Stornoway Running and Athletics Club
Round The Wheel 2007
Following the success of last year’s run staged at the Willowglen Waterwheel SRAC by popular demand from within the ranks, staged the second running of round the wheel races!
There were a total of four races, two 2 lap runs, a one lap dash and a combined 3 and 4 lapper!
As with last year there was a good mix of the full range of ages running form “Tony the Tank Engine”, (now showing signs of rust) to the young Connor MacLean who still had energy to complete his 1 lap dash, having all ready climbed every embankment in site and explored most areas of the distant thicket of the Willowglen surrounding Latta’s restored mill!
From the 2 lap races there were fantastic efforts by the boys in the second race, who’ve now been training as a group for at least a couple of years now. Rivalry was fierce and there was no let-up on effort as Calum raced his twin Uilleam into second and close behind Sean MacLeod was not for letting Calum Spearman Robertson cross the line ahead of him! In the end a dead heat with the same time of 6minutes 37 for the 1,710 metre course. The fastest 2 lap time however went to Calum Lawson who clocked 6miutes 18 and Jane MacIver put in the best effort from the girls with a time of 7minutes 04.
However the winner of Round the Wheel is not determined by the fastest time or first across the line and after the 2 lap race the leader was Allison MacInnes. Allison had predicted a finish time of 8mins and 30 and completed the course in 8mins 23 and therefore her 7 second difference between guessed and actual time achieved was the nearest “guestimated” time!
In the combined 3 and 4 lap race the young and old(er) combined. Would any one be lapped? Couldn’t possibly comment! There was a great front battle with Robbie Gregg and coach Ross; Robbie determined to blitz the ‘ol guy! But possibly unknowing to Robbie at the end of the third lap Ross crossed the line and stopped running! Robbie however had 1 more lap to do! Was he waiting to overtake in the approach to the finish of the last lap – we’ll never really know! But Robbie put in a fine 4 lap run ahead of Ollie Cook and Bill (Mr SRAC) Ferguson. Tony it should be noted “guesstimated” his time for 3 laps at 17mins 30 – BUT was in fact 4 mins 16 faster, handicap setters, BE WARNED! Robbie having put in the quickest 4 laps also was the nearest to his estimated time, but 20 seconds wasn’t near enough to beat C Spearman Robertson’s 12 seconds.
The final run involved the youthful future of SRAC who patiently (well not that patiently) waited for their 1 lap dash. The 1 lap was also run by Karina and Agnes who rose the average age to perhaps twelve or thirteen? Still with enough energy to run following climbing and general adventuring was Connor MacLean, with 3mins 47 for the 900metres. Connor also guessed his run time to 7 second of his actual time and therefore was the boy’s winner. Well done to Connor and Allison for their good runs and predicted times, a trophy is coming to a presentation near you both some time soon!
The evening continued with music provided by Ollie and a nice BBQ organised by Agnes and cooked by a combination of Mary Munro and John Angus MacLeod of the Tolsta Mafia! Marsali was time keeper, Lesley paparazzi and the Back Mum’s cheer leaders. Well done all it was another good craic event.
This was also Ollie’s last club event as he now heads off to the mainland to continue his teaching career in Leith - Water of Leith half anyone? SRAC wish Ollie and Fiona all the best in the future and best wishes for the “big day” on July 14th! SRAC will miss Ollie’s enthusiastic contributions!
Time Estimates
Allison MacInnes 7 seconds
Connor MacLean 7 seconds
Karina Murray 11 seconds
Calum Robertson 12 seconds
Calum Lawson 13 seconds
La Liga Points
1. Agnes MacIver 25pts
2. Bill Ferguson 22pts
3. Ross Munro 20pts
4. Ollie Cooper 19pts
5. Tony Robson 18pt
6. Gavin Earons 1pt (for turning up and eating a burger!