TURKEY TROT TIME
Just under 400 runners took to Ayr seafront on a crisp Boxing Day morning for the annual Ayrodynamic Turkey Trot.
While conditions were perfect for running, the fine weather created a challenge for the lead cyclists who had to guide the competitors along a busy seafront made additionally difficult with patches of storm blown sand.
First up was the 5k race where, from 102 starters, James Annan from Settle Harriers took the honours ahead of Ayr Seaforth’s Declan McGhee with Angus Kerr in third.
In the ladies race, Colleen Tait ( Kilmarnock Harriers) got the better of youngsters Abby Middleton of Ayrodynamic and Islay Hubbard of Seaforth.
Due to popularity of the 10k, organisers opted for a safer, almost traffic free route out and back towards Greenan Castle which included the challenging climb up the cycle path from Doonfoot to a turn point after which the runners retraced their steps back to the finish line by the Citadel.
Stuart Gibson ( Cambuslang) led home a field of 283 in 32 mins 49 secs with clubmate Kerry- Liam Wilson sprinting clear of Mark Dunham from Southport to claim second spot.
Former Seaforth star Kirstin Oakley, now based in the USA on a sport scholarship, returned home to take the female prize in 38 mins 56 secs, beating former clubmate Laura Wallace by 18 seconds with Sandy McDougall from Border AC in third.
There was a fine run from over 60s competitor Brian Hughes ( Glasgow South Road) who showed youngsters a clean pair of heels when finishing 23rd overall in 37 mins 47 secs.
Ayrodynamic times: 5k: 14. Abby Middleton 21: 03, 29. Kyle Muirhead 24: 07, 30. Ross Muirhead 24: 09.
10k: 64. Brian McKeating 42: 05, 78. Darren Nicol 44: 30, 237. Sam Cathcart 56: 49