Springburn Cup

(jack crawford memorial 10k)

Dave Calder has invited me as "Westies' man in the canal" to report on an enjoyable and fast canalside 10k which is the new-look Jack Crawford race. Some half-dozen Westies (and a slightly greater number of Boggies?) lined up near the Bishopbriggs Sports centre on an unseasonally mild afternoon. After the first quarter mile in the local streets, the line of over 200 starters took to the canal towpath, which in the Bishopbriggs area runs on both sides of the canal, offering the organisers a "loop" course and the competitors the chance to watch their faster/slower rivals on the opposite bank speeding away or toiling, as the case might be.

Checking the website results, I appear to have finished around mid-pack both racewise and Westies-wise. Our first finisher was Archie Cameron, just breaking 40 minutes and returning towards his blistered if not blistering best. Blair, restored and minus scabby kneecap was next, overhauling captain Charlie, and indeed forming a sexy "sandwich" with Boggies' Debby MacDonald. The redoubtable Y.P. was also at the races, moving steadily up the field - maybe he could coach Charlie and me? Behind Charlie came myself, almost managing a sprint to the line (yes Dave!), followed by Chris Menhennet, Drew (that daft skip bunnet made sense for once in the dazzling setting sun), and way way back, Ian Murray.

The race itself has one drawback - even a fan of canal towpaths like me had to admit that the stretch from 2 miles to 4, before the final turn, was deadly monotonous and dull. Very hard to motivate oneself unless there was someone to race or chase.

Yes Dave, let's make this one an annual fixture!

Posted by Graeme Orr on Wed 30 Nov -0001 | comments are closed

Category races