Christmas Handicap 2020
The final event of the club’ s year is the traditional Christmas handicap event. This year has been a very difficult year for everyone and it was great to see many faces both young and old along for the event. It was a change of surface for the Handicap this year with Crownpoint shut and the normal adult course not suitable due to COVID 19 restrictions. Our Young Athletes ran in the morning with our Seniors running in the afternoon
It was a return to the early days of the club with the Handicap run over a cross country course. In 1904 the first winner of the Handicap William Johnstone had to run a heavy 7 .5 miles course on the 24th December with the winner receiving a turkey as a prize.in 1947 James McCallum was the winner. After the race questions were asked as he was the president’s younger brother! Everyone then kept quiet when they found out Young James had spent 5 years in a German prison of war camp! Questioning the handicapper is a recurrent theme but he has no favourites!
COViD19 has been hard but our earlier members had to endure many other hardships in their life’s.
Alexandra Sports Hub was the venue for our races. The club is grateful to John Gormlie of the Sports Hub and Milnbank HA for being such fantastic hosts to us over the summer and recently as a venue for our cross-country events. These events cannot go ahead without a large number of individuals and I am sure everyone would like to thank parents, club officials and club members who turned out to help -The club cannot run without this help.
First off was for our U/9 and U/11 athletes. John Hamilton(U/9) claimed victory just holding off Sam McGowan (U/11) for the win. Louise Clifford(U/11) and Charlotte Reilly(U/9) both took the crowns and victories in their respective age groups in the girl’s category.
The U/13 and U/15 Race was also over the 1.5km course. The course was a testing surface with hills, lots of mud and rough grass to get over before the finish. Adam Djoubi (U/15) cut through the field to win the boys handicap cup. In second place Matthew Fox have the had the honour of running the fastest time of the day and winning the U/13 event. Ava Millican finishing 3rd over all won the girls trophy with Katie Woods (U/13) running the fastest time just one second ahead of Iman Djoubi(U/15).
The Masters/Seniors/U/20 and U/17 event was over 3km – outsider Chris Grant Pantry just over hauled long time leaders Brian Robertson, Arlene McKenna and Susan Breckenridge just in the final 200m to claim victory. He is the proud holder of the Patrick Bannon Memorial Trophy for 2020.This trophy being presented by the Bannon family who have had such an impact on athletics both in Scotland and Canada. Eddie Bannon being multiple Scottish Cross champion and his son Paul winning bronze in the Commonwealth games marathon running for Canada. Arlenne McKenna took first place in the lady’s race just holding off Susan Breckenridge who won the masters (O/40) John Howieson Trophy. John Howieson being one of the founding members of the club who went one to president of the Scottish Cross-Country union and President of Scottish athletics as well as serving the club for well over 50 years.
Jamie Burns (U/20) recorded the fastest lap with an excellent time of 9mins 45secs over this very tough course. Ruth Joss confirmed her recent good form running 11.46 being fastest lady. David Woods and Erin Ellor being the top U/17 athletes. Elsie Hollywood was the top U/20 girl.
Subject to COVID19 rules the club hopes to run two events on the same course on 23rd Jan -(Masters/Seniors/U/20/U17) 3km and 9km races for Glasgow based clubs. Clubs entries will be limited and so if any club members want to run, they must let us know ASAP.
30th January -U/11 -1.5km and U/13/U/15 – 3km -6 races.
Also we wish everyone a Happy Christmas and a successful and healthy 2021
Paul Richfeld Trophy 2020-21
At our recent AGM John Duffy was awarded the Paul Richfeld Trophy for his outstanding contribution to the club. John has been a member for over 40 years, holding key positions on the club committee including the President. He is no mean athlete claiming medals over the marathon at national level and being a key member of teams for many years. John can also be depended on to help at many different events – club members will have noticed John was there setting up /taking the course from early morning to late afternoon at the handicap -also taking the time to compete. A well-deserved winner of this prestigious trophy.
Outstanding Performance of the Year – Glasgow Sports Council
Avril Mason and the club have been recognised by the Glasgow Sports council for the 2nd year in a row. Avril pick up the award from club president, Elaine Mackay, last week in Glasgow Green. It is shame Avril never got the opportunity to put on her evening gown for an award ceremony in the splendour of the City chambers due to COVID19 rules which last year’s winner Fionnuala Ross did.
Avril has had a fantastic last 12months breaking the Women’s Scottish record W45 for the marathon, being part of the Commonwealth Games Marathon preparation squad, leading the women’s team to a record 8 West district team titles and winning medals at national level over a variety of surfaces. Congratulations to Avril-Click on the link on the website to hear how Avril started her running career and how hard work can lead you to success.