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

If you’ve been around since 1889, you will surely have formed one or two traditions or maybe customs that over the years have engrained themselves in your psyche.

A default status that simply gets done.  Why?  Because it’s needed!  It symbolises a point in the year, an event or date that makes everyone aware that this is it, this is where it starts.

Saturday 3rd of September saw Scotland’s third oldest running club carry out a such a tradition.  Witnessed and accompanied by members covering nine decades, Teviotdale Harriers set off on their ‘Opening Run.’  The point that officially marks the beginning of Cross Country Season.

The formal side of the event is to unveil the chosen club captains for the season, gather and grin for the official photo and then the fun part, as everyone heads out on mass for the first run of the season.

Elected Senior Mens Club Captain for the season was Bruce Hughes and his wife Kirsty was elected Senior Ladies Club Captain.  The Junior Boys Club Captain was announced as Thomas MacAskill with Carly Blaikie the Junior Girls Club Captain.

All four have shown a dedication to the club and a commitment to training and  racing that made them ideal candidates.  It’s most definitely a title that is earned in the years and months prior to being awarded.  I’m sure all four will carry out their roles with purpose and enthusiasm.

With the photo complete the group set off, led by the four Captains. Heading past ‘The Cauld,’ and momentarily breaking stride to smile and wave as Gibby filmed the event, to pause at the Park Gates.

At this point the group split and the Juniors and Seniors (including three determined Juniors, well done girls) set off on separate routes.  Lauren Corbett and Sylvia Grieve had fun with the Juniors, whilst the Seniors ventured in to the countryside.

Taking in many regular running sites, the Senior group ran past Wiltonburn, up the ‘Pipe Line,’ down to Borthaugh, crossed to run up past Martinshouse and made their way along ‘The Fishermans Walk.’

With all runners finishing back at the clubrooms, a few stories were shared and the anticipation grew for the coming season.  Hopefully it will be a season filled with success, hopefully the number of juniors at training will keep climbing upwards, hopefully everyone enjoys themselves.

Don’t be to concerned though if all targets aren’t met.  There aren’t any guarantees. Oh wait…there is one thing that you can guarantee.  The Harriers will be back in a years time to do it all again.

Run Away Success For Harriers Event

Following months of planning, Sunday 28^th August saw Teviotdale Harriers stage their 10k, Jog Scotland 5k Challenge and 2 mile Fun Run…with great success.

Over 200 runners from far and wide made their way around the scenic courses, cheered on by hundreds more.  Pre-race entries had hinted at a really good turn out and with on the day registration available, many more arrived to swell the numbers.

With the weather ideal for distance running, from start to finish, in terms of the event and the runs, things couldn’t have gone better.

Following registration at the Cricket Club, the hordes of runners made their way, with a mixture of nervous excitement and some trepidation to the start of their chosen challenge.

All three races began on Victoria Road and led runners through the Park Gates and into the ‘Jewel in Hawick’s Crown,’ Wilton Lodge Park.

First event under way was the suitable for everyone, 2 mile Fun Run.  78 runners of differing abilities but all striving for the same goal, happily made their way along what must surely be one of the most picturesque running routes you could find.

With the beautiful Fun Run route leading you past the Museum around the park and back down the riverside, runners could easily forget the effort they were exerting and be captivated by the allure and charm of our perfect park.

There was for some, however, a race to be won and the 2 mile Fun Run title was duly claimed by Gregor Collins (13:02) of Gala Harriers.  Not far behind, two of Teviotdales top prospects, Conan Harper (13:43, 2nd) and Irvine Welsh (14:30, 3rd) completed the top three.  Fourth overall, Iona Jamieson (14:41) ran superbly and placed first for the girls.  Second was Nadine Elder (15:57) with Maisie Ballantyne (16:23) completing a 1-2-3 for the Harriers.

Once the fun runners had completed their course it was then the turn of the 10k and 5k runners to sample the sights of what Hawick had to offer.  Again heading up through the Park Gates and past the eye catching Museum, the longer events turned up what the Harriers have dubbed ‘The 10k Hill,’ which leads on to Wilton Park Road.

The route passes the Walled Gardens and follows the road out towards Martin’s Bridge.  Heading left over the bridge and then following the path around Parkdaill, all the way back into Hawick past the High School, turning left into St Georges Lane and over the bridge.  For the 5k participants, your race was run but for the 10k competitors a second lap was required.

The 60 Jog Scotland 5k entrants were also led home by a Gala Harrier.  Marcus D’Agrosa claimed victory in a time of 17:01.  Callum Tharme (17:30) also Gala, secured second with Teviotdales Fraser Clyne (18:14) although finishing fourth, securing third place.  The third place runner Ethan Elder, Moorfoot Runners (18:00) scooped first in the Boys under-16 category.

The ladies 5k title went to Lisa MacDonald (19:48) of North Middleton.  Gillian Duncan (21:16) Gala Harriers finished second and local Hawick runner Rachel Harris (21:27) ran well to finish third.  The Girls under-16 winner was Sarah Davenport of Tweed Leader Jed Track in 22:44.

65 competitors set off on the fast flat two lap 10k course.  The impressive winner, for the second year in a row, was Edinburgh AC athlete Callum Reid.  Callum retained his title and bested his previous time to take the title in 34:03.  Teviotdales very own, ever improving Greg Walker (35:27) finished second.  Richard Meade (36:07) also Edinburgh AC completed the podium.

With multiple Hawick 10k victories under her belt already, Dianne Lauder led the way once more to secure the female title.  Finishing fourth overall, Gala Harriers Dianne raced round in 36:15.  Hawick’s Anna Galbraith (37:13) finished second and Lauren Wilson (38:09) Edinburgh AC came home third.

Darin Dougal of Moorfoot Runners claimed the over 40’s men title.  Finishing 9^th overall, Darin posted a 10k time of 37:28.  The ladies vet’s victory went to Eileen Maxwell, ensuring the fourth top spot claimed by a Gala Harrier on the day.  Our neighbours had travelled over in great numbers to support our event and Eileen done her club proud to finish in 48:00.  The days team prize unsurprisingly went north to Edinburgh AC with 4 runners in the top 5 men’s positions (Callum Reid, Richard Meade, Keith Dunlop and Nairn McWilliams).

Runners, fatigued but ultimately fulfilled, headed back to the Cricket Club for tasty tray bakes and refreshments, followed by the prize giving and awarding of numerous spot prizes.  The successful event drew to a close, the hard work of the previous weeks and months had culminated in a day that surely satisfied all that came along.

Teviotdale Harriers would like to pay a huge thanks to the many, many kind hearted individuals who gave up their time, baking skills and warm personality to help make the day a success.  The hard working committee, organisers, marshalls, officials, time-keepers, starter, volunteers, photographers and lovely ladies in the kitchen.  Anyone who played their part (big or small) in helping towards this fantastic event.

Also a big thank you to Jog Scotland and Think Fitness for their continued support of the event, Eden and Sandi for her generous prizes.  All who ran and all who turned out to support, help contributed to what surely was a day Teviotdale Harriers and Hawick can rightly be proud of.

Anyone got any plans for Sunday August 27^th 2017?  Let’s do it all again.

All results here

Fun Run photos here

10k and 5k photos here