Posted in News, Race Reports on Dec 24, 2021
❄️ "It's the most wonderful time of the year," said no one ever while running the second mile of our classic hilly 2-mile time trial route. That said, there was a large amount of festive fun and cheer on display at our annual Mince Pie Handicap held on Sunday in the stunning surroundings of Pollok Park!
📏 The 2-mile measured course proved to be a worthy challenge for the 34 participants comprised of club members and former members, and was cheered over the line by family & friends of the club!
📊 The much-anticipated handicap race format allowed Matt Brown to work his usual magic which ensured that members finished nearby. John Softley, one of the Harriers long-standing members, was first up and started the race in cold, dry conditions which were conducive to fast times. All athletes were lined up behind John, based on their anticipated finish times which progressed through the route until Robbie Ferguson took up the last position in the line.
🔁 The course is a bit of a lasso loop - the first mile out being a relatively flat section winding down to Pollok House, where the course doubles back on itself to the start of the second undulating mile which includes a long and punishing 800-metre uphill stretch that is a much-dreaded feature of the route. Before dropping down and joining back onto the original start route for a fast 500-meter finish outside the clubhouse.
🏃 With 150 metres to go, Iain Buckley hit the front passing Jacqueline Glass who ran strongly to the finish to hold off the fast-finishing David Eames.
⏱ Kristina Greig recorded the fastest ladies time of 12:41 and Robbie Ferguson’s stunning 9:33 was the fastest time recorded for over 15 years 🤩!
🥧☕️ Following the event, members congregated outside at the club's gazebo for refreshments and the traditional mince pie!
