Six Dumfries Running Club members were at Lancaster on Sunday for the Half Marathon and 10K races.
Four of them were trying a last ditch attempt to improve on their club standard times in the half marathon, while Kevin McQueen was just there for the fun of a 10K.
Both races started together on a cycle path next to the River Lune with the field splitting after completing a loop at the 10K finish with the longer distance runners continuing towards Lancaster and then heading for Morecambe before turning back to the same finish line as the 10K. It was completely flat and with only a moderate breeze good times were a possibility.
Kevin McQueen had a superb run in the 10K to record 39.30 to finish in sixth place, and second in his age category out of a field of 101 runners.
In the half marathon, Alan Baxter was first back from DRC and finished in fifth place with a time of 89.20. Not far behind was Kevin McCaig in seventh place in a time of 89.33 and although it was a superb time, and the fact he was also first V60, he was disappointed at being 20 seconds slower than the standards time he had chased.
Simon Mortlock and Les Hill, 18th and 34th respectively, were also disappointed at being outside the standards required for their improvements, however, both should be happy with respectable times of 96.47 for Simon and 109.39 for Les.
The most impressive performance of the day was from Sandy Shankland who was comfortably inside his standard for the gold award recording a time of 97:51.
Christmas handicap
On the same overcast morning, a good turnout of 20 members took part in a shortened version of the Holywood Stroll route for a festive run to compete for the Norman Furnishings Christmas Handicap Trophy.
This race has handicapped starts with the goal to have all participants arriving at the finish together. This year the distance was set at three miles with runners estimating their own time, and the starts were calculated with the slowest runner setting off first and the fastest last. The winner is not the person reaching the finish line first, but the one who runs closest to their estimated time. Those taking part are not allowed to wear a watch so can’t make any adjustment to their pace while running.
Back at Nunholm the trophy was presented by club chairman Mike Jardine to Louise McPeake for being closest to her predicted time. Louise has benefitted greatly from being a regular Monday night runner and this will give her plenty of confidence for future races. Over coffee and mince pies a second award was given out when Colin Holden was awarded the club place for the 2025 London marathon and hopefully he can continue to go from strength to strength and perform at his peak in April.
Monday running group
The Monday night beginners and improvers group meets on Mondays 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 now that nights and darker. Over the festive period this pattern of runs may change and further details can be found on www.dumfriesrunningclub.org.uk.