Harriers impress at events across the region

IT has been a full calendar for the Dumfries Harriers of late, with members taking part in a number of races across the region. The Dumfries Half is a firm favourite, the challenging undulating course often bringing the best out of the runners. Alistair Barclay was the first Harrier over the line in an impressive 1:34:39; next in was undoubtedly hardest working Harrier Alex Dingwall in 1:44:00, bagging himself a shiny new PB and his club bronze standard award; and Jason Little was not far behind in 1:47:45. Donna Davidson was first Harrier lady over the line in an impressive 1:50:33; Kat Reid was very happy with her 1:55:29; and Jennifer Lee was home and dry in 1:58:17. For the second year running, Keith Ainslie took on the challenge of the Sandhead ten-mile race, a demanding multi-terrain course that offers a bit of everything: grass, sand, rocky beaches, and hills. Keith delivered a fantastic performance, shaving a remarkable two minutes off his previous years’ time to cross the line in a confident 1:24:16. Four members of Dumfries Harriers headed south to Penrith to take on the Eden Runners Acorn Bank 10K. First Harrier home was Cole Nish, a recent graduate of the club’s Couch to 5K program, who broke the 50-minute barrier with a superb time of 49:09. Next up was Jenny McKinney, with a strong 54:33 finish and a well-deserved second place in the Veteran Female 60 category. Lynn Goodwin had a great run and crossed the line bang on the hour at 1:00:00. Christine Proudfoot rounded off the team’s efforts with a majestic 1:02:35 finish, earning third place in the Veteran Female 70 category. Three Harriers also made the short trip to Gretna earlier in the month to take on the inaugural Caledonia Park 5km. Tina Roscoe powered across the finish line in an impressive 26:26. Joining her were two recent graduates of the Dumfries Harriers’ Couch to 5K program, Ashley Lord and Hazel Robertson. Both new to the racing scene, they finished with personal bests of 32:32 and 33:36, respectively.