A fine turnout of 74 runners lined up for the start of the popular Eildon 3 Hills Race in Gibson Park on Saturday, before taking on the challenging Trimontium terrain.
First across the line was Sullivan Smith from Cambridge and Coleridge Running Club in a superb new course record of 36 minutes and nine seconds. Second place went to Alastair Anthony of Ochil Hill Runners, just 10 seconds behind the leader, with Donald Naylor from Hunters Bog Trotters third in 38.20. Last year’s champion, Gala Harrier Fergus Johnston, came in an impressive fifth place in 39.09, while a great run by Fiona Dalgleish brought victory for the club in the women’s race in 44.57, with Rachel Fagan (46.11) and Shelagh King (1.08.55) ensuring that Gala retained the ladies’ team trophy, with JogEarlston a well-deserved second.
Excellent runs, too, from all the Gala men – Jamie McGowan (42.59), Chrys Murphy (45.22), Peter Gibson (46.06), Martin Clarke (47.10), Alan Johnston (47.37), Derrick Brydon (47.54), Tommy Knox (50.40) and James Purves (53.15) – brought the second team prize home for the Harriers, after Hunters Bog Trotters and in front of Carnethy.
The prize for the first TD6 local runner went to Lachlan Glaves.
Gala Harriers wish to thank the ambulance team who took an injured (knee) Hunters Bog Trotter off the hill and to the volunteer marshalls who supported her until the paramedics arrived – she is recovering well – and also to everyone who helped to make the day a success.
Full results can be found on the Gala Harriers website – www.galaharriers.co.uk.