The week leading up to the race was unprecedented. As with many other events a lot of races were cancelled or postponed. This included several races for which many of the harriers had been training through the harsh winter months. I have to say that despite the disappointment a pragmatic attitude reigned. At the end of the day without health we have nothing.
There was understandably a question mark over whether this run would actually take place. Equally there was concern amongst the harriers about whether it was worth the risk. Many of the harriers work in the care and health sector. They and their colleagues have our thanks and good wishes in the challenging times ahead.
Despite/in spite of covid 19 and a few enforced route changes the race went ahead. The harriers were represented by Natalie, Lynsey, Linda, Scott, Chris, Finn and me (Christmas Handicap 2019 winner, but I don’t like to talk about it). The 2019 race was run under atrocious conditions. However the weather this year was pretty decent.
I was concerned as I wasn’t feeling great before the race. Due to Corona beer consumed at a St Patricks do the night before rather than corona virus. Ah nights out, remember them. However once I got going I picked up a decent pace. I managed to maintain this and was delighted to finish in 1:36:12, 8 minutes faster than last year and knocking 4 minutes of my PB.
My guru Lynsey who recommended the pre-race night out training method finished in an excellent 1:39:20. Linda ran like a totally different person on the day finishing in a course PB of 1:53:25. Natalie took the club half marathon honours with an excellent time of 1:33:21.
Finn who has been flying recently had the misfortune to develop the dreaded shin splints at the 3k mark. Worse was to follow as he was overtaken by me at around the 10 mile mark. I don’t like to talk about it though. Despite this he finished in a very respectable 1:36:54. Harrier of the year Chris stepped off a flight from Turkey to finish in a solid 1:51:29. Scott took the club half marathon honours and just missed out on a PB with an excellent time of 1:30:31. That was after stopping to tie his laces. Velcro next year Scott.
A great course very well marshalled. Thanks to harriers Alisdair, Kenny and Andrew for volunteering at their usual spot. Always good to see them and particularly during this race as you know there’s only a wee bit to go.
The race was won by Ryan Thomson of Cambuslang Harriers in 1:06:23. First female was Ann Robin of Bellahouston Road Runner in a time of 1:26:42. Congratulations to both.
Despite the pre-race concerns given the current situation I am glad I ran this race particularly as we may not see each other for a while. All the very best to you and yours, keep safe and see you all soon.
Results:
Scott Coulter 1:30:31
Natalie Somerville 1:33:21
James Prior 1:36:12
Finn Boyd 1:36:54
Lynsey McLaughlin 1:39:20
Chris Hever 1:51:29
Linda Sinclair 1:53:25
Photos at https://photos.app.goo.gl/sKeZMoEHT3s1gnDCA
