Alloa Course Record Smashed!

24 MAR2010

Almost 1,000 runners took part in the well organised 28th Alloa Half Marathon held in the Clackmannanshire town on Sunday, March 21. The weather was favourable to fast times and the runners didn't disappoint with many recording personal bests and Tsegezab Woldemichael earning £1,000 for smashing the 14 year old course record by finishing in an amazing time of 01:04:51.

Going into the lead from the gun Tsegezeab Woldemichael had only his Eritrean compatriot Tewoldeberhan Mengisteab for company over the first part of the race. Going through six miles in 29.18 and ten miles in 49.17 a fast time was always on the card as he piled on the pressure. His final time of 64.41 was 50 seconds inside the old record and over two minutes in front of his fellow Shettleston Harrier Mengisteab, who finished in 67.23. Neither of the Eritreans recorded a PB and Perth's Mike Carroll equalled his 2007 PB to earn bronze with 01:08:17.

In the veteran's race Arbroath's Stuart Campbell won the Male Vet 40+ race with a time of 01:12:43; Carnegie Harrier Ian Stewart won the Male Vet 50+ in 01:17:32 and Lothian RC's Scott Balfour the Male Vet 60+ race in 01:25:05

Master Matheson's Fastest Finish

One month before her 49th birthday Scottish Veteran Harrier Fiona Matheson ran the race of her life to win the women's race and record a PB of 01:17:49. Edinburgh AC's Jennifer Maclean, who collected silver at last week's Kilomathon repeated the feat, running a PB of 01:18:20 to earn second. Collette Fagan of Victoria Park/City of Glasgow placed third with a time of 01:18:33.

In the veteran's race Edinburgh AC's Nathalie Christie placed first Female Vet 35+ with a time of 01:25:43; Dundee Road Runner Morag Taggart won the Female Vet 50+ race with 01:33:23 and Perth Road Runner Fiona Hair won the Female Vet 60+ race in 01:52:58

Good Time for Locals

The first local male was Central AC's Will Hensman who finished in a time of 01:19:56. Wee County Harrier Millie Burt was the first local female, completing the 13.1 miles in 01:25:32.

All finishers received a well deserved medal, a t-shirt and enviromentally goody bag. Well done to all that completed, supported and organised the wee county event.

Photos by Barry Davies

Video Here

Results and Event Web Site