Action from the National XC Championships. Photo: Michael Philp Photos
Entries have opened for our 10k road race, being held on Saturday 13th May 2023. Pre entry is on Si Entries or limited places will be available on the day. Come and join us for our “undulating” course with the best marshals around and some delicious home baking at the finish line!
This month we have been busy with cross country races, attending the Borders XC Series at Galashiels, Hawick and Chirnside amongst others. A massive 26 of us turned out for the race at Gala, including 4 of our junior members aged 9-12, all enjoying mud, mud and more mud!
Our ladies’ team at the Scottish National XC Championships took 22nd place with great running from Tracy Philp, Julie Hand, Zoe Robertson, Helen Osman, Gemma Towersey and Angela Graham. Our mens’ team placed 42nd — well done to Allan Jamieson, Allan Dunbar, Daniel Calvert, Ross Nicol, Duncan Ball and David Waldie.
Over in Falkirk, 8 of our die-hard members took part in a 7 hour ultra, running as many laps of Callendar Park as possible within the 7 hour window. A huge well done to all – Michelle Young ran 66k, Tracy Philp 60.7k, Lori Macrae 57.3k, Kieran Smith and Scott Walker 54k, Edite Gailite 47.2k, Susie Maxwell 40.5k, and Vicky Lyon 27k. Kieran and Susie were “lucky” enough to count this as their “marathon a month” which Kieran is doing to raise funds and awareness for the charity Steps to Hope (helping people recovering from addictions), while Susie is just running for the fun of it!!
In social news, we celebrated retired coach Bill Bennet’s 88th birthday with a gift of afternoon tea from club member Melanie Dunbar at Brew 52 – check out the Brew 52 Facebook page for further (delicious!) details. Several easy-paced social runs were arranged by club members, and a pub quiz is planned for later in March at Penicuik Cricket Club, where we will battle for best team over some light refreshments.
If you are looking to join a lovely running community, our regular weekly training sessions are Tuesdays (speed sessions 7:15pm at the Biocampus loop in the Bush estate) and Thursdays (hill reps 7pm at Bellman’s Road, Penicuik). All sessions cover a wide range of pace/ability and qualified coaches and jog leaders are on hand for guidance. You are welcome to come along and try a session before you join, you will be made very welcome. Please get in touch by email to secretary@penicuikharriers.org.uk to let us know you plan to come or for more information.
You can also explore on our club website and Facebook page where you will find lots of useful information.
Great initiative Allan