Twelve Dumfries Running Club members competed in the off road Penrith Rotary 10K on Sunday, October 13, which was raising funds for Penrith Rotary Club.
The Dumfries runners made up a large percentage of what was a small sized field and they thoroughly enjoyed the whole event.
This was a counter in the club’s 2024 best all rounder grand prix series. Starting at Dalemain House the two lap course had a very challenging hill at the start of each lap followed by an undulating grass track through sheep fields and fairly flat estate tracks back to the start. Only the very fastest of runners were able to run the hill on lap two and most sensible mortals decided to walk in order to conserve some energy. It was a beautiful run but a very challenging course especially where the ground had been softened up by heavy rain.
First back for the club and race winner was Andrew Gibson in an excellent 43.48 and he was made to work all of the way by Colin Holden who was six seconds behind at the finish but Colin had the consolation of winning the first vet 50 prize for his efforts.
Adam Mackellar had a very good run in seventh in 47.13 and he was the first vet 40 in the race. Robert Gordon put in a strong performance in 11th place in 52.13 and he held Stuart Black off by two places and 30 seconds. Richard Akintayo was very pleased with his run in 53.58 and he held off club chairman Mike Jardine by 90 seconds.
Anne Macfarlane was the first supervet female in 57.13 and she was ahead of both Karen Littlejohn and Alice McPherson with Karen in 60.24, quarter of a mile faster than her run in 2023 and two places in front of Alice in 61.54. Laura Broatch was pleased with her run in 74.14, two minutes ahead of Sean McGleenan.
Over coffee and cake in the café afterwards everyone agreed that the event was really tough but very enjoyable.
West Coast half marathon
On the same day, Malc Isherwood took on the challenge of the this race which follows a flat, mostly rural route from Preston Docks to the Fairhaven marine lake on the sea front at Lytham St Annes.
Malc was delighted to do his best half marathon time for 12 years. He says he feels he judged his pace quite well and stayed consistent to finish in 1.48.26 for a second place in the male over 60 age category and 126th overall out of the 422 competitors who were rewarded with an impressive medal.
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. Prospective newcomers are reminded that high visibility clothing is required for safety as nights have become a bit darker. Further details can be found on www.dumfriesrunningclub.org.uk