Clydesdale Harriers

Club Cross Country Championships Saturday 11th February - Mugdock NEW VENUE!

2012-02-05T12:41:00.002Z

Following a decision taken at the last Committee meeting, Clydesdale Harriers have accepted an invitation by Garscube Harriers to hold our Cross Country Championships at Mugdock Country Park at the same time and venue they use for their Cross Country Championships. The invitation was extended to other Clubs and Maryhill Harriers and Victoria Park City of Glasgow AC also accepted the invitation.

The Committee decided to try this format with the view that it might encourage members to compete in the Championships as Carleith Farm is not easily accessible, has no facilities and the course is not popular.

Important Note: Whilst there are runners from 4 Clubs taking part your race is against runners from your own Club in order to determine the Championship results and Winter League points. Club vests MUST be worn at this event (if you don’t have a vest let me know beforehand and I will bring one for you on the day – cost £15).

The races will start outside the Craigend Visitor Centre (the side furthest from the car park) and details of the races are:

Junior Athletes Under 11 - 1.5 miles

Junior Athletes 11 and over 2 miles

Both 1 lap courses starting 11am.

Seniors - Starts 12 noon - Men and Women

Men - 6 miles

3 lap course - (3 laps of the Junior Athletes 11 years and over course)

Women - 4 miles

2 lap course - (2 laps of the Junior Athletes 11 years and over course)

All distances are approximate.

The Club need to help with Marshalls, if you can assist with marshalling the event please let me know asap.

Marshalls will be issued with tea tickets to the value of £4 per official for use in the Stables Tearoom which is located in the courtyard at the Craigend Visitor Centre. Officials should obtain a tea ticket from Stuart Irvine Garscube Harriers.

Directions to the Venue: From the centre of Glasgow take the Clydeside Expressway (A814) westwards for about 2 miles. Take right hand lane (opposite slip road for the Clyde Tunnel) signposted The North, Aberfoyle on to Balshagray Avenue (A739). Follow the A739 for approximately 3 miles through Anniesland Cross to Canniesburn Toll. At Canniesburn Toll Roundabout take the second exit on to the A81 (signposted Milngavie). Continue on the A81 for 1¾ miles to Burnbrae Roundabout on the outskirts of Milngavie. Continue straight on to Main Street. Continue on Main Street/Woodburn Way for ¼ mile to traffic lights at cross roads. Turn left at traffic lights into Ellangowan Road which is opposite the entrance to the Tesco Superstore. After 200 yards proceed straight through roundabout into Mugdock Road. Follow Mugdock Road for about 1 mile past Mugdock Road and Mugdock Village to cross roads. At crossroads bear left. Entrance to the car park at Craigend Visitor Centre is on the left about ¾ of a mile after crossroads

Alternative Route from Milngavie recommended in bad weather

From the roundabout at Burnbrae bear right (3rd exit) into the A81 Glasgow Road towards Strathblane. Follow this road for about 2.75 miles passing the Milngavie Reservoirs on the left and Esporta on the right. Turn left into a side road clearly marked "Mugdock Country Park." At the crossroads at the end of this road bear right to rejoin the above route and follow signs for Visitor Centre.

Cross Country Championship - Mugdock

2012-01-31T12:59:00.000Z

Here is a rough outline of the Cross Country Course at Mugdock.

Click on the image for an enlargement.

LSK Veterans Relay

2012-01-30T17:26:00.000Z

Digital slideshow made with Smilebox

Photographs courtesy of Bobby Young

Hannah Cup

2012-01-21T18:45:00.000Z

This annual event took place today Saturday 21st January at Dalmuir Golf Course.

RESULTS ARE AVAILABLE - here

See below for photographs taken before, during and after the race.

Personalize your own free photo slideshow

News Report weekended 22nd January

2012-01-21T16:34:00.000Z

Clydesdale Harriers were out competing in the Beith New Year Road Races on the 2^nd of the month. Fastest harrier over the 4.8 mile course was Hugh Laverty (30.24 and 1^st vet 55), followed by Peter Rudzinski (34.59).

On the 26^th of last month was the Ayr Turkey Trot 10k. Fastest harrier was Alistair Kerr (45.31), followed by Stephen McKee (55.54), Patricia Stevenson (56.15), and Evelyn McKee (61.14).

Next races for the harriers are the Scottish Athletics national Masters Cross Country Championships at Kilmarnock (4^th February) and the Scottish National Cross Country Championships at Falkirk (18^th February).

Clydesdale Harriers have training sessions for adults and children on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On Tuesday all groups meet at St Peter the Apostle Secondary School on the corner of Great Western Road and Kilbowie Road at 7pm. On Thursday the main adult group meets on East Thompson Street at the church at 6.45pm, and the children and some adults usually train on Lusset Park (grass session), near the Erskine Bridge, at 7pm.The adults also meet for long runs on Sunday mornings at the Playdrome (9am). If anyone is interested in joining more information can be found on the website www.clydesdaleharriers.co.uk or turn up on one of those nights.

Marina McCallum
Press Officer

Message from Club Captain - Paul Carroll.

2012-01-20T10:54:00.000Z

Hello Guys,
A Happy new year to the rest of you that I havent seen.
We all have our favourite races.
It could be the London Marathon. The Great Scottish Run. The Brampton to Carlise...the list is endless.
For me its the Nationals at Calendar Park, Falkirk. This year on the 18th Feb. For those of you who havent raced here then this is what racing is all about.In my oppinion.Its 3 laps for Men. 2 for women. Last year it was muddy and but a superb atmosphere. No matter where you are on the course you can just about hear the course commentator and the roars of encouragement from the watching spectators. Any race I've done, doesnt come close to this one.
So, you all know when it is. Last year we had 11 competing. I dont think its too unrealistic to expect upwards of 18 between our Men snd Women this time around giving what we had at Duchess Woods.
I will not have many events left as Captain before re-election in April so please try your upmost to be available.
The track sessions have continued to improve us all, so lets get out there and put some of those 'hard' sessions to good use.
As usual to enter contact either Yvonne or myself.
Please remember that the closing date is Wed 25th Jan.
No late entries and all membership and your Saf must be up to date.
Looking forward to a good entry list.
Thanks

Paul

Extract from Minutes of December 2011Committee Meeting.

2012-01-16T16:27:00.001Z

Potential purchase of tent for use at outdoor events. So far, the president has been unable to source a suitable tent at a suitable cost. Despite asking for suggestions, no-one has provided any ideas as to where such a tent could be purchased. Enquiries to other clubs provided a website to look at but the cost of such tents was in the region of £999. Until someone can find a suitable tent which we can afford I don’t think we will be buying one.
Club Coaching. We are still lacking in qualified coaches for the young athletes we have in the club. Despite efforts to recruit volunteers who would gain certification we still don’t have anyone who is legally coaching the large numbers of young athletes who come to the track on a Tuesday night. While recognising that the volunteers who look after the youngsters at the track are doing a very good job on behalf of the club, we still need to ensure that we have coaches who are legally qualified to coach youngsters.
This subject will be on the agenda for the forthcoming committee meeting and an invitation is extended to all coaches/volunteers who would wish to take part in the debate and provide suggestions as to how we can resolve this issue. The meeting takes place on Friday 20^th January at 6.30 p.m. in The Playdrome.

Peter Rudzinski
President

Message from Club member - Mark Barrow

2012-01-16T13:12:00.000Z

My 24hr Treadmill Challenge for Children with Cancer UK is confirmed and taking place on Saturday 11th February 2012 within the 24hr Asda in Clydebank.
I have been very lucky to gain support from not only Asda but also Lucozade, Clydebank Post, Subway, Gemma Doyle MP, West Dunbartonshire Council, MarathonTalk, Braehead Clan Ice Hockey Franchise, Yelling Performance (including Olympian and Commonwealth bronze medallist Liz Yelling), Playdrome Clydebank - Cosmopolitan Fitness and Blockbuster Video (Well I will need a few hours of movies and box sets to watch!!) and Drumchapel High Schools pupils, parents and staff.
All support will receive the right amount of local and national publicity.
If anyone has other contacts who may wish to be involved and able to lend support with equipment, food or donations please let me know. Likewise if any of the supporters wish to leave leaflets etc to promote something worthwhile, even their own business, then please just say.

If anyone is available during this attempt to rattle a few tins whilst keeping me company I would be very grateful and would timetable you in to a time that suits you. I am still to confirm the start time but it will be either mid day or 4pm for….well…24hrs. At this time I am swaying towards the 4pm start.

You can find out more by reply or logging on to www.justgiving.com/mark-barrow0.
If you want to help without moving from your chair then please spare a thought and text MARK68 £(your amount) to 70070.

As you can appreciate this is a huge challenge that will take a lot of physical and mental effort. With your support it will be a little bit easier.

With kind regards

Mark

News Report - period covering 18th December - 8th January 2012

2012-01-07T16:57:00.001Z

Clydesdale Harriers over the past few weeks still managed to race several events in the month of December and January despite some inclement weather. The most recent was on the 2^nd of this month when two harriers travelled down to Lancashire to compete in the Central Lancashire New Year Half Marathon. Fastest harrier and 11^th overall was Paul Carroll in a time of 1.20.25, followed by Marina McCallum in 94^th position (1.35.44).

Previous to that five days before Christmas Day was the annual Christmas Handicap run over approximately 2.7 miles. Fastest harrier was Under 20 harrier Peter Bowman (14.50), followed by Under 17 harrier Connor Ewing (15.22), Iain Robertson (15.31), Gerry Montgomery (16.00), Hugh Laverty (17.05), Ryan Nelson (17.06), Martin King (17.07), Anne Murray (17.32), Alistair Greig (17.39), Mark Barrow (17.48), Shirley Greig (19.21), Bobby Young (19.51), Yvonne Green (20.00), Gerry Kane (20.26), Christine Duncanson (22.03), Claire Reid (22.09), Fiona McCue (22.59), Marina McCallum (22.59), Marie Rippon (23.04), Patricia Stevenson (23.45), Bernadette Keenan (24.31), and Laurie Pearson (27.52).

The weekend of the 11^th December had Clydesdale harriers young and old travelling down to Irvine for the Scottish Athletics West District Cross Country Championships. First off were the Under 13 girls running 3200m. Fastest harrier was Charlotte Ross (15.13), followed by Iona Allan (15.16), and Aimee Abbott (18.16). Next off were the Under 13 boys also running 3200m. Brian Aird finished well in a time of 13.38, followed by Lewis Hay (14.46), and Stephen Kane (15.08). Under 15 Girls had Emily Paxton running 21.51 for the 4400m course. Under 17 men had Conor Ewing running the 6400m course in 23.16.

Next off were the Senior/Junior women running 6400m. Fastest harrier was Anne Murray (27.20), followed by Marina McCallum (28.52), and Yvonne Green (30.43). The three also won the Masters Team Gold medal (teams aged over the age of 40) to make it a double in the West Districts events (having won a team Gold medal in the relays a month earlier).

Lastly were the Senior/Junior men running 10000m. Fastest harrier was Paul Carroll finishing in 37.00, followed by Michael Diver (37.26), Iain Robertson (38.40), Hugh Laverty (41.57), Mark Barrow (43.15), Bobby Young (46.00), Gerry Kane (47.14), and Peter Rudzinski (48.05).

The following day was the SAIL (Scottish Athletics Indoor League) Match 2 at the Kelvin Hall. Under 11 boys had Cairn Wallace running in the 60m (10.35), and the 600m (2.18.6). Under 13 boys had Anthony Quinn running the 60m (10.33), Stephen Kane running the 800m (3.09.5), Ronan Ross running in the 200m (34.0), and jumping in the Long Jump (2.73m), Kyle Higgins running in the 60m Hurdles (11.85). Under 13 girls had C. Allan running in the 60m and 60m Hurdles (10.15 and 12.63 respectively). Iona Allan ran 800m in 3.11.2, and threw the Shot Putt 4.24m. Aimee Abbott ran in the 200m (40.5), and jumped 1.81m in the Long Jump. Under 15 Boys had Andrew Hunter winning the 60m in 7.99, winning the 200m in 25.8, and jumping 9.49m in the Triple Jump. Brian Aird ran in the 800m (3.05.6), and threw 3.37m in the Shot Putt. Lewis Hay ran in the 400m (74.3). Under 15 Girls had Rachel Campbell running in the 60m and 60m Hurdles (9.70 and 12.85 respectively). Emily Paxton ran the 800m in 2.50.2, and the 300m in 49.4. Charlotte Ross jumped 3.46m in the 300m. Under 17 Men had Conner McDade running in the 60m (7.99), and 200m (25.5). David Campbell ran in the 60m Hurdles (9.61), and 400m (57.0). Under 17 Women had Erin Ball running in the 60m Hurdles (9.64), and jumping 1.20m in the High Jump. Roisin McShea ran in the 300m (52.9). Lastly, the Under 20 Women had Diane Nicholson running in the 60m (9.34), 200m (33.9), and throwing 8.20m in the Shot Putt. Claire Reid ran in the 800m (2.50.7), 400m (69.9), and jumped 8.20m in the Triple jump.

Marina McCallum

Press Officer

Festive Break

2011-12-23T16:20:00.000Z

The track at St Peter the Apostle is closed for Christmas and New Year.
The next training session will be on Tuesday 10th January.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Winter League

2011-12-15T15:25:00.000Z

A table, showing individual points/positions as at 1st December has been published.
To access the results so far please follow this link.

WINTER LEAGUE

Update on forthcoming fixtures

2011-12-13T18:53:00.000Z

Hannah Cup. Due to the dangerous state of the downhill sections of the golf course trail, the Hannah Cup XC handicap has been postponed until Saturday 21^st January. Hopefully it will have stopped raining by then and the course will have dried out. If the weather continues as it has been for the last month, (incessant rain), then we will take a decision as to whether or not the race will be further delayed.

Christmas Handicap. Weather permitting, (no fog, ice or snow), the Christmas Handicap race will take place on Tuesday 20^th December. Usual trail from the roundabout at Kilbowie Road to the Mountblow flyover and back. Meet at the school to register and get your start time. First off at 7.30 p.m. All competitors to bring a prize with choice of prize based on finishing position.

Junior race will start at 7.15 p.m. with the same start and finish but over a shorter distance.

Peter Rudzinski

News Report w/e 11th December

2011-12-11T09:57:00.000Z

On the 10^th of the month Clydesdale Harriers of all ages travelled down to Irvine for the Scottish Athletics West District Cross Country Championships. Results as soon as they become available.

On the 26^th of last month was the Dunbartonshire AAA Cross Country Championships at Dumbarton. The Under 11 boys were off first running 1500m. R. Ross finished 8^th overall in 7.57, followed by A.Quinn (8.11), M.McColgan (8.22). Under 11 Girls had N.Shaw finishing 10^th in 8.59, followed by Eve Kerr (9.05), C.Allan (9.50), and S.Hassan (10.54).

Under 13 Boys had B.Baird finishing 15^th in 14.32, followed by Lewis Hay (15.03), and Stephen Kane (15.26). Under 13 Girls had Iona Allan finishing 16^th in 16.05, followed by Charlotte Ross (16.50), and Aimee Abbott (18.11).

Under 15 Girls had Erin Ball finishing 10^th in 26.34.and Under 17 Women had Claire Reid finishing 3^rd in 29.32.

Lastly was the Senior Men who ran 6400m. Fastest harrier was Michael Diver who finished 13^th in a time of 38.53, followed by Paul Carroll (38.58), Iain Robertson (41.22), Kevin Farmer (43.42), Paul McKendry (45.12), Gerry Kane (51.25), and Colin Gray (52.03).

Also that day was the International Cross Country Championships – a selection race for over 35s which had competitors from England, Ireland and Wales as well as from Scotland. Bellahouston Park was the venue. In atrocious conditions Over 65 harrier Pete Cartwright finished well in 27.07 over the 6k course, followed by Watson Jones running 29.01 in the Over 70 age category. There was also an open race after the International over exactly the same course. Ann Murray ran well to finish in a time of 26.06, followed by Marina McCallum (29.08), and Alistair Kerr (29.32).

Marina McCallum
Press Officer

Brampton - Carlisle Road Race Saturday 29th November 2011

2011-11-23T18:17:00.000Z

Here are some photographs, courtesy of Dave Rothin, taken during the Race last Saturday

Picture slideshow personalized with Smilebox

News Report w/e 27th November

2011-11-23T17:07:00.000Z

The weekend of the 19^th had no less than 22 Clydesdale Harriers travelling down to Carlisle to run in the Brampton to Carlisle 10 Mile Road Race. In near perfect conditions prizes were won and personal best times (pbs) were achieved by many of the harriers. Fastest harrier was Paul Carroll running an excellent personal best time of 59.14, followed by Kevin Farmer (66.20), Stuart Allison (67.02 pb), Hugh Laverty (67.32), Anne Murray (68.34 and 3^rd vet over 40), Alistair Greig (69.25 pb), Martin King (68.31 pb), Mark Barrow (71.25 pb), Marina McCallum (71.38), Fiona McCue (72.21), Hugh Watson (75.46), Shirley Greig (76.17 pb), Yvonne Green (76.30 pb), Peter Rudzinski (77.49), Christine Duncanson (78.26), Colin Gray (82.15), Chris Ryan (83.37), David Mitchell (85.48), Stephen McKie (85.59), Patricia Stevenson (88.49), Marie Rippon (91.27), and Laurie Pearson (103.07). Anne, Marina and Fiona were also winners of 2^nd veteran team prize.

The weekend before was the Jimmy Irvine Achilles Heel Bella 10k where Yvonne Green again ran an excellent personal best finishing in 45.47, followed by Watson Jones coming back into good form in a time of 45.59 (not bad for a 71 year old!), followed by David Mitchell (52.28).

Finally, at the start of the month was the Dumyat Dash where John Kennedy finished 18^th and won 2^nd veteran over 50 prize in a time of 62.10.

If anyone is interested in joining Clydesdale Harriers then the main meeting night is a Tuesday at 7pm at St Peter the Apostle Secondary School. You must be able to run a little – sorry no beginners!

Marina McCallum
Press Officer

London Marathon 2012

2011-11-22T17:57:00.000Z

Clydesdale Harriers have been given 1 Club place in the 2012 London Marathon.

If you would like to be considered for this allocated runner space, please e-mail me by Wednesday 7th December 2011.
To qualify for this space you should have already applied direct and have a rejection letter plus you should have helped out at Club events e.g. stewarding at the 5k or 10k.

If no one meets the above criteria but some Harriers want the space then all the names will be put in a hat at the Committee Meeting on 9th December and the 1st name drawn will win the allocation.

Yvonne Green
Club Secretary

News Report w/e 13th November

2011-11-13T18:41:00.000Z

The cross country season continued in earnest with Clydesdale Harriers competing in the Scottish Athletics 4k Cross Country Championships at Bellahouston Park. In near perfect conditions men and women raced over the predominantly flat but muddy course. Senior/Junior Women were off first. Fastest harrier was Anne Murray continuing her excellent form to finish in a time of 17.35, followed by Marina McCallum (18.20), Fiona McCue (18.35), and Yvonne Green (19.57).

The Senior/Junior Men ran next with fastest harrier being Under 20 runner Peter Bowman (14.17), followed by Paul Carroll (15.35), Iain Robertson (16.26), Ryan Nelson (17.02), Hugh Laverty (17.09), Paul McKendry (17.38), and Watson Jones (19.57).

The previous weekend had four harriers running in the Allan Scally Road Relays at Baillieston. Paul Carroll went off first running the 4.8 mile course in 28.20, changing over to Michael Diver (28.12), changing over to Mark Barrow (33.02), finally changing to Colin Gray (37.50), finishing as 26^th team overall.

Forthcoming races for the harriers is the Brampton to Carlisle 10 Mile Road Race (19^th), the British and Irish Masters Cross Country International and the SVHC Open Veterans Cross Country Race both on the 26th at Bellahouston Park, and the Dunbartonshire AAA Cross Country Race also on the 26^th at Posties Park, Dumbarton.

Marina McCallum
Press Officer

Running Injury Oracle

2011-11-05T16:03:00.000Z

Peter Rudzinski received an e-mail from Running Injury Oracle which is reproduced below and is self explanatory.
If you are interested in accessing this free service click on the icon below to be transferred to the web site.

Dear Peter Rudzinki,
My name is Gavin Burt, I’m a club runner with the Serpentine and the Mornington Chasers running clubs, and I run a sports injury clinic in North London, Backs and Beyond (www.backsandbeyond.co.uk). I specialise in running injuries and have recently set up a free online resource for injured runners called the www.runninginjuryoracle.com which I thought might be of interest to you and your club members.
Just as a brief introduction, the www.runninginjuryoracle.com is an online service that gives injured runners the advice they need to get back on their feet. It helps them figure out what their injury is and then offers expert instructions and videos tailored to their specific injury that will aid their recovery.  The www.runninginjuryoracle.com is featured on the serpentine running club’s website (http://www.serpentine.org.uk/pages/advice_health.html), and has been used by Runners World for their injury pages.
I personally created all the content and recovery plans based on my 15 years’ experience as a runner's Osteopath treating the numerous injuries that plague all of us.  It’s a website where injured runners can quickly and easily get accurate, professional advice that they could trust and that would help get them on the road to recovery, whether they are just starting out or have been running for years. Runners can access the site and all its content absolutely free of charge.
I have attached a flow diagram that shows you exactly how the site works. Please feel free to try it out before recommending it to your runners!
I hope you will see the www.runninginjuryoracle.com as a useful tool for your runners and that you will share it with them either on your website or in your regular newsletters. If you do decide to have a link on your website, I have attached a thumbnail for you to use that will make it easily visible to those visiting your site.

The Last Roundup!

2011-11-03T11:47:00.002Z

Allan Sharp and I are organising a Dinner and Social Evening for runners of our own generations. Guys who ran in the Edinburgh to Glasgow or the SAAA Championships at Meadowbank or who ran cross-country when there were barbed wire fences (with or without sacking wrapped round!) - you get the idea. We will also invite former athletes from other local clubs. The date will be finalised very soon but it will be the very end of March or the very start of April next year and possibly held at Buchanan Castle Golf Club at Drymen. The club used to go to club dinners and presentations outside Clydebank - the Commodore in Helensburgh, the Blane Valley Hotel at Strathblane, the Loch Lomond Hotel in Balloch, etc and they were always very successful. We will be contacting club members of that era - the Charlie McIntoshes, the Paul Rosses, the Mark Rudzinskis, etc who ran in the E-G but any other male athlete of that generation who is interested, please contact either of us. If it really goes well,then the 'men only' situation might well be altered.

Two Things

2011-11-03T11:35:00.002Z

I noted with interest that scottishathletics was using the facilities at St Peter's High School for coach education courses: they seem so pleased with it that a course was transferred there from Scotstoun. The good side is that it makes it easier for club members to do coaching courses without having to travel at all. When they last for the best part of two days that is no small advantage. The down side is that many people from many other clubs will now know a lot more about the track and be wanting to use it. For instance I heard recently from a senior member of the Glasgow Athletics Administration that two clubs are constantly bickering over who gets what equipment and when. With the knowledge that there is an excellent track just down the road, I can see one or the other deciding to use it. All good stuff for the children of Clydebank but if one of the nights next summer is a Tuesday or Thirsday then we ourselves will have problems. I would suggest that we book it for both Tuesday and Thursday next year. The Tuesdays this year have been very successful and - to some extent - the track itself has generated use by club members. Track and field athletes need at least two track sessions a week, in all probability they will need more than that as they get older but two club nights would be very good. Bear in mind that if they can only train once a week at Clydebank and have to travel to Scotstoun there are several disadvantages: first, the cost - seniors travelling by public transport to that venue have to fork out £7 a session; second, younger members have to be transported which is a disincentive for parents to take them there nd then stand or kill time for 90 minutes while they train; third, at a time when we seek to recruit against other sports if it is easier to get football training in locally than it is to get athletics training, then we will lose out on that front as well. I'm suggesting that the club books St Peter's twice a week next summer. It will pay off in terms of recruiting and fitness.

Allan Scally Road Relay - Saturday 29th October

2011-11-02T14:42:00.002Z

Bobby Young has sent some pictures taken during this event - see below

This slideshow design made with Smilebox

News Report w/e 30th October

2011-10-29T19:24:00.000+01:00

The weekend of the 22nd was the National Cross Country Relays which took place again in Cumbernauld. This also incorporated the National Masters Relays (teams with members over the age of 40). Clydesdale Harriers had no less than four junior teams and five senior teams taking part. First off was the Young Females running 2500m. ‘A’ Team consisted of Iona Allan running first leg (12.52), changing to Emily Paxton (12.46), finally changing to Roisin McShea (12.32). They finished 31st team overall with total time 38.10. ‘B’ Team was incomplete but had Charlotte Ross running first leg (13.34), changing to Erin Ball (13.38). ‘C’ Team hadAimee Abbott off first (15.03), changing to Rachel Campbell (15.34).

Young Males had the one team consisting of Stephen Kane (13.10), changing to David Campbell (11.14), finally changing to Conner McDade (11.46). They finished as 61st team with overall time 36.10.

Next off was the Senior/Junior Women running 4000m. ‘A’ Team had Yvonne Green running first leg (20.39), changing to Anne Murray (17.59), finally changing to Marina McCallum (18.57). They finished as 42nd team overall and 5th Masters Team with total time 57.35. ‘B’ Team had Christine Duncanson running first leg (21.35), changing to Marie Rippon (23.56), finally changing to Shirley Greig (20.46).

Lastly was the Senior/Junior Men also running 4000m. ‘A’ Team had Michael Diver running first leg (16.08), Iain Robertson (16.47), changing to Paul Carroll (16.15), finally changing to Kevin Farmer (16.54) with total time of 66.04. ‘B’ Team had Colin Gray running first (21.14), changing to Ryan Nelson (17.47), changing to Mark Barrow (18.56), finally changing to Bobby Young (20.15) with total time 78.12. The incomplete ‘C’ Team had Pete Cartwright running first (18.17), changing to Watson Jones (20.42).

More pictures of the event are on the blog below this article.

Marina McCallum
Press Officer

National XC Relay Championships - Cumbernauld

2011-10-25T20:08:00.000+01:00

Here are photographs taken at this event - courtesy of Brian McAusland & Bobby Young

This free digital slideshow personalized with Smilebox

Scottish Athletics 4K CC 5th November

2011-10-24T14:24:00.001+01:00

Scottish Athletics 4K Cross Country Championships – Saturday 5^th November Bellahouston Park

If you are wishing to be entered for this event please email me no later than Wednesday 26 October. Please note your Club subscriptions and Scottish Athletics membership must be up to date to be eligible to run. There will be no “spare” entries and it is against Scottish Athletics rules for athletes to run under another runner’s name.

DETAILS ARE:

Senior/Under 20Women
RACE DECLARATIONS CLOSE 11.45
RACE STARTS 12.15
DISTANCE 4000 meters

Senior/Under 20 Men
RACE DECLARATIONS CLOSE 12.05
RACE STARTS 12.35
DISTANCE 4,000 metres

Yvonne Green

Club Secretary

News Report w/e 23rd October

2011-10-21T19:14:00.000+01:00

The weekend of the 15th had Clydesdale Harriers running in the Dunbartonshire Cross Country Relay Championships at Duchess Woods, Helensburgh. The juniors had Under 11s running in a separate race. First leg runner was N. Shaw (9.15), changing to Caitlin Stuart (9.27), finally changing to Chloe Allan (9.38) over 1500m. Three Under13/15/17 female teams and two male teams ran the 2500m course. The Female ‘A’ Team had Iona Allan running first leg (10.22), changing to Emily Paxton (10.49), finally changing to Roisin McShea (10.01), with total time 31.12 and 11th overall. ‘B’ Team had Rachel Campbell running first (11.58), changing to Ciara Devanney (12.14), finally changing to Claire Reid (11.29), with a total time of 35.41. ‘C’ Team had Charlotte Ross running first (11.09), changing to Kathleen Ewing (12.03), finally changing to Aimee Abbott (12.51), with total time 36.03.

The Junior Boys ‘A’ Team had Stephen Kane running first leg in 11.08, changing to David Campbell (8.59), finally changing to Conor Ewing (8.03), with total time 28.10 and 5th overall. ‘B’ Team had Brian Aird running first leg in 10.12, changing to Jack McCue (10.58), finally changing to Conner McDade (9.45), with total time 30.55.

Next off were the Senior Men and Women running 4000m each. We had two female and four male teams. Female ‘A’ Team had Anne Murray setting a blistering pace to finish first leg in 17.14 (and also won fastest leg by a veteran), changing to Fiona McCue (18.36), finally changing to Marina McCallum (18.33), with total time 54.23 and second team overall (silver medallists). ‘B’ Team had Christine Duncanson running first (20.53), changing to Marie Rippon (23.13), finally changing to Shirley Greig (20.14), with total time 64.20.

The Mens ‘A’ Team had Peter Bowman running first leg (14.25), changing to Michael Diver (15.39), changing to Iain Robertson (15.46), finally changing to Paul Carroll (15.58), with total time 61.48 and third team overall (bronze medallists). ‘B’ Team had Kevin Farmer running first in 16.26, changing to Brian Gallagher (16.53), changing to Gerry Montgomery (17.12), finally changing to martin king (16.47), with total time 67.18. ‘C’ Team had Ryan Nelson running first (17.09), changing to Hugh Laverty (17.13), changing to Mark Barrow (17.55), finally changing to Bobby Young (20.13), with total time 72.28. ‘D’ Team was incomplete but we had Paul McKendry running first (17.23), changing to Colin Gray (20.57), finally changing to Gerry Kane (20.48).

Marina McCallum
Press Officer

Message from the Club Captain - Paul Carroll

2011-10-16T10:20:00.000+01:00

Just like to take this opportunity to thank everyone on the impressive turn out today in both the Mens and Ladies teams.
We also had a few guys out cheering us all on from the sidelines.
We nearly had 4 mens teams and 2 complete girl teams in the senior competition.
Had to change the Mens A and B teams due to an oversight on my behalf but everyone still ran great and did our club proud.
Long may it continue.
A bronze for the Men and Silver for the Girl's speaks volumes for the coaches we have at our disposal.
Thanks Guys.

News Report w/e 16th October

2011-10-15T14:17:00.000+01:00

The weekend of the 8th was the West Districts Cross Country Relays at Drumpellier Park, Coatbridge. In wet conditions both young and old of Clydesdale Harriers ran well with some excellent results. First off was the Young Females. We had three teams competing. ‘A’ Team had Iona Allan running the 2500m course in 11.03, changing over to Erin Ball (11.12), finally changing to Roisin McShea (10.33) with a total time of 32.48 and 24th position overall. ‘B’ Team had Rachel Campbell running 1st leg in 12.23, changing to Emily Paxton (10.59), finally changing to Claire Reid (12.15) with a total time of 35.37 and 33rd position. ‘C’ Team had Anna Haddock running 1st leg in 13.01, changing to Aimee Abbott (13.46), finally changing to Kirsty Alexander (13.42) with a total time of 40.29 and 38th position.

Next off was the Young Males who had two teams, one incomplete. ‘A’ Team had Lewis Hay running 1st leg in 12.48 (unfortunately having to slow up after pulling his hamstring), changing to David Campbell (8.33), finally changing to Conor Ewing (8.47) with a total time of 31.28. ‘B’ Team had Stephen Kane running 1st leg in 11.22, changing to Connor McDade (9.41).

The Senior/Junior Females were off next running 4000m each. We had Anne Murray running a strong 1st leg (16.42), changing to Fiona McCue (17.40), finally changing to Marina McCallum (18.03) with a total time of 52.25 and 8th team overall. They were also the winner of 1st Masters Team and won the gold medal for their efforts – a truly excellent result!

Lastly was the Senior/Junior Men who had two teams. ‘A’ Team had Iain Robertson running 15.39, changing to Peter Bowman (13.59), changing to Ryan Nelson (16.270, finally Paul Carroll (15.27). ‘B’ Team had Kevin Farmer running first (16.07), changing to Peter Rudzinski (19.05), changing to Bobby Young (19.06), finally changing to Brian Gallagher (20.16).

The previous weekend was the Baxters Loch Ness marathon and 10k. In the marathon Paul Carroll and Gerry Montgomery ran into the finish together clocking near identical times of 3h 1m, followed further back by Brian Reilley in 3.58. In the 10k Martin King ran a personal best to finish in 39.22, followed by Fiona McCue running a seasons best in 42.50.

That same day was the St Andrews Hospice 10k at Strathclyde Park. Fastest harrier was Paul McKendry (41.400, followed by Stuart Allison (42.03), Alistair Greig (43.04), Shirley Greig (46.40) and Christine Duncanson (47.10).

Marina McCallum
Press Officer

West District CC Relays 8th October 2011

2011-10-10T10:19:00.002+01:00

Personalize your own slideshow design

Message from the Club Captain

2011-10-09T22:09:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone.
Hope you have all recovered from the anniversary/ presntation night. It went well and I think everyone had a great time.
Anyway, its that time of year again when the relays are upon us. Recently we had the George Cummings and then the McAndrews. I didn't do either due to the marathon and so yesterday was my first for a while. The West Districts at Drumpelier Park. Think our guys did really well(we had 9 men out) and we were overshadowed by our ladies winning gold in the masters. Well done to Anne, Fiona and Marina.
So, this Sat its the Dumbartonshires at Duchess Woods in Helensburgh. Personally, as well as for the club and indeed you, I'd like as many of our guys and girls to turn out on the day as possible. We can enter on the day itself. It would be great to have a few teams out and give the other clubs something to think about. So, give it your consideration please. Its a trail not suitable for spikes but its not the worst course I've ever run on.
The following Sat it the Nationals at Cumbernauld. The closing date has now gone but I've entered Four men's teams and it looks promising that we will get a good turnout. So,thanks to all in advance.
Finally, I'd like us all to try and run as many of the following races as possible over the next few months.
1. Scottish Athletics 4k CC at Bellahouston Park- 05/11/11
2. Dumbartonshires AAA CC at Posties Park- 26/11/11
3. Scottish Athletics West Districts CC (venue Tbc)- 10/12/11
4. Nationals at Calendar Park- 18/02/12.

Obviously there are other events and other relays which you may have a preference for but if you could pencil in your diaries the above ones I'd be most grateful.
Bear in mind we will also be having our own Club Champs at Carleith Farm and the Hannah Cup at Dalmuir Park in the next couple of months as well.
Hope to see many of you on Sat.

Paul Carroll

Extract from September Committee Meeting

2011-10-04T18:25:00.000+01:00

1. The Club President had a meeting with a representative of the Clyde Shopping Centre management team to discuss possible sponsorship for the club. We were asked to provide a rough cost for a tent for use at outdoor meetings such as cross country and track events. If anyone knows where we can get such a tent, let the president know, as they don’t have any suitable tents in Go Outdoors in Clydebank.
2. Club Together. The committee unanimously agreed that there was no point at the present in the club trying to achieve this standard.
3. New vests are on order from Purple Rock in various sizes.
4. 125^th Anniversary Dinner and Presentation of Prizes. This will take place in the Westpark Hotel in Clydebank on 8^th October with a 7.30 start for the dinner. This will be followed by the presentation of prizes and then a disco. Cost per ticket £20. Still some available.
5. We had another long discussion on the coaching situation for youngsters and the committee are happy that issues are being addressed which will allow us to provide legal and appropriate coaching for youngsters.
6. Races were agreed for the forthcoming Winter League. To be posted on the website.
7. Merit award winners were proposed and agreed for the presentation night.

Peter Rudzinski
Club President

St Andrews Hospice 10K

2011-10-03T15:34:00.000+01:00

Loch Ness Marathon & 10K

2011-10-03T15:32:00.000+01:00

Here are some photographs, taken at this event.
(click photo for enlargement)

News Report w/e 2nd October

2011-10-01T22:18:00.000+01:00

On Sunday was the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and 10k. Six Clydesdale Harriers travelled up to Inverness to take part in the races. Results next week.

The weekend before was the George Cummings Road Relay at Houston (2.7 miles) where the female team came fifth. First leg runner was Pamela McCrossan (16.57), who changed over to Yvonne Green (19.10), and finally Anne Murray (17.07). Unfortunately the men’s team was incomplete. We had Paul McKendry (17.11), changing over to Peter Rudzinski (18.58).

This weekend is the West Districts Cross Country Relays at Drumpellier Park, Coatbridge.

Marina McCallum
Press Officer

George Cummings Relay

2011-09-30T09:06:00.001+01:00

This event took place on Saturday 24th September.

The ladies were able to enter a team of 3, however the gents could only muster 2 runners on the day.

Times were:

LADIES:

Pamela McCrossan (Leg 1) - 16:57

Yvonne Green (Leg 2) - 19:10

Anne Murray (Leg 3) - 17:08

GENTS:

Paul McHendry (Leg1) - 17:11

Peter Rudzinski (Leg 2) - 18:59

Another free slideshow by Smilebox

125TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER + PRESENTATION NIGHT

2011-09-19T12:16:00.004+01:00

Date: Saturday 8th October
Venue: Westpark Hotel (just off the Boulevard)
Time : 7.00 for 7.30 prompt

There are still some tickets available - if you would like to attend but haven't got your tickets, please e-mail Peter Rudzinski as soon as possible please.

West District CC Relays 8th October 2011

2011-09-19T12:12:00.001+01:00

If you are wishing to be entered for the above event please let either the Club Captains, Coaches or Yvonne Green know by Wednesday 21 September – NO LATE ENTRIES ACCEPTED.

NOTE: I have been advised that there is still no confirmed venue for this event and as soon as I am notified I will publish this on the blog and via email.

PLEASE CHECK YOU MEET THE CRITERIA BELOW TO ENSURE YOU CAN BE ENTERED:

Club Membership fees are up to date
SAF Registration is up to date

In addition this event will be the first one of the Winter League as the Committee has decided that Relay events as well the Championships will form 6 out of the 10 league races.

News Report w/e 18th September

2011-09-17T16:08:00.000+01:00

On the weekend of the 11th four brave souls from Clydesdale Harriers took the ferry over to the island of Cumbrae to run in the Cumbrae 10.25 mile Road Race. In truly atrocious conditions fastest harrier was Stuart Allison who finished 26th overall in a time of 69.25, followed by Marina McCallum (71.18 and second female), Christine Duncanson (79.50 and first veteran over 45), and Marie Rippon (90.02).

Coming soon for the harriers are the relay events – first event on the 24th September is the George Cummings Road Relays at Houston (2.30pm start), followed by the McAndrew Road Relays in Jordanhill (3pm start). These events are entry on the day. After that we have the three Cross Country Relay events – on the 8th is the West Districts (venue tbc), followed a week later by the Dunbartonshires (Duchess Woods, Helensburgh), and finally the Nationals (Cumbernauld) on the 22nd October. The West Districts and the Nationals are pre-entry only so if any harriers are interested they will have to let either Yvonne Green (secretary), Marina McCallum (ladies captain), or Paul Carroll (mens captain) as soon as possible!
Marina McCallum
Press Officer

10 mile road race around Cumbrae - 11th september 2011

2011-09-13T10:35:00.001+01:00

Here are some photographs, courtesy of Brian McAusland, taken at this event:

News Report w/e 11th September

2011-09-10T20:48:00.001+01:00

The weekend of the 4^th September had many excellent results for Clydesdale Harriers. The first was the Great Scottish Run Half Marathon,10k and Junior runs. In the half marathon fastest harrier was Stuart Allison finishing in a time of 1.31.13 (pb), followed by Mark Barrow in 1.35.58 (pb), Brian Reilly (1.41.55), Colin Gray (1.50.21), and Tricia Stevenson (2.03.14). In the 10k fastest harrier was Kevin Farmer (41.57), followed by Yvonne Green (47.06), and Sandy McDonald (63.28). In the junior run Conor Ewing had an excellent run to finish 16^th overall in the 3k race in a time of 10.19.

Also that day slightly further afield was the Hilton Blackpool Half Marathon. Fastest harrier was Paul Carroll finishing 5th overall in a time of 1.20.35 (1^st vet over 40), followed by Gerry Montgomery (9^th overall in a time of 1.22.23 and 1^st vet 50), Pamela McCrossan (1.29.48 – 3^rd female), and Marina McCallum (1.32.58 – 1^st vet 40).

Also that day was the BMAF 10 Miler at Hexham where Pete Cartwright ran 72.12, followed by Bobby Young (80.04), and Watson Jones (82.39 and 2^nd vet 70). The three of them also won the team prize for their age category (65-74).

Lastly, a missing result from the Blythswood Care 10k from last month. John Kennedy finished fifth overall in 39 minutes – apologies for missing it out in last report!

Marina McCallum
Press Officer

British Gold For Clydesdale

2011-09-06T09:33:00.002+01:00

Pete Cartwright, Bobby Young and Watson Jones went to Hexham in County Durham at the week end and came home with more gold for thc club's treasure chest. Taking part in the BMAF 10 miles road championship they won the M65 - 74 title to add it to all the others that the Amigos have run in past years. Pete ran 72:12, Bobby 80:04 and Watson 82:39: Watson's time actually won him the M70 silver medal. The evnt was run on country roads that had been closed to traffic, there were 550 runners and there was a meal provided by the organisers after the race before they all set off for home. It all adds to the social atmosphere and to inter-club friendliness. It always surprises me that more of our veterans don't go to these British championships. Well done chaps - your efforts are appreciated!

News Report w/e 4th September

2011-09-03T12:26:00.001+01:00

Last weekend was the Great Scottish Runs (Half Marathon, 10k and Junior runs) and the Hilton Blackpool Half Marathon for Clydesdale Harriers. Results as soon as they become available.

On the 28^th of last month was the Paisley 10k. Fastest harrier was Kevin Farmer (39.36), followed by Watson Jones (46.28), Yvonne Green (47.02 pb), Colin Gray (48.20), Stephen McKee (49.59), Evelyn McKee (62.48), and Sandy McDonald (62.49).

The day before was the Blythswood Care Drymen 10k, which took place over a hilly, mixed terrain route. Three harriers took part and finished as first, second and third female all finishing within seconds of each other. Fastest was Pamela McCrossan (42.39), closely followed by Anne Murray (42.58), then Marina McCallum (43.02).

The weekend before was the Achilles Heel Bella 5k which took place in Bellahouston Park. Colin Gray ran well to finish in a time of 23.16.

Also that weekend was the Bute Highland Games 10k where Pamela McCrossan won the female race in a time of 41.28. Also running was Michael Diver who finished well up on the field.

Lastly on the 18^th was the Broadwood 5k. Runners were unfortunately led the wrong way at a point in the course so the distance run was 4.6k which was reflected on the times. Fastest harrier was Pete Cartwright (19.29), followed by Yvonne Green (20.51), and Colin Gray (21.32).

Marina McCallum
Press Officer

Memorial Bowl/Senior Championships

2011-08-31T18:40:00.004+01:00

The club Memorial Bowl is awarded for the Senior Men as a result of a points contest. It was bought after the War and it was decided that the trophy be awarded for (a) points from the Scottish Track and Field Championships, plus (b) points from the West District Track and Field Championships, plus points from the Dunbartonshire Track and Field Championships plus (d) points from the club championships. The situation this year is that no one has run in the Scottish T & F Championships; the West District T & F Championships are no more, likewise the Dunbartonshire T & F Championships have been discontinued and the DALAP championships which might have served as a substitute are not being held. That means that the Memorial Bowl will be awarded to the man with the highest points total in the club championships. The recommendation was that the runner could pick his best three events,add the points and that was his score. For the club championships the points were awarded, 6 for 1st, 4 for 2nd, 3 for 3rd, 2 for fourth and 1 for every ther competitor. We now have a track - when are the championships????
The women's trophies for T & F and for Cross-Country were tracked won several years ago and one was held by Christine Menhennet and the other by Marjorie Small. Were they ever collected? They are club property and should be available for competition.
I mentioned DALAP just then. In the beginning it was very useful for the clubs in membership - access to information, to funds and to equipment and annual T & F Championships. Now the championships have been abandoned and the access to everything else is problematical, what is the epoint of the DALAP? Do we need it?

News Report w/e 21st August

2011-08-20T20:51:00.003+01:00

On the weekend of the 14^th was the Scottish Athletics League (SAL) at Grangemouth. Several Clydesdale Harriers young and old took part. Jonathan Farrell ran in the 100m and 200m to finish in 11.63 and 23.86 respectively. Ryan Nelson ran in the 100m (13.58), and the 1500m (4.53.12). Peter Bowman ran in the 400m (54.63), and the 800m (2.00.89). Iain Robertson ran in the 400m (57.34), and the 800m (2.05.78). Connor Ewing ran in the 1500m (4.48.78). Lastly Paul Carroll ran the 10000m finishing in 36.00.71. The 4x100 went well with Jonathan Farrell running first leg, changing to Ryan Nelson, changing to Iain Robertson, then finally Peter Bowman. Total time was 51.26. The 4x400m had Peter Bowman running first leg followed by Connor Ewing, changing to Iain Robertson, then finally Ryan Nelson. Total time was 4.03.32.

Also that day was the Scottish Veteran Harriers Club (SVHC) Glasgow 800 Open 10k Road Race which took place in Pollock Park. Fastest harrier was Pamela McCrossan finishing as first veteran over 50 in a time of 41.19, followed by Marina McCallum (2^nd vet 40 in 42.03), Pete Cartwright (42.48), Peter Rudzinski (46.01), Bobby Young (46.15), and Watson Jones (2^nd vet 70 in 47.39).

Forthcoming events for the harriers include the Paisley 10k (28^th), Great Scottish Run Junior Run (3^rd September), Half Marathon and 10k (4^th September).

Marina McCallum

Press Officer

125TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER + PRESENTATION NIGHT

2011-08-16T12:56:00.000+01:00

Dear fellow Harriers,

The announcement of the venue and capacity for the forthcoming 125th Anniversary Dinner seems to have generated some concerned comment. For your information, the committee chose the date and venue after much searching for any venue in Clydebank which would take us on a Saturday night in September/October. We did not really have a choice. As time was getting short, we chose the only venue we could find which was able to accommodate us. Hopefully we will be able to take everyone who wishes to attend. At recent presentations, we have had nothing like 60 members (and partners) attending.

Peter Rudzinski,
President

125TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER + PRESENTATION NIGHT

2011-08-15T10:22:00.000+01:00

The Clydesdale Harriers 125TH Anniversary Dinner
(which will include Presentation Night for Seniors) will take place at:

West Park Hotel, Clydebank
Saturday 8TH October 2011
Ticket price : £20

The West Park Hotel can take a maximum of 60 persons for dinner.
The tickets will be sold in the first instance to current paid-up members.
Thereafter to other interested persons.

All requests for tickets to the President :send email

News Report w/e 14th August

2011-08-14T10:23:00.000+01:00

The weekend of the 7th was an extremely busy weekend for Clydesdale Harriers. On the Sunday was the Babcock Marine Helensburgh Half Marathon which was also the West Districts Half Marathon Championships – this meant the standard was extremely high in the men’s and women’s races. However our club members did us proud. Fastest harrier and coming 8th overall was Paul Carroll in a time of 1.18.32 (2nd veteran over 40), followed by Pamela McCrossan in 1.29.07 (1st veteran over 50 and Bronze medalist in West Districts), Stuart Allison (1.32.11), Alistair Greig (1.36.46 pb), Mark Barrow (1.38.56), Brian Reilly (1.43.12), Shirley Greig (1.44.34 pb), Stephen McKie (1.50.33 pb), Evelyn McKie (1.59.00 pb), Colin Gray (2.03.11), and Tricia Stevenson (2.03.49).

Also that day on the beautiful island of Mull we had two harriers running in the Isle of Mull 10k and two running in the half marathon. In the 10k we had Hugh Laverty finishing in a time of 42.03, followed by Sandy McDonald (65.12). In the Half Marathon we had Christine Duncanson finishing in 1.45.46 and winning 1st veteran over 50, followed by Watson Jones (1.47.10 and 1st Vintage prizewinner!).

The Scottish Gas/City of Edinburgh 10k Road Race had Yvonne Green finishing well in a time of 48.06.

The day before there was another island race under way. This was the Ardbeg Islay Half Marathon where Gerry Montgomery finished 5th overall and 1st veteran over 50 in a time of 1.21.40. This was followed by Marina McCallum who had a brilliant run to finish as 1st Female and also 1st veteran in a time of 1.32.40.

The weekdays running up to the weekend had the Tour of Clydeside – a series of four races. The first race was the Kilbarchan Klassic Trail Race (5.5 miles) which had Paul Carroll coming 5th overall in 31.07, followed by Pamela McCrossan (2nd female in 35.11), Paul McKendry (35.51), and Colin Gray (44.04). The second race was the Canal Bank Canter (4.8 miles) where Pamela McCrossan finished 3rd female in 31.50, followed by Paul McKendry (32.20), and Colin Gray (38.40). The third race was the Garscube Gallop Multi Terrain 5k Race which had Pamela coning 2nd female in 23.03, followed by Colin Gray (28.20). Lastly was the Bellahouston Belter 10k Road Race in Pollock Park which had Pamela finishing 3rd female, followed by Colin Gray (49.28). Pamela won second female prize for the series.

Lastly, at the end of last month was the Ballater 10 Miler where Dewar Stewart finished well in a time of 1.21.38.

Marina McCallum
Press Officer

Extract of minutes from August 2011 meeting

2011-08-08T22:33:00.002+01:00

1. The minutes of the West District committee show that they are still looking for volunteers to host the District XC Relays and XC Championships this year, and also the Masters XC Championships. Unfortunately there is no venue in Clydebank which could take the numbers involved.

2. 125^th Anniversary Dinner. J.Hanratty enquired as to the availability of the Westpark Hotel in Duntocher. Subsequently confirmed that there are Saturday nights free in October. Committee to vote on preferred date, quickly.

3. Scottish Athletics have announced a replacement scheme for Clubmark, which was not universally taken up by clubs. Club Together is the new scheme. Because of the reduced number of committee members in attendance at the meeting, we have deferred a debate on the scheme until the next meeting in September.

4. Y. Green has agreed to pursue the ordering of club vests in appropriate numbers from Purple Rock.

5. There was a lengthy debate on the (lack of) coaches in the club for young athletes. Existing coaches are invited to attend the next committee meeting in order to present a plan for improving the situation. In particular we have a need to ensure that anyone who coaches young athletes is appropriately accredited. Next meeting is due on Friday 16^th September at the Playdrome.

Peter Rudzinski
President

Sale of Club kit

2011-08-06T11:39:00.000+01:00

Peter Rudzinski will be at the track on Tuesday night and will bring along our existing stock of club kit which includes a range of vests, jackets and tops. These will be for sale for any member interested in acquiring new kit.
On Tuesday night we'll also looking to gauge future demand for kit items so that we can place an order from our supplier.
So....get your orders in now!

Yvonne
Club Secretary

Clydebank Post Article

2011-07-31T18:46:00.003+01:00

Sorry about the article in the Post last week - I haven't seen it but the same guy put it into the Stirling Observer and I saw that version online. I had a phone call about three weeks ago from a guy in London who wanted some info about athletics and me over the past umpteen years so we spoke on the phone for about half an hour (at his expense!) and he said I could see whatever he produced before it was printed anywhere. Didn't happen that way. The bit in the Stirling Observer has my age at 71 - I wish it were true! I wouldn't mind being back there! It did say, and I quote, "I have been a large part of my life", and at least that bit is true! The stuff about marching round the living room with the grandsons, really referred to a remark about a wee carry-on we had when they came up a couple of weeks ago. I said I'd have to get into training so the three of us ended up jogging round the house carrying maglites. Daughter said training should use progressively heavier torches and strengthening exercises for the right arm! Calum suggested that I hold the torch higher because a real one would burn my face if I carried it that low. Probably right but the whole thing was full of inaccuracies and is a wee source of embarassment.

News Report w/e 31st July

2011-07-30T15:36:00.004+01:00

Marie Rippon at Dundee

On the 18^th of the month was the Irvine AC 5 Miler. Three Clydesdale Harriers traveled down to take part. Fastest harrier was Paul Carroll (28.31), followed by Pamela McCrossan (33.35), and Colin Gray (41.28).

The day before was the Dundee Half Marathon. Over a hilly course fastest harrier was Paul Carroll (1.20.22) who won 1^st veteran over 35, followed by Kevin Farmer (1.29.20), Stuart Allison (1.33.17), Marina McCallum (1.36.43 and 3^rd vet over 35), Christine Duncanson (1.49.16), and Marie Rippon (2.02.39).

Also that weekend was the Clydestride 40 Ultra Race which had John Kennedy finishing 8^th overall in a time of 5h 48m and winner of 1^st veteran over 50.

Lastly on the 12^th was the Sinclair Cup for all members of Clydesdale Harriers only. It was a two loop course covering a total of 5.4 miles. The race was also handicapped but actual times are recorded here. Men’s times are: Paul Carroll (31.33), Brian Gallagher (34.10), Martin King (35.07), Paul McKendry (36.00), Stuart Allison (36.06), Alistair Greig (38.20)Peter Rudzinski (40.42), Watson Jones (40.50), and Stephen McKie (44.07). Paul was the winner and Stuart was the winner of the handicap. Women’s times are: Pamela McCrossan (35.45), Marina McCallum (36.29), Anne Murray (36.30), Fiona McCue (39.03), Christine Duncanson (41.24), Shirley Greig (42.01), Yvonne Green (42.27), and Marie Rippon (46.47). Pamela was the winner and Marina was the winner of the handicap.

Marina McCallum
Press Officer

Sinclair Trophy - 12th July - Results

2011-07-26T17:19:00.003+01:00

Men
Pos.	Name	Time	H/Cap	H/c time	H/c Pos.	New H/c
1	Paul Carroll	31.33	1.36	29.57	Fastest	1.36	Winner
2	Brian Gallagher	34.10	3.00	31.10	5	3.36
3	Martin King	35.07	3.36	31.31	6	4.12
4	Paul McKendry	36.00	6.00	30.00	2	6.36
5	Stuart Allison	36.06	6.36	29.30	1	3.36	1st H/cap
6	Alastair Greig	38.20	6.00	32.20	7	6.36
7	Peter Rudzinski	40.42	10.12	30.30	3	10.48
8	Watson Jones	40.50	10.12	30.38	4	10.48
9	Steven McKee	44.07	9.00	35.07	8	9.36

Women
Pos.	Name	Time	H/Cap	H/c time	H/c Pos	New H/c
1	Pamela McCrossan	35.45	0.00	35.45	Fastest	0.00	Winner
2	Marina McCallum	36.29	4.12	32.17	1	1.12	1st H/cap
3	Ann Murray	36.30	3.00	33.30	3	3.36
4	Fiona McCue	39.03	0.00	39.03	7	0.36
5	Christine Duncanson	41.24	7.12	34.12	4	7.48
6	Shirley Greig	42.01	9.00	33.01	2	9.36
7	Yvonne Green	42.27	7.12	35.15	5	7.48
8	Marie Rippon	46.47	9.36	37.11	6	10.12

Training at Scotstoun

2011-07-23T09:08:00.001+01:00

Peter Halpin's training sessions will be re-starting at Scotstoun on Monday 25th July.

Sessions will be Mondays and Wednesdays - 6.45pm start - 8.00pm finish.

Sessions will range from middle distance to sprint.

Irvine 5mile Road Race - 18th July 2011

2011-07-20T09:08:00.002+01:00

Here are photographs, courtesy of Brian McAusland,
taken at this event.

News Report w/e 17th July

2011-07-16T16:40:00.000+01:00

Last Tuesday was Clydesdale Harriers’ own race - The Sinclair Trophy - which had almost twenty of its senior members taking part. It was a two loop course around North Drumry – total distance 5.4 miles. In warm conditions many good times were recorded. Full results as soon as they become available. Pictures of the race are on the website in the Blog (www.clydesdaleharriers.co.uk).

The previous Sunday was the Girvan Half Marathon which had Pamela McCrossan finishing as 1st veteran over 45 in a time of 1.31.52 over the extremely hot and hilly course. This was followed by Stephen McKee (1.58.15), and Evelyn McKee (2.08.30).

Also that day was the Crieff 10k which had Prasad Prasad winning the race outright in a time of 33.08, followed by Pete Cartwright (46.22).

A few days before was the Bridge of Earn 5 where again Pete Cartwright ran well to finish in 33.08.

Lastly on the 3rd of the month was the Central and Southern League Match 3 at Wishaw. Excellent results were recorded from young and old alike, and the club, thanks to all its hard work in all three matches over the past few months, won promotion to Division 2. This means all members will have to work harder than before to stay in the Division for next years matches!

Marina McCallum
Press Officer

Sinclair Trophy 2011

2011-07-13T18:31:00.000+01:00

Here are photographs and videos, courtesy of Mark Gallacher, taken on Tuesday 12th July at this Event.

There are 3 short videos at the end of the slideshow.

Personalize your own free digital slideshow

DunRen Meeting

2011-07-11T15:02:00.002+01:00

In the combined Dunbartonshire and Renfrewshire Open Graded Meeting last week, three of the club's younger athletes were taking part in the sprints. Andrew Hunter went in the 10m and Long Jump with excellent results. He ran 12.78 seconds in the 100m and did a very good long jump of 5.03 metres. He makes a good doublr act in the two leagues we contest (Young Athletes and CSS) with David Campbell and sure enough, David was there for the 100m where he clocked 13.49. He followed this up with a creditable 13.99 seconds for the 80 metres hurdles. David's sister Rachel raced well in the 100m where she was timed at 15.94. It's good to see the younger athletes going out looking for competition like this: there would have been a couple of the older ones too but for the fact that Johnathan, Peter and Iain have gone to Gothenburgh for the big meeting there: their results will be interesting to see.

Sinclair Cup and Pack runs - From the Captain.

2011-07-10T22:46:00.000+01:00

Just a reminder for everyone who hasn't been to the track session lately is that this Tuesday , it is our Sinclair Cup race.
I know Yvonne has done her usual good job and posted an email about it and John made us aware at the track last week. However, some guys/girls who don't go to the track may wish to run in it. The more the merrier.
I'm sure you've all read Brian's comment re a pack run(s). I agree.
When I was vice captain Gary and I talked about the possibility of doing something similar to this. Sadly, it never took off but hopefully we can aim for this once the summer has gone and by the looks of it...it has.
Any night would suit me and I'm sure most of us would be in the same boat. We would be out running in any case most nights. Tuesday, if the track isn't an option for us,should suit everyone.
Were getting fantastic numbers on at the track so if all those were up for a pack run, we could have three packs with good numbers in each. Again, these type of runs would improve our overall fitness and sharpness. It would also coincide with the start of the relays and this should certainly be considered.
However, that's only Brian and my own view...its up to you as well.
I remember when Cliff, Bobby and Gus were around we did something like that, though from memory we all began at the same time. Setting off at different times would be better so we all have our different groups and seeing how close we can finish to one another's pack.
Think about it. I'm sure its right for all of us.

Paul

News Report w/e 10th July

2011-07-10T10:16:00.001+01:00

Stuart and Marina at Stonehaven

The weekend of the 3rd had Clydesdale Harriers travelling out of the local area to run in the Stonehaven Half Marathon and the Barrathon (Barra Half Marathon). At Stonehaven, in hot conditions, Donald Cameron ran exceptionally well over the hilly course to finish 12th overall and won first veteran over 35 in a time of 1.24.13, followed by Stuart Allison (1.35.00), Marina McCallum (1.37.24 and fourth female), and Christine Duncanson (1.48.38). At Barra Gerry Montgomery finished 9th overall as 2nd veteran over 50 in a time of 1.25.26.

The weekend before was the Young Athletes League (YAL) at Wishaw. Under 17 Woman Claire Reid ran in the 300m Hurdles (58.4), 80m Hurdles (18.6), and 300m (49.3). Under 15 Girls had L. Butler running in the 100m (13.8), 200m (28.5), and Javelin (9.34m). E. Paxton ran in the 100m (14.8) and 1500m (5.47.8). Roisin McShea ran in the 800m (2.34.0) and 200m (31.2). Kirsty Alexander ran in the 800m (3.17.0), 75m Hurdles (20.6), and Long Jump (3.87m). E. Patterson ran in the 75m Hurdles (16.4), Javelin (14.59m), High Jump (1.25m). M. Robertson ran in the 1500m (5.35.6), and Long Jump (3.32m). Under 13 Girls had K. McGregor running the 75m Hurdles (10.7), 150m (20.9), and Shot Putt (7.38m). A. Abbott ran the 75m (13.9), and Shot Putt (3.65m). M. Robinson ran in the 800m (2.54.0), and 70m Hurdles (15.8). Jenny Kerr ran the 800m (3.23.7). Rachel Campbell ran in the 70m Hurdles (16.4), and 150m (23.0). M. Patterson ran in the 1200m (4.20.6), and Long Jump (3.4m). M. Joseph ran the 1200m (4.23.0) and Long Jump (3.15m). The Under 13 4x100m Relays had us in 5th overall (74.1), and the Under 15 4x100m had us 3rd overall (60.0).

Under 17 Men Tony Dolan ran in the 400m Hurdles (76.3), 800m (2.32.5), and 200m (30.0). Connor Ewing ran the 100m (14.1), 1500m (4.43.5 and 2nd placed), and long Jump (3.24m). L. Wood threw the Shot Putt (8.59m), Javelin (20.17m), and Long Jump (2.55m). Under 15 Boys had Andy Hunter running in the 200m (25.3 and 1st place), 100m (12.3), and Shot Putt (6.74m). F. Ritchie ran in the 100m (13.7), 1500m (4.44.4 and 2nd place), and Javelin (12.42m – 2nd). C. Kane ran the 800m (3.09.9), 200m (33.5), and Shot Putt (5.04m). David Campbell ran in the 80m hurdles (13.2), 400m (58.7 and 1st place), Javelin (14.4m). Under 13 Boys had K. Higgins running in the 100m (15.5), 200m (31.3), and Shot Putt (5.61m). C. Butler ran in the 100m (15.2), 75m Hurdles (17.4), and 200m (32.4). C. Caskie ran in the 800m (2.47.0), Shot Putt (5.53m and 1st place), and Long Jump (3.15m). Lewis hay ran the 800m (2.54.1), and 75m hurdles (17.3). Stephen Kane ran the 1500m (6.03.2), and Long Jump (2.66m). The Under 13 4x100m had us 3rd (63.4), and the Under 15 4x100 Relays had us also 3rd overall (53.6).

Marina McCallum
Press Officer

Pete's Progress

2011-07-08T20:17:00.002+01:00

V 60 Pete Cartwright had a good run this week: he ran in the Bridge of Earn 5 on Wednesday and finished sixty second in 33:08. A good run and it's a pity that more club runners weren't there to support him. Athletics in Scitland tends to be predictable - ie in any guven race you can line up and forecast where you will finish to within a place or two. If you want to progress in anything, you need a challenge. Even racing outside thw Wet of Scotland presents a challenge because there are so many new vests and unrecognised faces on the start line. Seek out the challenges, leave your comfort zone and have a go at a new race over a trail that you don't know! It's the only way forward. How many current members have run in the Spean Bridge to Fort William race? How many have run in the Mamore Hill race? How many have run in the Edinburgh Uni 5? If you only run in the same races every year, you will find it difficult to progress. So - well done Pete!

A Look Ahead

2011-07-08T20:03:00.002+01:00

The group running with John Hanratty on a Tuesday night just gets better and better. It woudl seem that a night on the track a weel was the ingredient missing from their training. Every week they look stronger, faster and more confident. There seems to be a good group coming together. Where do they go in the winter is the (maybe premature) question.
Well a suggestion for John and Paul is - how about proper pack runs? When I joined the club a major ingredient in the training was the weekly pack run. The captain in those days would decide the trail and post it up on the door in the headquarters on the Tuesday night. It would be anything from 7.5 and 10 miles. There would be three packs - a slow pack which left the Baths first an appropriate time in fornt of the medium pack; the medium pack would leave maybe five or ten minutes later and the fast pack would go five minutes after that. The slow pack would include the same runners every week (Eric McMahon, Allan Sharp, etc) plus anyone recovering from injury who wasn't ready for the fast pack. The medium pack would be for runners who were not among the slowest but not yet ready for the fast pack and the fast pack was for the sharks! All groups would work to their ability and all would (theoretically) finish at the same time.
All clubs worked to that kind of system - Vicky Park, Shettleston, Dumbarton, etc all had pack runs. It's an excellent way of getting race hardened. Many of the best racing clubs still use that system. So, Paul and John, what do you think of it for September this year?

Races, etc

2011-07-08T19:52:00.003+01:00

Last Sunday, when it was so hot that the club uniform changed to whit vests with red skins, the whole club was involved in the Central and South of Scotland League at Wishaw. At the end of the five hour day the team was second and had gained promotion to Division Two. Johnathan in the sprints and Peter and Ian in the Middle Distance events did us proud as usual. There were unfortunately no senior women present but the younger age groups were out in force with Roisin, Claire, Emily and all the rest working hard for the team. It was good to see Kirsty back in action too and the revelation of the day was probably Ryan Nelson running sub-60 for the first leg of the 4 x 400 relay! Gasps all round when he came hurtling into the home straight in third position.
It was also good to see Derek Halpin and club captain Paul Carroll running in the vets 100m and 800m. Paul's run in the 800 was quite excellent - he worked hard all the way to the finish to be second in the A string event while Derek was third B runner. Big points. At the other end of the age scale, Andrew Hunter and David Campbell were first A & B in the 100 and David won the 400 by a distance. Oh for a relay team to back them up!
Thanks to Raymond Farrell, Brian McAusland, Michael Hay and Peter Rudzinsksi for officiating on the day (we lose points of we do not supply the right number of officials) and of course to Phil Dolan whose idea it was to enter this league in the first place.

News Report w/e 3rd July

2011-07-02T23:29:00.002+01:00

Some of our older Clydesdale Harrier members were in action at the Scottish Veteran Harriers Club 5k at Clydebank Business Park last Wednesday (29^th). Some exceptionally fast times were recorded. In near perfect race conditions fastest harrier was Donald Cameron finishing third overall in a personal best time of 16.46, followed by Stuart Allison (19.06 pb), Pamela McCrossan (19.46), Marina McCallum (20.01), Peter Halpin (20.02), Pete Cartwright (20.15), Mark Barron (20.51), and Watson Jones (22.26). Another record was possibly broken over the course when Women’s Over 50 runner Fiona Mathieson from Falkirk and Victoria Harriers running club finished in a time of 16.50 – this is possibly a national record!

The previous Sunday had Paul Carroll running in the Dunfermline Half Marathon finishing 19^th overall in a quality field and fourth in his age category (Vet 40) in a time of 1.19.01.

The Brian Goodwin Memorial 10k was on Friday 24^th June at Pollock Park and had Stewart Dewar finishing in 44.25, followed by Steven McKee (49.55), and Evelyn McKee (54.21). Also that night was the Calderglen 10k Trail Race in East Kilbride which had five members of the club taking part. Fastest harrier over the hilly,scenic course was Martin King (45.04), followed by Fiona McCue (49.43), Peter Rudzinski (52.31), Colin Gray (60.49), and Marie Rippon (61.09).

The previous weekend was the Mens Health Forum 10k on the Southside of Glasgow which had Colin Gray finishing in 53.18. Also that day was the Scottish Athletics League (SAL) at Scotstoun running track. Lots of good performances were had by young and old alike. Jonathan Farrell ran in the 100m, 200m, jumped in the High Jump, and threw in the Shot Putt recording 11.75s, 23.41s, 1.45m and 7.16m respectively. Andy Russell competed in the 100m (12.43s), 200m (24.54s), High Jump (1.60m), and Shot Putt (8.03m). Peter Bowman competed in the 400m (55.35) and the 800m (2.00.42). Iain Robertson also ran in the 400m (58.13), and the 800m (2.07.97). Ryan nelson ran in the 1500m (5.00.28). Paul Carroll ran a personal best time in the 5000m (17.08.53). Lastly Connor Ewing ran in the 1500m (4.45.92). The relays were next with the 4x100m consisting of Peter Bowman, Ryan Nelson, Andy Russell and Jonathaan Farrell finished well up the field in an overall time of 50.48. In the 4x400m we had Andy Russell, Iain Robertson, Peter Bowman and Connor Ewing finishing in an overall time of 3.57.09.

Marina McCallum
Press Officer

Carry the Flame

2011-06-29T20:38:00.003+01:00

I've just heard, like five minutes ago, that I've been nominated by an old Harrier friend to carry the Olympic Flame!!! Might get lucky and not be picked! Don't know how far for but - has the club nominated anyone? If you don't ask you don't get and Clydesdale Harriers should be involved in national activities - it's all a big con of course but if it keeps the club in the national and public eye, it's got to be a good thing.
And following on, did any Harrier apply for Olympic tickets? One of my old runners (from Bellahouston Harriers) applied for a lot in the first ballot (£2000 in total) and got exactly nowt. He applied more selectively in the second round and got two tickets for the Women's 10,000m. Lucky beggar. Have any of us applied for anything? Graham's tickets are costing him £297 each - a lot of dosh but as his wife says, its a once in a lifetime opportunity.
The Harriers archive in the library - I'm going in on Monday to discuss it with the new local historian Jo Sheringham - includes a letter from the organising committee of the London Olympic Games asking how many tickets the Clydesdale Harriers members want. The snag is that it is dated 1948. I hope to find out on Monday if the new archivist is yet in post and when the materials will be available for inspection. I'll blog the results of the meeting.

This and That

2011-06-29T20:12:00.002+01:00

I spoke to several club members on Tuesday night and there was a lot of good stuff about the club in the discussions. First of all, former club captain, three times club champion and long time committee member John Maclachlan came along - he had read about us at the new track and wanted to see it for himself. He was, like all the rest of us, impressed and like many of the former members and office bearers he still keeps up with the club's activities. It's good to see that they are still interested.
First was the news that the young athletes were second in their SYAL Division Two match last week. Two things about that: first the performances were equally good in the first two matches but we did not do well because of the shortage of athletes. This time thanks largely to the new track there were many more athletes out and fewer blank spaces on the team sheet. Second, they would have done better with a few graded officials. To be a graded official means going on a one day course at either Scotstoun or Grangemouth in about October, no fee required, no exam required and you are then a graded official. If you want to progress beyond that there are of course certain steps that must be taken, but just to be a graded official costs nothing but one day's time. Think about it committee members, athletes and parents!
Second was the news that we should with minimal luck be promoted from Division Three of the Central and Southern Scotland League Div Three to Div Two this weekend at Wishaw. With all age groups from Under 11 right up to veteran, men and women, Boys and Girls it is a good club bonding exercise and in the last two matches we have been no lower than second. There are not many events but lots of age groups for all of them - eg there is only either a 100m or a 200m, never both; only ever an 800 or a 1500m never both. Phil has spoken to all the seniors bout it so let's hope there are a number in evidence on Sunday.
Physiotherapists: club members should have access to a recommended physio. It is a fact of life that athletes get injured. Therefore the club should have at the very least a recommended physio for members, and if they can do a deal with one, so much the better. I heard of two club members who have needed some access to a physio this year and who did not know where to turn. How about it committee? And don't look for one at the Meadows Centre - that went out of opetration over a year ago. When I joined the club, it was David Kinloch in Sandyford Place, in the 70's it was the Rangers FC physio at the end of Sauchiehall Street (I can't recall his name) and in the 80's it was Eric Neville in Hyndland Road. There was a deal with someone in Paisley but it's a bit far but at least it was a club recommended person. Can we have access to a physio on the next Committee Agenda?
And finally, best of luck to Ian, Peter and Johnathan in Gothenburg!

Peter's Blog

2011-06-29T19:52:00.002+01:00

Thanks to Peter for putting up the blog about the last committee meeting - I realise that for reasons of confidentiality the Minute in its entirety cannot be posted - it's not like sticking it up on a notice board in a club changing room which is reasonably private. The word about financial help to the thre men going to Gothenburg is very encouraging: it's good to see their initiative being supported in such a practical fashion.
The number of new members is also a good sign - it would be interesting to see the number of new and returned members for the last three months compared with those from the same period last year. There should be more in the not too distant future.
I was also pleased to see that the celebration of the club's 125th anniversary, albeit a year late, is being progressed. I would hope that the number mentioned in passing at the AGM of catering for about 50 would be revised in an upward direction. I would think that you could sell 50 tickets at St Peter's on a Tuesday without trying too hard. Former members such as Billy Hislop ( a runner, a committee member who was president in centenary year and a very good coach) would be glad to come along and it would be a good night. I look forward to more information coming on. Thanks, Peter for the blog.

Notes from last Committee meeting 17/6

2011-06-26T20:34:00.001+01:00

Dear colleagues,

Here are some notes from the club’s last committee meeting, for your interest.

A further batch of members were accepted into the club. A warm welcome to S.Hassan, R.Ross, C.Ross, F.Kennedy, D.Stewart and J.Ritchie.

We are still waiting to hear if we have been granted access to Clydebank Golf Club for the use of their clubhouse for a celebration of the club’s 125^th anniversary. Confirmation of the venue and date will be blogged as soon as we know.

Peter Bowman, Ian Robertson and Jonathon Farrell were awarded a grant of £500 for their forthcoming trip to youth games in Gothenburg. We wish them well and hope that they have a successful trip.

Peter Rudzinski
Club President

New track at St Peter's

2011-06-22T22:06:00.003+01:00

Mark Gallacher has sent some photographs showing a typical training session at our new track based at St Peter's (see below)
The other photographs have been added to the rotating pictures on the Home page of the Club web site.

Click photograph for larger version

News Report w/e 19th June

2011-06-20T11:58:00.001+01:00

Last Thursday was the Kirkintilloch Olympians 10k where Clydesdale Harriers had no less than sixteen members competing with some excellent results. The course was predominantly flat but mainly run over trail. Fastest harrier and fourth overall (though he was awarded 3^rd prize) was Donald Cameron continuing his excellent form in a time of 35.31, followed by Kevin Farmer (39.09), Stuart Allison (42.08), Martin King (42.10), Anne Murray (43.30), Marina McCallum (43.35), Brian Reilly (44.28), Mark Barrow (44.38), Fiona McCue (45.28), Christine Duncanson (47.12 and 1^st vet over 45), Yvonne Green (49.50 and 3^rd vet over 45), Stephen McKee (51.13 pb), Colin Gray (53.34), Marie Rippon (54.22), Evelyn McKee (57.16), and Tricia Stevenson (57.17). Anne, Marina and Fiona were also winners of 2^nd female team.

The previous Sunday (12^th) was the last in the Polaroid Eyewear 10k Series at the Vale of Leven. Fastest harrier was Donald Cameron (35.24), followed by Kevin Farmer (38.39), Derek Halpin (39.19), Christine Duncanson (47.59), Yvonne Green (48.49), Stephen McKee (52.17), Marie Rippon (53.42), Colin Gray (54.09), Evelyn McKee (55.29), and Sandy McDonald (67.10). There was also a 5k organised and two of the younger members of the club took part. Fastest was Roisin McShea finishing in 22.27, followed by Lewis Hay (24.46).

On the Saturday of the same weekend was the Bearsden and Milngavie Highland Games 10k. Over this exceptionally tough course had Gerry Montgomery finishing sixth overall in a time of 38.58, followed by Marina McCallum (44.47 and 3^rd female), and Brian Reilly (47.20).

Marina McCallum
Press Officer

Kirkintilloch 10K Thursday 16th June

2011-06-17T09:37:00.004+01:00

A great night was had by the Harriers at the Kirkintilloch 10K - and what a lot turned up!

Donald Cameron was 3rd M

Christine Duncanson 1st Lady Vet

Yvonne Green 3rd Lady Vet.

2nd Ladies Team - Fiona McCue, Marina McCallum & Ann Murray

Photographs, courtesy of Christine Duncanson, show the Harriers after the Race.

(click on photograph for enlarged version)

Race over!

What a lot of prizes!

Message from the Club Captain - Paul Carroll

2011-06-13T09:13:00.000+01:00

Sorry I've not posted anything recently but just like to say a few things.
The track, I think we all agree, has been a major success. John, Phil, Donald and Brian along with the 'new' guys such as Joe Higgins and Paul Ross etc. all deserve our thanks in making this such a success. Each week we seem to gather more interest and we've had a few new faces recently. Good. It all bodes well.
As for the regulars, we've all benefited from the sessions and its a million times better than the Business Park, the Reccie and the hill session at the Clinic !
Long may it continue.
Phil spoke to us all the other night re the Central/Southern league on 3rd July. We've a realistic chance of promotion to Division Two this year. Basically we need as many bodies out as possible that day to gain valuable points and win promotion. I believe the venue could be at Wishaw. Please try your best in attending and taking part. Even one event to take part in and gain points could get us there.
Recently we've had excellent runs from the Seniors at the Polaroids with some excellent Pb's. Its encouraging with the relays not too far away. Probably October with the Houston's or McAndrews would be a realistic aim for us all.
As I've said previously I'm not asking everyone to race all the relays but if you can make yourself available for one or more then that's fantastic and I thank you in advance !! I will try and give everyone as much notice as possible as to the ones we should be targeting.
The good news is we've still got three months or so to get us even faster and to give our rival clubs something to think about. The track will help us get there.
Now, Mr Hanratty I've said thanks for the help you've given us in recent weeks...so a nice easy session on Tuesday please !

Paul

News Report w/e 12th June

2011-06-11T21:18:00.002+01:00

Last weekend Clydesdale Harriers had the Bearsden and Milngavie Highland Games 10k and the last in the Polaroid Eyewear 10k Road Race Series – Vale of Leven. Results next week.

On Wednesday 8th June Gerry Montgomery travelled to Edinburgh to run in the Corstorphine AAC 5 Miler (part of the SVHC Run and Become Series). He ran well to finish in a time of 29.41.

The previous weekend had Pamela McCrossan in good form running two 10k’s in the space of two days. The first was the Frank Sinclair Memorial 10k at Greenock where she finished as first female in a time of 41.31, followed by Peter Rudzinski in 46.27. The next day was the Carluke 10k where Pamela was third female in a time of 40.28.

Finally the results from the Polaroid Eyewear Dumbarton 10k on the 2nd of the month. Fastest harrier was Donald Cameron (35.23 pb), followed by Paul Carroll (35.48), Alistair Greig (42.24 pb), Shirley Greig (47.52), Christine Duncanson (48.28), Stephen McKie (51.51), Marie Rippon (53.56), Colin Gray (54.10), and Evelyn McKie (55.52).

Well done, Andrew Hunter!

2011-06-11T15:20:00.002+01:00

Andrew missed training on Tuesday because he was at the East Dunbarton Schools Achievement Awards ceremony in Bishopbriggs: the award was an Athletic Achievement Award. Just to prove that it was not all in the past, he competed for Boclair Academy in the County School Sports at Grangemouth the next day where he won the 100m (12.3 seconds), 200m (25.1 - a pb) and the Long Jump (5.41m - another pb) and was part of the relay team that finished third. One meeting, four medals, three wins, two pb's is not too shabby a day out! In return for this he was awarded the Championship Shield. He'll be available for autographs on Tuesday.

Scottish Schools

2011-06-10T19:23:00.003+01:00

Not so long ago, there were so many club runners taking part in the Scottish Schools Championships that it was difficult to keep track of them - especially as they were in vests that we did not usually see. There was no such problem this year - you didn't need all the fingers on one hand to number them. Not the fault of the children. More and more schools are choosing not to affiliate to the SSAA. Among the local schools not affiliated are Clydebank High School, Dumbarton Academy, Our Lady and St Pats, Vale of Leven and the latest local school not to be part of the scheme is Boclair Academy. They all used to send a bus to the event, Boclair on one famous occasion sent two buses! Now - not a one from any of them. St Peter's had four or five entered and there handfuls from Douglas Academy and Bearsden Academy.
We can do a job here - a bit of initiative from the Committee and we could assist the schools to send pupils to the meeting. The Inverclyde Initiative sent a bus with pupils from four schools all together and provided supervision for the teams thus freeing the school PE Department from the responsibility of finding a member of staff to go. When the Primary Schools Championships started up, we organised a bus, paid for it and took pupils from local primary schools through, free of charge, and they were accompanied by the Gibson family and some other club coaches. If we don't want to go that far, how about year round cultivation of the schools? It is over a year since there was a blog suggesting that the club hold a race for the Juniors on the day of the Dunky Wright or Polaroid and nothinh as happened. I would ask the Committee to have another look at the idea. The young runners and their parents want a race - any race! - to be held in Clydebank. We can put on races on request from the Vets Association - 5k's, half marathons - why can't we do one for our own young athletes? Now that we have access to a proper track, why not put on a come-and-try night for local schools? Not hard to organise - it just requitres the will.
Why amd I banging on about it? Well, if the schools are too hard up in terms of money or personnel to help develop the sport, then it is up to those who love the sport, namely us, to promote it in any and every way we can.
Shame about the Scottish Schools though - used to be the biggest meeting in the country and although it might still hold the title, it is not a patch of what it once was.

John's Group

2011-06-09T15:24:00.002+01:00

As I say below, John Hanratty's group is more impressive every week that I see it! If that sounds patronising, it's certainly not meant to!!! To start with, they were a bit tentative - with no track in Clydebank, they had had no experience of running within the confines of eight lanes and surrounded by children of all ages, and seniors doing different events. It took maybe two nights to settle in and the group is now very impressive. On Tuesday night John had them handicapped according to pace and the discipline was there right to the end. A track session is much more structured than a road or grass session.
One of the spin-offs from this session and the obvious enjoyment has increased the numbers and brought several former members back. I was talking to Dewar Stewart the other night and the week before it was Brian Gallagher who was making his first appearance on the track. "Do you remember me?" or "You don't remember me!" are two remarks heard recently from returning seniors!
Who'll be next? Brian Potts? Charlie McIntosh??
Congratulations to John for organising the group and doing such a good job!

Recent Weeks

2011-06-09T15:01:00.002+01:00

I haven't posted for some time now and was asked on Tuesday where I had gone! So in response here are some comments on recent weeks.
First, although I missed the CSS League match last weekend because of family stuff, I spoke to most of the athletes concerned and it seemed to have been a good match. Few events and many age groups is the description of the league that does it justice: age groups go from Under 11 up to senior and veteran for men and women - ie if every event turns out the full quota there are 14 separate groups. So hats off to Phil and Donald who did the organising. The growing strength of the younger and newer members was seen in the performances of Ronan and Charlotte Ross, Cairn Wallace, Kyle Higgins, Liam Lorimer and all the others: Kyle showed traces of his Dad when he started off far too easily in the 200 metres, then woke up when he was shouted on - and won! Ronan in his first match had two good second places, Charlotte stepped up a distance to 1200 metres and Cairn ran a much better 1200 than in the first match at Scotstoun. The story was the same up through the age groups with the regulars such as Andrew Hunter, David Campbell, Roisin Coyle, Erin, Emily, Claire all performing up to expectations and encouraging the younger ones by example. The seniors all did well too winning their share of the points although a coupkle more at this end would help tremendously. Phil reckons we could well get promoted this year, so let's go for it in the last match!
Tuesdays at St Peter's are becoming busier - we are seeing more new members every week: this week there were three new ones and I look forward to seeing them all improve as Liam Lorimer, Charlie and the rest have done. The coaches on the night are all looking good - David Ross with his small group, Paul Ross and Joe Higgins with the Under 12's, Phil with his endurance group and of course the older sprinters. Returnees include Anton Russell and Andy Cusick - makes a good group of U20/early seniors with Johnathan, Peter and David. The makings of a another generation of senior track and field athletes are there.
I have deliberately left John Hanratty for another blog - his group is improving every week.

News Report w/e 5th June

2011-06-04T20:20:00.001+01:00

Clydesdale Harriers young and old were competing in the Central and Southern League Match 2 at Linwood on Sunday. Results as soon as they become available.

We also had several members running in the Polaroid Eyewear Dumbarton 10k last Thursday. Results also as soon as they become available.

At the end of last month (28^th) was the Co-Operative Stornoway Half Marathon which Paul Carroll travelled over to run. He finished as first veteran but unfortunately the course was short because the leading pack which Paul was in was sent the wrong way - with the result that they ended up only running just over 12 miles instead of 13 miles – hence the time – 1.14.22. Also that day was the Bathgate Hill Race – an out and back course up one of the local hills! This race was also part of the Run and Become Race Series which was open to members of Scottish Veterans Harrier Club. The three harriers who took part were members of SVHC so points would be awarded that day. Fastest harrier was Gerry Montgomery finishing the six mile course in 39.21 and in second place, followed by Marina McCallum a few minutes later (46.30 and second female), then Peter Rudzinski (48.59 and first veteran over 60).

The previous weekend was the M74 Bike and Hike 14k which Gerry Montgomery competed in finishing second in a time of 52.20.

Next races for the harriers are the Bearsden and Milngavie Highland Games 10k (Sat 11^th), and the Polaroid Eyewear Vale of Leven 10k (Sun 12^th).

Marina McCallum
Press Officer

Kilpatrick Hill Race

2011-06-02T20:06:00.001+01:00

Dear colleagues,

Last night (1^st June), I competed at the Kilpatrick Hill Race. This is the first time I have done this race for quite a few years as I usually steward at the race. However, this year I decided to compete and see if I could win the trophy as first Clydesdale finisher. (One of the few trophies in the club which I have never won before!).

To my surprise, I was the only club member competing which means I win the trophy by default. Of interest though was the number of current and ex Clydesdale Harriers who were either running, watching or organising.

Christine Menhennet, organising the race on behalf of Westies.

Ian Murphy, stewarding. Ian has a dodgy knee and can no longer run. A great pity because he was, in my humble opinion, the most talented runner in my time in the club.

Bobby McOuat, watching. Still injured after his accident in this race last year but hoping to resume competing on hills and grass sometime soon.

Tom Collins, recovering from health problems, he was out for a run in the hills last night, spotted the flags, and came down to the start to talk to me.

Paul McKendry, competing as unattached. I think we might get him to come back to us.

Don Reid, competing for Westies.

Ross McInroy, competing for Helensburgh.

Gordon McCaffrey, competing as unattached.

Finally, as I was bombing up the road at the start of the race, Alan Lorimer was coming down in his Land Rover. He shouted to me that he could have been doing the race. I shouted back that he also said that last year!

Anyway, the race was well marshalled, the sky was leaden but no rain (or midges) and I won a spot prize.

Hope to see some of you there next year.

Peter Rudzinski

Notes from the May 2011 Committee meeting

2011-06-02T20:03:00.001+01:00

Dear colleagues,

Here are some notes from the club’s last committee meeting, for your interest.

Bobby Rossborough, Kath Scott and Gary Dick have all left the club for pastures new. To balance this out, three new adult members have been accepted into the club. A warm welcome to Stephen and Evelyn McKee from Erskine, and Tricia Stevenson from Bearsden.

We have applied to Clydebank Golf Club for the use of their clubhouse for a celebration of the club’s 125^th anniversary. We hope to have this event on Saturday 17^th September. The actual format of the event has yet to be finalised but there will be a dinner, speeches, plus either entertainment or some form of music/dancing. Details to be finalised when we have a firm date and venue.

There was a discussion at the meeting on coaching and coaches in the club. It was agreed that it would be helpful if the club coaches could get together and provide details of when, who and what they coach , so that current and new members know who to approach for advice.

Peter Rudzinski

Paul in the Islands

2011-05-30T11:40:00.002+01:00

Paul Carroll has been in Stornoway for the last week preparing for the Half Marathon at the weekend. Nae luck - the weather was dire! Never mind, the race was the thing and you will have seen from the papers that he ran 74:22 and picked up the first veteran prize. Still nae luck! A steward misdirected the first eight or ten runners (including Paul) and the course for them was short. So although he ran well and was almost certainly inside 80 minutes pace, he was deprived because of the steward's mistake. Well done, all the same, Paul and better luck next time!

Peter Halpin's Group

2011-05-30T11:37:00.002+01:00

Peter says that he has contacted his athletes to say that he can't be at Scotstoun to-night but has asked me to say so on the blog as well. He's now on a late shift at work. He will try to be at St Peter's School track tomorrow (Tuesday).

Pictures from Clydebank 10K

2011-05-28T14:26:00.001+01:00

Digital slideshow customized with Smilebox

News Report w/e 29th May

2011-05-28T13:43:00.000+01:00

Last Thursday was the second in the Polaroid Eyewear 10k Road Race Series which took place in Clydebank. Clydesdale Harriers were organising the event so a lot of their runners were helping out but we still managed to have at least nine runners running. The race very nearly didn’t go ahead due to a fallen tree on the canal but thankfully the council managed to clear it in time! The fastest harrier was Donald Cameron finishing in another personal best time of 35.24, followed by Derek Halpin (38.30), Kevin Farmer (38.37), Pamela McCrossan (40.28), Heather Calderwood (42.36), Alistair Greig (43.03 pb), Shirley Greig (45.14 pb), Watson Jones (48.10), and Colin Gray (50.54).

The previous weekend was the Scottish Athletics League (SAL) at Grangemouth Stadium. Jonathan Farrell ran well in the 100m, 200m where he ran 11.56 and 23.9 respectively, and threw the Shot Putt 7.74m. Peter Bowman competed in the 200m, 400m and 800m finishing in times of 25.51, 54.93 and 2.02.22 respectively. Ryan Nelson timed 2.23.79 for the 800m and 5.02.24 for the 1500m. Tony Dolan clocked 5.12.90 for the 1500m. In the 5000m Paul Carroll ran well to clock 17.24.64 and David Brown ran in the 3000m Steeplechase to finish in 11.33.53. Finally there was the relays. In the 4x100m Jonathan Farrell ran first changing to Peter Bowman, who changed to David Brown, and finally Tony Dolan to finish in a time of 50.94. This was followed by the 4x400m where Jonathan Farrell again ran first changing to Peter Bowman, who changed to David Brown, and finally Ryan Nelson to finish in a time of 3.59.43.

Forthcoming race for the harriers are the third in the Polaroid Eyewear 10k Series at Dumbarton (this Thursday).

Marina McCallum
Press Officer

Volunteers needed for Vale Event (Polaroid Series) 12th June

2011-05-25T10:02:00.001+01:00

There are quite a few volunteers for the Vale race but organisers are lacking experienced runners who could handle some of the important turns and crossings.
The organisers are announcing this week that the trail has changed which they say brings its own concerns.

As in previous years volunteers will receive a race goody bag along with a pair of Polaroid fashion sunglasses.
All volunteers will be invited to the 25th anniversary BBQ immediately following the 10K on the 12th June.

If you are not running in the event please give serious consideration to assisting.

Volunteers can indicate their availability by e-mailing David Kennedy

The Female Triad

2011-05-24T11:21:00.003+01:00

I have blogged about this one before - a couple of years ago - but have been asked to mention it again by the parents of one of our young female athletes. It is well known that women of all ages have difficulties associated with endurance running that men don't and Scottish squads used to give out sheets of information on the subject. Anaemia is maybe the most common one - although Under 17 Men right through to veteran are also liable to suffer from this one - but it is much more common with women. The other big problem comes with the female triad - sounds like a Chinese criminal gang but it's not! It is made up of Osteoporosis (low bone density), amenorrhea and eating disorders. Liz McColgan is quite clear that not enough is known about this and has held workshops, sponsored by Scottish Athletics on the subject. In England Kelly Holmes has been very active in spreading information about it. So -
if you are the parent of a young female endurance runner, a woman distance runner of whatever age or a coach of women endurance runners, you need to know about this. I would suggest that you simply google 'female triad' or even 'female athlete triad' and do some reading! If you don't need to know about it now, you may well do in the future.

Summer League Races

2011-05-24T08:09:00.000+01:00

The list of summer league races for 2011 will appear on the web site shortly.

The first race of the league is the Dumbarton 10K (Polaroid)

You can enter by following this link

Dumbarton 10K Entry

Coaching

2011-05-23T11:52:00.003+01:00

When I joined the club in 1957 there were a couple of good club distance running coaches bu they retired or left the area and the need was great. The Committee took the initiative and called a Special General Meeting in the Hunter & Currie Halls in Whitecrook and several club members agreed to go on up-coming coaching courses and the matter was dealt with. The current situation in the club is interesting. There is a shape there that needs to be encouraged and developed. First the nature of the need needs to be assessed. So
What do we have already? Phil and John are covering the endurance groups and are well capable of giving advice to any endurance runner in the club whether or not he or she is a member of their group. However the day seems to be coming when they will need some assistance with another coach covering the events.
On the track, Donald Macleod covers the young sprinters. What other possibilities are there for track and field? To my knowledge, Bobby Bell is changing his job and wants to come back from late August/September to work with throwers, particularly in shot, discus and hammer. Even if he is not coming along, we need a throws coach and the only likely candidate that comes to mind is Colin Gray. Whether he would want to do it is of course the nub of the thing! For the jumps, Donna Campbell is able to coach the long and triple jumps but where will we get a high jump coach from? Are any of the seniors able to help in this event? Megan Reid can and wants to coach hurdles. Sprints? Well, the two Ross brothers (Paul and David) have been doing some work with the young athletes for the past three or four weeks. The knowledge and experience is there and they could maybe encouraged to make a lonmg term involvement.
All those mentioned who are not already club members should be encouraged to join the club and then encouraged to do the coaching course appropriate to their event. That leaves javelin, high jump and another endurance coach to be found.
If we came from three coaches to 16 qualified coaches in the 1980's why can't we make similar progress in the 21st century?

Men's League

2011-05-23T11:44:00.002+01:00

The Men's Track Team was in action at Grangemouth on Sunday in dreradful winds thjat made any kind of decent time on the track - other than the 100m - impossible. Johnathan Farrell had a good day with 100, 200, bioth relays and including a pb in the shot putt. Peter Bowman was out in the 200, 400, and 800 plus relays, Ryan Nelson did his bit in the 800/1500m double, David Brown took part in the steeplechase picking up good points for the club and Tony Dolan had his first senior outing when he ran in the 1500m You will note the absence of field event competitors - we really need folk to do them. Plans are afoot for next summer but this year - well, the need is great.
Man of the Match for me had to be Paul Carroll who ran in the 5000m with a gale force wind in the back straight that looked like runners hitting a brick wall as they turned into it. Paul ran very well working his way through the field with a very even paced race. After the first 200m, his lap times were 83, 83, 82, 83 (1st Mile); 85, 84, 83, 83(2nd mile), 85, 86, 86, 80 (3rd Mile) and you can see from the 80 second last lap that he had plenty up his sleeve.
It was a good day and team manager Phil Dolan doubled up as an official with Ian Robertson.

News Report w/e 22nd May

2011-05-23T09:23:00.000+01:00

The first of the Polaroid Eyewear 10k Series kicked off last Thursday at Helensburgh. Clydesdale Harriers had no less than twelve members and several soon-to be members taking part. Fastest harrier was Paul Carroll running a personal best time of 35.28, closely followed by Donald Cameron in 35.50 (also a pb). Then Derek Halpin (38.01), Martin King (42.26), Bobby Young (44.18), Fiona McCue (45.44), ChristineDuncanson (45.52 and 3^rd vet 50), Watson Jones (48.18), Yvonne Green (49.51), Marie Rippon (52.30), Kevin Farmer (53.35) and Colin Gray (52.54).

The previous weekend (14^th) had victories and prizes galore for some of our members. At the Dick Wedlock Memorial 10k at Pollock Park we had Marina McCallum winning the women’s race comfortably in a time of 42.10 over the undulating course. The next day Pamela McCrossan showed a clean pair of heels to all other women in the Monklands Half Marathon finishing in a time of 1.31.58. Also that day was the Walter Ross SVHC 10k also at Pollock Park where Gerry Montgomery finished in a time of 37.00, followed by Bobby Young (46.14).

The previous weekend was the Ignis Asset Management Womens 10k where fastest harrier was Pamela McCrossan (41.35 and 43^rd overall), followed by Christine Duncanson (46.01) and Yvonne Green (51.28).

Lastly on Wednesday 4^th was the SVHC Snowball Race (4.8 Miles) at Coatbridge where Gerry Montgomery ran well to finish in a time of 28.51, followed by Pamela McCrossan (32.22) and Bobby Young (33.14).

This Thursday (26^th) is the Clydebank 10k. Any members not running are requested to help out if they can. Race starts 730pm on the service road behind Clydebank Shopping Centre. Just see Peter Rudzinski before the race start.

Our new Track!

2011-05-16T18:46:00.001+01:00

Here are photographs, courtesy of John Hanratty, showing Club members at St Peter the Apostle School running track

(click on the photograph for an enlarged version)

Recruitment

2011-05-16T10:01:00.002+01:00

Recruitment has been good recently with new athletes of all ages and of both genders. There is no reason of course to stop here - we must really keep working to build the numbers - the only reason for the young athletes not winning their league was that there were too many empty slots on the team sheet. Keep going into the schools, keep bringing your friends - Ian McCafferty was one of Scotland's best ever endurance athletes on all surfaces and he only came into the sport because his pal Alex Brown asked him along to make up the team - ask former athletes to make a return to the sport. How about a well-advertised come-and-try night for runners only in the first instance and for all ages with a sprint and a middle distance event on the calendar; pitch it at all ages with the only stipulation being that they are not currently a member of an athletics club. It worked for sprinters and throwers in the 80's and 90's, why wouldn't it win again?

Young Athletes League

2011-05-16T09:56:00.003+01:00

The second meeting of the Scottish Young Athletes League took place on Sunday at Grangemouth. The good news is that the team was bigger and stronger than in the first match, the second is that there seemed to be more first, second and third places. Among the first time competitors were Kyle Higgins (son of Joe who was a good club member for many years) and Charlotte Ross (whose Dad Paul was a good athlete before turning to rugby). Both did well and want to compete again - and soon! The more experienced athletes such as Andrew Hunter and David Campbell and Claire Reid and Roisin McShea led by example and I believe that all those present completed three events each. So to all of those there - Chris and Stephen, Emma, Emily and Rachel and all the rest - well done, I thoroughly enjoyed the day. And of course Phil did sterling work as team manager.

Michael in Applecross

2011-05-09T21:05:00.005+01:00

Michael Diver
(click photo for enlargement)

Charlie Middler, one of the grand old harriers when I joined the club, used to love to make his way as best he could to Applecross and walk and climb the hills there. He loved the area.

Last week Michael Diver visited the area but he had serious plans in mind! The plan was to cycle over the Bealach na Ba from Shieldaig to Applecross - a 43 mile round trip. He had done it just last year and taken over 4 hours which is not bad given the fearsome 10K climb at the start. This time he excelled himself - starting with 51 minutes for the 10K climb, his overall time was 3 hours 56 minutes. It's a beautiful part of the country but really hard work if you are walking, running or cycling! It's good to see Michael coming into good form again and if he is really fit for the start of the winter season, then he will be a more than valuable addition to captain Paul Carroll's team.

By the way, I noticed in a history of the Two Bridges race that Michael had finished in the top ten. It was a wonderful ultra distance race which started in Dunfermline and went along the north side of the Forth as far as the Kincardine Bridge, crossed the Bridge and came back on the South side to cross the Forth Road Bridge and then run into Rosyth to finish. To be in the top ten in any year was quite a feat - lots of Englishmen and many Americans came and ran in it. It is now defunct but I had never known that Michel had run it never mind done so well!

Womens' Glasgow 10k

2011-05-08T17:33:00.000+01:00

Three of our Harriers braved the elements today in this annual event.

Pictures below (courtesy of Brian McAusland) show the 3 Harriers in action


Pamela McCrossan Place:43

Christine Duncanson Place:130

Yvonne Green Place: 604

Music While You Run

2011-05-08T14:32:00.002+01:00

I see more and more runners jogging along with things stuck in their ears. I am told they are listening to music and I know that some races bar the use of ipods or similar devices. AW last year had a letter from a race organiser who had had an announcement asking them to be switched off for the duration of the race so that they would hear any instructions being passed on. One of the runners came up to him, removed the earpiece and asked what that was that he had just said! While I really seriously disapprove of these things being worn (you can't hear traffic for a start and with more and more of it on the roads, it could be deadly) there is a case for running to rhythm. It used to be, and I am told it still is the case, that runners sing inwardly while they run along. I always found 'Pineapple Princess' by Annette Funicello or 'Walking Back To Happiness' by Helen Shapiro worked for me. One year I started the Balloch to Clydebank to 'Seventy Six Trombones' and finished to Elvis's 'Wooden Heart'!
Peter Wilkinson of Derby and County who was a real top marathon runner used to race his marathons to the tune of 'California Here I Come' and one year, with a ragnail on his left thumb, his concentration and rhythmical swinging of his arms led to him wearing a hole in his vest and drawing blood from his side. Jim Peters used to sing to himself as well but his chosen songs are not recorded anywhere. Dunno if you could run to Oasis or Blur or even Beth Ditto or Lady Gaga, maybe someone would enlighten me.

Recruiting

2011-05-08T14:13:00.002+01:00

Now that the presence at the new track is established and a way of working has evolved, it is maybe time to look at recruiting new members. The young athletes ran well in both league meetings this year but they were not as far up the table as their abilities and effort suggested they should be, because there were simply not enough of them. In the National Cross Country Championships in Falkirk there were barely enough seniors to make a team. Both could be improved by a deliberate programme of recruitment which would mean all club members - committee, senior men and women, the younger boys and girls and maybe even the parents - becoming involved.
First of all, former or lapsed members could be approached: not everyone approached would return but if even a small proportion did, it could only be for the benefit of the club. It simply means writing, or emailing, to these members and encouraging them to return. I believe that this wouild work.
Second, it has already been proposed that we advertise our presence at the track by hanging the club banner from the fencing on Tuesdays while we are at St Peter's.
Third, we are already geared up to produce flyers of high quality for distribution at the 10K Road Race later this month - in addition we could specifically target those unattached runners finishing in the first 100 (there were I think 16 - 18 in this category last year) by sending them a letter enclosing a membership application form. Targeting like this is done by other clubs in a variety of aports and there is no reason why we should not use a tactic that is fairly successful. A letter lying on the table that you walk past a couple of times every day is better than an email which is looked at and forgotten about.
Fourth, we could offer free membership for one year to new members joining in May and June. For someone joining a club because they think they like it, it is an expensive experiment - membership, registration, club uniform etc all add up and although once you are a member the costs are lighter than for golf, bowling or tennis clubs, it is a big investment if you are not sure. Buchanan Castle, for instance, reduced their subscription last year to £100 for the first year and the Vale of Leven Golf Club offered reduced subs for the first year.
Fifth, make a closer contact with the schools. Get to know the PE Staff and especially the sports co-ordinators, offer to help with their school sports day and even offer to help them get their pupils to the Scottish Schools Championships. It is difficult for a school to release staff for the Friday session in particular biut were we to have a coach travelling through then there is no reason why he/she should not take some pupils with them or, even if that were impossible, enter them at the venue, collect numbers and generally be useful.
That's five suggestions and the committee could certainly come up with more. Then all it takes is goodwill by club and committee to amke it work!

News Report w/e 8th May

2011-05-07T17:13:00.000+01:00

On Sunday 8^th was the Ignis Asset Management Women’s 10k which started and finished near Bellahouston Park. Several Clydesdale Harrier women took part.
Results next week.

The previous Wednesday was the Troon Tortoises 10k which had Christine Duncanson running well to finish in a time of (46.19) followed by Yvonne Green (51.44) in warm conditions.

The previous weekend Paul Carroll and Gerry Montgomery travelled to Dundee to run in the Angus Half Marathon. Both did exceptionally well with Paul winning second veteran in a time of 1.21.16 and Gerry winning second Supervet in a time of 1.23.59 over a hilly course.

The day before was the Montane Highland Fling Race (53 miles) which was run along the West Highland Way from Milngavie to Tyndrum. Heather Calderwood had an exceptional run for her first ultra finishing as third Scot in an impressive 9.42.59. This was followed by John Kennedy (10.13.30 and third vet 50), Peter Halpin (11.11.28) and Craig Calderwood (12.44.10).

The previous Wednesday was the Whangie Whizz hill race where Hugh Laverty ran well to finish in 36.13, followed by Michael Diver (39.23).

Marina McCallum

Press Officer

Troon Tortoises 10K

2011-05-05T18:16:00.000+01:00

Yvonne Green and Christine Duncanson travelled down to Troon for this annual event (or was it for the fish and chips afterwards??)

Picture of Christine in full flight!

Stuc a Chroin Hill Race

2011-05-02T11:13:00.002+01:00

I didn't know that the Stuc a Chroin was on on Saturday or I would have gone along to see it and wander up the hill a bit - it's only 5 miles down the road after all. No Clydesdale Harriers running this year when in the past there have been several - Michael Diver supported it for at least ten years, John Kennedy ran three years ago, Shelagh King ran it quite often and so on. Ross McInroy, former club runner now with Helensburgh ran for the umpteenth time but the thing that made me wish I'd gone was the second placer: a guy called Alistair Meikle (Unattached). Could he be the former club president from Gala? If he is, and if he reads this, get in touch Alistair. It would be of interest to know.

Highland Fling 53 miles

2011-05-01T20:33:00.003+01:00

Harriers did well in the Highland Fling Race from Milngavie to Tyndrum along the West Highland way. Heather Calderwood finished thirty eighth in 9 hours 45 minutes 45 seconds, John Kennedy was sixty third in 10:13:30, Peter Halpin was one hundred and thirty fifth in 11:11:28 and Craig Calderwood two hundred and fifty first in 12:44:10 and three hundred and twenty one finished. The relay looks like a good 'fun' event which at the very least would be a good training exercise and there were 37 teams in it. What I can't be doing with (it's a generational thing) is the daft names that they run under. What's the point of calling yourself something silly - let your running do that for you. Our runners did themselves and the club proud - Heather was the third Scot and UK female and John Kennedy was third V50. In the weather that prevailed on Saturday it was no small feat completing the trail in one piece. For a full report on how it felt, have a look at Peter Halpin's blog from the link on this page.

Scotstoun in the Sun

2011-05-01T19:25:00.003+01:00

I went down to Scotstoun to see the team competing in the Central and South of Scotland League - this is a league that includes athletes of both genders from Under 11 up to veteran categories. The weather was great but while the club group in the back straight were showing bare flesh where appropriate and getting burnt, those in the finishing straight were in the teeth of a gale with no sun to be seen and seriously covered up. It was noticeable that runners who were travelling quickly suddenly slowed as though they had hit a brick wall when entering the straight.

The team did well - the last count before I left had them in first place in their division. I saw good running from all of them - Andrew Hunter, David Campbell, Claire Reid, Stephen Kane, Conor Ewing, Lewis Hay and company all did well. New girls Emily Paxton and Erin Ball acquitted themselves well as did Cairn Wallace who, after only three weeks training tackled three events. The best races that I saw were Johnathan Farrell battling out first place up the home straight of the senior 400, with Peter Bowman and literally inches separating them at the tape with the rest of the field nowehere, and Roisin McShea in the Under 15 girls 800 where she led all the way until the wind in the finishing straight hit her and she wilted just enough for the second placer to get past.

Other seniors to run well were Ian Robertson, David Brown and Ryan Savage with Marina McCallum competing in the 100m, 400m, 800m, shot putt and long jump! It was a really excellent day.