Falkland Trail Runners make their mark in a record field

Falkland Trail Runners sent a compliment of six male runners for the first time since the club was formed three years ago.

Although they didn’t find themselves among the medals, it was an exposure from which the club can build upon for next cross country season which commences later this autumn.

Nic Brew lead the squad home finishing 209th, covering the 10k three lap course in 43 mins 33 secs.

Tom Ashton was just a second behind finishing 210th in 43.33.

Alex Jarrett was 339th in 47.12 supported with Mark Western 436th 49.44; Brent Hardie 512th, 54.34 and Keith Bonthrone 514th 59.22.

In the team competition FTR finished in 38th place.

A total of 647 runners completed the course with the individual senior men’s and women’s titles going to Callum Hawkins (Kilbarchan AC) and Morag MacLarty (Central AC).

The Glentress Trail Race Challenge at the Tweed Valley saw five club members compete over the four races.

Bill Duff contested the Friday evening 10k race.

Donning head torches the 97 competitors complete the 10k course with Bill taking second over 60 prize finishing in 1 hr 1 min 32 secs.

Not content with that he competed in the corresponding 10k event on Saturday morning when in daylight hours he assisted club colleague Kerry Spence along the same route finishing 187th in 1hr 30 mins 20 secs with Kerry a mere one second behind.

A further three Skwelz finished the 21k event with Derek McDonald leading the trio home posting a time of 2hrs 24 mins 17 secs to finish 125th from 394 finishers.

Hennie Viksten was 35th in 3.03.40 and Lizzie Dyson 36th 3.21.09.

Karen Campbell was the club’s sole representative in the 42k event which saw 45 runners pull out of the event at the half way stage. Karen crossed the line in 7hrs 32 mins. 23 secs to place 174th.

Sunday morning saw the conclusion of the PB Timing ‘Trail Busters Series’ at Balbirnie Park, Markinch,

After one lap there was little to separate the main contenders with Jonathan Peebles (PH RacingClub) , Alan Budd (Scottish Fire Service) and FTR’s Tom Ashton, fresh from his endeavours the previous day establishing their intent by breaking away leaving Chris Russell (Leven Las Vegas) with some work to do to catch the trio. As the second lap unfolded, Peebles was first to complete the 2 lap course including muddy uphill drives and stream crossings just holding off current leader Alan Budd with Russell finishing a fine third.Julie Menzies (BMF Dunfermline) was first female finisher in 26 mins 50 secs with FTR’s Zoey Johnston second in 28.05.

A total of 121 runners completed the three races in the series, overall results were, Male 1st Alan Budd 1.00.47; 2nd Jonathan Peebles (PH Racing Club) 1.01.14; 3rd Chris Russell (Leven Las Vegas) 1.01.33

Female:- 1 Julie Menzies (BMF Dunfermline) 1.10.18; 2nd Zoey Johnston FTR 1.14.18; 3rd Hailey Marshall (STAART) 1.17.13.A couple of FTR members picked up category prizes, Paul Sutherland took first male over 65, fourth overall in 1hr 23 mins 30 secs. with Rosie Lee securing first female over 55 in 1:28.40.