Moffat and CD jaunts for Dumfries Harriers

THE annual Moffat Gala 15k race has garnered a rather ominous nickname amongst the Dumfries Harriers who call it ‘the Shark’. So named because when graphed the elevation profile forms a perfect shark’s fin, due to the incredible mile and a half climb in the middle which leads straight into a pacey four mile descent into Moffat. It is not a race not for the faint hearted. With conditions ideal for running, nine brave Harriers went head to head with the route Tuesday past. First Harrier over the line in 1:05:56 was the in form Emma Gillooly, bagging herself an impressive podium as third lady overall. She said: “Things just clicked, I felt strong on the hill and really pushed myself on the downhill. I’ve done this race regularly over the years and that’s the fastest I’ve ever ran it.” Next in was Harrier’s captain Gordon Stewart in 1:08:48, closely followed by Alistair Barclay in 1:09:33. Jason Little was over the line in 1:13:32, while Harriers Keith Ainslie and Ian Gray battled each crossed the line respectively in 1:17:13 and 1:17:43. Donna Davidson was very happy with her 1:23:30. New Harrier ladies Claire Ewart and Megan Carson were over the line in 1:30:00 and 1:37:18 respectively. On a stunningly warm summer evening in Castle Douglas, the Dumfries Harriers turned out in force for the Gelston five-mile Road Race, also last Tuesday, hosted by Dumfries Running Club. Leading the charge was the in-form Alex Dingwall, who continued his impressive season with a new personal best of 34:13, finishing 23rd overall. Hot on his heels was Lee Austin, posting a solid 38:40. Andy Goodwin crossed the line in 40:46, closely followed by Jennifer Lee, 40:55. Carol Elliot stormed home in 41:17, claiming 1st place in the Female V60 category. Not far behind was the ever-resilient Flying New Zealander, finishing in 42:05.The ever-consistent Jenny McKinney followed in 43:22, with Olga McCready in 44:14, just ahead of her daughter Tina Roscoe at 45:12. Lynn Goodwin rounded out the next group with a strong 45:52. A trio of Harriers crossed the line together in a show of great club spirit, brother and sister William McKinney 48:30, Diana Taylor 48:31 and Gordon Paterson, running in the M70 category, who smashed the 50-minute barrier with 48:33. Also under 50 minutes was Christine Proudfoot, who celebrated her new age category by winning the Female V70 category, a brilliant milestone performance. It was a fantastic evening of racing, with the Dumfries Harriers once again showing strength, spirit and sportsmanship.