Westies Christmas Handicap 2003

Campbell Christmas Cracker Crowns Comeback

Big Al Campbell crowned a triumphant return year, winning the prestigious Westies Carbeth race in a time which clearly surprised the handicappers. Big Al finished finished over a minute ahead of the rest of the field in what ended up a lap of honour celebrating the return-to-form of a great Westies icon. What more fitting way to celebrate your return to form than to win on a self-designed trail. The lack of sweat apparent on Al’s nimble frame as he trundled towards the finish line indicated how easy a victory it was.

Muffy’s second place, just ahead of Pat, was marred by a dispute with the timekeeper, whom she described as "unprofessional" because Muffy hadn’t heard her say "GO". The delay in starting cost Muffy 4 seconds which clearly irritated her as she wanted to be only 1 second behind fastest lady Ana. The post-race spat could cost Muffy dearly if the timekeeper decides to report her to SAL for unsporting behaviour.

There was a great turnout for the race, with 19 competitors. It would have been 20 had Mark McColl not plumped for the alternative Carbeth to Dumgoyne event (see separate race report). The quality of the event was up to its usual standard, with highlights as follows:

Best Dressed Runners:

No doubt about it; these awards go to Gibbie, Maureen and Drew, all of whom turned out in regulation colours. Maureen always did look great in a wee black number. Drew took a recent opportunity to buy 4 pairs of black shorts for £1 each (no need to wash any shorts next year then, Drew?). However, the most dapper-dressed gent was obviously Gibson, who turned out in new Westies long-sleeved top with pristine condition jet black shorts. Recent criticism of his appearance at races has clearly wrankled Sheila, but all credit to her for reacting positively with the new, improved Gibbie.

Cutting Corners

Both Nigel and Donald recorded impressive times. Nigel ran the day’s fastest time (in the absence of Blistering Mark McColl), and Donald also had an nippy outing, with 5th fastest of the day. Closer scrutiny shows however that both competitors took a short-cut at the end , crossing the fence rather than going around the gate/style. They were lucky to get away with it this time and should know better (see race reports for WD Relays and DAAA Champs for details of recent disqualifications).

Comeback Kings and Queens

In addition to Big All, what about Matt Ogston’s 3rd fastest time, Maureen’s brave performance holding off the chasing pack for most of the race, plus the return-to-racing of Gillian, Helen, Graeme, Tony and Andy are all worthy of mention.

Cats and Dogs

Well done to Ian for completing the course with Bailey (well, he wasn’t going to get a prize for best-dressed with these shorts, was he?) Who was the last Westie to run the handicap complete with dug?

Well done to fastest Woman Ana; we’re all looking forward to her first appearance in her new leopardskin crop top(Grrrrrrrrrr!).

Get Lost

Well done to Archie for not getting lost, and losing the navigationally-challenged tag to a certain other Westie.

Worst Dressed

We can’t let the race go by without a mention for JD’s gruesome tartan lycras! It gladdened the heart also to see Liz running without a stitch( boom boom)!!!!

Fishuls

Finally, thanks to all the fishuls, including the handicapper(Cap’n Charlie, well done for getting 2nd-9th finishing within 47 seconds), the timekeeper(Isabel; I know what it’s like to suffer that sort of abuse from Muffy),the photographer(Margaret) and the Cheerleaders(Fiona and Karen, who WILL be racing next year).

League Positions

Despite his cheatin’, Nigel now has a commanding lead in the men’s league; Gibbie is now starting to close in a bit. In the Women’s League, Muffy remains in the lead, but watch out for Ana, prowling and stalking, catlike, just behind!

Results (Handicap position, Name, finish time, actual position, actual time)

Hon Big Al 24:53, 8, 22:13
Muffy 26:05, 10, 22;20
Pat 26:07, 15, 25:37
Mo 26:10, 16, 26:10
Matt 26:14, 3, 19:15
Grimorr 26:24, 12, 23:24
Ana, 26:45, 9 22:15
Gillian 26:51, 14 25:36
Helen 26:52, 13, 25:22
Drew 27:14, 17, 26:14
Liz 27:22, 11, 22:52
Nigel 27:50, 1, 17:50
Donald 27:52, 5, 21:12
Tony 28:00, 7, 22:00
Gibbie 28:26, 2, 19:56
Archie 28:45, 6, 21:45
John 29:39, 4, 20:09
Ian+Bailey 31:42, 18, 28:12
Andy 35:50, 19, 28:20