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

A glorious Sunday morning in Tweedbank was the setting for a very popular Gala Harriers 10k and 3K fun run.

Upon arrival, you knew that the turn out must have been pretty good as more entry forms were hastily being printed out for those entering on the day.  As the inflatable start/finish arch neared maximum rigidness, runners, joggers, mums, dads, kids and even ex Scotland Rugby Internationalists all went through their warm up process and privately prepared for the starters call.

The Harriers were represented by six Juniors in the 3k and six Seniors in the 10k.  It’s very important to go and represent at these local events and give your backing to clubs who put so much into their communities.  Teviotdale Harriers certainly done this, with the dynamic dozen dashing around the paths of Tweedbank.

“Five minutes folks,” came the cry and like a moth to a flame, all 3k runners began congregating towards the giant inflatable.  85 competitors stepped forward and with the crowd joining in the count down, the time was now.  The whistle blew and off they ventured on a 3k route around the picturesque village, including a loop around the popular Gunknowe Loch.

Home runner Gregor Collins finished 1^st (8:32), with Ewan Christie 2^nd (9:07).  Harriers up and coming Junior runner Thomas MacAskill finished well in 3^rd (9:27).  Other finishers for Teviotdale were Iona Jamieson (10:05) who ran superbly to finish 2^nd Lady and 12^th overall.  Harrison Hughes 23^rd (11:20), Boyd Hughes 27^th (11:49), Ava Hughes 37^th (12:35) and Glen Jamieson 44^th (13:06).

With the organisers kindly providing a vaguely familiar friend, known as sunshine, the thermometer began to soar as 10k competitors finished their pre-race prep.  Again, “five minutes folks,” followed by a brief oral recce of the route.  Then the 10k runners were away.  A sharp 200m loosener around the tartan track and competitors set off into the Tweedbank Industrial Estate.

The two lap course provided flat long straights with great opportunities for anyone hoping to record a decent time, to do just that.

Not long after the 3km sign, runners turned right into the welcome shade of a tree-lined path.  This impressive part of the course opened up with a slight downhill and flattened out again towards the Loch.  Passing the 4km marker, runners headed up through a housing scheme (the only notable uphill on the route) which again flattened out.  This carried runners along to the half way point and start of the second lap where refreshments were available and gratefully accepted as the heat built and built.

After completing the second lap, runners turned right into the Tweedbank Sports Complex and finished with a 300m ‘dash’ around the track to the line.

The speedily provided results of the 72 runners in the 10k, saw David Limmer from Portobello Running Club take the honours in 33:49.  Gav Bryson running for Edinburgh Athletic Club finished 2^nd (34:31), with Marcus D’Agrosa, Gala Harriers 3^rd (34:47).  First home for Teviotdale Harriers was Greg Walker 4th (35:55).  Followed by Bruce Hughes 7^th (36:52), Michael Yule 26^th (43:54), Alan Samuel 41^st (48:09), and Kirsty Hughes 60^th (53:34).  With Greg, Bruce and Kirsty all improving their personal bests.  Unfortunately Rory Anderson did not finish.

Well Organised, well marshalled, well sign posted, well done Gala.  See you on Sunday August 28th for the Hawick 10k.

Alex Corbetts 10k Pictures HERE

Bruce’s Gala 10k Blog HERE