There was a fine turn out for this years Bannerman Trail Race as the 2019 Merit League reaches it’s business end. 13 runners took to Dawsholm Park and, due to a rare Easter heatwave, the course was unusually dry and mud-free!
Club president Kenny Stevenson was on hand to set us off on the 2 lap, 5k course that takes in an undulating loop of the park, including the dreaded staircase. Mens Merit League leader Rory started tentatively, perhaps wary of a wrong turn, and let Craig P lead early on followed by Finn. He soon found his stride on the 2nd lap however and galloped away to record another convincing victory and take the Mens title. Craig stuck in well though and managed to see off Finn to take 2nd place. Slightly further back, I had attempted to sneak in ahead of Craig W and hold him off, however he continued his recent return to race form by overtaking me on the 2nd lap finishing strongly.
Another runner on the comeback trail was Natalie, who ran fantastically to take the Ladies title and 6th place overall. She held off Alisdair in 7th, who looked very strong, before a sprint to the line saw Lynsey pip James to 8th place. That was soon followed by another photo finish, as Chris narrowly got one over Cat. Kenny and Margaret followed next to cap off a great nights raving for the Harriers.
Thank you to all runners for another well supported Merit League race, and to Mick, Caroline, Kenny and Joe for coming along to cheer us on. Congratulations to Rory and Natalie, our 2019 Bannerman champions.
Full Results
1st – Rory Clark – 20:48
2nd – Craig Perrie – 21:31
3rd – Finn Boyd – 22:27
4th – Craig White – 22:57
5th – Scott Coulter – 23:22
6th – Natalie Somerville – 24:40
7th – Alisdair Kinniburgh – 25:20
8th – Lynsey Parker – 25:47
9th – James Prior – 25:48
10th – Chris Hever – 27:19
11th – Cat Nisbet – 27:20
12th – Kenny Henderson – 27:50
13th – Margaret Peebles – 30:18
Photos at Bannerman Trail Race 2019