1514 Uphill Mile – 9th May 2017
On a glorious Tuesday evening, 37 runners raced through the streets of Hawick in the annual Teviotdale Harriers 1514 Uphill Mile.
In the 27th running of the 1514 Club sponsored event, Rory Anderson, Lauren Corbett, Fraser Clyne and Lucy Ash emerged worthy winners in the various categories over the challenging route.
The relentless rise from the Moat Park Gates tests competitors with a continual climb of around 550 feet to the lung bursting summit at Crumhaughhill Farm.
As ever the current 1514 Club President was on hand to start proceedings on the Loan and then make the mile dash himself to be on hand to present the prizes. President Mick Hogg, made the journey in record time but was later disqualified as it emerged he had received a lift.
On the starters gun Rory Anderson assumed his customary position and raced to the front. Steven Beattie, Fraser Clyne and Greg Walker all followed on close behind as runners ascended the Loan before turning right at ‘The Auld Man’s Seat’ and then begin the climb of Crumhaughhill Road.
It’s was at this point where the race really took shape. This sapping stretch saw Rory open a slight but significant advantage as Steven and Fraser also moved further away from the fading Greg. Lauren, Fraser and Lucy were well on the way to victory in their respective races as gaps grew wider with every leg burning step.
Rory Anderson relentlessly raced to the top and for the third time in four years and claimed the Senior Men’s 1514 trophy in 6:38, with Steven Beattie (6:52) an impressive second and Scott Watson (7:28) completing the podium.
Lauren Corbett retained her Ladies title stopping the clock at 8:58. The always enthusiastic Ann Aitken took silver (10:42) with a determined Wendy Cross (11:51) earning bronze.
In the Junior Boys’ race a dominant Fraser Clyne also emerged victorious for the third time in four years. Fraser finished first boy in (6:54) but notably crossed the line third overall. Young Conan Harper (7:35) looked in great form finishing second with Ben Morozzo (7:48) not far behind taking bronze.
The Junior Girls’ gold was superbly won by Lucy Ash. Lucy also emerged first female overall running hard from start to finish in (8:44). Maisie Ballantyne (9:32) also ran well to take silver with Sophie Allott (9:51) a hard earned third.
The trophy presentations were made by 1514 Club President Mick Hogg and Mick couldn’t hide his admiration for all runners and paid tribute to the weather for playing its part. Mick also gave thanks to Tony and Ashley Reilly who had provided medals for all finishers.
Teviotdale Harriers would like to say a huge thanks to the 1514 Club for their continued support, Rob Halliday for organising and to all officials, marshals, photographers and the many supporters who lined the streets to cheer on the runners.
Alec and Anne Corbett’s photo’s here
Results 1514 Uphill Mile 2017
