Three PH athletes took to the track last Sunday for the Scottish Masters Indoor Championships with all three pocketing national medals. This came a week after the men’s team picked up medals at the Scottish Masters Cross Country Championships showing our masters are in the mix on all surfaces.
The indoor championships took place at The Emirates in Glasgow where Ed Norton doubled up over 800m and 1500m, two events in which he was the defending V70 champion. It was absolutely no surprise to see Norton triumph in both once again, timing at 2:48.11 in the 800m, and actually winning his heat against a number of younger competitors. He was also pleased to beat Scotland XC teammate Andy McLinden for the first time, closely followed by the second time as McLinden won silver in both distances.
Also running the 1500m were Julie Menzies and Paul Kieran. Menzies took home a gold in the V50 category, timing at 5:24.63, while Kieran was happy to add a V45 silver to his recent indoor 3000m gold. On this occasion his time was 4:28.67.
Both of these athletes also took part in the previous weekend’s cross country event at Tollcross Park in Glasgow. Paul was part of the bronze medal-winning V40/45 team along with Ben Hukins, Andy Davis and Mark Ryan. Davis also picked up a second bronze medal in the individual V45 event, clocking 30:45 for the 8000m while Ben Hukins was fastest for PH, finishing 10th in the V40s in 30:18. In the women’s 6000m race our sole representative was Julie who finished 4th V50, just six seconds behind bronze medalist Rhona Van Rensburg of Fife A.C.
Elsewhere last weekend we had a number of athletes among the prizes at the Devilla races organised by our neighbours, Carnegie Harriers. In the 15k race, first finisher for PH was Bryan Innes, 5th overall and 2nd V40 in 57:54. Aaron Bennet won the junior prize, timing at 59:23, while Judy Turner was 2nd V50 in 69:49. In the 5k race Ian Stewart had a great run to win the V60 prize in 19:41.
Over in East Dunbartonshire, another four members took part in the hilly Kirkintilloch 12.5k with all placing in their categories. Kristin Lownie enjoyed an excellent run to place 2nd female overall in 50:41, with the top three women separated by just a few seconds. Just under a minute behind was Martin McNellis who won the prize for 1st V60. Louise Lessels was 3rd V40 in 56:18 while daughter Emma was 3rd under 20, timing at 62:25. We suspect that Lownie and the Lessels also won first female team but are unsure if this has been confirmed.
We are looking forward to next week’s National Cross Country Championships at Callendar Park, Falkirk. This will also incorporate the second event in our own 2023 club championships. The early pace-setters are Andy Davis and Julie Menzies, but with Davis unable to run this will ensure someone else grabs a full 50 points.
Well done to all those above and everyone else who has been racing recently. Thanks to Bobby Gavin/That One Moment for the cross country podium photograph, to Gordon Donnachie for the Devilla ones and, to the various other members who provided other pictures.
PH Racing Club 