The 2023 Christmas Handicap was run on a warm December day unlike last year when runners had to negotiate icing conditions. The Handicap was first run in 1904 and was won by William Johnstone in a time of 51.50 after he ran the 7 1/2 mile cross country course- it was also run on Christmas day late in the afternoon – back in 1904 Christmas Day was not a holiday and most people were at work until late afternoon.
The club would like to thank John Gormlie and the Milnbank Sports Hub for hosting our Handicap and their continued support for sport in the local area. A great example of partnership in action. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make the day a great success from the early setting up of the course, our officials, coaches, parents, catering and presentations.
Nearly 80 athletes took part jointly over the Young athletes event and the Senior event, both races brought new winners. Euan Grant-Pantry made use of a generous Handicap to continue a family tradition of winning at the Christmas Handicap- his Dad claiming the Patrick Bannon trophy two years ago. Euan claimed the Boys trophy and recorded the fastest club member lap when winning from Henock Woldeselassie (1st U/9 athlete) and Ciaran Curley. Kate Monaghan managed to hold off a strong challenge from Charlotte Reilly and Miley Caldwell to claim the Girls trophy. Zoe Roberts ran the fastest girl’s lap. It was also great to see the U/8 400m event and the young ones Amber & Olive had a great time.
Full Results – Young Athletes’ Race
The Senior race saw a surprise winner, Shaun Mochan, winning the Patrick Bannon trophy well clear of U/17 athlete Adam Clifford. Shaun is new to the club and we look forward to see him race in the next few months. It was good to see master’s athlete, Ian Burns, back in action and he finished 3rd overall winning the John Howieson Trophy for first Master home in the race. It was a record turnout in the Handicap with many members running for the first time. A special mention goes to Thomas Kilpatrick who along with his mentors Bob Porteous and Raymond Loughran have being doing the couch to 5km programme, showing the club has a place for everyone. It was also great to see a number of guests, friends of the club, taking part and we hope they enjoyed our event.
Congratulations to three of our Young athletes who were competing at the Falkirk Indoor Event at Grangemouth track on Saturday- Estelle Giraud jumping a PB of 1.35m in the HJ. The Lanahan brothers who both had an excellent summer session continued this weekend with Joseph’s PB in the HJ of 1.50m and Abraham 12.02m Triple Jump.
The club Christmas draw took place and the winners are below – Thank you to everyone who supported this.
1st Andrew Leiper £200, 2nd Gordon Bury £50 Decathlon Voucher, 3rd Elaine Mackay £30 Sport Direct Voucher, 4th Handong Xu £30 Sport Direct Voucher, 5th Miley Caldwell Club book, 6th Amelia McGurn -Box Chocolates, 7th Esme Guinea -Box Chocolates, 8th Oliva Caldwell -Tea /Water Bottle, 9th John Scott -Lucky Bag, 10th Rio Biddlecombe -Massage Ball
The London Marathon draw also took place – Congratulations to Duncan McCauley and Jamie Platts who were successful in the draw.
The last few weeks have been very busy with the club AGM and the award of various trophies. The AGM saw a record attendance and a significant outcome was the setting of a new Student Rate of Membership. Further details will become available after our board meeting in January. This will be for club membership from April 2024.
At the AGM Tracy Fox was awarded the Paul Richfeld for her fantastic work with our young throwers. Tracy who grew up in the East End competed in athletics when she was at school. Seven years ago she brought her children, Chloe and Matthew, down to the club. Both continue to be successful young athletes. Husband Gary officiates and helps with the endurance group – A real family affair. Tracey has been very active in setting up a young athletes throw group which has had a number of medallists and PBs over the last few years. She serves on the club board and is always around to help – she is vey active in putting out social media information for the club. The Christmas Handicap gave us the opportunity to present the trophy to Tracey. A very worthy winner. We are sure everyone will be delighted for her.
Two other awards were announced at the AGM -The Jack Kean Bursary (Winner Jamie Burns) and the Jack Kean Trophy ( Winner Michael Paxton). Further details will appear later this week after a formal presentation is made to both.
This has ben a very successful year for the club – increased membership, International vests, District selection, Schools selection, European Clubs Cross Country (x 2), National Titles, District Titles and of course 100’s of PB performances by so many athletes. We have also organised the Scottish 10km Championships, The Scottish Hill Running Championships, The West District Relays, The Allan Scally Relays, The Dumyat Young athletes Hill Race and two very successful Open Graded meetings. The Thank you to everyone who give up their time to make this possible. If you think you have a skill or just willing to give up some time to help please speak to any board member about getting more involved. Every little helps.
Some training groups will be taking a break over the Christmas holidays please ask your coach in your training group. Crownpoint is closed from Saturday 23rd December 2023 , reopening on Wednesday 3rd January 2024
Some athlete who have races in January will continue to train (maybe more training or maybe less) but again please speak to the coaches.