SVHC Cross Country Trial Race
Eight Harriers made the short journey through to Tollcross Park in Glasgow’s East End. In a welcome change to the format, the organisers confirmed that the first 4 athletes in each category would be selected to represent their country at the British and Irish Masters XC International in Belfast on 16th November with the remaining 2 selected in performances across the year. With the Harriers having success at this event over the recent years, the traveling runners were keen to get their name on the team sheets.
Danny McLaughlin and Graham McGrattan headed through earlier with Graham competing in the 6km race incorporating the senior ladies and 65+ men. Danny kindly travelled through to volunteer across both races. Running a very strong race Graham kept his laps consistent finishing in 29th place overall and 7th male 65 in the highly competitive age group. As the sun started to break through the rain clouds it was over to the 8km race where the runners would compete over the four lapped course.
Having raced on the course twice last year and currently deep into a marathon block, it was Neil Lafferty who set the pace for the Harriers with the leading pack of runners. Another athlete familiar with the course was Paul Monaghan who started strong, leading club mate Andy McCall for the first lap. Siting just behind the pair after a cautious start was this year’s GGH meritorious winner, John Logan, who bided his time early on. Coming back into form again was Stevie Campbell who set out to test his racing fitness against others in his new age category.
Club champion Neil’s fitness has been outstanding all season but Saturdays race was a standout performance as he moved through the field of quality runners to finish in 6th place overall and 2nd M45 securing back to back Scotland selections, just rewards for the dedication to training that Neil continues to put in. Next to cross the line was Andy McCall who finished in 17th place overall. Only 30 seconds behind was Paul Monaghan and John Logan who battled it out in a sprint finish across the line with the officials giving both the same time but Paul ahead on the results. A fantastic run from both athletes. Stevie Campbell had a brilliant run and clearly gave it all he had on the day as he crossed the line in 33rd place and 9th V50. Following not far behind Stevie was Donald Shaw who ran “possibly my best ever XC race” and he certainly did, representing Central, his first claim club. It was nervy wait to see the results as both Andy and John didn’t expect to be competing for a team selection so they weren’t quite aware of their placings in the race. Thankfully the SVHC team were on the ball and had the results out sharp confirming that both gained their place in the Scotland team. McCall hasn’t represented Scotland in 17 years and was delighted to take 2nd V35 whilst Logan was speechless as he finished 3rd V35 securing his first Scotland place. Just rewards for someone who only took up running a few years ago. The Harriers will now hope that Paul has done enough to secure his place in the V50 team as he finished 6th on the day. Well done to Neil, Andy and John for securing your place on the Scotland teams.
Rannoch Half Marathon
-
- Post Dunoon
-
- Rannoch Half
Lee McLaughlin completed the Rannoch Half Marathon on Saturday 12th October breaking 2 hours and finishing the 3rd leg of his ongoing quadruple challenge in aid of Ardgowan Hospice. Lee astounded many in September when the day after completing the Dunoon Ultra he smashed 50 minutes in a 10km race around Kelvingrove Park. The Rannoch Half is leg 3 of his challenge which finishes next week with the Speyside Marathon. A brilliant effort from Lee who continues to push his own boundaries and even managed to squeeze in rehearsals for a recent run of the Adams Family at the Beacon Arts Centre.