We are
delighted to announce a new range of club kit – hoodies, tracksuits, t-shirts
and more. The kit is from Joma, who provide the Scotland kit for Scottish
Athletics, and who are one of the largest sports kit manufacturers in Europe.
The kit will be available for purchase through a Central AC specific webshop, hosted by TTL, one of Joma’s value added resellers in Scotland (Total Teamwear Ltd, http://teamwearscotland.com) – the Central AC webshop will be going live shortly. TTL also have premises in Glasgow with a small showroom area with samples of kit.
There’s a full list of the Joma kit range with prices on the Club kit page.
Under our
agreement with Joma, club members get a discount on list price, and TTL
customise garments with the club logo and your initials.
TTL are
bringing a range of sample kit to the club at the August time trials on Thursday 29 Augustat Stirling University track for club members to try on. That will
help you see the style and choose the right size. Since the kit is customised,
once it has been delivered, refunds won’t be possible.
The new
Joma kit range will not replace our existing arrangement for competition vests
and crop tops – we will continue to source these through Ron Hill, and they
will continue to be available for sale from Run4It in Bridge of Allan or from
Hugh Buchanan.
Central AC’s
athletes were out in force at the East District championships at Grangemouth. This
is the first championships of the outdoor season and is a good steppingstone
for athletes between club and national level events. It is also a good
opportunity for athletes to try and win a first ever championship medal and two
of Central’s Under-13 athletes took that opportunity to get on the podium.
Dylan
McCulloch had a busy day taking on three events. He started the day in the best
way possible with an excellent silver medal in the 75 Metres Hurdles, running a
personal best 14.02 seconds. He added a further personal best 13.94s in his 100
Metres heat before finishing seventh in the final in 14.37s. And he finished
the day strongly with another good performance in the Shot Put, throwing 5.67m
to just miss a medal in fourth.
Emily Guest with her medal
Emily Guest
was also on the podium for the first time ever in the 100 Metres. In her heat,
she dipped under 14 seconds for the first time ever with a personal best 13.82s,
then followed this up with 13.94s in the final to take the bronze medal. She returned
the next day for the 200 Metres, running a big personal best 28.48s, nearly a
second faster than her previous best, to qualify for the final. The final was a
fast race and she finished a creditable fifth in 28.93s. Her 200 Metres personal
best earned her a silver running grade on the club standards scheme which,
together with her jumps and throws grades over the season lifted to the overall
gold award standard for the season.
Jamie Oldham
and Lewis Miller were both unlucky not to get on the podium after several near
misses between them. In the 800 Metres, Jamie ran a personal best 2:27.77 to
take fourth place. In the Long Jump it was Lewis’s turn to place fourth with a
jump of 4.07m just ahead of Jamie who was fifth in a personal best 4.06m. In
the 100 Metres, Lewis ran a season’s best 13.91s for fifth and then, the
following day, in the 200 Metres Jamie was yet again just run out of a medal
with a personal best of 29.16s. Jamie and Lewis can be proud of setting several
personal bests for top five positions in all their events.
Aaron
Middleton just missed his personal best by a whisker in placing a creditable fifth
in the 1,500 Metres with 5:13.69. Erin Partridge made a welcome return to
competition after a year’s injury lay off with personal bests at both Long Jump
with 3.82m for seventh, and 100 Metres with 14.81s.
Under-15s Championship
There was a
large contingent of Central’s Under-15 athletes out at the East District
championships and they were rewarded with seven medals and many new best
performances.
Amy Cully
was in seventh heaven after winning her first ever individual medal with a
superb victory in the 800 Metres. The 14-year-old from Stirling timed her run
perfectly after sitting on the shoulder of the race leader to storm past in the
home straight and hold off the opposition all the way to the line to take the
gold medal. Her time of 2:25.64 was a season’s best, just outside her personal
best, but in a championship it is the gold medal that matters far more than the
time.
Katherine
Fowler was also winning her first ever medal in the 100 Metres. The 14-year-old
from Callander started well, smashing her personal best in the heats to dip
below 13 seconds with 12.97s. She then ran an even swifter 12.93s in the final
to take third place and the bronze medal and earn herself a bronze standard on
the club awards scheme.
Scott Hopper
was Central’s most prolific medal winner of the weekend. Scott, from Callander,
is no stranger to the podium after numerous medals in jumps and throws. He
started as comfortable winner in the Shot Put after opening with 12.07m to take
him 4 metres clear of the opposition before improving this in the final round with
12.54m to take his first gold of the weekend. He returned the next day for the
Javelin where he was similarly dominant, opening with 37.81m, and finishing
with a superb personal best of 45.48m to win the gold medal and go top of the
Scottish rankings and earn another gold standard on the club awards scheme. Scott
finished with the High Jump where he came close to his personal best with a
jump of 1.66m to add a silver medal and end with a tally of 3 medals.
Connor Bell
was also on great form in the 800 Metres as he ran a personal best 2:10.38 to
place third in a fast race and take the bronze medal, his first medal at the Under-15
age group.
Louise
Carroll rounded off the medal tally for the club in the Triple Jump where she hop,
step and jumped her way to the bronze medal with a leap of 9.76m for third. While
this jump was over the wind limit so not eligible for records, her next best
jump of 9.63m was legal and broke the club outdoor record she set last season. She
will look to take the outdoor record beyond her indoor best 9.88m set earlier
this year. Earlier, Louise just missed out on the medals in the High Jump. A first-time
clearance of 1.44m was enough for sixth place however there was frustration for
her as she was unable to clear 1.49m, despite of some close attempts at a
height she has cleared previously. This frustration was exacerbated when 1.49m
ended up being the winning height, meaning she was just one jump from gold.
There were
many other fine performances. Ruaridh Burns took fourth place in the Long Jump
with 4.84m then set a personal best in the 1,500 Metres with 5:13.76. Brogan
MacMillan had a busy weekend as she placed fifth at 800 Metres with 2:45.36,
ran 16.21s at 75 Metres Hurdles then finished with a season’s best 31.05s at
the 200 Metres.
The girls’ Shot
Put saw two Central athletes in action as Ellen Montgomery placed fifth with
6.96m just ahead of Megan Dunlop who threw 6.38m for sixth. Ellen showed her
versatility as she jumped 3.81m at Long Jump and ran a season’s best 14.20s for
75 Metres Hurdles. Megan ran a good personal best in the 100 Metres with
13.98s.
Euan
Docherty ran a respectable 2:20.89 at 800 Metres to qualify for the final where
he placed seventh. Finlay Marchant also reached the final in the 100 Metres
after running a near personal best 12.97s in the heats then placing eighth in a
fast final. And rounding off the Central success were Mirren Henry and Summer
McLean who both set personal bests in the 1,500 Metres, where Mirren ran
5:09.05 for seventh just ahead of Summer who ran 5:13.76 for 12th.
Under-17s report
There were
further medals for Central in the Under-17 age group. This age group was
affected by the championships falling in the middle of the SQA exam season but
a few athletes managed to pull themselves away from their studies to come out
and compete.
The
highlight came from Lucy More who finally won her first ever individual medal
in the 200 Metres. The 16-year-old from Aberfoyle has competed for Central for
many years and won several medals in relay events. However an individual podium
spot had so far eluded her. She started the weekend well with a personal best
in the 100 Metres of 13.22s for fifth. However in the 200 Metres she found
herself in a battle for third place. She held her nerve and crossed the line in
27.42s for a bronze medal, a well-deserved reward after years of hard work and dedication
to the club.
Coirilidh
Cook is a seasoned competitor with numerous medals to her name including the
Celtic Games title and UK silver medal last summer. She has just moved up an
age group and opened her outdoor season in the 80 Metres Hurdles with a strong
run of 12.05s to take the gold medal and earn a silver standard on the club
awards scheme.
Lewis Dow
opened his outdoor season in the 1,500 Metres, keeping with the leaders in a
tactical race until the final lap when the pace quickened. He finished with
4:18.18 for fourth but will look to improve before his next outing. And Naomi
Howlieson placed a respectable fifth in the Discus with 17.94m.
Senior and Under-20s Scottish National Open
While the
younger age groups were competing for district honours, the Senior and Under-20
athletes were taking part in the Scottish National Open, a new format of event
bringing together all the top athletes from Scotland. There were no medals at stake,
but the athletes had the opportunity to put in good performances and, for the
top athletes, to put their case for selection for Scotland in the upcoming
Loughborough international.
Ron Todd in Pole Vault
The
sprinters and jumpers were at Grangemouth where Peter Muirhead showed a return
to form in the Long Jump. The 25-year-old Stirling University student and long-time
Central AC member jumped an excellent season’s best 7.29m, his best jump for three
years for second place overall. And in his six jump series the former Scottish
senior indoor champion produced a wind-legal 7.16m which places him fifth in
the Scottish rankings for the year to give notice that he is back to his best. Masters
athlete Ron Todd took an excellent third in the Pole Vault with 3.20m. Balfron
schoolgirl Elizabeth Thompson found it tough in her first senior championship
but opened her outdoor season with a respectable 60.23s in the women’s 400
Metres. And Keiran Halliday continued his consistent form in the 200 Metres
with 23.66s.
In
Kilmarnock, where the endurance events were being held, Lauren McCulloch was
Central’s sole competitor in the 1,500 Metres where she came away with an
excellent third place and personal best of 4:50.32 minutes.
Overall it
was an excellent weekend for the club with 22 new personal best performances. Well
done to all.
A busy weekend of athletics started on Friday 3 May with the Scottish Championships 5 Kilometre Road Race at Silverknowes, Edinburgh. The highlight of the evening for Central Athletic Club was a fine gold medal performance from Morag Millar taking the title with a 15 minutes 49 seconds timing, a new course record by 18 seconds.
Morag Millar by Bobby Gavin
“I am delighted with that run and to get a National Championship title once again to my name,’ said Morag.
“The Course Record was actually mine a few years ago and then I remember Maddie Murray coming along in 2016 and running 16.07 to take it away from me. So to get that back and get well under 16 minutes is really pleasing.
“I’m in good shape at the moment and it has all just rolled on from Falkirk and the National Cross Country when I won bronze. Lewis and I live near Alloa so we did the half marathon there but other than that and Run Balmoral last week then this was the race I was wanting to target in a big way and that has paid off.
“I’m 33 but I feel with the lay-offs I have had, my legs are a lot younger. Maybe not quite 21 but you get what I mean!
“It’s always a great race at Silverknowes, even when it is windy, although I did have to jump out the way of a bin in the mad dash at the start. But that mad dash always gives people a great start and helps times.”
Morag’s run helped Central lift team silver medals with further strong
runs from Natalie Stewart (17th; 17.56) and Lauren McCulloch (23rd; 18.13),
with Lauren also picking up second place in the Under-20 category.
There were also fine performances from Central’s men with Alastair Hay
(9th; 14.50), Jack Kerr (30th; 15.29) and Lewis Millar (34th; 15.35) missing
out on team bronze by just one point. There was however a further top position
for Central with Ben MacMillan finishing second in the Under-17 race with a
high quality 15.09 clocking in 16th place overall.
Saturday 4 May saw Central Athletic Club men’s team competing
at the first match of the Scottish Division One Track and Field League with
both athletes and officials sheltering from cold northerly winds.
Michael Wright in the Steeplechase
With the normal league format the first track event, the 400
Metres Hurdles, saw David Lindsay again showing good form over the hurdles to
land sixth ‘A’ place with 67.10 seconds. The 800 Metres saw Matthew Sutherland
shake off tiredness after his victory in the previous weekend’s Stirling Half
Marathon and his 5 kilometre race from the previous evening to clock 2 minutes 6.94
seconds for seventh place in the ‘A’ race. It was good to see Ian Horsburgh
showing great form to record fifth in a high quality 100 Metres with 11.48s,
backed up by Cameron Smith with a further excellent clocking of 11.81s for
third in the ‘B’ race. Michael Wright proved how well he had recovered from his
Scottish Marathon victory to lead in the field in the 3,000 Metres Steeplechase
clocking 9:39.84 while David Lindsay again proved his worth to the team in
winning the ‘B’ event with 10:50.62. Under-17 athlete Erik Escala showed his
maturity in finishing second in the 400 Metres ’A’ race, clocking 53.51s in difficult
conditions. The 1,500 Metres saw well-judged performances from Jack Kerr and
Ben MacMillan, fresh from their previous night’s exploits. Jack took the ‘A’
race in 4:07.65 with Ben winning the ‘B’ race in 4:12.86 for his first men’s league
points. The 200 Metre series saw Ian Horsburgh and Cameron Smith back on the
track with Ian picking up third ‘A’ points in a tasty 22.89s and Cameron in
fifth ‘B’ spot with 24.11s. The 5,000 Metres saw Michael Wright again prove his
value to the team with a second place ‘A’ run of 15:58.34 while Under-20 runner
Hamish Hickey picked up second place ‘B’ points in 16:53.32.
In the field the throwing duties were covered once again by Ron
Todd recording a Discus best of 26.37 metres; an 8.38m Shot Put; a 32.60m Javelin
throw and completed a busy day with a Hammer throw of 24.66m picking up
excellent points in all events. The pole vaulters had to compete against the
cold wind but came through with flying colours with Erik Escala hitting a new
personal best of 3.30m to win the ‘A’ event while Ron Todd provided a win in
the ‘B’ event with a clearance of 3.20m. It was good to see Peter Muirhead heading
back to top performances in the Long Jump with a best effort of 7.06m and a win
in the event.
The 4 x 100 Metres Relay quartet of Ian Horsburgh, Peter Muirhead, Erik Escala and Under-17 debutant Adam McGregor brought the baton home in a tasty 46.6s for fifth spot. The 4 x 400 Metres Relay quartet of Ben MacMillan, David Lindsay, Hamish Hickey and Jack Kerr had to battle all the way to the line to take sixth spot recording 4:02 with a fine effort from Jack on the final leg.
As always there was great back-up from the club’s officials
through Richard O’Grady, John Dickson, Tom McMenemy and Bill Gault.
Points on the day were Aberdeen 366; Shettleston 287;
Edinburgh 239; Central 221; Falkirk 220; Inverness 219; Corstorphine 191 and Victoria
Park Glasgow 124, proving once again the value of every point.
The final race of Central Athletic Club’s cross country series was held in King’s Park, Stirling on Saturday 23 March with good underfoot conditions for the 42 young endurance runners.
As expected
there was a fast pace throughout the one mile challenge as once again the
talented Under-13 Connor Bell underlined his superb recent form to win in an
excellent 4 minutes 53 seconds. Joshua Kennedy again proved to be the fastest
of the remaining Under-13 Boys, recording a tasty 5 minutes 19 seconds to head
in further strong runs from Alex Dunlop (5.40), Andrew Twigg (6.02) and Scott
Hill (6.59). Under-13 Boys series trophy winners were Connor Bell, Joshua
Kennedy and Scott Hill.
Ryan McGuire
showed significant improvement from 2018 to win the Under-15 Boys race with 4.58,
just ahead of another top performance from Euan Docherty (4.59) with Finlay
Brown (5.29) and the ever-present Ross Lawrie (5.45) rounding off this age
group with Ryan and Ross winning the Under-15 Boys series trophies. Oliver
Holden finished in 5.02 to win the Under-17 Boys category and lift this age
group’s series trophy with his consistent performances.
Ray Taylor
(5.18) again proved to be the top Under-11 Boy runner heading home strong
efforts from Jack Sutton (5.37) and Fergus Young (5.57). This popular age group
also produced highly competitive running from Scott Cramb (6.00), Lewis Hendry
(6.03), Lewis Cook (6.10), Jamie Connor (6.14), Logan Bell (6.16), Finlay
MacGregor (6.19), Gavin Young (6.20), Noah Kennedy (6.23), Conall Paterson
(6.43), Callum Harvey (6.45), Magnus Carrie (6.47) and Cameron Moore (7.12). The
three Under-11 Boy series trophy winners were Ray Taylor, Jack Sutton and
Fergus Young. The Under-9 Boys saw further enthusiastic performances with Rocco
Cramb (6.18) heading home Joel Gillan (6.23) while Joel prevailed in the
overall series.
Mirren Henry
showed top form to lead in the Under-13 Girls in 5.28 with Leona Melville
(5.41) in close attendance. Scarlett Roy (6.15) also finished strongly to head
in Leah Brown (6.17), Katy Cullen (6.21) and Erin Partridge (6.34) while Leona,
Mirren and Leah won the series trophies for the Under-13 Girls. Summer MacLean
proved her speed and endurance credentials to win the Under-15 Girls race in 5.46
to head Ellen Montgomery (6.42) with both girls taking the series trophies in
this age group.
Niamh
McKinlay (5.53) produced another competitive and assured performance to head
the Under-11 Girls age group with more useful performances from Dara Clark
(6.31), Emma Anderson (6.33), Fia Watkin (6.43) and Willow Hopper (7.14). Holly
Sutton (9.44) suffered somewhat in the latter part of the race so testament to
her perseverance to complete the course. It was Niamh, Dara and Emma who won
the Under-11 Girls series trophies. Under-9 Girl, Alexandra Montgomery can be
proud of her 8.08 effort and her series award in this age group.
There was
another large turnout of Club volunteers and parents to ensure this was another
successful event.
Central AC made it a record breaking nine successive team victories in the senior men’s race at the Lindsays National Cross Country Championships at Callendar Park, Falkirk. Other notable achievements were an individual bronze for Morag Millar in the senior women and among the Under-20 Men an individual bronze for Hamish Hickey and a team bronze. Images by Bobby Gavin.
Michael Wright (yellow vest)
With the record on the line, there was much pressure to win again and take
the record outright in the last and biggest race of the day, with over 700
runners. There was strong opposition expected in particular from Cambuslang
Harriers and Inverclyde AC, with a number of top international runners on show.
The competition proved as tough as expected but it was Central’s strength in
depth that shone through to ensure the team title was retained and the record
claimed. Central’s top counter on the day was the consistent Alastair Hay in eighth
with a fine 35 minutes 12 seconds clocking over the undulating 10 kilometre
course. Cameron Milne ran strongly throughout to finish tenth (35.28) while
Conan McCaughey (14th; 35.47) again proved essential to the team effort. Dale
Colley (15th; 35.50) showed superb form while more top performances from
Michael Wright (21st; 36.09) and Iain Davies (32nd; 36.45) saw the Club close
in with 100 points, ahead of Cambuslang on 142 and Inverclyde on 146. Mention
must be made of coach Derek Easton who has overseen this superb run of wins
pulling together large teams of all abilities, but with cutting edge quality,
determination and team spirit at the front of the race.
As the senior runners came through in a seemingly never-ending stream the essential back-up was provided from Scottish Veteran Champion Scott Brember (49th; 37.36) and ultra-running specialist Ross Houston (54th; 37.46). Matthew Sutherland (61st; 38.07), Jack Kerr (63rd; 38.08), and Murray MacLarty (72nd; 38.24) should all be pleased with their runs and commitment. Lewis Millar (137th; 40.26) bridged the gap to Alex Milne (259th; 43.49), David Eckersley (274nd; 44.15), Iain Dunsmore (368th; 46.22), Jens Subke (375th; 46.32) and Hugh Buchanan (394th; 47.09). Ben Noad (422nd; 47.50) had an improved run leading in Talat Aidi (457th; 48.26); Colin Alexander (529th; 50.04), Charles Graham-Marr (558th; 50.50), Allan Gall (638th; 53.47), Cameron Campbell (655th; 54.39) and Colin Sinclair (692nd; 58.06).
Morag Millar
Central’s women’s team took on the challenge of the same 10km course as the men, with over 300 finishers and a new requirement for five team counters. In the individual battle for the title 2017 champion Morag Millar ran strongly throughout for her 39.00 timing and was always in the running for medals in a group of four, but had to give way to Steph Twell, an experienced Olympian, and Czech international and Prague-based Moira Stewart. Fanni Gyurko, Central’s Dunblane-based Hungarian athlete, put in a strong performance for 9th place with 41.14 with Kim Timmins (40th; 45.18), Amy Hendry (82nd; 48.06), Claire Houston (91st; 48.48) and Becky Hay (147th; 52.19) bringing in the team to a creditable 6th place.
Hamish Hickey
Central’s Under-20 Men all looked pleased with their efforts
as Hamish Hickey’s fine 25 minutes 13 seconds run over the 7.5 kilometre course
was rewarded with an individual bronze. Bronze team medals were a further
reward through more excellent runs from Tom Graham-Marr (15th; 26.15), Sandy
Holl (19th; 26.28) and Keir Howlieson (48th; 29.30). Just missing out on a team
medal Telfer Gray’s 30.39 effort in 58th place proved another valuable
contribution.
Sandy Holl – U20B
Central’s Under-20 Women were close to medals over the same
course. Lauren McCulloch was justifiably pleased with her 4th place with 30.02
with Rebecca Craig (14th; 31.03) and Abby Rowley (26th; 34.42) coming close to
a team medal as they finished fourth.
The Under-17 Men’s race was held over a 6 kilometre test
with Kyle Howie finishing 61st in 25 minutes 21 seconds and will have learned
much in stepping up to this high level as will Sam Burton (91st; 27.54).
The Under-15 Boys faced a 4.1 kilometre course and here it
was Finlay Muir who again led Central’s Team effort in 27th (15.30) while Euan
Docherty (78th; 16.44) and Ross Lawrie (137th; 19.05) both ran well in their
first year in this age group.
In the Under-15 Girls, it was a fine race by Grace Tindall for 25th in 17.20, Summer McLean (48th; 18.08) and Heidi Maxwell (90th; 19.51) as they tackled the same tough 4.1 kilometre course.
Central’s Under-13 Girls were the first race at the start of the day, over a 3.1 kilometre hilly course. The girls came close to the podium with 4th team place through Carys Gibb (21st; 13.50), Leona Melville (29th; 14.06), Mirren Henry (32nd; 14.11), Catriona Kane (34th; 14.16), Mary Kealey (110th; 16.26), Zosia Paddon (111th; 16.30) and Brogan McMillan (112th; 16.32).
Under 13 Boys race
The Under-13 Boys raced over the same course as the Girls and Connor Bell was always to the fore in a four athlete breakaway group. Connor made a strong effort on the final uphill stretch but had to settle for an agonisingly close fourth place in an excellent 11 minutes 43 seconds. In this highly competitive age group there were more strong runs from Aaron Middleton (46th; 13.22), Joshua Kennedy (49th; 13.25), Ruairidh Burns (55th; 13.28), Sam Gardner (81st; 13.48), Alex Dunlop (121st; 14.20) and Henry Crossley (155th; 15.23) and we can expect more from all the boys in the future. Central finished as fifth placed team.
Senior Women medallists (C) Bobby Gavin
Morag Millar finishes third – (C) Bobby Gavin
Alistair Hay (14) – (C) Bobby Gavin
Dale Colley gets his medal – (C) Bobby Gavin
Winners shield – (C) Bobby Gavin
Hay, Milne, Wright, Colley, McCaughey, Davies – (C) Bobby Gavin
The Central AC Cross Country
Championships were held on an extended and more testing course at Queen
Victoria School, Dunblane on Saturday 16 February. As in 2018, the excellent
weather didn’t completely compensate for the challenging hills and burn
crossings.
The Under-11 boys and girls raced
together over a 1.33 mile course with all 28 children showing tremendous
enthusiasm and resolve. Ray Taylor has been to the fore all season and here
showed great form to win in 9 minutes 5 seconds with Lewis Henry (9.41) and
Tyler Gibson (9.42) battling well to take silver and bronze medals. Scott Cram
(9.54) looked comfortable as he led home Finlay MacGregor (9.56), Fergus Young
(10.02), Lewis Cook (10.08) and Rory MacKay (10.14). Gavin Young (10.25) was
also to the fore ahead of Max Duncan (10.39), Logan Bell (11.09), Connall
Paterson (11.30), Sandy Bateman (11.35), Oliver Brunner (11.44) and Lewis
Cunkenbeard (11.51). Callum Whyte (12.00) was another to show true resolve as
did Cameron Moore (13.15) and Nathan McKay (15.10). There were two Under-9 Boys
competing with both Rocco Cram (10.21) and Gabriel Mullen (14.01) proving they
have what it takes to make an impression.
The Under-11 Girls saw Leya Gibb
take the trophy with an assured run, clocking 9.53. Dara Clark (10.30) came
home well to lift the silver medal while Fia Watkin (11.12) came through for
bronze ahead of determined running from Ciara Middleton (11.16), Isla Henry
(11.19) and Iona Griffen (11.34). It was good to see Arianne McKay and Hannah Whelan
supporting each other to the end with both girls recording 15.03.
The Under-13 race was held over
a 1.75 mile course and once again Connor Bell (10.52) showed great form
throughout to take the win with Aaron Middleton (11.46) picking up a deserved silver
ahead of a strong 12.02 clocking from Joshua Kennedy for bronze. Sam Gardener
(12.32), Owen Eckersley (13.18), Cian McDonnell (14.29), Edward Boyd (14.35),
Michael Arestis (15.57) and Scott Hill (16.37) all came home well overcoming
this tough test.
Melissa Turnbull (12.18) showed
her quality to repeat her gold medal victory from 2018 in the Under-13 Girls with
strong opposition from medallists Carys Gibb (12.36) and Catriona Kane (12.40).
Mirren Henry (12.48) was a close-up fourth ahead of further good runs from
Leona Melville (12.55), Tara Mathewson (13.55), Scarlett Roy (14.40) and Leah
Brown (14.41).
The third race, over a two lap course of 2.67miles, saw
the Under-15 Boys and Girls run with the Under-20 Women. Finlay Muir produced
another good performance (16.47) to defend his Under-15 Boys title holding off another
fine run from Ryan McGuire (17.11). Central trialist Sam Grivell (19.02) also
ran well while Ethan Thomson (19.10) picked up the bronze medal ahead of Ross
Lawrie (21.19) and Enrique Mendez (21.32). Grace Tindall’s convincing 19.20
performance saw her carry off the Under-15 Girls trophy while another good
performance from Summer MacLean (20.00) took silver ahead of the improving
Heidi Eik-Maxwell’s 23.06 effort for bronze. Under-20s Rebecca Craig and Lauren
McCulloch have been to the fore all season and here produced further assured
runs to finish first and second respectively in 17.28 and 17.51.
The Under-17 Men ran with the Senior Men and Veteran Men
over 4 miles with a further set of quality runs throughout. Veteran runners
David Eckersley and Alex Milne rolled back the years as they vied for the lead
throughout with David (26.34) just taking victory from Alex (26.35) in the
final frantic sprint. Iain Dunsmore was a worthy bronze medallist with his
28.15 effort. Hugh Buchanan (28.47) should have been pleased with his
performance heading further strong runs from Jens Subke (29.09), Donald Shaw
(29.47), Colin Sinclair (32.55), Alan Gall (33.09) and Cameron Campbell (33.23).
It was good to see Ben Noad take home the Senior Trophy with a more than worthy
29.29 effort.
I am delighted to be
joining Central Athletics Club as your new Club Together Officer.
I have been involved in
Sport and Sports Clubs from a very early age, competing, playing, coaching and
serving on various committees. I hope to use the experience that I have gained
and my passion for Sport in general, to assist with the Club’s ongoing
development.
My career background is in Sales and Marketing in the
business to business and retail sales environments. However, for the past 6 and
a half years, I have been managing Bridge of Allan Sports Club. This has renewed
and fuelled my passion for Sport, working closely with Active Stirling, Tennis
Scotland, Scottish Squash, Club Coaches and the Committee, to help develop
those Sports and increase Membership at the Club.
I fully appreciate the importance of the volunteer
network within Clubs, from Committee Members through to coaching assistants and
parent helpers. I have served as Secretary, President and I am currently Chairperson
of Bridge of Allan Bowling Club and have coached Junior Rugby Teams at Stirling
County at age groups ranging from 7 up to 16 year olds.
In terms of my Sporting background, in my early
teenage years, I was a sprinter, hurdler and discus thrower, however, ball
sports and golf were my preferred sports. I worked at a golf course for 4 years
during school holidays and weekends, but my later teens drew me into Rugby. I
played at various levels for over 25 years in Birmingham and Shropshire,
finally finishing with a most enjoyable time in the Wolfhounds over 35’s team
at Stirling County. I am now a keen golfer again and have played bowls at
Bridge of Allan since moving to Scotland 29 years ago.
I suppose the reason for telling you this is to give
you some confidence in that I have always been a sportsman and have been around
teams, coaches, assistant coaches and volunteers for many years and understand
that these people are the lifeblood of any Sports Club. It is in the
recruitment of volunteers that I intend to work hard in order to assist in Central
Athletic Club’s development.
I look forward to meeting more of you throughout the
coming weeks.
Central Athletic Club’s Scott Brember climbed to the top of the podium at the Scottish Masters Cross Country Championships in Hawick on Saturday 2 February. This event attracts the best Over-40 runners in Scotland with championship medals awarded in each of the 5 year age groups. Scott has been making progress all season and here ran a perfect tactical race, sitting in with a breakaway group of 4 and then unleashing an emphatic sprint finish to win quite comfortably against the top Masters in the country. Scott not only won his Over-45 age group but also won the overall race to join a select contingent of runners to complete this feat.
Scott Brember mixing it
A testing and undulating course was on offer in Hawick and
the freezing temperatures also had to be endured so testament to Scott’s 3
seconds win ahead of a string of younger athletes and former champions.
Hazel Dean proved her consistency in also climbing on to the
podium to lift silver in the Women’s Over-55 age group, another great
achievement from this classy and dedicated competitor.
Iain Dunsmore should be pleased with his gutsy and determined run in the Over-45 age group while the Men’s race also featured a trio of Central runners in Over-50 and Over-60 age groups with a close personal battle between the threesome. Colin Sinclair led his team home ahead of Allan Gall and Cameron Campbell, a worthy effort from all as they finished fourteenth team in the Male 50 to 60 category.
The third race in Central Athletic Club’s 2018-19 cross-country
series was held on Saturday 26 January on a flat course at Fintry Rugby Club
with an excellent field of 50 runners from across the club. All the athletes
performed admirably in spite of the wet and windy conditions.
It was Under-15 runner Ryan McGuire who came home at the
front showing strong running throughout and covering a course of somewhat over
a mile in 5 minutes 59 seconds. Ross Lawrie, making light of the conditions,
came home second in this age group clocking 7.02. Connor Bell led home the Under-13
Boys with another fine run of 6.03 and there were further classy runs in this
age group from Joshua Kennedy (6.44), Alex Dunlop (7.12), Henry Crossley (7.28)
and Scott Hill (8.10). Oliver Holden (6.27) was the only Under-17 competing,
again coming home in overall contention.
The Under-11 Boys proved to be the most popular age group
and here Ray Taylor continued to underline his ability with a 6.38 effort. Jack
Sutton (6.45) was only a few strides behind with another strong run and there
was fast finishes from Scott Cramb and Douglas Stewart as both boys finished
with 7.15. Fergus Young (7.23), Lewis Henry (7.29), Logan Bell (7.30), Lewis
Cook (7.32), Euan Haythorne (7.33) and Jamie Connor (7.34) can all be proud of
their performances as can Finlay MacGregor (7.40), Noah Kennedy (7.43), Callum
Harvey (8.01), Conall Paterson (8.09), Sandy Bateman (8.14), Cameron Moore
(8.22), Evan Baird (9.00) and Nathan McKay (9.44). Rocco Cramb proved to be the
fastest of the Under-9 Boys with a fine run of 7.38, followed closely by
another good run from Joel Gillan (7.53).
The Under-13 Girls proved to be a very competitive age group
with Catriona Kane racing powerfully to the line in 6 minutes 48 seconds
leading further excellent runs from Leona Melville (6.49), Mirren Henry (6.50)
and Olivia Freed (6.53). Leah Brown came through well in 7.46, leading in
Scarlett Roy (7.53), Scarlett Haddow (8.11), Isabel McGuire (8.39), Alice
Cameron (8.59) and Grace Johnstone (9.16). Summer MacLean was the top Under-15
Girl with another good run of 6:52 while Ellen Montgomery stuck well to the
task to record 8.04.
Niamh McKinlay ran well throughout as the top Under-11 Girl,
coming round in 7:19, with Isla Henry (8.03), Dara Clark (8.18) and Emma
Anderson (8.19) all showing good form. Connie Bateman (8.29) should be pleased
with her run leading home further lively efforts from Iona Griffen (8.38),
Willow Hopper (8.41), Jasmine Haddow (8.53) and Arianne McKay (9.18). Alexandra
Montgomery was the only Under-9 Girl competing and should be pleased with her
9.37 run.
The final match of the East District Cross Country League was played out at Deans Country Park in Livingston on Saturday 19 January. Central Athletic Club’s runners were faced with frozen paths causing all to think whether spikes, trail shoes or trainers were the correct footwear. Highlights were Morag Millar winning the Senior Women’s race and Scott Brember coming home as first veteran in the Senior Men’s race.
As
always the day commenced with the Under-11 races with both the girls and boys facing
1.6 kilometre runs. There was a good turnout of Under-11 girls with Leah Gibb
leading home Central’s challenge finishing in an excellent fourth place with a
6 minutes 44 seconds timing. Niamh McKinlay did well to finish in 16th (7.01) and
was followed home by further useful runs from Lauren Stewart (33rd; 7.27), Isla
Henry (48th; 7.51) and Ciara Middleton (51st; 7.53) with the girls finishing as
third team on the day and third across the season. Ray Taylor was the only
Central Under-11 boy to face the challenge and here finished in a superb third
place with another assured performance of 6 minutes 9 seconds.
The Under-13 girls and boys had a full 3.2
kilometre lap of the course to negotiate and here Carys Gibb was the first
Central girl, finishing in a fine eleventh place (13.11). Just a few strides
behind, Catriona Kane finished in twelfth (13.13), and with Mirren Henry in
15th (13.34), the girls finished as third team, again third across the season. Back-up
here was provided by Brogan McMillan (53rd; 16.44) and Izzy McGuire (17.31). There
was also a good turnout of Central’s Under-13 boys with Connor Bell always
challenging at the front of the race and here finishing third in 11 minutes 11 seconds.
Aaron Middleton also proved highly competitive in twelfth (12.05) with Joshua
Kennedy (24th; 12.28) also well in the mix as the team finished third on the
day. There was no doubting the commitment of Sam Gardner (57th; 13.34), Alex
Dunlop (62nd; 13.45), Henry Crossley (75th; 14.16) and Dylan McCulloch (83rd;
14.47), with the boys all finishing well and more will be heard from this group
in future.
Heidi Eik-Maxwell was the sole Central
athlete stepping up for the Under-15 and Under-17 Girls 4 kilometre test
finishing her run as 31st Under-15 Girl in exactly 19 minutes. Euan Docherty
had a sound run to finish 28th (15.58) in the Under-15 Boys race backed up by
Enrique Mendez (46th; 18.09) and Ross Lawrie (46th; 19.04). Sam Burton was the only
Central Under-17 Man to tackle the 6.4 kilometre two lap course and although
finding this a real test will have learned much from the experience in
finishing 32nd (27.38).
Morag Millar attacked the Senior Women’s
6.4 kilometre course from the gun and produced an excellent front running
performance to win by over a minute in 22 minutes 35 seconds. Fanni Gyurko fought
hard on the last lap with former Scottish Cross Country Champion Freya Ross and
only lost out on the final run-in by 2 seconds, coming home in 23.44 in third. Amy
Hendry provided a much improved performance in finishing 39th (26.31) and with
veteran runner Hazel Dean finishing 54th (28.58), Central’s team finished
fourth.
Michael Wright (31.18) proved to be the
pick of the Central runners in the Senior Men’s team coming home eighth over a
9.6 kilometre 3 lap course. Scott Brember was once again the top veteran on the
day, finishing 16th overall in 31.58 while Under-20 runner Telfer Gray came
through in 53rd (34.13). Dale Colley and Lewis Millar crossed the line together
in 70th and 71st places with both recording 35.30. Will Hensman (110th; 37.40) and
veteran runner David Eckersley (112th; 37.42) battled to the line and there were
further solid runs from Donald Shaw (155th; 39.52), Iain Dunsmore (161st;
40.29), Hugh Buchanan (166th; 40.45) and Colin Alexander (186th; 41.37). It was
good to welcome back Roger Greenaway who finished 188th with 41.48 while Allan
Gall (238th; 45.52) again prevailed in his own personal contest with Cameron
Campbell (240th; 46.01).
Scotland teams were in cross country action in Belfast over the weekend coming
home with a clutch of medals. The British Cross Challenge races at Dundonald
doubled up as both the Celtic Cross Country Championships plus the Home
Countries Cross Country. It was a format which seemed to work well, even if it
added somewhat to the workload for those tasked with distributing medals!
The Senior races featured a number of international athletes from outside
Britain as well as strong English opposition. So testament to Central’s
Alastair Hay as he proved to be Scotland’s top performer in the Senior Men’s
race, finishing twelfth overall and covering the 10 kilometre course in a tasty
31 minutes 42 seconds.
In the Under-20 race Central’s Hamish Hickey had another good run to finish tenth,
covering the 5 kilometre course in 19 minutes 45 seconds, and awarded a team
gold for Scotland with his team packing well.
The first race in the Central Athletic Club’s 2018-19 Cross-Country Series was held on Sunday 18 November, in bright sunshine, on a flat course of some 1.8 kilometres in Cochrane and Johnstone Parks Alva, attracting a field of 50 runners.
Race start at Alva
Connor Bell underlined his superb early season form with a mature performance for an Under-13 coming home first in 6 minutes 33 seconds. There were further classy performances from the Under-13 Boys through Ruairidh Burns (7:03), Jamie Oldham (7:07), Ethan Duncan (7:32), Sam Gardener (7:42), Henry Crossley (7:52) and Andrew Twigg (7:56). This well supported age group also saw strong runs from Jonah Whitby (8:06), Patrick Gallagher (8:09), Dylan McCulloch (8:10), Sam Jones (8:41) and Scott Hill (9:35). Under-17 Oliver Holden finished second overall with an assured performance of 6 minutes 55 seconds leading home Aaron MacDonald’s 7:29 effort in the same age group.
The fourteen Under-11 Boys on show were led home by Ossian Arkotxa with a fine 7 minutes 8 seconds timing ahead of more excellent efforts from Jack Sutton (7:37), Douglas Stewart (7:46), Euan Haythorne and Lewis Henry (both 7:48) and Fergus Young (7:55). Finlay MacGregor (8:07) led home more good efforts from Gavin Young (8:10), Aidan Imrie (8:11), Callum Harvey (8:20), Fergus Gallagher (8:21), Jamie Connor (8:25), Logan Bell (8:34), Cameron Moore (9:24) and Scott Hill (9:35). Ross Lawrie (7:57) proved the strongest of the Under-15 Boys leading in Adam McGregor (9:38). Logan McShane was the sole Under-9 Boy to take the challenge finishing in a tasty 9 minutes 41 seconds.
Amongst the girls it was Under-13 Carys Gibb who caught the eye with an excellent run and a fine 7 minutes 18 seconds clocking ahead of further solid runs from Mirren Henry (7:26), Catriona Kane (7:32) and Brogan McMillan (7:57). As the Under-13 Girls poured through, Zosia Paddon (8:27) led the chase followed by Megan Hogg (8:45), Niamh Imrie (9:01), Robyn Youens (9:06) and Isabel McGuire (9:48). Amy Cully proved to be the best of the Under-15 Girls with a fine 7 minutes 32 seconds effort followed home by Ellen Montgomery (8:36) and Megan Dunlop (9:27).
Leya Gibb should be pleased with her 7 minutes 45 seconds run as she led home a string of Under-11 Girls including Isla Henry (8:37), Emma Anderson (8:38), Fia Watkin (8:47) and Dara Clark (9:31). Under-9 Lauren McDonald (8:45) never looked out of place here and Alexandra Montgomery (9:47) was another who should be pleased with her effort.
Thanks are due to Derek Easton, Raymond Milne the small army of helpers who provided another excellent event. The results are available to download as a spreadsheet here.
Central runners Scott Brember and David Eckersley travelled to Swansea to represent Scotland in the British and Irish Masters Cross Country International on Saturday 17 November. Scott was well to the fore in the M45 age group finishing in silver medal position while David produced a solid performance in the M55 age group finishing 13th and third Scot.
Under-15 Girls – Scotland East (black) and West (blue)
The Inter-Counties Cross Country at Loughborough were held on Saturday 10 March on what can only be described as the muddiest cross country course imaginable. The whole venue and large parts of the course were a porridge of deep mud.
The highlight race of the day for Scotland was the Under-15 Girls race with Scotland West taking the team golds following by Scotland East with the team silvers. It is the first time in an Inter-Counties Cross Country that Scottish Districts have won two set of team medals in the same race. Playing her part in this little piece of history was Central Athletic Club’s Carrie Banks who followed up her ninth place in the Scottish National Championships by closing in the East team’s counters on a jubilant day for Carrie and Scotland East.
Please see the attached flyer regarding the club’s 2017/18 Club Cross Country Championships which will be held on 17th February 2018 at Queen Victoria School, Dunblane
The final match of the East District Cross Country League was held on a testing and snowbound course above Broxburn on Saturday 20 January. While many football and rugby matches were called off the ‘whatever the weather’ slogan was rolled out for this cross country event. A good turnout of team members across the ages and abilities provided Central with three of the main team trophies from this fitting finale event.
Senior Women’s team
The day commenced with the Under-11 races with both the girls and boys following a 1.4 kilometre test on snow covered paths. There was a good turn-out of Central Athletic Club’s Under-11 Boys with spirited performances from the Club’s youngsters including a fine sixth place for Joshua Kennedy recording 5 minutes 49 seconds. Owen Eckersley and Aaron Middleton finished together in 15th and 16th placings both recording 6.05 while there was further strong back-up from Alex Dunlop (39th, 6.30) and Logan Bell (76th, 7.23). The results ensured the boys finished in an excellent third place on the day also recording third across the whole season. Niamh McKinlay ran the equivalent Under-11 Girls race as sole Central competitor with a fine run in 44th place with 7.21.
Leading U13 boys
The Under-13 girls and boys again had their endurance tested over a one lap 2.7 kilometre course featuring Lungbuster Hill. In the boys’ race Connor Bell again underlined his strong racing credentials to finish sixth with 10.42 ahead of further top class efforts from Euan Campbell (28th, 11.48), Euan Docherty (35th, 12.04) and Dylan McCulloch (92nd, 15.18). There was a great turnout from Central in the Under-13 girls with Anna MacKinnon (18th, 12.54), Catriona Kane (20th, 12.55), Brogan McMillan (26th, 13.17), Summer MacLean (28th, 13.18) and Megan Dunlop (48th, 15.05).
Finish of the U15 and U17 women’s race
There was more excellent running in the Under-15 Boys race over a 4.1 kilometre course with Finlay Muir showing good form in finishing 16th (16.28) and Thomas Woods running well throughout (32nd, 17.01). The combined Under-15 Girls and Under-17 Women races ran the same course with Rosie Eckersley running with confidence in her best race of the season to date for 6th in 17.17 with good support from Heather Scott (43rd, 20.54) and Carla Subke (58th, 22.45). The Under-17 Men faced a two lap 5.4 kilometre challenge and here Tom Graham- Marr was always to the fore finishing seventh in 20.37 and with great back-up from Sandy Holl (11th, 21.14) and Telfer Gray (18th, 22.05) the club finished fourth in this age group across the season.
Aidan Thomson and Alistair Hay
Start of the Senior Men’s race
Scott Brember and Michael Wright
A superb team effort from Central’s Senior Men resulted in six League wins in a row and here it was outstanding performances over an 8.1 kilometre course that sealed the team victory on the day. There were top counting performances through Aidan Thompson (second, 27.43), Alastair Hay (third, 27.47), Cameron Milne (fifth, 28.24), Matthew Sutherland (tenth, 28.54), Michael Wright (15th, 29.32) and Scott Brember (18th, 29.56). There was again excellent back-up from Murray MacLarty (25th, 30.07), Conan McCaughey (27th, 30.21), Lewis Miller (33rd, 30.40), Fraser Logan (44th, 31.12), David Eckersley (107th, 35.28), Donald Shaw (128th, 36.28), Robin Mussett (145th, 37.33), Gordon Appelbe (153rd, 37.58), Jens Subke (163rd, 38.28), Iain Dunsmore (173rd, 38.56), Hugh Buchanan (175th, 39.04), Ben Noad (186th, 39.52), Colin Sinclair (233rd, 44.22) and Cameron Campbell (246th, 45.55).
In addition to the team victory in the Senior Men’s category Central also won the overall male league title covering all the age groups and testament to top performances from all Club runners across the season.
Catriona Buchanan
Early in the Senior Women’s race
For the Senior Women, the club went into this last match with a narrow league lead and tying up the trophy proved no great difficulty through another strong turnout. Catriona Buchanan led the team in with a great 2nd place in 21.59 for the tough 5.4 kilometres, Lauren McCulloch continued to progress with 13th in 23.19 and Claire Houston stuck to the task to achieve 20th in 24.07 with strong showings from Kim Timmins (23rd, 24.25), Fiona Davies (30th, 25.06), Hazel Dean (39th, 25.45), Amy Hendry (48th, 26.24), Kirsten McStay (53rd, 26.33), Eleanor Hanson (64th, 27.31), Becky Hay (66th, 27.54) and Alison Curry (105th, 32.23).
As a footnote to the races Central Athletic Club had arranged the inclusion of a young visiting Hungarian athlete in the Under-13 Girls race. Dorottya Csuta from the Pegazus Budapest Club had wanted to experience some ‘real cross country’. The experience was fulfilled by the testing course and Dorottya showed her class with a front running performance to cover the course in 10min 19secs some 51 seconds ahead of the winner of the league race. Perhaps no real surprise as Dorottya is already a Hungarian champion on both hills and the track and could be a name to look out for in the future.
Central AC made the annual foray to Cumbernauld for the National Cross Country Relay Championships, which continues to grow with this year’s record entry of over 2,500 athletes. With race squads covering all ages and abilities, the club were well satisfied with three medal winning top teams, and great levels of participation throughout the huge fields of runners.
Central’s women athletes brought home two sets of silver medals to runners spanning ages from 17 to 64 while Central’s Senior Men also climbed onto the podium with bronze medals. The Central Senior Women’s team took second place behind Edinburgh University despite the Central team starting with many uncertainties, with Morag MacLarty just back to full training only a few days before the race and Catriona Buchanan doing little racing this summer. Their experience was balanced by the youth of two 17-year-olds, Lauren McCulloch and Kate Gallagher.
Catriona led off on a combative first of four legs of 4,000 metres in 15min 11secs to bring the team to the first changeover in tenth place in a field headed by Edinburgh University. Morag MacLarty quickly dispelled doubts about her fitness as she set about reeling in the nine teams in front of her to post the fastest time of the day of 13:51 turning a 1min 10sec deficit into a full minute lead over next placed Aberdeen at changeover. Meanwhile the Edinburgh University team had dropped to fourth place a further minute in arrears. First team debutant, Lauren McCulloch, set about the third leg in confident manner and her time of 15:24 held Central in first place. Kate Gallagher ran strongly with a fine 15:11 timing but could not hold off Steph Pennycook, seasoned international runner from Edinburgh University, but a silver medal placing was a great achievement for the team.
Catriona Buchanan gave the Central women’s team a great start
Morag MacLarty posted the fastest lap of the day as she scythed through the field to bring her team into the lead on leg two of women’s race
Lauren McCulloch, just seventeen, given responsibility of holding the Central lead on leg three of four
Kate Gallagher on last leg posted a great time in her first year running in senior ranks as she defended silver medal placing
The women’s silver medal team
Central Athletic Club’s Senior Men made a determined effort over their four legs of 4,000 metres. It was good to see Scott McDonald back in form to complete the first leg in fourth spot with a 12min 37secs effort. Lewis Millar proved his fitness with a 13:17 timing and the team in fifth place. Aidan Thompson’s superb 12:40 on the third leg saw the team in second behind a resurgent Inverclyde AC. There was a dramatic final leg as Aberdeen overtook Central’s Cameron Milne (12:49) who then held off a fast finishing Shettleston Harriers to bag the bronze medals.
Scott McDonald led off the men’s bronze medal winning team with a strong run
Anchor leg runner Cameron Milne took time out of family wedding celebrations to bring the men’s team home in third place
Central’s second women’s team was led off by Claire Houston with a 19th placing with her 15:34 lap, Kim Timmins fought hard to keep the team in 21st place with her 17:12 effort. Under-20 Eleanor Hanson held 21st position with 18:06 to hand on to final lap runner Natalie Milne. In a unique weekend of contrasts and dedication, Natalie completed her race as part of her wedding weekend celebrations, tying the knot on Friday afternoon and racing at Cumbernauld on Saturday before heading to her honeymoon. Natalie’s time of 16:25 pulled the team up to a creditable 15th place. A third team of Fiona Davies (18:16, 48th), Becky Hay (18:52, 45th) and Kirsten McStay (18:52, 38th) also did the Club proud with impressive runs.
Women’s V50 silver medallists
Central had two Women’s Masters’ teams running alongside the Senior Women. The W40 team finishing in 17th place through Alison Currie (21:18, 20th), Mary Kerr (21:47, 18th) and Lee Houghton (22:17, 17th) in a cumulative time of 65:22. The Central W50 team ran superbly throughout to take a second set of silver medals through Hazel Dean (17:29, second), Jane Waterhouse (19:34, second) and mother of the bride, Trish Milne, posting the fastest team time with 17:17 to bring the team home with 54:20 in second place behind Edinburgh AC.
There was further great endeavour from Central’s Senior Men’s ‘B’ team through Fraser Logan (13:44, 31st), Ruaridh Miller (13:26, 20th), Scott Brember (13:36, 17th) and Michael Wright finishing in 13:29 for 16th overall. It was good to welcome back Murray MacLarty to Central’s ‘C’ team here running 13:27 for 21st, back-up from Matthew Sutherland (13:46, 21st), David Lindsay (14:37, 25th) and Ross McNaught with 15:42 saw the team finish in 32nd placing.
There was further true resolve from Central’s Masters’ teams through Colin Alexander (16:34), Hugh Buchanan (16:34), Fraser Purves (16:21) and Donald Shaw (17:04) to finish 17th team in this category. More endeavour was shown by Raymond Milne (18:01), Jason Saunders (17:26), Hugh Kerr (16:55) and Mark Logie (18:08) with the team in 24th of the Masters’ teams.
For the Men’s Over-50 race the teams comprised 3 runners, and Central’s fastest team finished 7th after strong runs by David Eckersley (15:03), Charles Graham-Marr (16:08) and Stuart Watson (17:33), with the club’s representation completed in 20th place by Cameron Campbell (20:00), Allan Gall (19:13) and John Millar (21:44).
The Junior Girls’ team combined Under-13, Under-15 and Under-17 legs of 2,500 metres. The Central lead team took a creditable 16th place through Anna MacKinnon (11:06, 28th), Kyra Gibb (10:11, 15th) and Rosie Eckersley (10:17, 16th). The other Central teams who showed great determination were Mary Kealey (11:40, 52nd), Brogan McMillan (12:08, 64th) and Bethany Burch (11:15, 51st) plus Mirren Henry (11:44, 55th), Amy Cully (11:30, 50th) and Heather Scott (11:59) close behind in 53rd. Erin Miller (12:49, 84th) and Summer McLean (11:45, 72nd) also ran well but had an incomplete team.
Central’s Junior Boys teams also ran 2,500 metre legs and here Under-13 Connor Bell set off with real purpose to complete his leg in 9min 34secs backed up by Under-15 Finlay Muir (9:36) and Under-17 Keir Howlieson (9:08) with this ‘A’ team finishing 20th overall. The ‘B’ team of Cameron Kerr (9:51), Cameron Fraser (11:07) and Tom Graham-Marr (8:48) produced another strong showing for the club in 40th overall. There were further solid performances from Owen Eckersley (11:16), Ben Angus Hughes (11:08) and Sandy Holl (9:10) in the ‘C’ team, finishing 66th. Brothers Cameron MacMillan (9:55) and Ben MacMillan (8:50) made up an incomplete team, both running strongly.
Scottish Senior Championships – Grangemouth – 26 and 27 August 2017
All Photos: Bobby Gavin
The ten Central Athletic Club Senior athletes who competed at the weekend’s 125th Senior Scottish Track and Field Championships left Grangemouth with one gold, one silver and three bronze medals plus a smattering of personal best and season’s best performances.
The Central contingent had to wait until the final track event of the weekend to strike gold and here it was Dale Colley who, in a tactical race, always put himself in the right place to sprint past the 2016 Champion, Matthew White (Derby AC) for a fine victory in a season’s best time of 3 min 56.85 secs.
Saturday’s 3000 metre Steeplechase saw strong challenges from Aidan Thompson (9 min 34.17 secs) and Michael Wright (9-39.45) as they pushed through for silver and bronze medals while David Lindsay should also be pleased with his sixth place in 10-42.14.
Alastair Hay was always to the fore in the 5000 metres where he ran strongly to take the bronze medal with a season’s best of 14 min 27.64 secs and here Fraser Logan used the quality race to reduce his personal best by some 10 seconds to 16-4.14.
Amy Gullen picked up Central’s sole Field event bronze with an equal season’s best clearance of 1.61 metres in the high jump to further underline her consistency in the event.
Graham Porterfield was just outside the medals with a fourth place best of 11.53 metres and yet another season’s best in the shot put. Peter Muirhead continues to experiment with a left foot take-off in the long jump and here had a best effort of 6.74 metres; doubling up with heat and semi-final runs in the 100 metres of 11.17 and 11.24 secs, while Michael Currie was close to his personal best with a fine 22.94 secs effort in the 200 metre.
Scottish Under 17 Championships
Grangemouth, 27th/28th August 2017
There were another 5 medals for Central AC athletes as our under 17s took on the best in Scotland at the Scottish Championships in Grangemouth over the weekend.
Emma Mailer was on top form yet again. Having won silver over 400m hurdles the weekend before at the under 20 championships she was taking on her own age group at 300m hurdles. And she was a clear winner running away from the field to win in 45.23 seconds, nearly 2 seconds clear of her nearest rival. She then returned the next day in the flat 300m and produced a strong run to add her second medal of the weekend with a personal best 40.72 seconds, narrowly missing the club record, for silver.
Matt Chandler was also looking for a medal double at Pole Vault and High Jump. In the Pole Vault he found himself up against a strong challenge from Scott Brindlay of North Ayrshire. By the time the bar reached 3.80m just Matt & Scott remained. Matt kept the upper hand though clearing 3.80m first time then 3.90m at the second attempt to stay in the lead. However it was his second attempt clearance at 4 metres that sealed the gold after Scott was unable to match this.
Matt then took on the high jump the following day and found himself in a high class competition against Joel MacFarlane of Arbroath and Stephen MacKenzie of Inverness. With Joel having won the long jump the day before in a championship record and Stephen likewise winning the triple jump in a new record it meant the long jump, triple jump and pole vault champions were all going for a gold medal double with some high jump specialists looking to challenge them as well. Matt knew in a tight contest first time clearances were key and he managed that up to 1.79m but with all 9 competitors still in the competition there was still work to be done. Another first time clearance from Matt at 1.84m put the pressure on the opposition and as the bar went to 1.89m Matt was in the joint lead with Joel and Stephen with only one other athlete left in. Matt was unable to go higher but with only Joel MacFarlane clearing 1.89m Matt finished in joint 2nd place for silver, his second medal of the day.
Central’s other medallist was Rosie Eckersley taking on the 1500m Steeplechase. She went out strong, leading the field round the first lap before Scottish record holder, Sarah Tait of Lasswade, took control. Rosie however ran strongly finishing in 3rd place with a time of 5:37.45 minutes for bronze. This was Rosie’s first Scottish medal on the track having had previous success at cross country and winning the Scottish trail running title last year.
There were many other great performances from Central athletes. James Isgrove triple jumped to a new personal best 12.71m. This would usually be good enough for a medal but with the top 3 jumping well over 13 metres, including a championship record 14.24m from Stephen MacKenzie of Inverness, James had to settle for 4th.
Also in the jumps Anna Cameron placed 5th in the long jump after jumping 5.11m. She went on to reach the 200m final after running 27.09s in her semi-final, before placing 7th in the final with 27.50s. She also just missed out on the 100m final, an impressive 13.02s in the semi just missed out on the fastest loser spots.
Rachel Methven took 7th place at shot put, with a season’s best 9.89m and was also 7th at discus with a throw of 26.04m. Keir Howlieson set an excellent personal best in the 1500m of 4:12.97minutes but this was only enough for 11th in a fast race. In the 100m Neil Casserley and John Wilkie were both just outside their personal bests with Neil sprinting to 12.17s and John 12.48s.
These results brought Central ACs tally to 22 medals over all the age groups at the Scottish championships over 2 weekends of action. Along with further medals earlier in the season at relays, combined events and long distance events this makes an impressive tally for the club’s athletes.
Central AC’s Matt Chandler was on great form as he took a superb silver medal at the England Combined events championships. The 16 year old was competing in the under 17 Decathlon in the event held at Manchester’s Sportcity. The England championships brings together the best all‑rounders from throughout the UK but it was the Scots who were the ones to watch after Matt was one of three Scots who swept the podium at the equivalent indoor championships back in March. Matt won bronze that day behind winner Joel McFarlane of Arbroath and Robbie Farquhar of Aberdeen and was looking to improve on that position but with both the other Scots there and a strong field of English and Welsh athletes it was going to be tough.
He opened well with 11.95s in the 100m, a respectable time into a strong headwind for 10th place but with stronger events to come Matt was confident of improving. He then long jumped 6.35m in wet conditions, the 3rd furthest of the day, to move up onto 3rd. After a couple of below expectation performances in the shot (9.94m) and his strong high jump event (1.77m) saw him slip to 5th meaning he had to dig in at the 400m. An excellent run of 52.73s, a near pb, in wet windy conditions, was 4th quickest of the day and enough to pull him up to 4th overall, well within sight of the medals at the end of the first day.
Joel was well ahead but Matt knew it was going to be tight for the other medals between himself, Robbie Farquahar in 2nd and Rob Worman of Cheltenham in 3rd.
Matt opened the 2nd day strongly with an excellent 100m hurdles as he was just pipped for the win by Robbie Farquhar with 14.03s. But he did beat Rob Worman to close the gap on 3rd to 39 points. He then produced his first personal best of the weekend in the discus with 36.95m to close the gap further. Matt then went into his strongest event, the pole vault, knowing he needed a good performance to get ahead of his opponents. With Rob Farquhar leaving with a best jump of 3.68m Matt knew he could gain points. Matt went clear at 3.98m but when both Joel and Rob went clear Matt knew he had to do even more. He duly delivered as he cleared 4.08m, and with no other athletes clearing that height he had won the pole vault and moved up into 3rd place. Another near personal best followed in the javelin with 38.20m to close the gap on 2nd but Matt still had work to do in the 1500m. He needed to beat Rob by 11 seconds to get into 2nd place but Matt ran hard and smashed his personal best by over 4 seconds to run 4:51.65. He finished 22 seconds clear of Rob to finish in 2nd place overall and take the silver medal. His score of 6167 points was a new club record and puts him 5th on the Scottish all-time list for the age group.
Joel MacFarlane, who competes second claim for Central AC at Youth Development league matches, took the gold in a superb championship record 6594 points. Aberdeen’s Robbie Farquhar was unable to repeat the Scottish medal sweep at the indoor event, finishing 70 points behind Rob Worman of Cheltenham, for 4th. However with 3 Scots in the top 4, Matt, Joel and Robbie will be teaming up later this year at the home nations combined events international, looking to end Scotland’s long wait for a win.
Central AC’s under 15 athletes were on form as they picked up 5 medals including 2 golds at the Scottsh championships at Scotstoun on Sunday. The weather was much more benign than for the under 13s the day before with dry windless conditions and they took full advantage with some fine performances.
Lewis Dow dominated his 1500m race hitting the front then holding off the opposition to hang on for gold by a 1 second margin in a fast race. His time was a superb 4:17.25 which was not only close to a championship record, it smashed the club record that had stood since 1979.
Briagha Cook was chasing a medal double starting with the long jump where she was in a close battle with Nicole Proudfoot of Annan. Briagha took a joint share of the lead in the second round with 5.07m but Nicole went ahead in round 3 with 5.13m. Briagha then matched this in the 4th round only for Nicole to improve to 5.20m. Briagha produced another big jump in round 5 but the distance came up at 5.17m, an improvement but not quite enough for the lead. A no jump in round 5 confirmed 2nd place in a tight contest but she still had an excellent silver medal for her efforts. Briagha then contested the 75m hurdles where, as top ranked in Scotland, she aimed to go one place better. She breezed through her heat in 11.70s but with the other heat won in 11.72s she knew she would face a challenge in the final. When the final came though she held her rhythm and her nerve as she won by a clear margin in 11.71s for gold and her second medal of the day.
Also on form over the barriers was Daniel Ferguson in the 80m hurdles qualifying 2nd fastest with 12.26s. In the final he ran superbly as he fought for the lead all the way to the line. He was pipped for gold by just 0.08s but smashed his personal best with 11.90s to claim silver, his first ever national medal and first ever gold standard on the club awards scheme.
Sprinter Shona McLay was Central’s other medallist from the age group. Since taking bronze at the Scottish schools last year, Shona has had a string of 4th places in championships and had a busy day in the 100m and 200m with both events requiring 3 rounds. After qualifying comfortably for the 100m final she ended up in 4th place once more in spite of an excellent 12.84s time. But she finally managed to get on the podium in the 200m, her 6th race of the day, as she sped round in 26.49s to claim bronze.
There were some other great performances in the sprints. Eric Escala had to run hard in his 300m heat setting a personal best 40.83s to claim the last fastest loser spot. But in the final he managed to go even faster with 40.81s to improve to 5th place. Eric showed his versatility as he also set a personal best in the shot with a throw of 10.51m for 7th. Jack Haughton also had a busy day progressing to the semis of the 100m with 12.08s, just off his pb, then getting through heats and semis in the 200m to take a respectable 5th place in the final with 24.54s, another near pb.
In the girls 1500m Central were well represented in the final with both Kyra Gibb and Carrie Banks qualifying from the heats. In a fast race they stuck together all the way round with Kyra finishing 7th in 5:01.86 minutes and Carrie 8th in a personal best 5:02.15.
Daniel Bruce opened his day with a pb in his long jump with 5.00m for 10th then reached the final in the 80m hurdles after 12.68s in the heat, missing his pb by 0.01s. He was unable to improve on this but can still be proud of 8th place in a Scottish final.
Andrew McLay set a personal best 23.32m in the javelin as he took a respectable 11th place. There were further personal bests for Sandy Buchanan in the 800m (2:19.41) and Kyle Howie in the 1500m (4:55.90). Lucy More progressed to the 100m semis with 13.82s.
Also gaining experience in the endurance events were Finlay Muir, a Scottish schools medallist earlier this season, who ran 2:23.47, Thomas Woods managed 4:57.38 in the 1500m and Naomi Howlieson 2:43.83 in the girls 800m.
This was a great turnout for the club and hopefully the athletes can continue their progress in years to come.
Well done to all our U13 and U15 boys and girls that did so well throughout the season to help us reach the Scottish finals of the Lower Age Group Youth Development League. At Saturday’s final, against all the form teams in the League, we managed a very creditable 4th place through teamwork and commitment from all our athletes.
As you will see from the results YDL_2017_LV7_01_SCO_Final_Results, there were even some notable maximum points scoring for winning ‘A’-events from Jack (U15 200m), Aiden (U15 Shot), Briagha (U15 LJ and 75mH), Euan (U13 75mH), Scott (U13 Shot and Javelin). That said, every athlete and every point counts in these matches so congratulations to all the athletes who put themselves out there for the club – sometimes in events that are not always their favourites!
However, an especially great big THANK YOU to all of the team managers that made this all happen so well throughout the YDL season. Everyone at the club really appreciates the time and effort you put in to help Central AC be the best it can be!
Attention all Stirling-based athletes and coaches. Training is back at the Stirling University track this week after a couple of weeks of disruption. Unfortunately, because of the poor weather last week, the contractors were not able to complete the re-lining of the track so we will have to put up with more disruption sometime in the second half of August. We’ll keep you posted on this as soon as we get given a date for this work and have worked out alternative arrangements.
Despite some atrocious weather conditions, and thanks to John McDonald and his hardy group of helpers and officials, the July time trial went ahead as planned. Well done to all the athletes taking part.
Don’t forget, we have temporary training arrangements in place for this week and next while the university clean and repaint their track.
Derek and Rhona’s groups meet at the Uni as usual. Cameron’s, Ian’s, Will’s and David’s groups will be training at Lornshill Academy, Alloa where there is a full 6-lane track etc.
Congratulations to Claire Houston who continued to make major strides to post maternity racing with a fine second place in the 5 races in 5 days at the Tour of Fife race series. Having won three of the four races in preceding days, Claire was still 22 seconds in deficit to Maya Stone of Fife AC. But in the 7 kilometre trail race finale, she had to settle for second on the day and second female in the series and finishing an impressive 19th overall.
Well done to all the athletes that took part in the June Time Trials on Thursday 29th June. It was nice to see some guests from Strathearn and Wee County Harriers also joining in too.
Big thanks to John McDonald and all his team of helpers for putting on another great event.
Please note that due to a bit of confusion about shot weights, a number of athletes may have thrown shots that were too light for their age category. We apologise for any resulting disappointment!
Central has a duty to provide officials (timekeepers, starters, T&F officials etc) for the competitions we take part in. We also need them to hold our own intra-club events like the pre-season and club champs meets. Just now we are very short of trained and qualified officials.
The club has paid for a Scottish Athletics Tutor to come along to Stirling and train a group of us. So, if you can spare an evening to attend the course and are willing to help out at club events and league matches in the future, please contact to book your free place.
The weekend saw the East District Championships take place across the full range of age categories, with Central athletes producing strong performances throughout.
Seniors
Aidan Thompson en route to gold. Photo credit Steve Adams.
Aidan Thompson was Central AC’s star performer at the East District championships taking a superb golden double in the 1500m and 3000m steeplechase. The 20-year-old Stirling University student has been an integral part of Central’s all conquering cross country team over the winter but has turned his attention to the track for the summer.
The 1500m on the Friday evening session was a tactical affair with nobody taking the pace on but Aidan had the sprint for the important final straight as he held off Ben Potrykus of Pitreavie to cross the line first in 4:03.29 minutes. Matthew Sutherland followed in 3rd in 4:14.50 minutes to make it two Central athletes on the podium.
Aidan returned for the Saturday session to take on the 3000m steeplechase and was in full control as he took his second gold in 9:37.31 minutes leading home his Central teammate Michael Wright who finished in 9:43.13 minutes. Central AC’s top senior field event athlete, Peter Muirhead, took on the long jump against a high class field and took a respectable 3rd place with 7.11m.
Central were well-represented in the 200m event. Michael Currie was on great form not being put off by a headwind to take 4th in the 200m in a personal best 22.78s, just 0.18s off the bronze. Joining Michael in the 200m field were Central AC stalwarts Cameron Smith (24.67s) and Ian McDonald (25.60s) who showed they still had a turn of pace in their heats.
Under-20s
Catriona Laing was in superb form as she dominated the 400m event. The 17-year-old from Dunblane led from start to finish to take gold in a season’s best 58.42s. Also on form in the race was Madeleine Woods who looked like she might join Catriona on the podium entering the home straight in 3rd place. However, she was just overtaken in the final run-in, ending up in 5th place, but can still be proud as she set a new personal best 62.31s.
Lauren McCulloch was also on the podium in the 800m after running a season’s best 2:23.18, and another season’s best for Lauren in the 1500m (5:04.75) was enough for 7th.
Under-17s
Central’s Under-17s were on great form taking a total of 9 medals.
Emma Mailer set an excellent personal best 45.15s to take the gold in the 300m Hurdles leading home a Central 1-2 with Katie Sharkey 2nd in 46.01s. Emma went on to add a bronze in the 300m running 41.68s ahead of Elizabeth Thompson who took 5th in 42.55s. Katie also went on to add another medal with silver in the 80m Hurdles in a season’s best 11.97s.
There was another Central 1-2 in the Pole Vault as Matt Chandler took gold with 3.80m ahead of Matthew Meredith who won silver. The event was interrupted by heavy rain meaning Matt was unable to go higher. Rachel Methven took 2 medals in the throwing events with a silver in the shot (9.53m) and bronze in the discus (23.09m).
Anna Cameron added another bronze in the long jump. She left it late but a final round jump of 4.96m lifted her into a podium position. She had earlier taken 4th in the 100m with 13.27s into a stiff breeze. Lucy Smith set a personal best in her new triple jump event with 9.92m for 5th, just 6cm from the bronze. Skye Henderson set a season’s best 2:26.04 minutes for 6th in the 800m and Rosie Eckersley was 7th in the 1500m with 5:04.38 minutes.
Under-15s
Coirilidh Cook leads the way in the hurdles
Another 4 medals came from Central’s Under-15 contingent. Coirilidh Cook dominated the 75m hurdles taking gold in a personal best 11.76s.
Lewis Dow was also on dominant form as he won his 800m by a 5 second margin in 2:05.90 minutes. Daniel Bruce was proud to win his first ever district medals with a bronze medal double in the long jump with a personal best 4.79m and in the 80m hurdles with 13.59s. Shona McLay was also on the podium running 43.1s for bronze in the 300m.
Thomas Woods took 6th in the long jump (4.02m) and ran 2:30.40 minutes in the 800m. Naomi Howlieson was 8th at high jump with 1.29m and ran a season’s best 800m (2:45.97 minutes). Tasting championship action for the first time was Rosanna Savoury, who just missed the 200m final after running 28.79s and reached the semi-finals in the 100m with 13.96s. Also in her first ever championship was Eilidh MacKenzie who set two personal bests in the 300m (47.27s) and 100m (14.86s).
Under-13s
Central’s Under-13s were mainly tasting championship action for the first time ever and were rewarded with many new personal bests.
The girls 800m saw 4 Central athletes competing, all setting new best performances. Amy Cully placed 6th overall with 2:40.31 minutes. Anna MacKinnon was 2nd in the B race for 8th overall in 2:47.69, followed by Brogan McMillan who was 3rd in the B race with 2:48.20 and Ellie Ross 5th in the B race with 2:54.54.
Curtis Dennison was on form taking 6th in the 100m final with a season’s best 14.49s having set a personal best in the 200m with 29.54s earlier. He then added another personal best in the long jump (3.95m) for 8th. The chances of personal bests in the sprints was reduced by strong headwinds but Lucy Hensman (200m, 34.00s), Marissa Welsh (200m, 36.51s) and Megan Dunlop (100m 15.36s) all performed well.
Overall it was excellent to see these Central athletes stepping up to test themselves at championships. Well done!
A massive thank you to all the athletes who turned out for our club time trials last Thursday, and to all who helped so that the competitions could run smoothly.
These were the most popular time trials yet with 114 athletes registered. The results are available as a spreadsheet or below.
The outdoor track and field competition season got underway at Grangemouth on Saturday 1 April with the club’s Pre-season meeting. The results are available in a spreadsheet, or below:
Central Athletic Club’s Christmas Handicap was held on the evening of Thursday 22 December, blessed with an interval in the heavy rain although there was no hiding from the incessant wind. Amy Hendry was first home winning by some 5 seconds from veteran runner Mark Logie. Charles Graham-Marr had a strong run in third ahead of fellow veteran Allan Gall. Sandy Holl underlined his progress this year, finishing first Under-17 while the irrepressible Jane Waterhouse finished as first veteran woman. Testament to the quality of the handicapping saw all the runners finish close together with the whole field of 35 runners completing the 4 kilometre course within 3 minutes of each other.
Morag MacLarty finished with 13min 42secs to trim 3 seconds from her own course record while the fastest male proved to be back marker Cameron Milne with 12min 5secs, the second fastest ever, behind Andrew Butchart’s 11.50 course record from 2015. Other notable performances included Scott Green (13.11) and Chris Smithard (13.14), Under-20 Iain Davies (13.53), Fraser Logan (14.03), Under-15 Ben MacMillan (14.04) and Under-17s Sandy Holl (14.20) and Keir Howlieson (14.23). Jennifer Wetton finished with 14.26 ahead of Kim Timmins (16.45) and Catriona Buchanan (16.55), Under-17s Fiona Davies (17.28) and Heather Scott (18.03) and yet another good run from Under-20 Eleanor Hanson (17.29).
The focus in early 2017 turns to the Inter District races in Holyrood Park, Edinburgh on 7 January. Central Athletic Club selections for the East of Scotland Team include Under-13s Jessica Turnbull, Cameron Kerr and Finlay Muir; Under-15s Rosie Eckersley, Kyra Gibb and Ben MacMillan; Under-17s Kate Gallagher, Lauren McCulloch and Sandy Holl; Senior Women Morag MacLarty and Jennifer Wetton; Senior Men Dale Colley, Conan McCaughey, Cameron Milne and Michael Wright, while Jamie Crowe will compete for the Scottish Students Team.
Central Athletic Club’s Andrew Butchart showed true leadership in the Senior Men’s race at the European Cross Country Championships in Italy on Sunday. As captain of the Great Britain and Northern Ireland team, Andrew committed at the front of the race from the start, sharing the lead with fellow Scot Callum Hawkins. As the race unfolded the two Scots were running in a group of four with two (Kenyan-born) Turkish athletes on a fast, dry course in Sardinia.
The later part of the race saw the two Turkish runners in first and second, with Callum winning the Bronze medal ahead of Andrew in fourth. These performances eclipse the best performances by any Scottish Senior man over the years at these Championships. The overall team scores proved to be a close affair with the two Scots leading the British Team to team Gold medals, indeed every GB & NI athlete throughout the age groups came home with a medal.
Hawkins said, “I got out a lot better than I thought I would – I thought I’d be chasing but I saw Andy take it on and I thought I’d do it with him. He almost got me: I fell off a bit about 4 laps in, but I managed to get it together.”
“I think between me and Andy that one day he’ll probably beat me and the next I’ll beat him – it’s that even between us, but we both went for it. We’ve both only really been at it properly in the sport for four or five years, so we’ve still got a long time left in our careers.”
Butchart, who is coached by Derek Easton, said: “I’m happy: Callum delivered a medal today and has put a lot of work in, but I definitely think if you want to beat the top guys you have to go for it, and for us to be that close to them and compete properly against them is great to see.”
“You never want to come off that course and think you could have given it that bit more. I think that Callum and I have both killed ourselves out there today: he’s got a medal and we’ve won team Gold, so it’s amazing to see that.”
The Invitational English 6 Stage Road Relay Championships was again held in Sutton Park, Birmingham on Saturday 8 October. Central Athletic Club’s Andrew Butchart recorded the fastest leg of the day, covering the 6 kilometre course in 16min 29secs. Overall there was a highly competitive race for gold medals with Cardiff AAC (1hour 45mins 52secs) prevailing over Welsh rivals Swansea Harriers (1-45-55) by just 3 seconds with the lead see-sawing throughout.
With some 79 teams completing the course Central’s effort saw them finish seventh overall in 1hour 47mins 23secs. Once again there was interest and drama throughout for both athletes and spectators. Dale Colley started Central’s effort with an 18min 16secs clocking to see the team in a close up 27th place at the first changeover. Alex Hendry moved through the field on his second leg run as he pulled the team up to 21st with a strong 18min 11sec leg. Alastair Hay used all his fitness and experience to bring the team through to 14th place with an excellent 17min 59secs effort. Conan McCaughey showed great form to keep the team in contention with an 18min 12secs clocking and the team in 16th.
Andrew Butchart showed his rivals and the spectators just why he was a high placed Olympian in Rio with his storming run pulling the Central team through to sixth overall with a time of 16.29, 20secs faster than any other runner on the day. It was left to Jamie Crowe to complete Central’s efforts on the final leg, recording 18min 16secs to bring the Central team home in seventh.
The focus for many of Central Athletic Club’s athletes moved to Crownpoint Stadium in Glasgow this week, producing a string of personal best performances. First up was Under 15 Katie Sharkey competing in the Glasgow Sprint Gala on Wednesday 27 July. Katie moved up an age group to compete in the Under 17 80 metres hurdles winning her race in 11.93 secs, a time that places her fourth on the Scottish rankings for the Season.
Friday night saw a series of British Milers Club races at Crownpoint with eight of the Club’s athletes taking advantage of the high quality races. Alastair Hay won the first of the 1500 metre races, in the best time of the evening, to record a season’s best of 3 min 50.55 secs. Dale Colley was second in the same race and also achieved a Season’s best with 3-51.74. Jamie Crowe finished fifth with 3-52.82, a new personal best his reward for his fast running. Michael Wright finished his 1500 metres with 4-09.23 while Under 20 runner, Euan Brownlie ran 4-21.85, to again reduce his personal best time. Under 17 athlete Sandy Holl was close to his best with a 4-39.19 run while another Under 17, Lauren McCulloch, made further progress in reducing her best to 4-58.53.
Kate Gallagher was the only Central athlete to tackle the 5000 metres race and the Under 17 was another to be rewarded with a personal best for her run, finishing with 17 min 40.29 secs. Kate will now progress to represent Scotland at the Under 18 Celtic Games on 6 August in Swansea where she will contest the 3000 metres. Central runners John MacLennan and Catriona Laing have also been selected as part of the relay teams and Lucy Davison will compete in the Under 16 team in both long jump and shot put.
Andrew Butchart continued his Olympic preparations with a superb 5000 metre run at the London Anniversary Games, in the Olympic Stadium, on Saturday. Andrew did more than prove his fitness in finishing second to Mo Farah in a time close to his Scottish record, finishing in 13min 14.85secs. Andrew ran a sensibly paced race throughout then released an excellent last lap effort of 56.6secs, faster than Mo, and leaving a string of international athletes in his wake.
“I have been at altitude, so it felt like I had a little more left in the tank, I broke away and managed to have enough energy to last me until the end,” said Butchart.
“I have never experienced a crowd like this in my life, if I can experience that again in my lifetime I’ll be delighted. I have been at altitude for the last four weeks and know I am in shape, it gives you something of a boost and feel like you can breathe easier. I want to make the final (in Rio), I think the race could be something similar to that.”
Elsewhere, two of Andrew’s training group travelled to the British Miler’s Club Meeting in Oxford with Dale Colley again improving on his 800 metres personal best to record 1min 51.86secs with another classy run. Alastair Hay made an all too rare track appearance to clock a fine 5000 metres time of 14min 39.16secs at the same meeting.
Central Athletic Club’s Andrew Butchart added Samokov, Bulgaria to his 2014 travel itinerary producing a solid display on his European Cross Country Championship senior debut finishing in 35th place covering the 10,000metre course in 34min 12secs. Despite the course cutting up towards the end of the day, Andrew, part of a young senior men’s team coped well with the conditions.
A mud spattered Andrew was reasonably content with his performance, which featured a strong start and commented ‘It was tough today, the course was very tough,’ said the Central AC athlete, who was only 11 seconds shy of a 25th place finish. ‘You didn’t really notice how many hills you had to climb up but it was a true cross country race. I’m glad I was in the senior race and very happy with my run.
‘I’m happy with how I ran – obviously I would have liked to have finished higher up but up in altitude, you aren’t sure how you are going to cope. I’m much more out of breath than I usually am after a race so it has taken its toll on me. We’ll have to see how it goes next year when we are closer to sea-level. ‘It definitely gives me a lot of confidence and hopefully I’ll be pushing for more teams in the future. I’ve picked up a level but I am still learning and want to keep that up. ‘
Central Athletic Club Mens Team always knew they faced a hard challenge in the final Division One Athletics League match of the Season. Aberdeen AAC were only one point behind Central but ahead on match points going into this contest so Central had to stay ahead of Aberdeen to retain the League Trophy and add to their four year sequence of League titles. With a stiff breeze at Scotstoun the distance athletes were unlikely to achieve personal bests and the sprinters and horizontal jumpers were all aided by the wind.
The track events started with strong efforts from Liam Halliday (62.23scs) and David Lindsay (67.92secs) for second A and third B points respectively but both worryingly headed by their Aberdeen opponents. Tom Watson was next on track to win the 800metres in 1min 57.21secs with a confident display with his Aberdeen opponent finishing fifth. The 800metre ‘B’ race saw Central’s Under 17 Iain Davies (2-02.40) in a closely contested race just being headed by the Aberdeen athlete.
The 100metre races saw Aberdeen heading both Central athletes despite sound performances from Michael Currie (11.32secs) and Mitch Graham (11.69secs). Alex Hendry’s 10min 9.76secs win in the 3000metre Steeplechase restored some order for Central with David Lindsay producing a second ‘B’ placing (11-25.05). The 110metres hurdles was next up on track and despite the best efforts of Calum Brown (15.92secs) and Colin Christie (21.20secs) it was Aberdeen who took the honours with Central gaining two second places.
Next up were the 400metre races with Central fielding two Under 17 athletes, Jamie Paterson and Ewan Corbett, facing experienced opposition and the stiff breeze. Both athletes showed maturity beyond their years to win their respective races 51.86secs and 51.63secs respectively and take maximum points but still leaving Central some 5 match points behind Aberdeen in Track events to this point.
The close tussle turned slightly in Central’s favour as the 1500metres unfolded with Dale Colley second ‘A’ with 4-09.63 and Tom Watson first ‘B’ in 4-17.28 and both athletes pushing ahead of the Aberdeen opposition. The 200metres saw the pendulum swing back towards Aberdeen in spite of the best efforts of Michael Currie (23.32secs) and Mitch Graham (23.47secs). It was then on to perhaps the hardest track race of the day as the athletes faced 25 windy laps of the 10,000metres. An interesting contest was played out over the next thirty plus minutes but Alex Hendry held off all opposition to win in 32-03.70 and Dale Colley assured Central of maximum points with 35-56.02 as Central’s middle distance credentials shone through and established a 30 point gap over Aberdeen in the Track events.
Meanwhile there was just as much effort going into the Field events with Central taking the initiative in the Javelin through Calum Brown, second ‘A’ with 46.24 metres and Ron Todd, second ‘B’ with 32.60 metres. Ron also picked up second ‘A’ in the Pole Vault (3.20 metres) while Cameron Wilson was second ‘B’ (2.80 metres). Next up was the Long Jump where Aberdeen struck back to some degree despite excellent efforts from Robert Graham, fourth ‘A’ with 6.37 metres and Colin Christie, third ‘B’ (4.96 metres). The Shot Put saw Calum Brown in fourth ‘A’ spot (11.35 metres) and Donovan Webster second ‘B’ (10.51 metres) to pick up more essential points. The Hammer gave Central an extended lead through Donovan’s fourth ‘A’ placing (30.43 metres) and Ron’s second ‘B’ place (28.29 metres). Next up was the High Jump with Under 17 Cameron McCorgary clearing a best of 1.65 metres in third ‘A’ place and Colin Christie with a best of 1.50 metres for third ‘B’. Robert Graham showed excellent form in the Triple Jump to take second ‘A’ place with a fine 13.26 metres while Cameron Wilson proved great back-up winning the ‘B’ event with 12.46 metres. Field events were rounded off with excellent points in the Discus through Donovan’s third ‘A’ placing (34.88 metres) and Calum winning the ‘B’ event (32.94 metres) ensuring a 40 point lead for Central in the Field.
It looked as though Central were retaining the title before the Relays but a quartet of Liam Halliday, Calum Brown, Michael Currie and Mitch Graham brought the baton round in 45.71secs to finish in an excellent second place while Ewan Corbett, Liam Halliday, Jamie Paterson and Tom Watson stayed competitive throughout the 4 x 400metres for the Club’s best timing of the year in a close up second place with 3min 29.10secs. Earlier in the day Liam Halliday showed his improved sprint form to win the Guest 100metres with a windy 11.36secs clocking.
Points on the day were Central 407; Aberdeen 339; Falkirk Victoria Harriers 223; Inverness Harriers 214; Lasswade 204; Edinburgh 188; Kilbarchan 157 and the Arbroath and District team did not compete on the day. Final League points were Central 30; Aberdeen 28; Falkirk 21; Kilbarchan 18; Edinburgh 17; Inverness 15; Lasswade 10 and Arbroath 4 with Lasswade and Arbroath relegated while VP Glasgow and Shettleston Harriers were promoted from Division 2.
Dale Colley pulling out all the stops in the 1500M Division One winners – Calum Brown holding the trophy
Laura McKenzie our Coach Co-ordinator will be available on Thursday 17th July at the Stirling training venue if any coaches require any information / support. Email Laura any issues in advance on
Club Time Trials are on us again – come along to Stirling University for 6.30pm. Volunteer support and parental involvement is always needed! We look forward to seeing you then
Laura McKenzie our Coach Co-ordinator will be available on Tuesday 10 June at the Stirling training venue if any coaches require any information / support. Email Laura any issues in advance on
