FORRES HARRIERS NEWS APRIL 03-DECEMBER 03
26-Dec-2003
The club was well represented at the Nairn Turkey Trot, obviously a lot of guilty people out there wanting to run off those few extra pounds gained over the last few days. Full results now on Site, thanks to Danny Bow for doing all the hard work in compiling them.
20-Dec-2003
The Forres Harriers X-mas Handicap had an exceptional turnout considering the poor climatic conditions. Thanks to everyone who entered and assisted in organising the event, great fun was had by all and the after race spread made it all worthwhile I am convinced I left the hall a stone heavier, (or was it a ploy by Mike Howell, to make me stuff my face so that he remains out in the front?)
I can see the training nights are really going to hurt from now on!
The race was convincingly won by the girls team of Emma Larkin and Jackie Nicol fantastic effort girls.
News hot off the press; Doug Cowie and Danny Bird are in 7th and 8th place in the British Rankings for the Marathon in the Vet 50 Category after their performances at Chicago and Dublin respectively. Al Black is 169th in the British Rankings after his excellent performance at the Moray Marathon.
14-Dec-2003
The North District 10 Mile Road Race Championships were integrated with the Lossiemouth 10 Mile Turkey Trot. The Ladies were to the fore on this occasion with Siobhan Evans winning the Gold Medal in the Ladies Open Event, along with Jackie Nicol, June Duncan and Frances Russell who picked up the Gold Medals in the Veteran Ladies event.
First Harrier home was a fit again Andy Ross in 6th place. The Harriers Veteran team of Doug Cowie, Danny Bird and Mike Milmoe narrowly missed out on the Gold, with The Moray Road Runners winning on this occasion on count back.
Thanks to Dave Green for another superbly organised event with loads of Prizes up for grabs. This is last race that Dave will be hosting in the local area, as he will shortly be leaving us for pastures new. On behalf of the Harriers we wish you well and thanks for organising some great events.
What a wet and miserable day it was for the North District Cross Country Championships. A big thank you to all the organisers (Steve Murdoch and his team) and of course the timekeepers and marshals, you all earned that cup of warm tea today.
There were a few bright spots in the day for the Harriers with Grant Cameron and Eleanor Duncan picking up the Gold and Silver medals respectively in their age groups, along with Mark Mitchell and Kyle Greig who both won GOLD in their races.
Siobhan Evans produced a great run to pick up the Bronze medal in the Ladies event, leading home the Harriers team to 3rd place overall just a few points behind the Moray Road Runners.
The Senior Men's grip on the North Team award has been relinquished to the lads from Keith & District, however they did manage to pip the Moray Road Runners to the Silver Medals by just a few points. A great effort lads and I am sure there will be a few interesting encounters in the league come the New Year.
I will post a few photographs of the event shortly.
Full results from the Meall A Bhuchaille race HERE. Thanks to Russell MacKechnie for preparing them.
22-Nov-2003
Doug Cowie and Kyle Greig were in action over the weekend. Kyle in the Meall A Bhuchaille race at Aviemore, where he finished a very creditable 3rd behind Dan Whitehead and Brian Marshall, 5 minutes faster than the time he achieved in last years race.
Doug was representing the Scottish Veterans at the Home International Cross Country in Wales, he was first Scot home in his age group finishing in 6th place overall in the 50-55 category, yet another great performance from the Old Man!!!
15-Nov-2003
The third race in this seasons North District League was held on a wet and blustery day in the far North Of Scotland at Thurso. Congratulations to all the hardy souls that competed today; especially our under 11 girls who won their race, Adam Todd who won the Under 13 boys race, Rachel Pirrie 2nd in the Under 15 Girls and the Ladies who were 3rd just 2 points behind the Road Runners who were 2nd.
The Senior Men's race was once again a fiercely fought contest with Keith & District just edging it ahead of Forres Harriers and Moray Road Runners.
8-Nov-2003
The Forres Harriers in partnership with Sport Moray successfully hosted the Forres and District Primary Schools Cross Country Championships. There were a number of great races and all the kids appeared to be enjoying the event.
The Overall winners were Kinloss Primary School who finished just ahead of Andersons.
Many thanks to all those willing volunteers who helped to make the day a great success.
1-Nov-2003
Forres Harriers hosted the 2nd Cross Country League race of the season. It was well supported by most age groups. The Under 11 Girls won the team event with Kirsty Rogan, Rosie Pinder and Fiona McLean . Eleanor Duncan won the Under 13 Girls. In the Boys event Adam Todd had a tremendous race with Conor Cowie of the Moray Road Runners. These 2 fine young athletes really put on a show, as they both powered their way around this challenging course.
Another home success was recorded by Rachel Pirie who finished 2nd in the Under 15 Girls race.
Willie Duncan of Banff Academy was the convincing winner in the Under17 Boy's race ahead of Kyle Cowie and Mark Mitchell.
Jane Barker and Dawn Scott went head to head in the Ladies race and both were in contention for first place on the first lap. However the experienced Hill Runner-Scott, made her mark on the 2nd lap gradually pulling away on all the inclines, but Jane fought back on the flatter terrain just finishing a couple of seconds behind Dawn.
The Senior Men's race produced a new winner in the shape of Moray Road Runner youngster Andrew Clark. Andrew ran a sensible race allowing the more experienced Ross Arbuckle to set the pace on the first couple of laps, before making a serious challenge for victory on the final lap. Moray Road Runners were the team winners followed by Keith and Forres in 2nd and 3rd respectively.
A special THANK YOU to our helpers with the teas; Val Mitchell and Margaret Edwards did a sterling job back at the Community Centre and it was much appreciated by all the competitors.
27-Oct-2003
Danny Bird has just posted a new Marathon PB at the Age of 50, he is just like a fine whisky, he just gets better with age. Danny finished in a time of 2.49.11 his first sub 2.50. Graeme finished in 3.18.51, which is quite some achievement considering his recent injury problems.
It's Dublin Marathon time again and 2 of our members are on their way, to prove that you can still complete a Marathon tanked up with that fine Carbohydrate called Guinness. We wish Graeme Jervis and Danny Bird all the best. Steve Jones will be fed up seeing the Forres Harriers Vest at Marathons, first Chicago, Dublin and finally New York, where Big Ally MacPherson will be on the start line. We are certainly getting around.
June Duncan was competing in the Amsterdam Marathon at the weekend, where she finished in a great time of 3:55:20, placing her 36th in her age group, fantastic effort June. Rest up now, for the Forres Cross Country race is not far away.
Graeme Bartlett has won this years Scottish Hill Racing Championship with fine performances at the 3 counting races of: Knockfarrel, Stuc a'Chroin and Lomonds Of Fife, another fantastic achievement in what has been an incredibly successful year for the Club.
19-Oct-2003
The Harriers have at last reclaimed the Great Glen Relay Title away from Inverness Harriers. Although it was achieved with a little help from some friends. We had 3 teams in this years event ( only just mind! after loads of e-mails and phone calls we managed to scrape up enough competitors to field 3 teams of sorts).
Thanks also to Graeme and Nancy Whyte for all their sterling efforts organizing such a great event, we all really appreciate it.
Congratulations to all the 13 teams who made the event all worthwhile, especially the teams from Wooler.
The Forres Harriers AGM will take place on the 28th October 2003 after Tuesday nights training, come along and have a say on how you would like to see your club run. Contact the Secretary for any more information that is required.
12-Oct-2003
Kyle Greig was pulling on his Scotland Vest once again at the weekend, when he was representing the Under 18 Hill Running team at the Home Internationals at Dreghorn Edinburgh. Kyle had a great run finishing in 5th place being the 2nd counter in the victorious Scottish team.
Doug Cowie and Mike Reaper have both successfully completed the Chicago Marathon. Doug finished his 50th and last marathon in 2 hours 47 minutes second in his age group, Mike finished a shade over 3 hours. By all accounts the weather conditions were very blustery along with high temperatures.
11-Oct-2003
The North District Relays were held at Keith in fantastic conditions. Well done to our Senior Men and Ladies teams on medal winning performances. Also a great run by young Adam Todd on the first leg of the Youths race. To see how everyone got on click Here. Photographs
My roving reporter in Chicago, informs me that 2 of our members have been making the ladies heads turn, as they parade their wares around the streets scantily clad in their Kilts. Maybe they are going to run in them as well, that would be a sight for sore eyes!
Good luck to Mike and Doug, I hope they don't get too many blisters.
Graeme Bartlett was once again in record breaking form, winning the Bennachie Hill race, ahead of defending champion Dan Whitehead.
04-Oct-2003
The Cross Country Season is now underway, with the first race being held at Nairn on the East Beach. The weather was absolutely, awful strong winds squally showers ( That's what Cross Country is all about).
In the past I have been competing in these races on a regular basis, but more often than not these days, I am an avid spectator and I have to say, I would rather be competing on days like this , at least you get a chance to warm up.
Any way hats off to all competitors and spectators there were some great races, I enjoyed the Under 13 boys race, as with half a mile to go, there were 5 boys in contention to win the race.
Kirsty Rogan got the Harriers on their way with a fine 2nd place in the under 11 girls event and Matthew Levy was 3rd in the boys race. The under 13 girls lead home by Eleanor Duncan won the team event.
The Ladies and Senior Men got off to a great start and things look as though they could go right to the last race of the season before the titles are awarded.
01-Oct-2003
Paul Rogan was in action once again at the Spadeadam Half Marathon. This is a great course held over undulating forest tracks. Paul was in contention right at the front, until he suffered a severe bout of cramp. However, undeterred he fought through the pain to come home in 2nd place (for the 2nd year in a row). Good effort Paul, a good warm up for Nairn on Saturday.
28-Sep-2003
The Dyke 10K was once again a resounding success with a record number of athletes participating and 2 new course records set. Andrew Wright and Jane Barker were certainly bang on form making these 2 impressive course record seem like an afternoon stroll.
The team competition was won by the Moray Road Runners with the Forres Harriers in the runners up spot just ahead of Keith & District.
Full results are Here
PHOTOGRAPHS courtesy of Andy Law.
21-Sep-2003
Siobhan Evans was back on the winning trail at the weekend, winning the Buckie 10K. Doug Cowie, Brian Law, Stu Burn and Willie Dixon were also in the field. Doug was the highest finisher in 7th place overall 2nd Super Vet. The full results should appear on the Buckie 10K website soon.
Kyle Greig finished 33rd in the Junior Men's race at the World Hill Running Championships. The Scottish lads placed 4th in the team competition. However the Senior Womens team took pride of place winning Gold in the team competition and claiming Silver and Bronze in the individual event.
Graeme Bartlett and Kyle Greig are now on their way to Alaska to represent Scotland at the World Hill Running Championships, if you would like to see what it is all about please follow the LINK.
A big thank you to all those people who generously gave up their free time to assist in the successful Forres Aquathon. Especially Jackie Nicol, June Duncan, Howard Mitchell, Mike Milmoe and Andy Law. The event was a great success, with many of the Forres Harriers youngsters to the fore. Thomas Leitch, Eleanor Duncan and Mark Mitchell all winning their respective age groups. It was great to see so many youngsters giving it there all and they all deserve a great big pat on the back for finishing.
WELL DONE EVERYONE.
7-Sep-2003
Danny Bird was back in action only a week after the Moray Marathon, this time he was competing in the Loch Leven Half Marathon. Danny finished 9th Overall and First Super Vet in a time of 1:19:47, quite remarkable after his efforts at Elgin the previous week!
Kyle Greig was once again been in action over the weekend, this time competing in the Junior Hill Running Trial for the Home International to be held in October. Kyle had another strong run winning his race, this also meant he won the Under 19's Scottish Junior Hill Running League title.
Kyle Cowie of Moray Road Runners was an extremely close second in the Under 16 event, just being piped on the line. However he had done enough in the previous races to claim the Under 16 title.
This now means that there will be 2 athletes from the North representing Scotland at the British Junior Hill running Champ's. We wish them all the best.
Mike Milmoe was competing in the Ben Nevis Hill race on Saturday and safely got up and back down again and placed 271st in a field in excess of 400. There is still plenty life in the old legs yet.
Graeme Bartlett, warming up for the World Hill Running Champ's finished 2nd to Dan Whitehead in the Braemar Highland Games Hill Race.
Also Rachael Pirrie and Emma Higgs were the Harriers sole representatives at the final of the Halliburton Athletics held at Dundee. Well done girls in progressing to the final.
1-Sep-2003
There was a fantastic entry from the club in the Moray festival of running, with many PB's attained Jackie in the 10K (when winning the Bronze Medal in the North District 10K Championships), June in the Half Marathon and Al Black in the Marathon
The Marathon was once again selected to be the Scottish Championship and Al ran agonisingly close to a medal finishing in 4th place in a time of 2:41:00. It is all the more remarkable as Al has had to do all his training on his own in the stifling heat of the desert.
Danny Bird was the next Harrier, home in the Marathon followed by Mark Priestley. Unfortunately they were unable to beat the team challenge of Metro Aberdeen who were packing them in at the front of the race.
I have posted over 100 Photographs of the runners in action. Many thanks to Andy Law and Chris Spencer for providing the action shots.
PHOTOGRAPHS Moray Marathon Results
26-Aug-2003
Yet again more great news for the Club.
Graeme Bartlett has also been selected to compete at the World Hill Running Championships in Alaska. This has been made possible by Graeme along with assistance the club finding the finance to make the trip possible. Davie Rodgers of Lochaber will also now be making the trip which is great news for the Scottish team; who along with Bobby Quinn and Andrew Lemoncello will give it their best shot!
Mark Mitchell was once again in fine form, this time winning the Scottish Under 17 800M Championships held at Grangemouth at the weekend. Yet another outstanding run in what has been another remarkable for this talented athlete.
Photographs form the Nairn Triathlon Here
24-Aug-2003
Loads of the Harriers were in action over the weekend with Kyle, Paul Rogan and Alexander MacDonald winning the team event at the Glenurquhart Highland Games Hill Race.
June, Mike Reaper, Dave MacRobie, Mark Priestley, Andrew Holder and Siobhan were competing in the Nairn Triathlon. Mike won the event and along with Andrew and Siobhan claimed the team prize. Well done to all the Harriers who competed it looked a great day out, pity I wasn't fit enough myself, maybe next year!! The thought of the swim makes me cringe though.
17-Aug-2003
Yet another fantastic performance from one of our youngsters. Mark Mitchell has just won the Silver Medal in the AAA Under 17 800M at Sheffield, in a new PB of 1:54:36.
Mark has had an outstanding year thus far, knocking a massive 6 seconds off his PB from last year. A great performance and also lets not forget the hours of time his dad Howard and Carol Lawrie have spent in getting him in such great shape. An all round excellent team effort.
A number of our squad were competing at The Nairn Highland Games. Kyle Greig was competing on the track, building up some speed work for the big event next month. Whilst the Golden Oldies plus Robert had a successful day, picking up the team award, with Doug leading the way home in second place overall closely followed by Danny and Robert.
Siobhan and June were representing the female contingent with Siobhan picking up Second Lady overall. Well done one and all.
13-Aug-2003
The inaugural Viewpoint Challenge - 3.5 mile up-hill only race from Grant Park to Califer Viewpoint was well supported by the regulars, thanks very much for participating.
Full results Results, photographs now on site here
Oh I nearly forgot, never rely on Martin Flynn for a lift back to the start of a race. Martin had arranged with Simon Dobbs to follow him up to the View-point to park his car there prior to the race, to save him a jog back when he had finished.
So imagine his horror when after the race he realised that he had left his keys in Simon's car which was at Grant Park. Ah well at least he had a nice long warm down!!!
12-Aug-2003
Great news! Kyle Greig has just been selected to represent Scotland at this years World Hill Running Championships, which are due to be held in Alaska in the middle of September. All of us at the Club are really proud of Kyle's achievements.
Kyle has been a member of Forres Harriers since 1993, when he first competed at the Forres Primary Schools Cross Country, where he came home in 3rd place. Observing that he had an obvious talent for running, his teacher at Pilmuir Primary, convinced him to come along to the Harriers.
Over the years; under the watchful eyes of Ian MacKenzie and Howard Mitchell, Kyle began to make an impression on the athletics scene in the North. In 1999 at the Scottish National Cross Country Championships, over the rutted course at Cupar, Kyle won the Silver Medal in the Under 13 Boys event.
However not long after this terrific result, injuries began to follow and surgery was required to relieve a foot problem. Kyle was always keen to get back to his running and has won many North Of Scotland Cross Country Titles at various age groups since.
Realising that his forte was at Cross Country, he began to take an interest in Hill Running. He asked Mike Milmoe about the events that were taking place this year, with a view at competing in a few of the races.
Under the guidance of Mike and a lot of dedication from Kyle, he has progressed in to one of Scotland's outstanding Junior Hill Runners.
This extremely likeable young lad, deserves every success and on behalf of the Club, we wish him all the very best.
9-Aug-2003
A scorching weekend on the weather front and also for the Harriers.
First off; two of our leading runners were competing in the World Hill Running selection trials down in the Ochils. In temperatures more akin to the Southern Hemisphere, Kyle Greig (Junior Men) and Graeme Bartlett (Senior Men) both put in strong performances by coming 2nd and 4th respectively. These results along, with there performances throughout the year, should certainly make the selectors take notice of their claims to a seat on the plane to Alaska.
Mark Mitchell was burning up the track at the Nethybridge Highland Games where he won every race that he entered, 100M, 200M, 800M.
Our Super Veteran Danny Bird had an outstanding run in the 10 Mile Road Race. He was running steadily in 4th place upon leaving the arena out on to the course, following the pacesetters Brian Fieldsend and Raymond Hardie. As the race progressed, the weather conditions began to take their toll, however Danny seemed to be revelling in the stifling heat and raced strongly in to 2nd place behind Brian Fieldsend. Mark Priestley had a steady run coming in 10th just behind the first lady, Jane Barker. I think Inverness Harriers won the team competition.
I do not have a full set of the Road Race Results, however to view the first ten places click Here .
Full Ben Rinnes Results now on Site HERE
4-Aug-2003
Mark Mitchell was once again in fine form, finishing well below 2 minutes (For the umpteenth time this season) and winning the Under 15 Boys 800M at the Celtic Games.
The Scottish teams did exceedingly well, winning the competition outright, with a number of fine performances from a number of North Athletes. Congratulations one and all.
3-Aug-2003
Graeme Bartlett was competing in the Craig Dubh Hill race which is held in conjunction with the Newtonmore Highland Games. It looks as though he was pushed all the way to the finish line by Andrew Wright. The Newtonmore Highland Games had a very large entry of athletes in all events with, current Scottish Champions and Internationalists, competing in various events.
There definitely seems to be a far healthier level of competition at the majority of the Games this year.
Thanks to our roving athletics enthusiast Andy Law, for providing the top 25 finishers in the Craig Dubh Hill Race, there were 76 finishers in total.
26-Jul-2003
The Ben Rinnes 5 Tops race was held in conjunction with the Dufftown Highland Games. The cool overcast conditions were ideal for the hardy runners that were participating in this challenging race.
The race was won by Carnethy veteran Stewart Whitlie followed by Ronnie Gallagher.
As soon as I receive a copy of the results I will post them on Site. I do have a number of photographs, to view follow the LINK.
Mark Mitchell, Dave Adam and Kyle Greig were also competing on the track and all managed to win a few of the prizes on offer.
Congratulations to Graeme Bartlett and Mark Mitchell, they have both been selected to run for Scotland. Graeme will be competing in the Snowdon International Hill Race, while Mark will be competing in the 800M at the Celtic Games.
20-Jul-2003
This was a quiet weekend for the majority of the Club, but two of our young stars were competing. Mark Mitchell was representing the Scottish Schools at the British Schools Championships where he won the Bronze Medal in the 800M in a great time of 1:56:19, an exceptional achievement by this extremely talented Junior.
Kyle Greig was competing in the Anoch Mhor Uphill Race at Fort William where he finished 4th Overall and first Junior Man, yet another solid performance (I aint looking forward to those long hill efforts in the winter, on a club night, I think they are going to be extremely painful from now on!!)
12-Jul-2003
The Elgin Highland Games 10 Mile Road Race was extremely well supported this year with the number competitors double that of last year. There were a number of Harriers on the start line.
The race was dominated at the start by Alan Reid (Peterhead AAC), closely followed by the Harriers' Paul Matheson and Doug Cowie. Paul and Doug started to catch Alan and by the top of Brumley Brae, Paul was back on level terms.
It was not only heating up in the race, but the Sun had also started to beat down as well (my shoulders are now as bright red as my vest!). Paul then decided to take on the role of pace maker and remained there until the 6 mile point.
Once the race was on the homeward leg, Alan hit the front again and Paul could no longer maintain in touch and battled to stay in 2nd place with Doug chasing him down all the way to the finish line.
Two of our younger members were competing on the track. Rachael Pirrie and Siobhan O'Hare were both on the winners rostrum, well done girls.
9-Jul-2003
The final Woodland Run of the Series was held at Monaughty in ideal conditions for running. Once again we were rewarded with yet another large entry.
Thanks to Siobhan Evans, Mike Milmoe and Stu Burn for setting up the course and also a big thank you to our Series Time Keepers Jo and John.
The winner on the night was Graeme Bartlett followed by Brian Law, great to see Brian at last shaking off the injuries and competing at the front end of the races again.
Jane Barker won the Ladies race, this means that both Jane and Graeme have won all 4 races in the Series.
To see how you finished in the Series and full results from the Monaughty race click Here
5-Jul-2003
The Harrier's young and old were in action at the Forres Highland Games over the weekend. There were many prize winners on the day. With young Josh Miller performing really well. However Kyle was the man in form coming second in the 800 and 1500 as well as winning the North of Scotland 3000 Metres Championships for the first time.
The senior men's team of Paul Matheson, Doug Cowie and Paul Rogan had to settle for runners up spot behind Keith & District in the team competition of the 10K Road Race.
For full 10K results click HERE
Photographs from all the days action on the Forres Highland Games Web Site HERE
Graeme Bartlett was competing in the Dollar Hill Race. In tricky conditions where navigation skills were essential; Graeme came home in second place just over a minute behind the winner Phil Davies of Barrowdale.
Danny Bird was once again the first Harrier home, this time in the Perth (Australia) Marathon where he finished 5th overall and first Super Vet. He just beat former Harrier and Moray Road Runner Mick Francis. Whilst over there he also bumped into that w'eil Keent Ultra mannie fae Lossie, Don Ritchie.
30-Jun-2003
Our nomadic marathon man Danny Bird has once again been on his travels, however he was stepping down the distance on this occasion. Danny was competing in the Wellington Half Marathon in New Zealand at the weekend, where he finished 17th overall and 2nd in his Age Category in a time of 1:22:27.
Graeme Jervis says and I quote "The lengths that Danny will go to, just to be the first Harrier home!!"
25-Jun-2003
Thanks to Paul Rogan, Mike Milmoe, Stu Burn and Andy Ross for all their hard work, ensuring that the 3rd Woodland Run at Quarrelwood was a great success.
Andy would have had an easier night if he had ran the race. Thanks to Andy's efforts at re-marking the route at the last minute, due to some members of the public who had deliberately sabotaged the course markers. All the runners completed the course without a hitch, unlike last year, when exactly the same problem arose.
I have compiled a set of results for the current overall standing in the Woodland Run Series. There are no prizes but I thought you might like to see how you are all doing! If there are any amendments required please let me know.
18-Jun-2003
The Forres 5K had a fantastic turn out with 115 finishers in the kids 1K and 55 in the Adults race. This was a brand new race around the town centre and it appears to have been enjoyed by all (Except running up Tolbooth Street for a 5th time.)
The inaugural winners of the race went to our very own Graeme Bartlett in the men's race in an impressive time of 15:28 and June Duncan won the Ladie's event.
There were so many kids running, unfortunately we were unable to record a finishing time for them all,
13 Year Old Jamie Sidhom of Forres Academy won the boy's race in 4:06 and 12 Year Old Angela Waite of Andersons Primary won the girl's race in a time of 4:09.
14-Jun-2003
Another busy weekend for a few of our members; Mark Mitchell and Kyle Greig were competing at the Scottish Schools Athletics Championships, where Mark Won the 8OOM Gold in a new PB of 1:56:06 and Kyle won the Silver at the 5000M also in a PB of 15:50.
The Senior team of Doug Cowie, Danny Bird and Graeme Jervis were the runners up to Hunters Bog Trotters in the team competition at the Skye Half Marathon. Doug was also the first Super Vet home and finished in 3rd place overall behind the HBT duo of David Naylor and Simon Axon.
Harriers Results:
3rd Doug Cowie 1:23:00
6th Danny Bird 1:26:12
20th Graeme Jervis 1:35:10
11-Jun-2003
Yet again runners from all around the locality turned out in numbers to support the 2nd race in the Woodland Run Series. This year saw another record breaking number of runners lining up on the start line. Thank You for supporting these races.
Graeme Bartlett won the men's race and Jane Barker won the Ladies event, Full Results HERE
1-Jun-2003
Dave Adam in action on his way to the winning line. I am still trying to make up my mind if that is just a bad case of sun burn on Dave's hands, or is he really wearing gloves in the desert!!!!
Another busy day for all at the Harriers, with many of us taking part in the Moray Marafun. This was an excellent day with soaring temperatures. Well done to all the lads and lassies who were competing in their various teams.
The Forres Ladies team had an excellent run in the soaring temperatures to finish 3rd in their category.
Congratulations also to the Nifty Fifties who absolutely trounced Derek's Frisky 40's team, better luck next time Derek!!!!
Some Images from the day HERE. Many thanks to Chris Spencer for providing them.
The Hill running element of the club were also competing at the Scolty Hill Race. Graeme Bartlett came second in the Men's race behind Mark Rigby. While in the Juniors race which was also a Championship event Kyle Greig had a great race coming second to Ian Donnan. Keep up the hard work Fellas.
Our Sun Worshipper Dave Adam has been in scintillating form in the desert where he has won 5 out 5 races entered. I am sure he would have been at home in the Marafun today. Dave will shortly be competing on the Moray Circuit so watch out for that red streak.
31-May-2003
8 Harriers traveled South to compete in the Laggan 10K, this is definitely not a course for fast times due to the minor undulations. However the Scenery is magnificent and along with the weather today, made this race a real joy to compete in. I have only one question: this was an out and back course how come the wind was permanently in your face?
The race was won by Gerry Gaffney of Inverclyde AC with Mark Bryant (Harrow AC) and Brian Fieldsend (Inverness Harriers) in 2nd and 3rd places respectively. First Lady home was Jane Barker of the Moray Road Runners.
The following Harriers were on the prize list:
Graeme Jervis 2nd Vet 40
Mike Howell 1st Vet 45
Danny Bird 3rd Vet 50
Well done Lads.
Full Results HERE
Thanks to Carol Jervis for the photographs.
28-May-2003
The first race of this years Forest Runs was once again a great success, with yet another record entry.
First over the finishing line was our very own Graeme Bartlett closely followed by the Road Runner's Veteran Supreme George Sim. The Ladies Race was once again convincingly won by Jane Barker of the Road Runners.
Full Results HERE
25-May-2003
Our Nifty Fifty Dougie Cowie was representing Great Britain at the European Veterans Championships in Prague. Doug was competing in the Half Marathon and as usual had another great performance. He crossed the finish line 21st overall in a time of 1:18:04 in a race where the winning time recorded was 1:12:11. Finishing in second place in the over 50's category and was also the 2nd British runner home.
24-May-2003
Mike Howell, Graeme Jervis and Danny Bird were on their travels this weekend, participating in the Stornoway Half Marathon.
Graeme was the defending champion but unfortunately was unable to retain his title. It was won this year by Phil Mowbray of Hunters Bog Trotters. The next two positions were also occupied by HBT, thus securing the team award.
First home for the Harriers was Mike, 3rd Vet and 5th overall. Simon MacKenzie just getting the better of Mike in the sprint for the line. I think that is 2-1 in Mike's favour.
Danny and Graeme finished in 10th and 11th places respectively, with Danny being the first Super Vet home.
17-May-2003
We at Forres Harriers would like to say thank you to all the competitors who entered our race. Today we had the largest field of runners assembled ever for one of our events. It makes all the effort of hosting a race really worthwhile and we really appreciate your support.
I would also like to thank all those people who work quietly away in the background to make our events such a success: Margaret Edwards, Val Mitchell, Edna Cameron, Howard Mitchell, Ian MacKenzie, Caroline Cowie and our Secretary Hamish Cameron to name a few. ( Sorry if I have missed anybody out).
The Northern Scot provide us with great press coverage of all the races and supply the trophies for the Series Winners, thanks to them also.
Results of the Forres 10K HERE
Photographs Here
Northern Scot 10K Series Results
11-May-2003
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The Forres Lads and Lassies were in action at the North District Athletics Championships held at Inverness, on Sunday. There were a number of medal winning performances. Kyle Greig won the Junior Men's 1500M whilst Mark Mitchell continued to dominate in the Under 17's. Winning the 800M and 1500M recording two new Championship Best Performances along the way. Congratulations to all our medal winners and a big thank you to Howard Mitchell and Phyllis Law for all your efforts with the training.
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Thanks to Andy Law for the Photograph of Mark and Kyle battling it out with Brian Fieldsend of Inverness Harriers.
9-May-2003
Saturday the 17th of May will see the beginning of a hectic schedule of races for the next few months. The Forres 10K is the first event closely followed by the first race in the woodland run series.
There will also be a 5K run held around the town centre of Forres on the 18th of June. This race is being organised by the Forres community, part of the Forres Scottish Week, and it will include a children's fun run. Registration will be in the Town Hall.
Moray Road Runners are also hosting a mid-week series of 5K races through out the summer, for more details follow the link.
So look out those running shoes and please
come along and support your local running clubs, we will be glad to see you
all there competing. Remember, just do it and ensure that you enjoy
it!!!
5-May-2003
Mark Mitchell was in fine form on the track at Aberdeen on Sunday. Mark won the Under 17's 800M in a really close race, with yet another sub 2 minute performance.
27-Apr-2003
Kyle Greig is the latest Harrier to lay claim to a Scottish Vest, when competing in the Knockdhu International Hill Race in Ireland. Kyle ran an excellent race on his International debut coming home in 7th place, 3rd Scot. The team prize was won by England with the Scots the runners up. Keep up the hard work Kyle and I am sure more success will follow.
26-Apr-2003
The club's youngsters have been in action the last few days. They were representing their Primary Schools at the Moray Primary Schools Cross Country Championships. Eleanor Duncan and Sammy Larkin were 2nd and third in the P6-7 race leading Andersons to team victory. Kirsty Rogan won the P4-5 Girls race and also led her team to victory. Matthew Levy also finished in the top 3 in his race.
Eleanor Duncan used Thursday's Moray Primary Schools Cross Country Race as a warm up for the Scottish Schools at Kircaldy. Eleanor won her race by a magnificent 18 Seconds, a great performance Eleanor, congratulations from all of us at Forres Harriers.
20-Apr-2003
The Forres Harriers Youngsters were in action in the first Halliburton League meeting, at Inverness Athletics Stadium today. There were a number of successes, congratulations to Robert Stitson, Mark Mitchell and Rachel Pirrie on breaking a few of the club records, some of which have stood for 10 years or more. A great effort by all concerned.
13-Apr-2003
Well done to all the Harriers who were competing in the longer distance events at the weekend. Mark Priestley, Mike Howell and Mike Milmoe took the Harriers home in second place in the Speyside Way 50Km race. Mike was also first V45. Results
Listed below are the finishing positions and times of the Lads and Lassie who completed the London Marathon. Once again congratulations to you all.
| Graeme Jervis | 447 | 2:52:33 |
| Danny Bird | 576 | 2:55:17 |
| Andrew Holder | 881 | 2:59:48 |
| June Duncan | 2123 | 4:15:44 |
13-Apr-2003
The Harriers were in action at various events over the weekend. The club was well represented at the Knockfarrel Hill Race with 9 of our club members taking part in this Championship race.
First Harrier home in third place was Graeme Bartlett followed by Paul Rogan (10th) and Kyle Greig (18th), Second Junior. These results were enough to claim the Team Prize ahead of the Carnethy Hill Runners, a really great effort.
Kyle has been chosen to represent Scotland at Junior level, over the Hills in Northern Ireland, we wish him every success. That first Scottish vest has been a long time coming Kyle, keep up with the hard training and I am sure there are more to follow.
Results from Knockfarrel Here. Thanks to Russell McKechnie for providing them.
Al Black has been on his Sunshine Travels once again and it's good to see he is still training hard. He finished 67th out of a field in excess of 3500, in the San Francisco 12K and he assures me that he will be in top shape for the Moray Marathon later this year.
5-Apr-2003
The Forres Harriers were in action at various events over the Weekend. Paul Matheson and Andy Ross were in action at the Lossiemouth Duathlon. Paul Rogan, Mark Ellis and Stu Burn decided to head for the Hills, and took part in the Craig Dunain Hill Race.
The Lossiemouth Duathlon was a great event with Paul and Andy having a titanic struggle against each other. As the race got under way Paul took on the role of Pace Maker in the first 5K run section around Lossiemouth, with Andy in close pursuit. Going into the Transition area for the Bikes, Paul was leading with Andy in close attendance.
As they headed out on to roads around RAF Lossiemouth, Andy soon caught and overtook Paul, however this was just the beginning of real battle of wills, with each of them constantly overtaking the other. However the lead pair did not have it their own way for long, they were soon caught and passed by a couple of seasoned Duathletes (Graham Whyte-Inverness Harriers) being one of them.
At the end of the Bike stage, you could still throw a blanket over Paul and Andy. In the final 5K Paul managed to open up a slight gap and eventually overhauled Graeme to claim 2nd place, with Andy finishing in third.
Thanks to everyone involved in organising the event, it was great fun. Hopefully we will see it on the calendar of events next year again.
Paul Rogan once again had a great performance over the rougher terrain, when he claimed 2nd place behind Brian Fieldsend in the Craig Dunain Hill race. Also Stu Burn has finally got the better of Malcolm Christie, is this the start of a winning streak? Stay tuned, watch out Stu you're a marked man!!
I do not have a copy of the results but there are some photographs of the event, thanks to Graeme and Carol Jervis.
To view these fine athletic specimens in action click HERE
For all you Ultra Runners out there, here is a new event that might make your legs ache. It is a 43 mile Trail Race from Tyndrum to Fort William, it takes place on the 9th of August. More details can be found at the following web site www.devilothehighlandsfootrace.co.uk
30-Mar-2003
The second race in the Northern Scot 10K series was hosted by the Moray Road Runners at Elgin. This race normally produces fast times, however this year due to the strong Westerly wind fast times proved to be illusive.
The number of participating athletes were well up on previous years, which is always very pleasant to see.
The race was a very competitive affair to begin with, until Brian Fieldsend made the long run for home at the 2 mile point. Brian Foreman tried to challenge but was unable to keep up with the relentless pace being set. On the day Brian Foreman had to settle for 2nd place but has further consolidated his lead in the overall standings in the 10K Series.
The Men's team race was a very close thing with the Harriers just claiming the trophy on count back after both us and the Moray Road Runners finished with 18 Points. This was all down to the Harriers 4th placed runner Andy Ross out sprinting Ewan Paterson for the finishing line. See I did tell you all, that every place counts!!!
There were a number of great runs from the newer members of the club, even though conditions were far from Ideal. Andy Holder and Bob Paterson who are both currently in heavy Marathon training looked nice and relaxed at the finish. All the hard work is beginning to reap the rewards.
In the Ladies race Jane Barker was looking to improve her PB over the distance, although she failed to achieve this, she still finished well out in front to claim the ladies Title and led the Moray Road Runners Ladies team to the Title once again.
I have a large number of photographs posted on Site (Thanks once again to Andy Law, Cathy and Carol Jervis).
Thanks to Derek Spear for providing me with a copy of the results. Results Here
Just what the Captain ordered copious amounts of PAIN!!!