Glasgow Universtity Road Race, 19th November 2005

Since none of the Westies competing in the event has bothered to write a report on this, I thought it was necessary to write this into the annals of Westies history, if only for one significant fact; this was Drew’s 30th consecutive running of this event. This is right up there, in my book, with some of the other truly remarkable feats carried out by Westies members. Who else do you know with the staying power of Drew? I find it difficult enough to lurch round the Christmas Handicap one year to the next. It takes a certain amount of grit, determination and hard effort to do the Uni Road Race every year. So hats off to Drew!

The rest of the race was noteworthy for two head-to-head challenges. Firstly Catriona M managed to keep ahead of Catriona B, although they remained pretty close to each other throughout. There was a dramatic finish too when Ian Struthers overhauled Drew in the final 200 metres after stalking him for most of the race. Come to think of it, it was also the 4000th consecutive outing for Ian’s infamous grey and black striped hooded sweatshirt. That must be some sort of a record; I remember it being first exhibited back in the early 80’s, and there it was in all its glory, looking as good as it ever did! Hats off to Marks & Spencer!

Meanwhile Andy Freer, who had been showing both Ian and Drew a clean pair of heels at the start of the season, trailed in a couple of minutes behind. It’s amazing what a bit of time driking wine in Genoble can do for the training plan!

Results

1 Glen Stewart 24:45

113 Roddy 32:35

135 Blair 33:39

150? Catriona M 34:15ish

158 Catriona B 34:26

173 Jason 34:56

217 Muffy 38:10

224 Ian 38:36

227 Drew 38:40

245 Andy 41:10

285 finished