Author Lisa Dalgliesh 11th November 2024
Saturday 09/11/2024 saw Gala Harriers Cross Country Championships and Neil Potts handicap followed by the AGM and presentation night.
This year the XC started with the steep climb on to the Southern Upland, descending to Yair and finishing on the flat along the river Tweed to Boleside. 26 runners took part and it was great to see some Joggers taking to the hills. The win went to Freddie, followed by Tim and Iain. Katie R led the ladies home followed by Kate J and Gill. The Neil Potts Handicap was won by Frankie, with Gillian A and Eileen N taking 2nd and 3rd. Thanks to Charlotte and team for organising.
On to the British Legion for the AGM. Club Chair Neil Christie reflected on another great year for the club with highest recorded membership and athletes running for the Borders, East of Scotland, Scotland and Great Britain. And special mentions for Gerry receiving the Eric Liddle Award and Gerry and Gillian T winning coach of the year and recognition for contribution to Disability athletics at Club Sport Ettrick and Lauderdale. Neil acknowledged all the committee members, coaches, parent helpers and race co-ordinators who, together, make the club function and the ongoing support of members and their families.
Club Together Officer Gerry has been in post now for ten years and reflected on how he has seen first-hand the positive impact athletics has on physical and mental wellbeing. Junior membership is at an all time high and Gerry continues to work with Primary Schools across the Borders on the Future Star Programme.
Office Bearers were elected as follows: Neil Christie: President. Tony Lunn: Treasurer. Eileen Nichol: Secretary. Club Welfare: Gillian Lunn. Press: Lisa Dalgliesh. Men’s Captain: James Dennison. Ladies’ Captain: Katie Rourke. Coach Co-ordinator: Gary Trewartha. General Committee members: Heather, Elodie, Anne P, Charlotte, Lizzie, Billy, Gerry joined by new members Frank and Julie D. Thanks to Gill Paterson for her years as secretary and outgoing captains Graeme and Joeleen. Post of Vice-President remains vacant should anyone wish to put themself forward.
Following the AGM Neil went on to celebrate numerous team and individual successes across track and field, XC, Hills, road races, marathons and some crazy ultra distances. Some highlights were Rory and Anya Campbell’s incredible Ultra feats; Marcus completing all of the 6 major marathons in under 2:40; Juniors James Cockburn and Rachel Grant taking National Silver medals in triple jump and 100/200 meters; Team Borders winning Division 1 of the Forth Valley League, Isla, Kirsty and Ava running for Scotland in the Junior Home International, Sara taking the gold in the Scottish Masters and running for Scotland at the Antrim 1/2, Gold and Silver for the Ladies’ Teams at the National Relays, Seb and Kacie taking 2nd in Scottish Jnr Hill Running League and Iain heading off to Maderia to run for GB in the European Masters Off-Road Champs . A record 9 athletes were selected to run for the East District this year.
Neil presented the awards for all the club races and the junior club championships – not detailed here as they have all been covered throughout the year.
On behalf of head coach Neil Renton Gillian presented the most improved junior athlete and the junior athlete of the year awards.
Most improved was Archie Dalgliesh who, as many of you will know, had a tough end to 2023 missing out on key XC races but with the club’s support he bounced back placing 8th in the National XC Champs at Falkirk (a huge improvement on 63rd the previous year), 6th in the National Young Athlete’s Road Race narrowly missing out on selection for London Mini Marathon and rounded the spring season off with a 3rd U15 placing in the National 5km Champs in just over 16 minutes. Well done Archie.
Junior Athlete of the Year was Isla Paterson – so much to summarise but here goes – in XC highlights are 1st and 2nd placings in the senior East XC League races, 2nd U20 by a stride at the National Short Course, East District U20 XC Champion, 2nd Scot in the European XC trials, outstanding 2nd place at National XC Champs, top 20 in the Inter Counties XC. Then to the hills – 3rd place in the European Trials resulted in Isla being the first Gala Harrier to ever be selected to run for Great Britain – she was 14th in Annecy and helped Scotland to a team silver. Isla along with Ava and Kirsty ran for Scotland in the Junior Home International in Ireland coming in 7th. And lastly another Scottish selection running just last month in the Trofeo Vanoni as part of a relay team against huge international competition the team secured a 7th place. Also noted that Isla has won every Borders Schools XC from P6 to S6 and she slipped in a bronze medal at last weeks National Short Course. Isla is now at University so was not here to get her award but got a huge round of applause.
On to the adults. Gary presented the Senior athlete of the year to Darrell Hastie, much like Isla it is hard to summarise his numerous achievements but here goes – 1st V40 and 3rd overall representing Scotland at the British and Irish XC masters, 1st MV40 and 12th overall at the East District XC Champs, 1st MV and 19th overall at the National XC Champs, 1st overall at the National XC trials (will be running for Scotland next week along with Julia, Sara and Marcus). Out of the mud Darrell won the Scottish Masters Marathon Gold completing the London Marathon in an incredible 2:24:41 and raced the best at the Antrim ½ coming in 43rd overall in 69:25. To roughly quote Gary “Darrell exemplifies dedication and commitment his achievements come from years of hard training. He is down to earth, humble, a great example to our juniors and an inspiration to all at the club”.
Tony then presented the award for most improved senior athlete to James Dennison. James is relatively new to the club and through hard work and determination, despite some injury setbacks, he has progressed his times achieving PBs over multiple distances from 1500, mile, 10km and ½ marathon. James secured a ballot place at next year’s London Marathon the hard training starting soon for this venture. James is a stalwart for club events, loves to race and loves his stats! His enthusiastic approach has secured him post of Men’s Captain. In the words of Tony “Just because you are getting on, you can improve with commitment!”
Anne and Charlotte presented the most improved jogger to Shenagh Simmons described as 100% dedicated, a support to all new joggers and a thoroughly great club member, Shenagh has knocked 7 minutes off her 5 km time and completed a number of 1/2marathon walking challenges.
Last award of the night the Endeavour Trophy was awarded to a very popular choice Bob Johnston. Bob, described as “an active and valued club member who can light up a room with jaw dropping consequences”, has undergone cancer treatment over the last year but has recently returned to racing competing at recent East and National Relay and League races and flashing his pants at the club XC today. Bob accepted the award with grace, a joke or two and some words of wisdom for our young athletes.
Neil went on to thank all the coaches, jog leaders, parent helpers and juniors who help at adapted athletics and run/jump and throw. Lastly Charlotte presented Gillian L with some flowers in recognition of her level of commitment to the club coaching 2- 3 nights a week, acting as junior race manager and her ongoing work as Club Welfare officer.
A lot to cover and could not possibly detail every achievement that was covered, so if you aren’t mentioned above you were most likely mentioned on the night!
Lastly a big thanks to Neil and the committee – you did a great job!
Photos show award winners Archie, Isla, Darrell, James, Shenagh and Bob J.
Author Lisa Dalgliesh 11th November 2024