The Teviotdale Harriers 2016/2017 season got underway on sunny Saturday 10th September with the staging of the Christie Cup. Due to ongoing works in Wilton Lodge Park the route had to be changed from it’s usual starting point at the site of the old cafe to the bandstand. Runners ran up the slope and off to the left, then followed the park paths past the pitches, round by the dunk and back to the bandstand. Juniors were first to compete on their one lap course. A total of 20 boys and girls lined up in the U11/U13 category including newcomers Robbie Welsh, Shaun Chapman, Robbie Jack, Brooke Hogg, Zak Marsh, Craig Watson, siblings Isla and Glen Jamieson. All the youngsters took off at a blistering place but when they came back into view it was Brooke Hogg who rounded the bend to cross the line first in a time of 6.18, 2nd girl and 2nd over the line was Ava Hughes in 6.21 with Maddi Hewitt 3rd in 6.46. Fastest actual time Maddi Hewitt. Victory for the boys went to Conan Harper in 6.23, with newly appointed junior boys captain Thomas MacAskill hot on his heels to take 2nd place in 6.26, 3rd was the ever smiling Irvine Welsh in 6.39. Fastest actual time Thomas MacAskill.

Next to run were 12 competitors in the U15/17 boys, girls and senior ladies race over their two lap course. This was Euan Welsh’s first outing as a Harrier and a move up to a different category for Jai Patterson. On completion of the first lap Ishbel Inglis was in the lead overall and managed to maintain that lead in the ladies race to take first place in a time of 12.55, 2nd was this year’s junior girls’ captain Carly Blaikie in 13.09 and Lauren Corbett 3rd in 13.16. Fastest actual time Lauren Corbett. Fraser Clyne was first overall as well as 1st youth in a time of 12.48, with only seconds between them Jamie Waugh took 2nd place in 12.52, Jai Patterson was 3rd in 14.27. Fastest actual time Jamie Waugh.

Final race of the day was the three lap course for the 14 senior men competing. There was plenty of support from the youngsters who had raced and were now cooling down with ice creams in tandem with plenty effort from the men as they completed lap after lap. That effort paid off for Greg Walker, who claimed victory in 22.01, 2nd spot went to Brian Gibb – back into racing – in 22.05 and 3rd placed was Rory Anderson in 22.11. Fastest actual time Rory Anderson.

All times include handicaps.

Please see Alex Corbett’s photographs HERE

Trophies travelled North up the A7 last Sunday, as Teviotdale Harriers left their mark at the Muckle Toon Joggers Doctors Run.

The popular event, extremely well-organised by the lovely Langholm ladies, paid witness to four happy Harriers who triumphed for Teviotdale.  Bruce Hughes, Thomas MacAskill, Conan Harper and Iona Jamieson all picked up wins in various categories.

Based at the Langholm Cricket pitch, upon arrival competitors were greeted with everything in place and a smile on every face.  The race has been run almost every year since 1983 and the overall winner’s trophy boasts a few names that all Harriers will recognise.

On Sunday it was recently appointed Club Captain Bruce Hughes who claimed victory and will now be able to etch his name alongside three times winner and Harriers legend Davie Cavers.

Six Harriers and one affiliated Teri Jogger stood on the start line ready to tackle the testing but satisfying 8 mile(ish) course. The picturesque route, following the path of the River Esk, offered road, trail, hills and the exciting ‘sprint finish’ around the cricket pitch for its grand finale.

After a final few words of motivation, the 10 second countdown commenced and runners were then let loose to the shrill of bagpipes and set off through the streets of Langholm before heading out into the countryside.

The undulations of the first 5.5 miles were followed by a testing 1.5 miles of trail and forest roads before the final stint of tarmac that lead to the cricket pitch.  Around the route were two strategically placed water stations where beaming smiles only broke to yell encouragement as you passed.  Marshals covered every eventuality and signs made it near impossible to stray from the designated route.

A total of 62 runners accepted the challenge and Bruce ran well to lead them home in 51:57.  Harriers teammate Derek Scott finished third overall but claimed second Male (54:43) with Lewis Bell Gala Harriers third (57:23).  Rory Longmore of Annan and District Athletic Club finished second overall but took home the men’s over 50 title (53:07).

The men’s over 40 category also headed to Hawick with Paul Foster taking the title.  Finishing fourth overall Paul clocked 55:29.  Joe Boardman, Annan and District Athletic Club was second (56:57) and Teviotdale’s Andy Goodair secured third (57:35) and finished seventh overall.

The Harriers success continued as Alan Samuel placed second in the men’s over 60 category (67:39).  Finishing behind Langholm’s Walter Borthwick (62:23).  In the women’s over 40 category, Harriers Ladies Captain Kirsty Hughes finished third and 44^th overall in 72:47.  Frank Birch was the sixth team member competing and also ran well to place 48^th (76:07).

Teri Jogger Wendy Cross scooped the first prize in the women’s over 50 category (76:49) and can rightly be proud of her run.

Next it was the turn of the 32 Juniors to run one mile around the Castleholm area.  Teviotdale were well represented again and everyone ran superbly earning three more victories.

It proved to be a great day for the new Captains as Junior title holder Thomas MacAskill secured a double by striding home to win the Youths race in (7:33).  Thomas was made to work right to the line as teammate Conan Harper pushed him all the way to finish second overall (7:36).  Conan’s effort also secured him a winner’s trophy with the Juniors title.

The numerous presentations were shortly made and runners swapped opinions/tales on the route and their runs whilst enjoying a plethora of tasty tray bakes and refreshments.

The say an apple a day keeps the Doctor away, in my opinion it’s the Muckle Toon Joggers Doctors Run that does the trick.

Alex Corbetts photos here