After three races run in near perfect conditions it was always likely that true winter weather would descend on the Tilli 10k and that is exactly what had happened this year. The forecast had been closely monitored in the days leading up to the event with predicted temperatures ranging from -1 to 9 degrees making is very difficult to know what to expect. There was a full course check before the race and the corners were gritted but a lot of snow came down just before the start, making the conditions very slippy and not great for fast times.
The men’s winner, timing at 31:27, was Commonwealth medalist Robbie Simpson. It was a welcome return for the man who also won our inaugural race in 2018 and came second in 2021. In second place was Callum Tharme of Strathclyde Uni in 32:50 and just three seconds back in third was Cameron Smith of Cambuslang Harriers.
In the women’s race, the winner, timing at 36:21, was Beth Garland of Corstorphine, with former Scottish marathon champion Jennifer Wetton second in 37:04. Giffnock North’s Yvonne McNairn repeated last year’s third place finish, crossing the line in 37:47.
Fastest of the PH contingent was once again John Hammond in a time of 37:17 with Alan McGowan next home in 38:39, just a few seconds short of his personal best, despite the conditions. Aaron Bennet completed the top three for the host club a further 20 seconds back.
The weather did not seem to faze Gayle Lindsay, despite spending most of her year in Bermuda, and she was the fastest PH lady, and sixth overall, in an excellent time of 39:36. Kristin Lownie won the V40 category in 41:01 while Julie Menzies managed the same in the V50s with a run of 41:41.
Local boy Ian Stewart also enjoyed a good run finishing second in the V65s with 41:49, just ahead of Mark Webster who ran 41:55. Katrina Lindsay finished in 43:45, just ahead of Judy Turner who was second V50 in 44:03. The final PH athlete to get among the prizes was Dollar resident Malcolm Hammond who scooped second place in the V70s with a time of 47:47. It was good to see Derek Cosgrove run his first race in PH colours and well done to all the other PH members who took part.
There were also many other excellent runs in the various age categories with generous prizes awarded to the top three in five year age bands and total prize fund of over £2000. It is certainly worth checking your category placing at this race to see if you are among the prize winners! All prize winners who did not stay for the prize giving have been notified via email.
Thanks go to Williams Bros Brewery who provided beer for goodie bags and to Anne and other staff from Devonvale Hall who went out of their way to help us. Race announcer Graham from You Can Sport and our three pipers Archie, Lexine and Matt Wilson, who is the Pipe Sergeant of this year’s World Champion Pipe Band, helped generate an excellent atmosphere. Also thanks to Chris and his assistant from Perfect Timing Scotland for their smooth timing and results service. Finally, thank you to Ben Montgomery, Gordon Donnachie and Andrew Littlejohn for their superb photographs and of course the many volunteers from PH Racing Club without whom the race could not have gone ahead.
Times quoted above are gun times. Full results with chip times times and category placings can be found here http://results.perfecttimingscotland.co.uk/Results.aspx?CId=20065&RId=1015.
PH Racing Club 