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.