At the recent Edinburgh Marathon Festival, five Harriers made their way north to the Capital, ready to race in three of the seven different events.

The increasingly popular running weekend, staged on Saturday May 28th and Sunday 29th, hosts races for both kids and adults, ranging from a 1.5k junior race, to the Hairy Haggis Team Relay, to the Half and Full Marathons.

On the Saturday, David Bell sporting his recently acquired Teviotdale Harriers training top, tackled the 10k. David was rightly happy with his run and finished 96th out of 2333 runners in a time of 45:11. David also placed 7th in the over 45 category.

The Half Marathon, held first thing on the Sunday morning, was the next event featuring runners from our club. On the start line were Greg Walker, who set off amongst the ‘Elite Club Runners,’ Bruce Hughes and Michael Yule.

Greg ran a tremendous race and finished 30th in a highly respectable 1:18:02, smashing his PB in the process. Bruce also ran a new PB, finishing 60th in 1:21:11 and Michael Yule finished 488th in 1:33:13.

Special mention and huge well done to Darrell Hastie running for our neighbours Gala Harriers who won the Half Marathon in 1:10:37.

Later that Sunday morning, the Full Marathon runners would be let loose on the streets of Edinburgh where Alan Inglis would don the Harriers vest. Alan was one of 6596 runners and completed the 26.2 miles in 709th position, in a time of 3:27:51.

Well done all the runners and those who made the journey in support.

Bruce’s EMF Blog HERE

The recent 1514 Uphill Mile does exactly what it says on the tin.  The popular Teviotdale Harriers event is kindly sponsored by the 1514 Club and sees runners tackle a one mile course, all uphill.
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With a good turnout of both kids and adults, the runners mustered and registered at the entrance to the Motte Park, ready for the 26^th running of the event.

With conditions ideal, all runners would set off together and it was the job of current 1514 President Kenny King to start the race.

At the first break in traffic, the 41 competitors filled the road and after a few words of encouragement from 1514 President Kenny, he fired the starters pistol and the race was on.  Greg Walker and Bruce Hughes set the early pace as the runners ascended the Loan and at the ‘Auld Man’s Seat’ turned right and began the climb of Crumhaughhill Road.

Just behind the two leaders, another battle was taking shape between two of Teviotdales most consistent and reliable juniors.  Jamie Waugh and Fraser Clyne matched each other stride for stride nearly the entire way up the hill.

Around the half way mark of the unrelenting course, Greg made a small but significant break.  Opening up a 5 metre lead on Bruce, Greg worked hard to maintain his advantage out of the town and on up the rest of the route.

With the finish of Crumhaughhill Farm just along the road, Greg (6:17) stayed on strongly to claim victory in one of the fastest times of recent years.  Bruce (6:20) finished just behind in 2^nd.  Keith Murray (7:16) secured the bronze.

Greg’s victory completed a family double for the Walkers as dad Sammy watched on.  25 years earlier, Sammy – one of Teviotdale Harriers most prolific runners, claimed the uphill mile title in its very first running.

Jamie Waugh (7:00) found a little extra and in the last 100m and managed to steal a few yards to win the Juniors Boys, with Fraser Clyne (7:05) just behind in 2^nd.  To their great credit, Jamie and Fraser finished 3^rd and 4^th overall in the race.  Sam Allot (8:16), chasing his dad Richard, took 3^rd.

The Ladies title was won by Lauren Corbett (8:37).  Leading from the gun, Lauren opened and maintained her advantage the entire climb.  Ishbel Inglis (8:50) ran well to finish 2^nd and Pauline McAdam (9:32) made steady progress to finish 3^rd Lady.

Maddie Hewitt (8:31) ran superbly to romp home with the Junior Girls title.  Lucy Ash (9:21) and Sophie Allott (9:21) at the end of the lung bursting rise through our scenic town could not be split for time but it was Lucy who secured 2^nd with Sophie taking 3^rd.

Not for the first time, after a mad dash up the Knipknowes (this time by car), 1514 President Kenny King was on hand to present the worthy winners with their hard earned medals.  A keen former runner himself, Kenny thanked the Harriers for their continued support and organisation of the race.

Thanks must also go out to the timekeepers, marshals and organisers, who all play their part in staging these important Harriers events.

See Alex Corbett’s photographs HERE

Full results UPHILL 2016