The 2022 Christmas Handicap will be remembered for the treacherous condition which meet the course building team of Bill Breckenridge and John Duffy as they arrived around 8am. With a strong team approach from other club members they made sure the 118th Christmas handicap was another great success. With over 150 people and 70 athletes across the various races in attendance it was a great way to end the year. Was it not great to see the under 8 having a run over their 400m course,
The first race saw our young athletes toe the start line. First over the line was Cameron McArdle who picked up the Boys Trophy, next in was Rowan Lennox who was the first Under 9
Euan Grant-Pantrey finished 3rd and was 2nd boy with 3rd Boy Matthew Cameron finishing 5th.
Esme Guinea picked up the Girls Trophy in 6th position with Emma Leiper 2nd Girl and Kate Monaghan 3rd.
Fastest boy was Matthew Fox with a scratch time of 6.33, with Katie Woods’ fastest girl in 7.08. See Results
Well done to all the Under 8’s whose race followed the YA Race
In the Senior Race, Pre-race favourite Andrew Taylor took the senior title winning the Patrick Bannon Trophy. Patrick Bannon was the father of two former stars of the club Eddie Bannon (multiple winner of the National Scottish Senior Cross Title ) and grandfather of Paul Bannon (Bronze medallist at the Commonwealth Games Marathon) David Murphy had to wait 9 years to reclaim the John Howieson Trophy for the first Master across the line. John Howieson was one of the founders of the club.
The fastest lap was run by Taha Ghafari, who got back to Scotland three days later than expected due to the issues with transport after his fantastic run at the European Cross-Country Championships. Aofie Carr continued her great run of form to record the fastest female time. Adam Clifford making the top three as a U/17 athlete.
It was also great to present Avril Mason with the Paul Richfeld Trophy for her great contribution to the club over many years.
Another very happy lady was Amy McCallum who is the second winner of the Jack Kean Memorial Trophy as she was presented with the trophy by club President, Elaine Mackay. Ross Gollon was the winner of the Jack Kean Bursary.
No club event can take place without many individuals helping but we need to give a special mention to John Gormlie (Milnbank HA Sports Hub) who worked throughout the day to make sure the event could take place.
All the club board would like to thank all club members for their continued support and the various organisations who support the club. Wishing everyone a restful Christmas and successful New Year. Check with your coaches to see the holiday trainning programme.