Harriers hit the roads
Strathearn runners get out and about at events
Typically active members of Strathearn Harriers have tackled a variety of race distances in recent weeks.
Nicola Watson, Iain Thomson and Tony Wayte spent the first Sunday of the month on the paths and trails round Croy, Auchinstarry and Kilsyth on the Antonine Trail race.
The 13.8-mile test of endurance covers all sorts of terrain, from tarmac to boggy hill tracks, canal-side towpaths, gravel paths and boardwalks across a marshy nature reserve – and a couple of hill paths.
Weather conditions on the day were good, with bright sunshine, perfect running temperatures and no breeze.
Ground conditions underfoot were variable, with cloying mud sapping the energy in a few sections.
The race was won by Ciaran Dougherty of Bellahouston Road Runners in a new course record time of 1.26.00.
Tony faded over the last two hills but was reasonably happy with his 28th position, and a time of 1.52.33.
Nicola ran a very strong race, finishing as the fourth woman in a time of 2.00.36.
Tony played a championship wildcard and joker, and moves up to third place in the championship behind Wattie Mackay and Andy Gallagher – and just ahead of Aaron Dawson and Ben Murphy.
Further south, the formidable pair of Will Manners and Roger Goddard put in a terrific effort over two days at the 2016 OMM, based this year in and around Glentrool in south-west Scotland.
The OMM is a classic mountain marathon, with a range of courses suitable for different abilities and aptitudes.
The course location changes every year and is kept secret until shortly before the event.
Runners have to navigate between control points, and missing any control points leads to disqualification.
Saturday’s first leg comprised 27.6km, 1800m ascent and 10 controls.
Will and Roger completed the day in fifth position in the Class A event, with a time of 6.40.13.
Sunday’s second day comprised 22km, 1680m ascent and 16 controls.
The local pair had a terrific day, putting in the second best time for this leg with a time of 5.16.02.
Their overall time of 11.56.15 put them in fourth place for the second year running, less than five minutes behind the third place pairing.
And on the same day, Colin Tipping was representing the club at the annual Jedburgh Running Festival, running the half marathon.
Colin finished the race in 2.20.42, in second position in the MV70 category.
The following weekend saw another interesting set of race choices.
First up were Nicola Watson and Iain Thomson on the Glen Ogle 33 ultra marathon.
This tough race starts in Killin and grinds up to the head of Glen Ogle before swooping down the viaduct and on to Balquhidder and Strathyre before reversing direction to Mhor 84 and back up Glen Ogle to finish in Breadalbane Park in Killin.
Iain completed the race in an excellent 5.22.33, with Nicola not far behind, achieving a personal best time for this race of 5.23.23.
Finishing positions were unavailable prior to the Herald going to press this week.
Meanwhile, over in Renfrew, four Harriers were racing in the National Short Course Cross Country Championships.
For Maddy Watson and Kerry Sweeney, this was their opportunity to race with Olympic 1500m finalist and Diamond League winner Laura Clegg.
Maddy put in a strong performance to finish the 4k course in 17.27 – 23rd in the U20 category – with Kerry running strongly in 18.18, which was good enough for 12th in the FV40 section.
For the men, Phil Mestecky finished in 17.12, with Gordon Morrison crossing the line in 18.46 – sixth in the MV60 class.
To finish off the weekend, five Harriers made an early start from Crieff for the trip to Fort William for the Eddie’s half marathon, along the canal towpath from Banavie.
The first Harrier home was Tony Wayte in a time of 1.32.57, 23rd position overall and fourth in the MV50 category.
Next in, with a new personal best time, was 37th placed Richard Collingwood in 1.38.05.
For the women, Julia Greenlees ran well to finish 20th overall and third in FV50 in a time of 1.52.57.
Lauren Fairweather followed not far behind in 1.58.01.
Colin Tipping, completing his second half marathon on consecutive weekends, was first MV70 in 2.07.53.
• Pics: Gordon Donnachie.