Lasswade Open Cross Country Races, Gorebridge

Carnegie Harriers Running Club, Dunfermline  

Lasswade Open Cross Country Races, Gorebridge - Race Report courtesy of Garry Taylor

Twelve running Harriers, one injured club member and the team mascot RONAN made their way to Gorebridge Playing Fields on Sunday 4th November 2007 for the annual open cross country meet.  As normal with Lasswade Athletics Club the event was organised like a well built swiss clock.

The ladies race started at 2.00pm with the fastly improving Judy Turner, Fabienne Thompson and Angela Wallace all on the line with the orange and green vests shining brightly against the low cloud approaching from the south.   As the starters gun fired, it startled the team mascot and the injured one (ME),  then off ran the ladies to complete their 2 laps and the extra loop making the race some 3.8miles.  Conditions were perfect, no wind, going good to soft.  The course, as those who have completed it will know has a nasty sting in the tail in a couple of places and really makes the eyes pop out, the lungs and heart almost jump out your chest.  In the end newly turned VETERAN, Judy Turner finished in a very fine 6th (26.38) position overall, Fabienne (9th in 27.43) a few places behind and Angela (20th in 31.29), smiling as normal completing the trio.   The team were also rewarded with 3rd team overall and 1st female veteran team.

Nine males namely Tommy Lawrence, Andy Hunter, Iain Johnston, Robbie McKenze, Ryan McKenzie, Stevie Greer, Alan Wallace, wee Tommy Lawlor and the evergreen Phil Smithard lined up against many good names.  The males have three laps to make their race 6 miles.  Tommy Lawrence was the first Harrier up the sting in the tail hill, followed closely by the classy hill runner Brian Marshall of HELP.  Andy Hunter followed then the Iron Caulker (Ian Johnston) with improving Ryan McKenzie close on his heels.  Robbie McKenzie next then a fine trio of Greer, Lawlor and Wallace.  Poor evergreen Smithard, he had run on Saturday evening, Sunday morning then this, he looked like he was really not enjoying his afternoon.  Poor Ryan McKenzie looked as though he had burst everything possible on the first lap as he made his way to the top of the long  hill for the second time , his face was a picture of pain.  The evergreen trio of Greer, Lawlor and Wallace were crowd teasing as they ran one after the other like a vibrantly coloured snake. 

In the end Tommy Lawrence (7th in 36.14) did a brilliant last lap and overcame the hill strength of Brain Marshall and ran his way home as the first Harrier, Andy Hunter (12th in 38.28) finished next then Iain Johnston (28th and 1st M50 in 42.07)  with Robbie (33rd in 43.10) having passed the tiring Ryan (39th in 43.51).  The best was to come.  As the final corner beckoned, the finish line in sight, Stevie Greer had Alan Wallace close on his tail.  Wee Tommy was watching closely, just incase anyone of the two in front fell at the final hurdle.  Onto the final sprint, Alan Wallace using covert breathing (stopping so Stevie couldnae hear him PANTING and PUFFING!!) spinted almost to the thicknes of a running vest but alas Stevie (54th in 47.16) had obviously been on special covert training and managed to keep Alan (56th in 47.16) at bay.  Tommy placed 59th in 47.34.

On a day when not much else was happening this was truly one to remember for all the right reasons.  Carnegie Harriers showing what team camaradare is all about.

All that can be said to finish is let us do George Murdoch proud, turn up at the Tinto Hill race, show off those bright vests and let everyone see what a good, family we all are.

The Injured One (Garry Taylor).  oops Ronan says Hi too.

If anyone has any photos please email them to me and I’ll get them on the blog - neil<at>namaste.demon.co.uk (replace <at> with @ to email me)