Tricky conditions in play for Crieff’s 10k More than 200 runners compete in popular race
Strathearn Harriers held their annual 10km trail race last Sunday on a day that threatened rain but, thankfully, failed to deliver until near end.
Conditions underfoot were difficult after heavy overnight rain, putting paid to any possible record-breaking times.
This year the runners also had to contend with the extra challenge of the building work at Dallerie, giving conditions more akin to a mid-winter cross-country course than a summer trail race.
Despite the adverse conditions a good turn-out of 230 runners enjoyed the race on a course which heads west from Morrison’s playing fields, over Laggan Hill to Trowan farm and back to Dallerie via Lady Mary’s Walk – making this one of the most scenic 10k races in Scotland.
The race is growing in popularity every year and a sell- out number of entries was attracted for its 2016 edition.
Last year’s winner Robert Gilroy was unable to run so there was a new champion ,with Calum Martin taking the title in 37.40. Stephen Porteous of Garscube Harriers followed closely in second in 37.58, and third was Bridge of Allan’s Will Manners, a member of host club Strathearn Harriers, in 38.14.
In the women’s race, Scottish Olympian Freya Ross of Edinburgh AC won in a time of 39.44.
Julia Henderson, Helensburgh AAC, was second in 44.50, with Louise Tyler of Dunblane Runners third in 45.33.
The Harriers define ‘local’ runners as those who reside in either the PH6 or PH7 postcodes. The first local man across the line, therefore, was Harrier Charlie Grimson– in 14th position overall with 41.15.
The first local lady was Janine Grant, also of Strathearn Harriers in a time of 56.24.
Sonja McFadden, of St Fillans, was first of the Harriers women home in 49.30, taking 10th place in the women’s race.
The next Harrier in was Gordon Morrison (50.42), followed by Susan Sharp (63.19) and Rosemary Payne (64.35)
Once again, club members pulled out all the stops to support the race.
Thanks were expressed to Nicola Watson for the flawless organisation of race marshals and all the volunteers.
The club also expressed its gratitude to Morrison’s Academy, Highland Spring for the water, the pipers of Comrie Pipe Band – strategically positioned around the course – and specialist running shop Run4It.