Nigel Barge 10k

(Simultaneous reports again!)

24th March 2012

Results

Somewhat ironically, our final Winter League race was held in glorious spring sunshine – ideal conditions for running. And this was the race that had been disturbed from its midwinter torpor to avoid ice-induced postponement!

With the real flyers having been in action at Clydebank and Alloa last weekend and potentially at Grangemouth on Sunday, the field may have been smaller than in previous years. Shettleston were prominent at the sharp end (Thomas Fay won in 31.55) while Westies got plenty of vests out again with Tom Smith leading us home in 8th place.

Captain Chris was next, followed by Winter League winner John Quinn who took the trophy for the second consecutive year. John and I had jogged round steadily until the final burst for the line where he grabbed the glory! Hamilton Semple had kept us company during the first lap and arrived soon after us.

The women out in force once again and were led home by Caroline Millins, with Claire Larravide pursued by Helen Macpherson on yet another storming run. Jo McGuire was next, followed by Gaynor Gillespie and Pat McLaughlin.

GrimOrr was hoping for another chance to trump Garscube’s Stevie Cullen – but today wasn’t a Grim day with the possible exception of the roadworks in the Garscube Estate. Unfortunate timing (to say the least).

A good sharpener for the season ahead, and thanks to Niall for the support. Onwards then, to the Summer League, starting at Clachnaben…

PS I didn’t get the promised medal or goody bag – was I just being dozy or were there none?

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Hamilton’s report

"I wish to register a complaint". "Oh yes,Sir what is it now Matey". "Now look tosh, I purchased this ‘ere registration nunber not half an hour ago and it said nothing about being taken out by wild, out of control, cyclists forcing you off the path". Just about overtaking a runner and this cyclist…………. Well you can imagine – yes – "Young Sir would it be otherwise inconvenient if you could see your way to possibly allow runners, in this hitherto organised racing fixture to possibly continue along the racing line". Or, "Oi, Out-to-lunch, get the…………….off the ruddy path". The complaint will go to the highest level. Oh for goodness sake, anyone would think this is serious? Good crowd of Westies at the finish basking in the sunshine. But what’s this? No Grim in sight at the finish. Rumour has it that he did 1K circumnavigating the Sports Complex and went for his shower. At least this was the evidence of the very fresh showered-looking Grim as the knackered among us (that was me) stumbled around muttering, "never again to be so rash……….." Well done all.
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Westies times

8. Tom Smith 35.37
22. Chris Upson 38.02
44. John Quinn 41.45
47. Johnston Orr 41.54
66. Hamilton Semple 43.41
101. Caroline Millins 46.33
119. Claire Larravide 48.38
124. Helen Macpherson 49.03
132. Jo McGuire 49.29
139. Gaynor Gillespie 49.48
147. Graeme Orr 50.34
166. Patricia McLaughlin 56.06

187 finished