Cornalees

Westies runners were shocked last Wednesday evening by the appearance, complete with gold vest and number, of world record breaking Captain Charlie Campbell in the Cornalees Hill Race in Greenock. His presence was not enough, though, for Westies to take the team prize as they were pipped in a

closely fought battle with host club Greenock Glenpark.

Rumours had been circulating for some days that the Westies ace would make a rare appearance. So much so that the race was turned into a celebrity evening by the turnout also of Scottish internationalist Tommy Murray, clearly eager for a head-to-head challenge with the legendary Campbell. Unfortunately for the latter, Murray eased into the lead right from the start in the process of breaking the course record and finished over 7 minutes ahead of his crestfallen rival. In fact, it wasn’t just Tommy who trounced Charlie Chick; he was trounced by another 4 Westies, thereby denting his hitherto iconic status.

First Westie home was Damon Rodwell, runner-up for the second year in a row. Mysteriously, Damon was sporting a plain white vest. His own explanation was that he was trying to remain unrecognised by Murray, after his previously defamatory remarks about Tommy’s ugliness (see previous e-mails). The words kettle, black and pot somehow sprung to many readers minds at the time. Fortunately, Tommy didn’t have to resort to violence in order to show Damon a thing or two as he finished over a minute and a half ahead. Steve McLoone, race organiser and sometime Westie, wasn’t far behind Damon, while Gerry Reid, allegedly running his first hill race was second counting Westie. Behind, a gigantic tussle for places was taking place between Charlie, Dave, John D and Don, with places changing hands throughout the race. All finished within just over a minute of each other with Dave deservedly taking the honours with a superbly tactical performance. Charlie got the better of John in a sprint finish, however Don was unable to get JD’s scalp; rumours circulated that Don deliberately stayed behind John in order to admire the latter’s curvaceous bum held compactly within his Lycra shorts! Don’s own explanation,that the incentive to beat John has disappeared since he stopped running for Shettleston, seems much more plausible.

Drew had a good race, finishing a couple of places behind Don as 1st supervet, while Pat and Helen battled it out for the Women’s prizes, Pat pulling ahead of Helen in the latter part of the race. Spare a thought for Charlie’s personal webmaster, Mark McCall, also running his first hill race. Sprinting off at the start didn’t seem like too good an idea after half a mile, and he decided to pack it in a short while later. He wasn’t the only one. Archie twisted his ankle near the start and decided to spend the remainder of the race shouting abuse at his fellow teammates, along with Noreen, who had turned up to cheer us on. Her pre-race description about how to deal with rabid dogs in Peru seemed liike good practical advice for running in this particular area of Greenock! It was a good wee race, with fine weather and great views over the Clyde.

And, like last year, plenty of tea and biscuits at the end.

1 T Murray 34:13

2 Damon 35:49

3 Steve McL 36:20

7 Gerry Reid 40:06

9 Dave 40:57

11 Charlie 41:32

12 John 41:37

14 Don 42:06

16 Drew 50:49 1st SV

17 Pat 52:40

18 Helen 53:55

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