Strathallan 5 Mile Road Race

18 Carnegie men and 6 Carnegie ladies travelled to Strathallan School to compete in the 9th edition of the 5 mile Road Race. This was the 6th counting event in the 2008 Road Running Grand Prix. 6 Club members were trying the race for the first time and of course, swore that they would return!

Once again, the 100 entry limit was reached. Under a bright blue sky and summer temperature, blessed with an occasional slight breeze, the competitors took off, battling over two laps of a scenic, rural, virtually car-free and undulating course.

Neil YOUNG of Fife A.C. took the lead and won the race in 27:22, with, hot on his heels, Carnegie’s Tommy LAWRENCE in second place (and first Carnegie) clocking 27:37. Not too far behind in 3rd place and first M40, our own Lewis LAWSON ran in a strong 28:12. 3^rd Carnegie man was Mike Harvey who finished in 29:39. Tommy Lawlor showed his good form by finishing first M60 in 34:19.

Jacqui HIGGINBOTTOM of Carnethy won the ladies’ race comfortably in 32:57, ahead of race organiser Fabienne Thompson (34:30). F50 Erica Christie of Bellahouston Harriers finished 3^rd lady in 34:40. Carnegie’s Gail “Ginger Spice” MURDOCH was awarded the F35 prize (in a PB of 34:53) and with Susan CEDERSTROM’s performance of 36:24, the Carnegie ladies secured the First Female Team position.

Callum WILSON of Edinburgh Athletics won the Junior Prize for his run in 33:19. Amongst our Club members, PBs on this course were recorded by Robbie MCKENZIE (32:04), Alan COCKBURN (who, in 32:22, sliced over two minutes off his previous best time) and Ryan MCKENZIE (33:22).

77 Carnegie Harriers have now taken part in this event which seems to gain in local prestige every year.

Heartfelt thanks are due to all who took part, as well as those who helped promote the event, raised or donated money. Anyone who baked, prepared sandwiches and contributed to the display of appetising goodies for the post-race munch played a big role in the success of the race.

Last but not least, we are very grateful to Run & Become in Edinburgh, who donated vouchers as prizes.

Over £530 have been raised today, there is no doubt that Get Kids Going! Cancer Research and C.H.A.S. will be grateful for everyone’s effort.

Report by Fabienne Thompson

The complete set of results from the Strathallan 5 Mile Road Race can be found HERE.