ROAD RUNNERS
Perth Road Runners’ championship series of races started on Saturday with 31 club members competing in the Cupar five-mile road race.
Despite the windy conditions, the fast course brought some impressive times - and prizewinners too.
Stuart Robertson was first in the M50 category in a time of 28:03, with Duncan Ryan second M50 in 28:13.
Lisa Aikman was second senior female with a time of 34:01 and Gillian McGuire was second F50 in 36:40.
A host of club members recorded personal bests, including Kevin Riddell in 28:06, Ronnie Glen 29:16, Michael Souter 29:35, Garry Smith 30:10, Bryan Jenkins 32:51, Liz Johnston 40:09, Alan Bothwell 42:03, Caroline Duffin 42:35 and Sue Bothwell 48:26.
On Sunday, 12 club members took part in the Inverness half-marathon. The fast, scenic course brought personal bests for Garry Smith in 1:22.13, Sonjia Crow 1:33.59, Harriet Shaw 1:53.30 and Kathleen Connor 1:58.05.
Others running on the day included Piotr Fieodorow, Tessa Ward, David Wishart, Catriona Liddell, Ewan Jelly, Gregor Wells, Rhona Barclay and Caroline Malloy.
Also on Sunday, David Stokoe took part in the Lang Toon Loops charity run in Auchterarder, running over 19 miles in the time available.
The event helped raise over £500 for Spinal Research.
Meanwhile, eight road runners were at the inaugural Faskally parkrun on Saturday, organised by club member Louise Waywell.
Kristen Bain was the first club member home and third female overall. Also running were Fiona Manson, Stephané Reid, Mike Dales, Lou Ella Cole, Janette Clark, Jennifer Gilbert and Sara Baillie.
Mark Dunn was the club’s sole representative at Ruchill parkrun, finishing in fifth place.
Thirty-four club members took part in Perth parkrun with Campbell Hay first overall in 17:52. The second male club member to finish was Gair McRostie followed by Brian Galletly.
Erni Hamilton was the club’s first female over the line, with Gillian Edwards second club finisher and Ann Reed third.
A special mention went to Ann who ran a 25:31 personal best.
West Cork Rally in Ireland this weekend.
The Blairgowrie driver is on the hunt for a solid result in the Junior British Rally Championship to back up a strong showing last month.
After taking a career-best second place, the series makes its first foray of the season onto the asphalt.
Over 200 kilometres of special stage action during two days are in store as more than 180 crews get set to tackle the gruelling closed-road event.
Retson, vying for the title alongside co-driver Rhys Stoneman, is looking forward to getting back behind the wheel.
“I’m thrilled to be contesting the second round of the Junior BRC and it has certainly been a tough fight to get this far,” Retson said.
“We are struggling with the budget this season but I hope that the first round result has proved what I am capable of.
“Last year was very much a learning exercise and now I can start to put that experience into practice.
“West Cork is probably one of the hardest events on the calendar so it will be very easy to come unstuck.
“While a repeat of the Cambrian Rally result would be great, we have to remain realistic about our chances.”
Retson will be up against a handful of talented Irish juniors, all who have much more experience of the bumpy roads in the region. The former Blairgowrie High pupil believes it will be a case of matching a comfortable pace to a mature head over the weekend.
Retson said: “West Cork is a huge contrast to the Cambrian. It’s like a marathon in comparison, so the approach needs to be very different.
“I don’t want to get caught up in the pressures and battles for the lead of the Junior with the Irish guys.
“I don’t think that will do me any good at all. It’s a very long season.
“And as we proved last year it is very important to get as many points in the bag early on.
“If we can get the budget to carry on in the series, then those solid results will really come into play.”
Monday, March 9 - Saints Club P-P Letham Club, Scone Arms 8 Strathord 4, Chapel Hill 5 Last Cast 7, Atholl 8 Ormonds A 4, Bee Bar 4 Methven B 8, Ormonds B 5 Ex Servicemans 7, Methven Arms A 4 Luncarty FC 8, Luncarty 5 Strathmore 7.
Best games - R MacDougall 18 and 20 (Atholl), B MacLeod jnr 19 (Atholl), B Cunningham 19 (Atholl), C Stewart 17 (Luncarty FC), S Schilliday 18 (Strathord), F Munro 19 (Strathord), R Crocket 18 (Scone), S Cameron 19 (Last Cast), W Gray 19 (Last Cast), N McKay 20 (Strathmore).
180s - R Davidson (Last Cast), R Mathieson (Methven B). Checkouts - R MacDougall 120 (Atholl).
Next Monday is down as a free week for the league. Any teams with postponed games are asked to arrange fixtures before the final league week, which is March 30.