Perth runners tackle Tokyo marathon
Four runners from Perth tackled the world-famous Tokyo Marathon.
And Stuart Robertson, head greenkeeper at Craigie Hill Golf Club, produced a storming performance to clock 2:44:02.
Hot on his heels was Martin McEwen in 2:54:36, Garry Smith in 3:14:20 and Richard Ward in 3:17:55.
The marathon brought with it an additional achievement for both Richard and Martin as they became Six Star Finishers.
It’s a title given to runners who complete the six largest and most renowned marathons in the world – Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York.
Also abroad for the Perth Road Runners was Hugh Daly, who ran the Hong Kong half marathon on Sunday in a time of 2:43.
It was a very busy weekend for the green vests back on home soil.
Eleven Fair City members travelled to Callender Park, Falkirk, for the National Cross Country Championships.
A tough 10k route met competitors with the women’s team – Sonjia Crow, Gillian Edwards, Claire Douglas and Fabienne Thompson – placing 18th.
The men’s team of Myles Bax, Dave Knight, Kevin Riddell, Ronnie Glen, Mark Crawford, Paul Stewart and Simon Grieshaber came in 23rd. Fair City members clocked impressive times
Meanwhile, Glentress saw a Perth Road Runner participating in each of their 10k, half marathon and marathon distances for their trail races.
Debbie Jackson completed the 10k in 1:13:31 and Robin Wombill completed the half marathon in 3:46:08.
The following day Caroline Ness took
on the full marathon, running through the snow and icy conditions, to complete the course in 7:14:04.
Elsewhere, Debbie Jackson ran the 10k at the Stroke Resolution Run in Dundee along with Duncan Ryan, David Stokoe and Peter Ritchie.
While there were no official race times, Duncan was the first runner of the field across the line in 38:19. The third in the Skull Mountain Winter Series saw seven green vests take to their trails.
First home for Perth was Neil Muir, fourth overall, in 31:01 followed by Stewart Dallas in 35:18 and Erni Hamilton in 36:52.
Stephane Reid, Catriona Liddell, Bryan Jenkins and Stephanie Boyd also completed the race.
Further afield in Pocklington, East Yorkshire, Mike Dales and Fiona Manson ran the Snakelane 10 mile race. Mike clocked 1:19:55 and Fiona 1:23:21.
They also ran the Heslington Parkrun on the York University campus, crossing the line together in 26:24.
On the Perth Parkrun front, Duncan Ryan was first green vest and fourth overall in 17:31.
He was followed by James Fotheringham in 19:14 and Steven Bonthrone in 19:52.
For the women it was Lorraine MacPherson who was first home and third female overall in 23:05.
She was followed by Catriona Phin in 23:36 and Catriona Liddell in 24:48.
Doing a spot of parkrun tourism was Kirsty Johnston who completed the Bath Skyline Parkrun in 36:03.
Tuesdays remain the club’s run night with a 6.30pm meet at Bell’s Sports Centre.