Fern and Brogan do Killie proud
On Saturday 7th March, two young Kilmarnock Harriers were down in Nottingham for the Inter Counties Cross Country Championships. For Senior/Junior athletes, this is the World Cross Country qualifying race as well as the culmination of the UK Cross Challenge Series. The two under 13 athletes, Brogan Wallace and Fern Wales were participating in the latter event. On this occasion the girls were representing the Scotland West team, having been selected on their standings within the Cross Challenge Series to date. Before this final event (earlier events included Gateshead, Liverpool and Belfast), Brogan was in 5th equal position with Fern in 7th. With double points on offer in this race the standings could easily change. Both athletes faired well against the very best youngsters in Britain, with almost 500 athletes entered in their race. Trophies are awarded to the first three athletes in each age group with the first four athletes in the rankings receiving sports vouchers. It was then a surprised Brogan that took the podium in 3rd place to receive a trophy and £50 sports vouchers. An even bigger surprise for Fern as she received 4th place and vouchers to the value of £40. This made the 5 hour journey home a little easier on their parents. Afterwards both athletes agreed that UK Cross Challenge Series was a great learning experience and will no doubt benefit them in the future. Both Fern and Brogan appreciate the commitment from their parents in travelling across the UK to these events. Equally they would like to thank George and Kenny for giving up their Saturday mornings in the Dean Park to train them for these events. Marginally closer to home, some of Killies slightly older athletes ventured across the Erskine Bridge on Sunday to take part in the Balloch to Clydebank Half Marathon. Snow and gales awaited, mercifully however by gun time the weather had eased a bit and at 9.30 am the hundreds of pre entered runners set off in decent running conditions. As he is flying in training right now, Keith Haining was hoping for a high position, and right away became involved in a battle for 3rd position, not far behind eventual race winner Kerry Wilson of Cambuslang. Scott Martin was behind, hovering in and around the Top 10 while Connell Drummond and Willie Duffy too were running close to they’re lifetime best paces. The 5th Killie runner David Mitchell was using the run as a stepping stone to getting fitness back after major injury and happily was faring very well also. Despite losing a bit of time in taking a slight detour around the 5 mile mark, Keith had a blinder. Finishing below 75 minutes for the first time, the Shortlees man not only finished 4th, but also took the first vets prize and definitely looks to be in shape to even better this soon. Scott Martin dipped under 78 minutes, again for the first time, and in finishing 11th also took the 2nd Vet’s prize in what was turning out to be a good day for Killie. In finishing well inside the top 30, Connell was also close to his best ever 13.1 mile time, and proved yet again that his sub 3 hour target in Berlin at the Marathon distance is definitely within reach, as is Willie Duffy’s 3 hour 15 minute target in London – he too running a pb. Very pleasingly as well was David Mitchell completing the tough race distance, enjoying it with no ill effects, and again completed an excellent day for the Harriers. Killie times and positions in a field of 388 finishers were – Keith Haining 74.54 - 4th ( 1st Vet ), Scott Martin 77.47 – 11th ( 2nd Vet ), Connell Drummond 81.27 – 26th, Willie Duffy – 91.50 ( 77th ). Also, recently, 7 Killie girls took part in the HappyFeet 10K at Blairquhan Castle in Maybole. The undulating, scenic route around the Estate attracted 7 of Killie’s finest – Kirsten Thompson, Ann GraHam, Ann Minto, Anne Anderson, Vicky Havers, Kay Campbell and Zoe. All enjoyed racing and all plan to compete again in the very near future. Importantly, This Friday ( 13th ) is the Harrier’s AGM. The Venue is the Broomhill in London Road, and all members new and old are asked to attend. Finally, this years Kilmarnock 10K Road Race will take place a bit later than normal. The re-vamped race takes place on Wednesday July 1st, and much more details will follow very soon.
13 Mar 2009 - 18:28 by smartin	General News | comments (675)

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