Stornoway Running and Athletics Club

February 2002

The first of the club's monthly 5km road races of 2002 took place recently in conditions that could have hardly been better for February. The turn-out was also very encouraging as several club runners were unable to take part.

Domhnall Macdonald pleaded his case for an extraordinary handicap time of 27.5 mins. and therefore was scratch runner (i.e. first off). Nine other runners followed Domhnall over the next ten minutes including junior runner Niketta Ferguson and back marker Ross Munro.

The 5km route started at Smith Avenue to Sandwick Road, climbed up and beyond North Street before passing Plasterfield, then the final assault of Anderson Road and Goathill before the faster finish down Matheson Road and the flat of Springfield Road.

As the runners began to near the finish back at Smith Avenue it was looking like the handicapping times were almost spot on. Excepting the ridiculous 'bluff' of Domhnall that eventually proved to be almost four minutes faster than necessary! This rather kind 'handicap' took Domhnall across the line first in a rather good time of 23:47.

The next nine runners then came across the line tightly grouped, a mere 42 seconds apart! Murdo Macleod may have been the only runner with cause for complaint about his handicap time as he finished some time adrift from the rest of the field. But not knowing about the race he completed a 5.6 mile run round the Castle Grounds earlier in the day, and then jogged to the start perhaps making his run the most meritorious of the evening!

Much credit must be paid also to Niketta Ferguson. The youngster who seems to prefer the longer races ran very well finishing 3rd overall in a time of 26:22.

Club new boy Ruairidh Maciver surprised himself running down three others and finishing in 5th place in a time of 19:36.

PLACINGS:

1. Domhnall Macdonald
2. Tony Robson
3. Niketta Ferguson

FASTEST TIMES

Ross Munro 18:04
Ruairidh Maciver 19:36
Keith Bray 23:01

S.R.A.C. welcome anyone looking to improve their fitness at club sessions on Monday evenings at 7pm or Thursday at 6pm. 5km races usually take place on the first Monday of the month. Check notice board in Smith Avenue changing rooms. This could be the perfect start towards running the Stornoway Half Marathon or Half Marathon relay on May 4.