Freezing Edinburgh Runners Rewarded with Sunshine

24 FEB2010

Jackets, tights, hats and gloves were the order of the day as 171 runners braved the freezing cold and frosty conditions to participate in the 18th staging of the Edinburgh parkrun on Saturday, February 20. Whilst some regulars missed the event to race in the Scottish National Cross Country Championships in the afternoon, those that did turn up were rewarded with the sight of the sun rising over the Firth of Forth as they ran along the scenic Silverknowes esplanade.

Mixed Fortunes

In a day of mixed fortunes, Andrew Douglas the Inverclyde runner finished more than 30 seconds slower than he did last week, however whilst he placed fourth then, this week he took Gold with a time of 16:00. Kiwi Jon Carpenter, representing Harmeny AC, improved his time by more than five minutes to place second, 30 seconds behind Douglas. Fife AC's Brian Cruickshank ran his worst time but earned his highest place, finishing third in 17:09.

Birthday Prize

One week before her 41st birthday maiden parkrunner, Janet Dunbar (Portobello AC) celebrated by winning Gold in a time of 18:48. Also participating in their first parkrun but a quarter of a century younger was Lucy Mitchell (JW15-19) of Falkirk Victoria Harriers who placed second with 20:32. In a good day for the Portobello club, Jenni Owens, (SW30-34) placed third in a time of 22:07.

WAVA

In the Age Graded competition, Brian Cruikshank's time of 17:09 equated to a performance of 82.02%

Individual Points

In the points competition non runners Iain Taylor and John Owens remain in first and second places, Taylor's points total of 1447 providing a lead of 378 points over second placed Owens. Robert Milton, who placed 30th, isn't far behind in third spot on 1040.
Pitreavie's super vet, Irene Miller leads the women's table by 308 points after finishing 16th woman in her 17th run. Non runner Mary Gibson sits in second place on 1168. Eirwen Campbell, who placed 12th woman in her 11th race, places third in the women's table on 839.

First Time Lu

A total of 36 newbies took part in the free weekly timed run including super veteran Lu Robertson (VW45-49) of Fraserburgh RC who completed the 5k in 27:02. After her run Lu said "This was my first parkrun, I really enjoyed it even though it was very icy underfoot. The organisers do such a great job."

Photos by Craig Lindsay and Douglas Grant