2015 ROAD RACING REPORTS
CLICK HERE for the RESULTS and FIXTURES for the Summer Championship.
Race no. 14
Carlisle Parkrun - 18th April to 31st October
A new idea for this summer has been the inclusion of the Carlisle Parkrun event into the Seniors' Championship, with the chance for runners to do the event as many times as they liked with their best times counting towards the race result.
For anyone unfamiliar with the Parkrun concept it is essentially a free to enter weekly 5 km event held at 100's of parks across the country (and other parts of the world) organised in conjunction with a central charity body. The runs are on a Saturday morning and are recognised for their friendly and welcoming nature where serious club runners and beginners come together to start the weekend.
20 ADAC runners have completed one or more runs over the summer and age-grade results have been calculated based on their age on the day.
Fastest was Rory Longmore in a time of 18.42 which he ran on the 25th of July. This also secured Rory the first spot in the age-grade competition with a score of 82.17%. In second was Andy Render with 19.09 also on July 25th whilst Joe Boardman was third with a time of 19.17, which he recorded on 23rd May.
First lady was Janet Priestley with 23.20 (17th October), Liz Dawson was second in 23.47 (26th September) and young Lilly Kitzinger recorded the third fastest time of 26.55 also on September 26th.
Liz's time scored 76.1% and placed her second in the age-grade competition with Joe in third with 75.87%.
The inclusion of the Parkrun has been a new twist on the Championship this year with runners eagerly checking weather forecasts and reviewing tactics to try to improve on their times over the season.
Race no. 13
Black Esk 7.6m. Weather conditions - cool and fresh with bright spells.
INSERT PHOTOS
The final scheduled event in this year's Summer Championship was held on 3rd October with a field of 21 runners taking on the 7.6 mile Black Esk forest course around the reservoir.
Despite the well reported sub-standard summer weather the conditions over the running season have generally been good and although overcast the relatively mild temperatures and absence of any wind were certainly factors in some strong performances across the piece.
With Champion-elect Rory Longmore otherwise engaged with his attempt on the Chester marathon there was an opportunity for one of the other runners to claim the top points. Andy Render emerged victorious with one of his strongest runs of the season coming home in 48.11. Second in was Michael Kerr who continues to improve fast with a great time of 49.10 and the third runner back was Kevin Plummer with a time of 50.30.
In the ladies' race Janet Priestley continued her strong second half of the year with a fantastic time of 59.10. Liz Dawson was second with 62.56 and Ruth Griffith had one of her strongest runs in competition with a time of 67.30.
In the age-grade competition Plummer's time secured him the maximum points with a score of 75.52%, Priestley's run merited second with a score of 75.31% and third in this category was Render with 74.25%
The last running of this event was at the start of the 14/15 Winter League. Comparing times on the two events four runners have made improvements - Janet Priestley, Alan Creighton, Alan Cameron and Nicola Kennedy - it is a great pleasure to see these runners making notable improvements and enjoying their running.
Over the summer there has been a Challenge Five series of runs of which this was the final event - seven runners completed all five runs and their age grade scores have been ranked and banded into Gold, Silver and Bronze categories. Boardman, Render and Priestley are in Gold; Ernie Bryden, John Murphy and George Fraser take Silver and Ruth Griffith wins a Bronze award - certificates will be awarded at the end of season dinner (14th Nov in Moffat). Bryden should also be congratulated on his fine achievement of completing all 13 scheduled races this summer as well as several Parkruns.
There remain 4 weekends in October for runners to compete in Carlisle Parkrun before results can be confirmed in all three categories. The current tables have been updated and are available on the Summer 2015 Champs page.
Thanks go to all those who provided post race food and hot drinks as well as supporters and photographers.
Race no.12
Dumfries Half Marathon. Race conditions -cool , light breeze.
(Pictured after the race - the ADAC 9 !)
The good weather of September continued on Sunday and 9 ADAC Seniors travelled over for the Dumfries Half Marathon. The course for this race changed last year and what was once a course that produced fast times is now a gruelling test on a very hilly circuit containing 2 big climbs and with the last 3 miles uphill ! This year’s race was also the West District Half Marathon Championships and attracted some quality runners from all over Scotland and beyond. ADAC runners who made the trip gave an excellent account of themselves with many producing good times and some posting PB’s !
First home for the club was Rory Longmore in an excellent time given the course in just under 85 minutes. Next home was Joe Boardman in 86:39 continuing his good form followed by the evergreen Gordon Vivers in 92:38 all three achieving PB’s for this new course. Ernie Bryden set an 8 year best in his race time of 98:19. The outstanding performance of the day was undoubtedly that of Janet Priestley who stopped the clock at 106:45 ensuring a SILVER WEST DISTRICT MEDAL in her age group. It’s great to see Janet coming back to her best ! Liz Dawson fresh from her holiday was home next in 111:17 and followed by Richard Murray (without his wings this time) in 118:09. George Fraser looked comfortable as he went through the line in 123:57 and Ruth Griffith was satisfied with her 127:25 on this gruelling course.
( Janet looking pleased with her Silver Medal)
Scores and Results have been updated. You can view the results page by clicking HERE.
A special thank you must go to the support of those there on Sunday who cheered every one of the ADAC runners home - it means a lot and certainly makes a difference.
The final Championship event takes place on Saturday October 3rd. At Black Esk reservoir. More details on our fixture list.
Race no. 11
Muckletoon Doctor's Run
Conditions: Dry & warm
After a two year hiatus the popular Muckletoon Doctor's Run made a welcome return to the region's racing calendar on Sunday 6th September. Although quite how glad some runners were to see its return as they were tackling the various hills on the course is open to debate.
A strong ADAC contingent of 19 runners, plus some friends of the club, were in the field of 68 who were piped off from the Lodge Gates at 11.30 to tackle the undulating 8 mile course.
Mark Whitelaw, in his first appearance in an ADAC vest this summer ran a great race to finish 2nd overall in 50.47, with Rory Longmore next in (4th overall) in 52.33 and Joe Boardman was 5th with a time of 53.57.
Janet Priestley was first ADAC lady, with a time of 66.21, followed in by Emma Kerr (68.32) and Louise Hopper (69.45).
The age-grade competition points were taken once again by Rory Longmore who scored an impressive 79.2% given the hilly route. Second was Mark Whitelaw (75.87%) and third was Joe Boardman with 73.37%.
Several ADAC runners secured prizes for their efforts:
Mark Whitelaw - First V40
Rory Longmore - First V50
Joe Boardman - Second V40
(These three also secured the first team prize)
Janet Priestley - First FV50
Richard Smith - First medical
Emma Kerr - Second Female
Louise Hopper - Second FV50
George Fraser - First V60
Several runners have now completed their quota of 8 races and will be dropping runs where they may have scored fewer points. All are advised to check their scores on the updated tables and let the Road Running Manager know if there are any discrepancies.
Race no.10
Dumfries 'Doonhamer' 10k
Conditions: Warm and dry
The second running of the Dumfries 'Doonhamer' 10k was held on Sunday 30th August and 14 ADAC competitors took their places on the start line.
Rory Longmore continues to dominate the main Championship with another winning run. His time of 37.03 saw him secure 8th place overall and also 1st over 55 Male as well as the top age-grade score of 86.32%. Joe Boardman ran well to come in second in a time of 39.16 with Andy Render in third with 39.57.
Gordon Vivers claimed second spot in the age-grade competition with a score of 77.7% from his time of 41.52 with Joe's time securing third age-grade with a score of 77.55%.
In the ladies' competition Janet Priestley was first home in 47.45 (76.44%), with Emma Kerr (49.32; 62.56%) and Liz Dawson (50.35; 74.1%) completing the top three.
Rory, Joe and Gordon all improved on their times over the same course last year, meaning that Rory has improved the club record for the race. Also George Fraser was so keen to get to Palmerston after the race to watch the Queen of the South game against Rangers that he ran a superb 52.15 (compared to 54.36 last year), unfortunately the game didn't end as well!
As well as Rory's prize there was also success for Janet (1st V50 Female), Liz (2nd V55 Female) and George (2nd V65 Male).
Race no.9
Annan 10 Mile
Conditions: Warm and dry.
On Saturday 15th August Rory Longmore finally secured his Navigator's badge when he stayed on course to record a win in the Annan 10mile road race which was the latest event in the 2015 ADAC Senior Championship. In previous years Rory has had the misfortune to drift off course at critical points scuppering his chances but this year the signs were good from the start.
18 runners tackled the course on a bright but slightly breezy morning and there was also notable support from a flotilla of cyclists as well as some moral support from a few other runners.
Rory's time was 63.58 and this scored 82.23% and the top age grade score on the day. Andy Render battled strongly to just about stay in touch with Rory and recorded a time of 64.42 with Joe Boardman in third with 65.27.
First lady was Janet Priestley with a strong run in 83.45 with Liz Dawson (85.00) and Louise Hopper (87.07) in second and third respectively.
Joe's time secured second spot in the age grade category (76.37%) with Gordon Vivers in third spot with his time of 72.19 scoring 74.03%.
This event was the fourth leg of the Challenge 5 series this year and 9 runners remain in contention to complete the five legs with the Black Esk run to complete.
Comparing the times from the 2014 running of this course, seven runners have improved - Rory (primarily from following the course!), Andy, Joe, Ernie Bryden, John Murphy, Janet and Alan Cameron - well done to all.
Congratulations must also go to Yvonne Kerr on completion of her first 10 mile race, hopefully it wasn't quite as bad as she was fearing in advance!
After the run hospitality was provided from Ruth Griffith with a great spread of savoury and sweet treats which were very welcomed.
Thanks go to all support runners and cyclists, photographers and the oasis-like water station at the half way point. The Road Manager hopes that his tetchiness on the morning did not spoil the enjoyment of the runners!
The next Championship event is the 'Doonhamer' 10k on the 30th August - pre-entry is recommended for anyone interested in this race which is also a 'club colours' run.
Race no.8
Castle Douglas (Gelston) 5 Mile
Conditions: Cool and overcast
Although conditions were far from summer holiday weather in Castle Douglas, the cooler temperatures and absence of any wind of note combined for good racing on Tuesday 21st June. 11 runners from ADAC made the start line and the 6 who also ran the event last year each improved on their times from 2014.
There was a fantastic contest between Rory Longmore, Joe Boardman and Andy Render with the three finishing within 8 seconds of each other after being covered by the proverbial blanket for much of the race. Rory took the honours again with a time of 29.52 which also secured the age grade maximum with a rating of 85.08%. Liz Dawson won the ladies contest with a great time of 36.50 and a splendid age grade score of 81.18%. It is also worth noting that Joe joined the 80+% club with his 29.59 time just pipping Andy Render who , for his efforts was rewarded with an excellent P.B. of 30 mns.
Ernie Bryden continued his ever present run so far this season and is the first runner to do the maximum 8 races and can now concentrate on maximising his score.
The six to improve on last year's times were Rory, Joe, Gordon Vivers, Ernie, John Murphy and Liz. Finally it is understood that Jonny Minto also secured a PB for the distance.
Race no.7
Moffat Gala Run 15km
Conditions: Dry and warm
The 30th Anniversary running of the Moffat Gala 15km Road Race was held on 14th July and 13 ADAC members turned out on a pleasant summer's evening to tackle the challenging course.
Sadly Kevin Plummer was unable to take part following his recent unfortunate traffic crash and all at ADAC wish him well on recovering very soon.
First finisher was the reliable Rory Longmore in an excellent time of 60:12 (and he was annoyed at not breaking the hour!) which earned an age-grade score of 81.08% and secured top spot in that category as well.
First lady was the equally consistent Liz Dawson in a time of 79:31 scoring 71.08%.
Looking at last year's times four runners improved on their performances: Rory, Ernie Bryden, Jonny Minto and Ruth Griffith, congratulations to each of you!
Finally it was great to see our evergreen Jim Buchanan enjoying the 30th anniversary run by taking his spot on the start line.
(Caroline Legg has posted a number of excellent action shots on her Facebook pages which readers will no doubt enjoy.)
Race no. 6
Dalbeattie Half Marathon
Conditions: Dry and warm with a strong breeze in places
Five members of ADAC took part in the Dalbeattie Half Marathon which was held on Sunday June 14th. The high temperatures of earlier in the week were luckily not continued to the weekend and conditions were good for the runners although in places the strong breeze was as much of a hindrance as the hilly roads used for the course.
Back on home ground Joe Boardman put in a storming run, finishing 3rd overall in a fantastic time of 1.26.10 and in the process claiming the ADAC course record for the event previously held by Steve Coleman from 2014. Rory Longmore pipped Andy Render to second place and also secured the age-grade points gaining 79.37% for his 1.28.07.
Ruth Griffith claimed the women's points with her time of 2.13.48.
Looking at the times from last year both Rory Longmore and Ernie Bryden were faster this year by a significant margin.
Race no. 5
Lockerbie 10k
Conditions: Dry and warm
Summer arrived with a bang on Tuesday 9th June as glorious weather welcomed a bumper field of 31 runners to Lockerbie for the 10k race, hosted for the 12th year by George & Linda Fraser and friends. This year as part of an experiment the course was tackled in the clockwise direction to see if the hills were any less steep in that direction, the result was probably what most were expecting!
At the front of the pack there was a battle of the ages with veteran Rory Longmore locking horns with young buck Angus Johnstone. On this ocassion experience prevailed but it is surely not long until Angus has success. Rory's winning time of 38.13 scored a fantastic 83.69% in age-grade and secured first in that category also.
First lady home was Emma Kerr (despite a sore ankle) in a time of 49.00 (apologies to Liz who had been announced as the winner after the race due to administrative incompetence by your correspondent!)
Looking at the 2014 times (for the anti-clockwise course!!) shows that three runners improved on their times this year - Andy Render, Richard Smith and George Fraser.
This was the third in the ADAC Challenge 5 series and so far 14 runners have done all three, the running averages are given on the table which can be found from the Seniors results page.
The next event is the Dalbeattie Half Marathon on the 14th of June, good luck to all entering this event.
Race no. 4
Kirkcudbright Half Marathon
Conditions: Dry, sunny and warm
Kirkcudbright Half Marathon was held 23rd May and 12 ADAC runners competed amongst a field of some 160. The event was blessed once again with good warm weather although some entrants may have wished for cooler conditions.
Rory Longmore continued his good recent form finishing first for the club in 1.25.17 and 12th overall. This scored him a superb 82.01% in age-grade which also secured top spot in that category. Liz Dawson led home in the Ladies Champs in 1.53.54 (69.78%).
A special mention to Gordon (Rrrrramos) Vivers who beat his time from 2014.
Full results of the race are now available on the http://kahm.org.uk website and the club scores have also been updated. (Note - The Age-Grade scores has now been updated - thankyou to everyone who got in touch!)
Race no. 3
Holywood Stroll
Conditions: Dry, sunny and very windy
(Missing from the photo Richard Smith and Ernie Bryden)
Ten ADAC members took their places at the start line amongst 177 entries for the 2015 Holywood Stroll on Tuesday night. The annual event is organised by Dumfries Running Club and once again was well officiated by all concerned. The runners were blessed by dry weather although the strong northerly wind enhanced the challenge especially for the first half of the race which was predominantly run directly into the wind.
First home on the night for ADAC was Rory Longmore who paced his run for home perfectly to pick off Andy Render then Joe Boardman in the last two miles. His time of 30.20 secured a superb 83.78% age-grade score to also secure first place in that competition. Liz Dawson made an impressive return to competition after her recent holiday to clock 39.13 and an age-grade score of 75.24%.
Comparing the 2014 times three ADAC members made improvements - Joe, Gordon Vivers and Alan Cameron all taking time off last year's performance despite the handicap of the windy conditions.
The next event is the Kirkcudbright Half Marathon on May 23rd. (Entry link is on our fixtures list)
(Note: Friend of the club Katie Stevenson also took place and upon receipt of Katie's membership her performance will secure Championship points.)
Race no.2
Hightae Thursday 30th April Conditions: Dry with scattered showers and sunny spells
The Lowdown from Hightae
Race 2 of the summer season took place on Thursday 30th April when 28 runners completed the Hightae 6 mile course. Once again the event was hosted by club stalwarts John and Jean Robson - our thanks to them for the timekeeping, course marking and post-race hospitality.
Thankfully the weather was again kind with the run completed without any rain showers and there were some noteworthy performances on the night.
First home on the night was Joe Boardman, in what is understood to be a course personal best of 38.06. However his age-grade score of 77.02% was not quite enough to see off the old master as Jim Buchanan reigned supreme in this category with 77.42% for his 50.57 run. The first lady home was Emma Kerr in 44.53 (66.57%).
Once again, looking back 12 months to the previous staging, five runners have improved their times - Andy Render, John Green, Alan Cameron, Gordon Vivers (off the back of his excellent marathon run in London at the weekend) and Richard Smith who has dropped a remarkable 6 minutes from last year.
Full results are now on the Seniors page. The next Championship event is the Holywood 5m on Tuesday 12th May, entries on the night from 6pm at the Nunholm Sports Centre with the race starting at 7pm. We hope to see another good show of ADAC vests.
Race no.1
Brydekirk Tuesday 21st April Conditions: Sunny 17c light breeze.
A Great Start to the Road Running Season
The 2015 Road Running Season kicked off on Tuesday 21st April with the 6.75 mile Brydekirk run, with 26 runners taking part. It was great to see a few new faces, some "well kent" faces not seen for a short while as well as the regular gang. In a slight change from previous years the route started and finished at the Everholm car park, which meant that there was a short steep run up the Battery to get started but helpfully introduced a fast downhill finish for those with the energy available.
Fastest on the night was Kev Plummer in 42.44 (age grade 78.28%) despite him claiming to be in taper for his crack at London at the weekend!! First lady was Janet Priestley with 56.17 (69.99% - so close!), whilst Rory Longmore took the age grade honours with his 43.11 scoring 80.73%.
Comparing 2014 times (which was run later in the season in August) for those that ran both runs show that several runners improved their times - Joe Boardman, Gordon Vivers, Andy Render, Peter Grant and Alan Cameron - well done to all !