Dumfries Sports Club

The reconfigured Steven Unwin memorial 10k in Carlisle on Sunday was the venue for Dumfries Running Club’s championship race.

This meant that 18 club runners, many kitted out in club colours of maroon and pale blue for the first time, joined 319 others to take part in a re-established race, which has changed date and route in order to increase participation.

The early part of the route took runners from Sheepmount stadium into Rickerby Park with a steady climb over the M6 with a blustery headwind on the return route on the Brampton road back to Carlisle that slowed many runners, particularly those who had started off too fast in the flatter early sections.

Best placed and male club champion 2008 was Paul Hart in eighth in 36.54 in front of Sandy Shankland 15th in 38.33 and Ian Brown 17th in 38.53, who battled each other all the way with Sandy winning the prize overall as first supervet.

Mhairi Douglas, 43rd in 41.49, had a very strong run to claim the title as female club champion 2008 and she was well in front of Stephen Mohan who was 64th in 43.45.

Jim Grierson ran back into form in 73rd in 44.39 just in front of Jo Zakrzewski who had an excellent PB in 44.44.

David Breen did not particularly enjoy his run in 106th place in 46.47 but he was doubly pleased to have beaten perennial rival Frank Skachill by two places and six seconds.

Susan Gallagher produced an excellent time in 48.15 and pipped first supervet lady Liz Smart by four places and 20 seconds and Liz herself was just 10 seconds ahead of Maureen Dickson with all three well into the top half of the field.

Vicky Little was a bit down on her best in 52.47 and Margaret Gray and Susan Callander both gained excellent PBs while finishing together in 55.02.

Bill Love had another strong run finishing third in the over 65’s category in 57.58 and debutant Nicola Morrison thoroughly enjoyed her first club race in 63.03 just ahead of Susan Graham who had another PB in 64.44 minutes.

Five-kilometre fun run

Prospective entrants to the inaugural 5k fun run over the brand new Queen of the South viaduct tomorrow are reminded that registration will be at Dumfries Sports club at Nunholm from 9.15am with the run starting at 10am.

Entry will be free with donations accepted on behalf of the British Heart Foundation.

All finishers will receive a certificate and showers and refreshments are available at Nunholm after the race.

Entrants of all ages are welcome to take part.

Dumfries and Galloway Standard