Dumfries Running Club athletes have competed in a number of races over the last few weeks

Club members have competed in a number of races including the Great North Run, Dunoon Ultra and the River Ayr Way Ultra.

Four Dumfries Running Club members headed to Newcastle for the 43rd Great North Run on Sunday September 8.

Malc Isherwood, Hamish MacDonald, Jamie Cottrell and Kirsty Templeton were among the 60,000 runners on the start line for the UK’s biggest half marathon.

There was fantastic support along the route, with spectators offering runners shouts of encouragement, sweets, ice poles and even beer.

Runners started off in the centre of Newcastle before crossing the Tyne Bridge to Gateshead and winding their way to the finish line at South Shields – the weather making it a less than perfect day for a trip to the seaside but the rain helped cool all the runners.

Wearing his novel polka dot running kit Malc Isherwood was spotted on live TV and had an excellent run in 114.31 minutes which at 11,442nd placed him in the first quarter of the field.

Kirsty was excited but also nervous about running with 60,000 other runners. Heavy rain meant she was soaked through before she even crossed the line. Several hilly flyovers and the weather made it tough going. Her aim ideally, was to do it in 2.10 but also just wanted to beat her previous best of 2.16. In the end she did it in 2.13.49 which she was happy with. She found the sheer number of participants were not always easy to run in but the crowds lining every inch of the route were just fantastic.

Hamish Macdonald has run this race regularly and he was delighted to finish in 2 hours 15. Jamie Cottrell really enjoyed the experience of this run and all the support of the crowds but he found the route a bit challenging in areas. He finished in 2 hours 29 and thought the whole event overall was a fantastic experience

Carlisle 5k series

On Tuesday, September 11, eight club members travelled to Carlisle for the fourth edition of this popular race series.

After starting there, the familiar course finished at the Sheepmount stadium. The fastest performance came from Sue Jeffrey who had an excellent run in 62nd position in 22.05 and she finished eight places and 14 seconds clear of Sandy Shankland who was himself very pleased with his run, and in doing so was thirty seconds ahead of Robert Gordon.

Les Hill was quietly happy to get under the 24 minute mark and Karen Littlejohn was close to her personal best in 25.44. Kirsty Stewart, who has been putting a lot of effort into her training recently ran well in 27.48 a minute in front of Laura Broatch and Claire Mclaren did well in 31.11

Ayr Way Ultra

The River Ayr Way Ultra on Saturday September 14 took place on Scotland’s first source to sea path network and Stuart Black was the only club runner taking part.

Passing through the heritage village of Glenbuck, the birthplace of legendary Liverpool manager Bill Shankly, there are 40 miles to the finish at Ayr. The riverside course is mostly off road with some small sections on quiet roads. On the last five miles the legs have to adjust to tarmac but there is a lovely reception as you finish on the track at Ayr Seaforth Athletics Club. The event is extremely well supported at aid stations and checkpoints.

Stuart knew that he might find the varied terrain to be difficult but he thoroughly enjoyed this challenge and he embraced the changeable weather and met some truly amazing people throughout the day. He ran well in the first half of the course but slowed down in the second and finished in 8 hours 52 minutes to be 69th out of 96. Stuart was at least able to enjoy both the scenery and the sandwiches he packed that helped give him energy for such a long day of running.

Dunoon Ultra

On September 15, the same day as the Dumfries half, Adam Mackellar took part in his home event, the Dunoon Ultra.

This was a composite trio with members from Greenock Glenpark and the local club as well as Adam who was on home territory. This was a changed course from last year but was 30 miles of challenging terrain in the Argyll hills that had an elevation gain of 1,200 metres.

Stuart Greenway of Glenpark Harriers started off on the first section in the lead, however, took a wrong turn and that meant he covered nearly two miles extra.

Following some excellent work in the second half of his leg, he got himself back to first place by 60 seconds. Adam took over for leg two managing to keep the position only briefly after being caught in the second mile. He worked hard to get up the 5km climb of 150 metres and he was looking forward to the descent to the finish. He even managed to regain first place getting to the checkpoint 30 seconds ahead.

Adam’s cousin Grant Mackellar of Dunoon Hill Runners took up the reins for the third leg and held the position and grew the lead and the team finished first in 3 hours 51 to finish first of the 21 teams.

Monday night group

The Monday night beginners and improvers group meets at Dumfries Sports Club on Nunholm Road at 6.30pm where organised groups are led over distances from 2km at a suitable pace up to five miles. Further details can be found on www.dumfriesrunningclub.org.uk.

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