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FESTIVAL OF RUNNING 2004

6th/7th and 8th August

Points awarded for each event and results by the WAVA age grade system.

Competitors ready for the Fell Race, the last event of the weekend.

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

The event is a real challenge for even the fittest of runners. With four races over three days the hardest thing is to judge how to run fast yet keep that little something back for the next run. The results as last years were age graded which enabled all competitors to be on a level footing as they were racing their own age group world standard times this means that everyone has to work as hard as one another as the faster your time the better your percentage and those with the highest scores get the top points.

In total twenty runners from Moffat, Beattock, Gretna, Carlisle, Waterbeck, Hightae, Lockerbie, Twynolm and Annan took part.

It was a very hot and sticky Friday evening that met the athletes who turned out for the first event the one-mile track race on Annans Everholm.

In form Carl Heaven was first across the line in a very fine time of 4.32 but when the results were transferred to the age grade system it was super veteran Jim Buchanan’s time of 5.56 that took the honours proving that every second saved was going to be crucial. Roger Guy also a super veteran (over 55) took third position when his time of 5.53 was transferred. New member Paul Nicholson showed good track speed to come home in 5.56 .Louise Hopper was fastest lady in 6.17 and she was just beaten by yet another newcomer to the club Colin Christie who surprised himself with his time of 6.16.

Just over 45 minutes rest and the runners set off this time to run 3.75 miles over a cross country route on the banks of the River Annan.

Once again it was Carl Heaven who came into the home straight well ahead but pushing himself all the way, had he done enough this time to earn himself top marks with his excellent time of 18.50 giving him a score of 84.15%. ? Andy Fairgieve crossed in second place 23.16 just ahead of Roger 23.42 and John Robson 23.46 .Jim came into sight and was clearly working very hard all the way to the line to record a time of

24.20 just enough to receive a score of 85.34% and steal top marks from Carl. Yet again Roger had to be content with third place.

After a good nights rest Saturday morning arrived and with it came very warm muggy weather conditions not at all welcome for the competitors. Twelve people set out to complete the third run which was a road race starting and finishing at Gretna Green. The runners were set off in groups according to their ability to give the faster runners a target to chase in order to try to help them achieve a fast time but due to the heat and air humidity it was a tired and very hot bunch of runners who crossed the finish point six miles down the line. It was no surprise that Carl was fastest across the line in 32.51 from guest Darren Rook 35.35 but Jims third place and time of 38.57 was too good and gave him a clear lead going into the final day. Gillian Reid back from an injury layoff was the fastest lady coming home in 42.56.

Sunday morning and it was over to Moffat which 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. The competitors that had completed all three events so far were feeling slightly weary legged but they were eager to complete the final hurdle.

Fourteen in total set off on the scenic route across the Moffat hills. Carl crossed the tape ahead (21.51) well clear of Andy (26.18) and an excellent run by Roger in 27.38 gave him third place. John Robson (27.46) at home on the fells finished ahead of Jim (28.20) and Owen Brown (29.31). Guest Kenny Patterson was just behind them in 32.03. Jean Robson always enjoys the off road runs and was first of the females home in 33.13. John Murphy (35.38) worked just hard enough to beat Caroline Legg (36.07) who in turn left Gordon Rogerson (36.21) and Rachel Robson (36.22) to battle it out behind Gordon just winning the sprint finish. Alan Legg as usual enjoyed the scenery and thanks to guest Roy Anderton for taking part and supporting our event.

After some light refreshments it was time to add up the points and it was Jim Buchanan who was the overall winner again this year. Carl had to settle for second place but should be pleased with the excellent times he achieved and Roger Guy a newcomer to the club took a well-deserved third .

Well done also to Andy, John Murphy,Gordon and Caroline who along with the first three completed all four events.

The event was a huge success once again and thanks go to all competitors and helpers for their support.

FULL RESULTS WERE AS FOLLOWS: -