On Saturday 18th December the hardy runners of Maryhill Harriers braved the snow and ice to run round Maryhill Park 3 times for the Christmas Handicap race. After carrying out a quick risk analysis by sending the juniors round the course once*, 15 runners toed the line for at least 3 and a half minutes before the race started and Fletcher disappeared off into the distance for his half hour head start (I don’t know what race Kenny based the handicap on, but I’m guessing it must have been Fletcher’s time for the last 2 miles of one of his ultra races). No one ever caught Fletcher and three solitary laps later, after managing not to take any wrong turns, he crossed the line the handicap winner. It is also worth noting that the handicappers had managed to mix up Joe McCartney with Haile Gebrselassie (in fairness they do look quite alike). A pre-race e-mail had encouraged runners to dress up and Sam looked tremendous as a Christmas tree, Caroline very butch as Joseph Hill (with face painted beard), Stephen was a vision as the blonde pregnant wife of Joseph – Mary Hill, and Andy while he didn’t dress up ran like a donkey!
The course was alright underfoot (I was wearing hill shoes right enough!?) for most of the way, but one stretch along the top and the final corner were murder and reduced almost everyone to a shaky shuffle. Speaking of which, the winner based on time was John Weir with an impressive 12:50 in his trusted XC spikes. When interviewed after the race John said “Knock, Knock…”
Well done to the junior athletes who all did brilliantly in the conditions. Thanks to the senior members who stewarded for the junior race. And a huge thanks to Gus and Susan for doing the time keeping and facing all the hassle that came along with that. The times are listed below:
John Weir 12:50
Stephen Jones 13:31
Caroline Jones 13:45
Anthony Jones 14:11
Andy Sutherland 14:27
Duncan Riddell 14:37
Sarah Adam 14:51
Kenny Stevenson 15:50
Sam Thompson 15:55
Joe McCartney 16:15
Holly Dear 16:37
Chris Hever 16:40
Caroline Hassan 17:10
Fletcher Murdoch 17:39
Margaret Peebles 17:56
Any queries about times or handicaps should be directed to the new transport minister as the recent bout of snow is his fault anyway.
* Just joking – we did actually send the president round to check the course before either race started.
Editors note: In the last race report, the author implied that the Christmas Handicap would in some way help decide between the Wee Three (Mick, John, and Andy) and Duncan as they had all won one race each. It has since been pointed out that Andy has actually been first Harrier in 2 races – the DAAA XC Relays and the Uni 5-Miler. So although not taking an outright wins lead in the merit league, John has claimed a second victory to draw level with Andy. After winning the last two races (off-road), the momentum is very much with John, but how will he fair against Andy when we return to the roads – watch this space: Saturday 8th January, Nigel Barge 10k RR!
