Harriers head to Kirkcudbright

A NUMBER of Dumfries Harriers headed to the picturesque harbour town of Kirkcudbright Sunday past for the half marathon and the shorter Buckland burn up. In glorious weather, first Harrier in was Keith Ainslie in an impressive 1.46.17 and placing third in his age category. Not far behind was Alex Dingwall in 1.47.11. Back in action after a long hiatus was Callum Brown in 1:52:46. Kirkcudbright is known as the artist’s town and aptly it was a picture perfect performance from Donna Davidson, coming a very impressive first in her age category in 1.53.26. Jaqui Hamilton, making her debut in the distance, and struggling a little bit with injury, was happy to see the finish line in a solid 2:09.56. In the shorter Buckland Burn-up, Andy Goodwin was home in 41:26. Gold award recipient Olga McCready demonstrated her credentials easily winning her age category in 43:58. Lynn Goodwin was in 46:13. Tina Roscoe and Karrie Milroy in 46:31 and 46:57 respectively. Christine Proudfoot would unquestionably have been first in her category if there had indeed been a vet 70! Still, she impressively placed third in the category below. It is now three consecutive years that Harriers captain Gordon Stewart has completed the gruelling Barrow to Keswick Ultra. The 40 mile route through the hills of Lake District is both a test of mental and physical fortitude and yet again Gordon was more than up to the task at hand. He finished in an astounding six hours and 28 minutes and over an hour faster than his time last year, and only two weeks after completing the London Marathon. He said: “I wanted under seven hours this year and to be so well under my goal, well I’m very happy with that.” Gordon was running as part of a team for MND Scotland. The Dumfries Harriers are all very proud of his achievements.