Some local events for the calendar for younger members

The curtain came down on the 2011-2012 Cross Country season last Saturday with the National Cross Country Championships at Callendar Park, Falkirk.  In spite of the icy weather, big crowds came out to watch Freya Murray and Derek Hawkins, both back from training camp in Kenya, win the senior races

 Linlithgow Athletics Club had threatened to field a full senior mens team for the first time in many years, but injury and illness took their toll on the club, wiping out their modest junior and womens representation. 

From seven entrants only six made it to the start line of the 500-strong senior mens event, but Graham Burrows, who had always been doubtful for the event, was forced to pull out a lap into the race.  Five Linlithgow runners braved the conditions and went on to complete the three lap, 7.5 mile race putting in great personal performances.  Results in the senior race were 139th John Redding (48:07), 312th Angus Gallie (53:49), 321st Paul Dudchenko (54:13), 334th David Mason (54:53), 417th Graeme Lawson (58:58).

Probably for the first time in the clubs history Linlithgow fielded a full mens team at the ever popular Carnethy 5 hill race.  The race is one of the earliest in the calendar (surely it's still cross country season) and one of the biggest in the UK with over 500 runners completing this year.  David Mason was first Linlithgow man to complete the 9km route which takes in 2200 feet of ascent in the Pentland Hills.  David finished in just under 67 minutes.  Paul Dudchenko finished in just under 71 minutes, Graeme Lawson finished in 86 minutes and Malcolm Hughes finished in 88 minutes.  All enjoyed the chicken pie school dinner in Beeslack school afterwards.

The National Cross Country Championships are being held in Falkirk on Saturday 18th February.  This is the final and biggest event in the club cross country calendar and will be well supported.  You need to have been born before 1st September 2000 to compete.  As a championship event the club will pay for entries.  

Jim Brodie has offered to coach on Monday, so the session will be on at the same time after all.  Many of you will know Jim - he has many years experience of coaching at Linlithgow, so you'll be in good hands.

East District League XC Saturday 14^th January (see attached PDFs) – Broxburn Academy

 

U11 (1.5km) – 1:00PM

U13 (2.5km) – 1:15PM

Sen/Jun Women and U17 men (6km) – 1:35PM

U15 and U17 women (4km) – 2:10PM

Senior Men (9km) – 2:30PM

 

No pre-entry required.  I’ll bring vests and numbers.  Again I’ll be near the Lothian tent (next year we'll get our own)

The Falkirk parkrun has been cancelled this Saturday (7th January) due to the recent hurricane and floods.  We are advised that the course is too dangerous and a clear up operation is underway.  You'll have to save yourselves for the final East District cross country league fixture at Broxburn on Saturday 14th January!

Last Chance to enter the Beecraigs Festive Handicap on Boxing day  

Handicap runs over 7 km and 14 km, first runner starts at 11.00am; Cockleroy Fun Run (1km approx) at 11.15am

The Courses: Both handicap runs use the same, tough loop starting near Cockleroy car park (GR 994744), heading east through Beecraigs, round Beecraigs Loch, up the sawmill hill and returning, via Balvormie, to climb Cockleroy just before the finish. The longer run is two laps of the shorter one. There will be maps available at the start, some marshals on the route and tape at critical unmarked junctions. You can see a map of the course below.

The surface: The surface varies, from short sections on tarmac to firm trails within the woods, to rough tracks and includes the ascent and descent (on grass) of Cockleroy. Paths on several parts of the course were upgraded during 2009 but there are still sections which could be very wet and muddy, depending on the weather, with uneven surfaces and tree roots in places, particularly in the wooded area before the ascent of Cockleroy. Obviously snow will present different hazards, as will ice if temperatures are low.

Your handicap: You will be given a number to wear during the run – collect this at the start – and your start time will be marked on the back.

To enter: In advance preferred, by 22nd December, phone Peter West (01506) 492088 or by email peterwest@blueyonder.co.uk (you can enter on the day at Cockleroy Car Park up to 10.30am) Entry is free. When entering, please state which distance you want to run, and give some indication of your current form, eg 10k, 10 mile or half marathon time.


Cockleroy Chaser Fun Run

This is a short (about 1km) run up and down Cockleroy, from the finish area of the Festive Handicap.  This is a great event for younger competitors - all ages are welcome. The run starts at 11.15am.  Pre-entry is not required for this short event.

Falkirk Parkrun is on tomorrow, but as the tree is still obstructing the route a course amendment will be in effect.  The bad news is that you will have to do 'Heartbreak Hill' twice!