a past World Champion in several age groups.

In the Second race, Inverness Harrier Donnie Macdonald sped to an impressive overall victory and M35 gold. Robbie Paterson from Moray Road Runners was fourth finisher and secured M35 silver. Just behind him, Leon Johnson (EAC) won M40 bronze.

Justin Carter of Cambuslang sprinted in to win M45 silver, hotly pursued by two age-group rivals.

Steve Cairns, nowadays representing Tyne Bridge Harriers, became M50 champion.

The seemingly indestructible Colin Donnelly (Cambuslang) raced away with the M55 title. (It was long ago, in 1979, when young Colin first made clear his amazing talent and toughness by winning the gruelling Ben Nevis Race.)

In the M60 age group, there were silver and bronze medals for two Scottish athletes: Donald Petrie (Kilbarchan) and Frankie Barton (Cambuslang).

18 individual gold medals were available; and Scots won 9 of them! This was the northernmost venue for the BMAF XC but more than 200 finished and another 50 had entered – a good turnout for this annual event.

Many team prizes also stayed in Scotland. W35: Metro Aberdeen gold; Forres Harriers bronze. W45: Inverness Harriers gold; Edinburgh AC silver. W55: Forres Harriers gold. M35: Inverness gold; EAC silver; Moray Road Runners bronze. M45: Inverness gold. M55: Cambuslang gold. M65: Cambuslang gold; Inverness silver; Clydesdale bronze.

BMAF officials were delighted. Maclean’s range of delicious hot pies prevented hypothermia. Then results arrived and presentations went smoothly. For those not travelling home, celebrations continued into the night. A great day, indeed!

BMAF Masters Cross Country 2018: The Battle for M65 Victory

The Beast from the East Part 2 had started its shenanigans again on Sat morning. Looking out of the window at 6:30 a.m., I could see a small blizzard was blowing in, not a good omen for the 3-hour trip up to Forres for the British Masters XC champs (6K).

However, the weather gods relented and we enjoyed an incident free trip past snow-covered mountains, highlighted with spring sunshine against a blue sky. We arrived in Forres with around 40 minutes to spare before the start of the race – quick number pickup, changed and a jog over to the start – it didn’t give us much time to look at the course – apart from the loop around the park. Met up with a few running friends and rivals, notably my Scottish team mate Frank Hurley and, from way back when I first started running, Salford runner Stan Owen. Stan doesn’t travel to races just to take part.

The fact that it was a British Championship gave us a chance to race against runners from London, Gloucester, Liverpool and other areas from England. Those making the journey hadn’t come all that way just to look at the scenery.

Considering the amount of rain and snow we had over the past weeks, the course was dry underfoot. The route took us around the park over a couple of bumps and up a small hill, cut off to the right and back round the park again. Instead of cutting off right on the small hill, this time we continued up the big hill, up some more, climbed a bit more, but after that it was back down onto the flat and into the finish.

At the start the wind was in our faces. The sun was out but couldn’t compete against the chilly wind. As we lined up, I looked around – Stan was way over to my left. I was as close to the barrier as I could get, on account that the course took a right turn. Frank hovered behind me. I didn’t want to lead out from the start, but from where Stan was it meant he had quite a way to run to get to the corner.

I had no choice, as the gun went, but to go into the lead at a steady pace. Stan caught me and immediately went to the front. “Here we go,” I thought, “He’s going to force it now.” The pace was comfortable and I sat on Stan’s shoulder until we hit a small bump. Then I pushed up, overtook Stan and hit the hill.

As we turned right and headed down to the 2nd loop, Stan came flying past me, putting in a burst onto the flat. Decision time. Do I let him gain a few yards and try to pick him up (if I could) later on? Or go with the pace and hang on? Go with the pace, it’s a championship race.

I got my head down and chased him. Stan slowed down, so I went past, lungs bursting. “Oh, blinking heck!” (substitute your own swear words in here!): he’s now going to sit in with Frank and leave me hanging out at the front. Momentum carried me on, and I gradually pulled away from the pack. I’m assuming that’s what happened, as I wasn’t looking back, too scared about what I might see!

I decided that when we hit the hill, to push really hard. if anyone came past me, fair play to them, they deserved it. The hill was a relentless hard climb, which levelled out to a bend then kicked you in the teeth with another incline – we only did it once but the youngsters had to run it twice.

I had a chance to look down on the path as we twisted our way up. I couldn’t see Frank or Stan below me, so I assumed they were sitting behind, waiting to give me a good kicking. Over the top, and we headed down towards the park again, leaping over a small embankment which caused a few casualties as we landed among the Spring daffodils poking up nervously.

Summoning up my last reserves of energy, I dug in hard around the winding route to the finish, trying to make it difficult for anyone sneaking up behind me to overtake. I crossed the line in 1st place 22:44, 6th overall, happy to note that Frank had passed Stan on the small embankment to secure 2nd place with Stan 3rd.

It may not seem like this to the observer from the sidelines, but the racing in the Vets is just as fierce as you would find in Senior races – only maybe a bit slower. Most of us hail from an era (before the running boom) when road and XC was predominately about racing and not a mass-participation sport. That’s why I enjoy competing in Masters races – you get a good honest race like they used to be! Coupled with a friendly competitive spirit and a chance to catch up with Old friends (literally!). You couldn’t wish for more.

By Tony Martin

OFFICE BEARERS SEASON 2017-2018

Honorary President: ALASTAIR MACFARLANE

President: CAMPBELL JOSS 25 Speirs Road Bearsden, G61 2LX Tel: 0141 9420731 cdjoss2@gmail.com

Immediate Past President: ALASTAIR MACFARLANE

Vice-President: ADA STEWART 30 Earlsburn Road, Lenzie, G66 5PF Tel: 0141 578 0526 stewart2@ntlworld.com

Honorary Secretary: JOHN SOFTLEY 6 Cathkinview Road Mount Florida Glasgow G42 8EH Tel. 0141 5701896

Honorary Treasurer: ANDY LAW Euphian, Kilduskland Road Ardrishaig, Argyll PA30 8EH Tel. 01546 605336 Lawchgair@aol.com

Membership Secretary: ADA STEWART 30 Earlsburn Road, Lenzie, G66 5PF Tel: 0141 5780526 stewart2@ntlworld.com

Handicapper: PETER RUDZINSKI 106 Braes Avenue Clydebank. G81 1DP Tel.0141 5623416 p.rudzinski@ntlworld.com

Committee Members:

JOHN BELL Flat 3/1, 57 Clouston Street Glasgow G20 8QW Tel. 0141 9466949 MARGARET DALY 24 Strowan Crescent Sandyhills Glasgow G32 9DW Tel. 0141 573 6572

WILLIE DRYSDALE 6 Kintyre Wynd Carluke, ML8 5RW Tel: 01555 771 448

DAVID FAIRWEATHER 12 Powburn Crescent Uddingston, G71 7SS Tel: 01698 810575

EDDIE McKENZIE Little Haremoss, Fortrie, Turriff Aberdeenshire, AB53 4HR Tel: 01464 871430

STEWART McCRAE 17 Woodburn Way, Balloch Cumbernauld G68 9BJ Tel: 01236 728783

PAUL THOMPSON Whitecroft, 5 Gareloch Brae, Shandon, Helensburgh G84 8PJ Tel. 01436 821707

ROBERT YOUNG 4 St Mary’s Road, Bishopbriggs Glasgow G64 2EH Tel. 0141 5633714

BMAF Delegates To be appointed Ada Stewart

SAL West District Delegate Willie Drysdale

SAL Delegate at AGM To be appointed

Website Ada Stewart

Auditor George Inglis

FIXTURES

April 2018

Sun 1st Tom Scott 10 mile Road Race Water Sports Centre, Strathclyde Park, Motherwell 10:00am

Sat 28th BMAF Road Relay Champs Sutton Park,Birmingham

May 2018

Wed 2nd Snowball 4.8M road race Coatbridge 7:30pm Changing at Lochview Golf Driving Centre

Sun 6th Walter Ross 5m Trail Race, Pollok Park, Cartha Rugby Club 1:30pm

18th – 20th European Masters Non Stadia Championships – Alicante, Spain

Sat 26th Bathgate Weslo Cairnpapple Race 2:30pm Entry fee £3 June 2018

Wed 6th Corstorphine 5 Mile Road Race Turnhouse Rd, Edinburgh, 7:30pm

Sun 17th BMAF 5km Championships Horwich Leisure Centre Victoria Road , Horwich BL6 5PY

Sun 24th BMAF Multi-Terrain Champs Gravesend

Wed 27th SVHC 5K Champs Sea Scouts Hall, Miller Street, Clydebank, 19:30

July 2018

Sun 8th England Masters Inter-Area T&F Challenge Solihull

Sat 14th SAL Masters T&F Champs, Grangemouth

Sun 22nd BMAF Half Marathon Champs Redhill, Surrey

Fri 27th SAL Masters 5000M Champs, Scotstoun

August 2018 Sun 5th BMAF 10K Champs, Stoke on Trent

Sun 12th Glasgow 800 10km road race Cartha Rugby Club, 1:30pm

September 2018 Sat 15th Masters Cross Country Trials Tollcross Park

Sun 23rd Loch Ness Marathon, Inverness

October 2018

Sun 7th SVHC Half Marathon Champs, Kirkintilloch

Sun 7th BMAF Marathon Champs, Chester

Sun 14th SVHC Track 10,000m. Times TBC Followed by AGM, Date & venue TBC See website for full details

November 2018

Sat 17th British & Irish Masters Cross Country International – Swansea, Wales

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