No Hue and Cry in Coatbridge as Johnston and McCallum take Gold

20 OCT2009

Ian Johnston (41) who earned the silver medal at last month's British Master Athletics Federation 10,000m Championships in Oxford, went one better at the Scottish equivalent by winning the Scottish Veteran Harriers' Andrew Forbes Memorial 10,000m track race held in Coatbridge on Sunday, October 18. The Shettleston Harrier's Scottish time was down by three and a half seconds from his British performance but still good enough to earn gold in 33:52, eight seconds ahead of Carnegie's Ian Stewart (52) who earned second place and a new PB with a time of 34:56. Hamilton's Andrew McLinden (58) also ran a personal best to claim third place with a time of 35:54.

In the women's race Clydesdale Harrier Marina McCallum (38) earned gold with a PB of 42:18, forty-one seconds ahead of Kirkintilloch Olympians Marie McChord (50) in second place with a PB of 42:59 and Ada Stewart (46) in third place.

Colin Feechan of Ronhill Cambuslang, who finished in sixth place with a PB of 36:36, told www.scottishrunningguide.com:

"I thought that this was an excellent race for vets of all ages whether they were going for a PB or just competing within their own age category, and it was exemplified by the camaraderie shown by fellow runners as they passed or were passed throughout the race during the 25 laps. The race was free and changing facilities and hot showers were provided, as were post race tea and biscuits and the customary SVHC snowballs. I'd recommend SVHC membership to all runners aged 35 and over."

Falkirk Victoria's Hugh McGinley (82) closed the race held in the 'Best Small City in Scotland' and hometown of Pat and Hugh Kane (Hue and Cry) finishing 35th with a time of 1:03:35.