Annan & District Athletic Club    

           
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A.D.A.C. Running Festival. 

 8/9/10th August. 2003

Competitors  awarded points for each event completed

 and results  by the WAVA  age grade system

Competitors ready for a strenuous weekend

                              

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Start of the final run . - Into the Moffat Hills 

The first ever ADAC Running Festival was held in the region at the weekend.

The event was going to be a real challenge for even the fittest of runners. With four races over 

three days the hardest thing was likely to be how to run fast yet keep that little something back

 for the next run. The results were age graded which enabled all competitors to be on a level

 footing as they were racing their own age group times and it also meant  that everyone had to 

work as hard as one another. It was a very hot and sticky Friday evening that met the fourteen

 runners who came to take part in the first event the one mile track race on Annans Everholm.

ADAC s Mark Whitelaw was first across the line in a fine time of 4.41 but when the results

 were transferred to the

age grade system it was super veteran Jim Buchanan’s time of 6.06 that took the honours

 proving that every second saved was going to be crucial.One hours rest and the fourteen

 runners set off again this time to run 3.75 miles over a cross country route on the banks of 

the River Annan.  Once again it was Mark Whitelaw who came into the home straight ahead 

pushing hard all the way, had he doneenough this time to earn himself top marks, he could

 only stand and wait and watch as behind him there was a real battle brewing between Jim, 

John Murphy and new ADAC member Gillian Reid neither would give an inch which 

was driving the three of them to a real good time. Sure enough when the results were 

converted Jim was yet again the victor.

After a good nights rest Saturday morning arrived and brought with it what had to be the 

hottest day of the year in our region this was not at all a welcome condition for the athletes,

 in fact only eight people set out to complete the third run which was a six mile road race 

at Gretna Green. It was going to be a real struggle for everyone and no fast times were going

 to be set that was for certain however they all somehow managed to get to the finishing line

 and although Jims time of 38.57 was changed into a winning 86.16% all competitors 

deserved a big pat on the back for getting a time at all!

Thankfully it was a much fresher morning that greeted the runners on the final day Sunday 

.Moffat was the venue for the 3.5 mile fell race and although it was a climb of only 550 feet

 –not much for the experienced fell racers- it was going to pose a bit of a challenge for those

 not familiar with the hills. Although the eight competitors that had completed all three events

 so far were feeling slightly weary legged they were eager to complete the final hurdle.

 Maps were handed out to study the route before hand in the hope that no one got lost 

especially Gordon as he did not want the embarrassment of son Paul (who is part of the 

mountain rescue team) being called out to find him!  Eventually thirteen in total set off on 

the scenic route across the Moffat hills. Mark Whitelaw again crossed the tape ahead but

 only by a few seconds fell runners Roger Irving and Dougie Brown had dug deep to close

 the gap . Owen Brown and Lee Price both suffering a bit from injuries recorded good

 times and Gillian yet again had an excellent run chasing Jim all the way to the line earning

 him another age grade first position. Gordon had no problems in his navigation and there

 were super performances from the Robson family who have an orienteering background.

 The less than tough roadrunners Caroline Legg and John Murphy struggled around but

 managed to get in just before the search parties were launched making it all back safe 

and sound.  After some light refreshments it was time to add up the points and it was no

 surprise to learn that Jim Buchanan was the well deserved Festival winner at the age of

66 he continues to run as fast as he ever did and is an inspiration to everyone in the club.

A big thank you to all the competitors and helpers for making the event such a success

 also to the after race refreshments provided by the venue hosts which were most 

welcome. Lets hope the festival will become an annual event in the ADAC calendar.

                           Roger                         Mark                                Jim

                       Jim                          Dougie

FULL RESULTS WERE AS FOLLOWS: -