Loch Ness 24 – 26/27 August
It wouldn’t be a Harriers report without some sort of crazy event. This time our ultra crazies took part in the Loch Ness 24 team challenge and there were some excellent running on the day.
The event was an unusual format with runners completing as many 7km laps as they could within 24 hours. With our runners competing in the team events, they took turns each to run the loop with each runner resting in between.
The highlight of the weekend was “The LegEnds” team made up of Elaine Anley, Fiona Macfarlane, Marianne McKay, Lynsey Mooney and Cheryl Thomas. The team of superhumans won the ‘small team’ event finishing over 1 minutes ahead of the next team but a whopping 9 laps more! The team of 5 completed a total of 30 laps equalling around 210 km in total (around 42km each) running just over a marathon each, a first ultra distance for a few of the team.
Chris Mooney competed in a team made up of 3 other runners including IAC athlete Jason Kane, local runner Graeme Tosh and Ultra runner Intars Bergmanis. The 24 hours didn’t get off to the best start with the only ultra runner in the team being subject injury meaning the team of 3 had to grit through the rain and lack of sleep. A real team effort mean the guys finished in 5th place overall completing 33 laps in total which was around 231 kms. Chris completed around 43 miles alone for the team which shows the effort needed in this event.
Finishing 1 lap behind this team were the “Nap or Nae Nap” team which included two Harriers, Kevin Begley and Sean Macfarlane. The team of 5 also included Jason McInally, Martin Power and Bruce Strang with all 5 working as a team to complete 224 kms. The team managed an incredible 32 laps to finish 6th small team.
Huge well done to all and a great example of how running is a team sport and showing clubs working together.
Tom Robb Memorial Trail Race – 26/8/23
Aaron McCrone and William Taylor completed the undulating 7 mile trail race through in Denny.
Results
24th Aaron McCrone – 52:19
25th William Taylor – 52:26
Ben Nevis Hill Race – 2/9/23
Robert Wilson pulled on the Harriers colours to take on the highest hill in Britain. Robert completed the race in a brilliant time of 3h 24m 18s.
Kyles 10 Miles – 9/9/23
Donald Shaw was the first Harrier home at the Kyles 10 miles race. Don finished 10th place (2nd V50) in 1:10:02. Eric Lindsay finished in 1:17:40 and 7th V50 with Liz Ness the 3rd Harrier in 1:50:16.
Results
Don Shaw – 1:10:02
Eric Lindsay – 1:17:40
Liz Ness – 1:50:16
British & Irish Masters XC trial race – 9/9/23
Having had success at this race over the years, GGH turned out in strong numbers seeking selection to represent Scotland on home soil. Tollcross Park played host to the trial race once again on an extremely warm Saturday afternoon.
First up were the ladies all ages and men over 65. Graham led the team home in a very strong v65 age category with Marian Monk getting back to good form. Marianne & Charlotte McKay and Frank McMahon were 4th in their category and will be hoping to attend future training sessions to give the selectors food for thought.
The longer 8km race included the remining men’s age categories. Andrew Osbourne and Neil Lafferty has a great battle throughout the race with the in-form Andrew taking the honours and 4th in his age category and an impressive 6th overall, just outside automatic selection. Neil secured automatic selection finishing an excellent 2nd place and 7th overall. The evergreen Paul Monaghan paced his race extremely well and was closing in on both Andrew and Neil. Paul secured automatic selection and another well earned Scotland vest by finishing 1st v50. The quartet of Harriers to follow missed out on selection places but will be keen to get their name on the selectors radar.
Following on from the trial race Andrew Osbourne was delighted to earn his first Scotland vest joining Paul and Neil to represent team Scotland in November. Hopefully we will see a few additions as we get closed to the date.
6km race results
Graham McGrattan – 28:28 (7th V65)
Marian Monk – 29:39 (8th V50)
Marianne McKay – 31:11 (4th V45)
Frank McMahon – 33:49 (4th V70)
Charlotte McKay – 43:51 (4th V65)
8km race results
Andrew Osbourne – 29:06 (6th overall, 4th V40) – Selected
Neil Lafferty – 29:09 (7th overall, 2nd V45) – Selected
Paul Monaghan – 29:31 (9th overall, 1st V50) – Selected
Andrew McCall – 30:44 (5th V35)
Andrew White – 32:47 (5th V55)
Stevie Campbell – 34:20 (13th V45)
Campbel Cromar – 38:31 (8th V60)
Stirling Podfather 10km – 10/9/23
Wes Pattison was the sole Harrier at Podfather 10km race, a race renowned for its quick course and stacked field. Wes completed the race in 35:20 deep into his marathon training.
Great North Run – 10/9/23
Five harriers headed south to take part in one of the worlds biggest half marathon races – The Great North Run. The heat took its toll on the runners as temperatures swelled. Sue Lassman was the first female finisher for GGH in an impressive 1:45:39. Cheryl Thomas was next to finish, taking 50 seconds off her time from the previous year. Dannie was hot on Cheryl’s heels finishing under 2 minutes behind. Well done to all three ladies! Rhys Jones completed the course in 1h 44m 49s with long time member, Phil Russell, making up the 5th Harrier place.
Results
Rhys Jones – 1:44:49
Sue Lassman – 1:45:39
Cheryl Thomas – 1:56:05
Dannie Seddon – 1:58:46
Phil Russell – 2:04:29
Kilmacolm running festival – 10/9/23
The local festival of running is always well attended by harriers with a lot testing the fitness levels before Glasgow.
In the junior 3km we had several of the young Harriers running. Elijah Taylor was taking after his Dad finishing 2nd in his age group. Stella McCabe had another strong run and continues her excellent form. Elsie Doherty was building on her xc form and ran an excellent race. Isaac Robin and Patrick Mcabe also did very well.
In the 10k we had 4 men in the top 10 with Andrew Osbourne having the run of the day after his excellent performance at the xc the day before. Daniel and Stephen both had a good battle until the end with Stephen pulling in Daniel in the later half of the race but Daniel finished strong in the last 1km to hold on to 4th place. William Taylor made up the top 10 with a strong run.
Jennifer Rooney was the first Female Harrier to cross the line finishing 4th. Sharon Doherty’s training has been paying off as she smashed her 10km PB and the fast finishing Amy MacDonald just a few seconds behind her club mate.
Building up to his marathon Oliver Reilly smashed his half marathon PB to take 6th place. Neil Lafferty was in the top 10 with a strong performance after the xc race the day before. Stephen Harrison was delighted to get under 1h 30mins goal with another PB performance. Lorna Mitchell secured 4th place in the ladies race with an astonishing 6 min PB! Lynne Harrison was almost 1 minute quicker than a previous showing that her training is really paying off.
If we have missed anyone out on the results, please just get in touch. Unfortunately, the results do not allocate a club to the athlete making it more difficult to pick everyone out.
10km results
Andrew Osbourne, 2nd 34:42
Daniel Doherty, 4th 37:20
Stephen Hanley, 5th 37:45
John Logan, 6th 38:53
William Taylor, 9th 41:41
Danny McLaughlin, 13th 43:13
Jennifer Rooney, 4th 45:05
Paul Meahan, 47:26
Kevin Begley, 48:20
James Doherty, 49:21
Nathalie Smith, 52:41
Sharon Doherty, 60:49
Amy MacDonald, 60:55
Lesley McKerral, 61:02
Mary Robinson, 69:13
Half Marathon results
Oliver Reilly, 6th 1:17:10
Neil Lafferty, 9th, 1:18:57
Stephen Harrison, 1:29:35
John Stevenson, 1:30:12
Lorna Mitchell, 4th 1:37:33
Craig Hyslop, 1:42:25
Stephen Reid, 1:46:21
Lynne Harrison, 1:51:26
Terri Wall, 1:51:56
Debbie McKenzie, 1:55:27
Susie Gillies, 2:02:07
Richard McCall, 2:03:29
David McDiarmid, 2:17:26
Dumfries Half Marathon – 17/9/23
The Dumfries Half Marathon incorporated the West District championships and when there is a medal up for grabs, our Paul will be there to contest for the top prize. The day after the club race Paul showed no sign of tiredness with a storming run taking 3rd place overall and Gold in the veteran category. Another accolade to a staggering list of medals for Paul.
Paul Monaghan – 3rd place (1st Vet) 1:15:21
Acorn Trails Sandhead 10 miles – 17/9/23
In Stranraer Lorna Mitchell smashed friends of GGH race, Acorn Trails Sandhead 10 mile race taking home the top spot for first female on what looks like a course with a wee bit of everything. Lorna knows how to find a good adventure.
Lorna Mitchell – 1st Lady, 1h 22m
Scottish Half Marathon – 24/9/23
Well done also to Scot Hill who was the single representative at the Scottish Half Marathon finishing in 1:39:16.
Berlin Marathon – 24/9/23
History was set at the Berlin Marathon as the world watched Tigst Assefa smash the women’s world record in 2:11:53. The GGH faithful however had their eyes on the screen looking for the Harriers vests.
One year on from setting his marathon PB Oliver was in great shape to repeat the feat. Setting off with a pace in mind, Oli set a steady pace throughout the entire race, barring one ‘emergency’ stop at 11 miles. At half way Oliver’s time was an impressive 1h 20mins and now the question was could he hold on to break his PB? With all of his experience he continued to push on through the pain barrier and smashed his previous best by nearly 3 minutes! That’s now Berin, London, Chicago and Boston all ticked off for Oliver. Only 2 stars remaining to complete all 6 marathon majors leaving New York and Tokyo. What makes this even more impressive is that Oliver has now completed all 4 of the marathon majors well under 3 hours, can he continue this trend and not only complete all 6 but do so all under 3 hours, a feat that not many across the globe can boast. Oliver also has Alan and Wes in a race to complete all of the 6 star races. Great to see from the Harriers.
Also taking part was Michael McLoone who was looking to mark his new age category by completing the marathon. The race was going so well until just after the half marathon mark. Michael completed the route in just under 4 hours. I’m sure Michael will be looking to bounce back from this one and put his marathon training to practice again soon.
Results
Oliver Reilly – 2:42:05
Michael McLoone – 3:54:05
Loch Ness Marathon – 1/10/23
While the Harriers descended on Glasgow, two Harriers ditched the city for the stunning scenery at Loch Ness. Sean Marshall and Aaron McCrone took on the tough course and looks like they both had very good runs.
Results
Aaron McCrone – 3:17:33
Sean Marshall – 3:58:39
Sunday 8th October races
Chester Marathon
Paul Monaghan and Neil Lafferty managed to escape from a waterlogged Inverclyde to run in the Chester Marathon. The race incorporated the British Masters Marathon champs and it was set to be a tasty battle. In contrast to the local weather, the Marathon guys were enjoying a glorious day in the sun. Both men set out to test themselves against the top veterans in the country, with Neil making his Marathon debuted he will be happy to have smashed the illusive 3 hour mark at the first time of asking finishing in a time of 2 hours 53 minutes and 11 seconds and 20th placed v45. Unfortunately for Paul after a strong start his hamstring started to cause him bother. He pushed through the pain to complete the marathon only a few minutes behind his club mate.
It wouldn’t be an away day without some parkrun tourism with young Isobel Lafferty completing the Chester parkrun in 31:32. Well done Isobel.
Results
Neil Lafferty – 2:53:11
Paul Monaghan – 2:55:53
Chicago Marathon
Nearly 4,000 miles away the Rothesay boys Alan and Wes were running the Chicago Marathon. It looks like both guys ran a great race over the tough course with Alan smashing his PB from London and Wes not far off his last 2 major marathon times. That’s now 3 from 6 of the marathon majors complete for both of the boys and will be looking to chase Oliver’s in the race to complete all 6.
Results
Wes Pattison – 2:48:18
Alan Poole – 3:03:52 (PB)
Sophia Half Marathon
A little closer to come Chris Cameron completed the Sophia Half Marathon while in Bulgaria with a few familiar faces. Well done Chris, Andy and Jon.
Results
Chris Cameron – 1:46:47
Loch Rannoch 10km Race – 14/10/23
The in-form William Taylor headed through to Loch Rannoch to race the out and back 10km route. Unfortunately for William he was just about recovered from the dreaded Covid-19 virus and missed out on the target of running under 40 minutes. I’m sure we will see William bounce back and smash those goals in no time again.
Results
8th Place, William Taylor – 41:54
Sunday 15th October races
Amsterdam Marathon
New member, Paul Stewart, looked like the solo Harrier in the streets of Amsterdam. The marathon is famous for being flat and fast with the start and finish at the historic Olympic Stadium. Paul completed the distance in 5:07:32.
Palma Half Marathon
Well done to Donald Shaw who took part in the very hot and humid Palma Half Marathon in a time of 1 hour 37 minutes.
SVHC 10,000m Track Race
Shaun Lyon and Andy McCall made the short journey to Cumbernauld to compete in the Andy Forbes Memorial 10km race on the track at Greenfaulds High School. With both men in good shape, they has their eyes set on potential new personal best times over the distance. A small field gathered on a cold, crisp morning ready to take on the 25 lap race.
Both Shaun and Andy set their intentions leading from the gun. Within 800 metres Shaun had taken the lead and started to build a gap on his club mate. Approaching 12.5 laps (5km) Andy had pulled Shaun in with both well under 17 minutes. Keeping a close eye on his 400m splits Andy continued his controlled race and pulled away closing in on his target time. Andy took the win in a personal best time of 33 minutes and 53 seconds, something that he had targeted all season on the roads. Andy’s PB was set at the Bill Elder race in 2009 (34:05). Shaun secured 2nd place and 2nd V35 in 35:13. We know Shaun’s potential after his outstanding performance at the Great Scottish Run and he will be back to smash his PB in the coming weeks.
Results
1st Andy McCall – 33:53
2nd Shaun Lyon – 35:13
Dramathon Marathon – 21/10/23
Like many events over in the East coast the Dramathon was cancelled due to Storm Babet. However, Lee McLaughlin had travelled through and had raised money for local charity Ardgowan Hospice. Both Lee and running friend, Louise Bissett decided to run a marathon distance around the Speyside area. Well done to both on raising vital funds for a local charity.
Sunday 22nd October 2023 results
Venice Marathon
Aaron McCrone travelled to Italy to take on the Venice Marathon only 3 weeks after Loch Ness. Aaron described the race as “tough, not the course which was actually pretty good. Canal for most of the first half then through industrial park, before the hell that was the very sun exposed causeway into Venice. Once into Venice the last 3-4 miles are along the front looking over the lagoon and passing all the famous sites. Araon confessed he hadn’t quite recovered from Loch Ness Marathon really enjoyed the race. He finished in a very respectable 3 hours 41 minutes.
Queen’s Park 10km
A new series of racing has hit Glasgow recently with some exciting opportunities to race from 5km to half marathon through the parks in Glasgow. Marathon man Oliver Reilly was the solo Harrier to take on the hilly course. Oliver was delighted to finish 2nd place in a time of 36:25.
Acorn Trails Race – The Dunky
New member, John Logan, finished in a brilliant 2nd place at the recent Acorn Trails event in Glasgow. John finished only a few seconds shy of veteran runner Chris Upson. John has recently joined Glenpark after taking up running through lockdown as a means to keep fit. He has smashed several ultra marathons and various other distances. We look forward to seeing more of John in the famous colours. John also recently finished 3rd place in the Arrochar 10k trail race.
Men’s Health Edinburgh 10km
Well done to John Green who completed the Edinburgh 10km route in a time of 47:45 (Chip time).
