The Two Breweries Race between Traquair and Broughton is amongst one of the longest and toughest in southern Scotland. On the last weekend in September, enjoying glorious conditions and over a distance of 18 miles and total ascents of 4920 feet, Gala Harrier Fergus Johnston put in an amazing performance to come over the finishing line in second position in 2 hours 52 minutes, only 4 minutes behind the winning runner from Lochaber and ahead of a large quality field. There’s no catching Fergus these days – after his winning run over the Eildon Three Hills Race this year, there’s a spring in his step and not many who can stay with him.
Doing their best to keep up and putting in sterling efforts over the rugged terrain between the breweries were Tony Lunn (3.59.27) Marcus Taylor (4.01.44) Billy McCulloch (4.10/50) Joeleen McKeen (4.17.00) Fiona Dalgleish (4.25.09) Alan Johnston (5.12.27) Keith King (5.13.57) and James Purves (5.21.21).
Televised for the first time, getting Glasgow in the mood for the Commonwealth Games next year was the Nova Great Scottish Run, with junior, wheelchair, 10k and half marathon events right across last weekend. Anne Purves was delighted with her time of 60 minutes 50 seconds in the 10k.
… and Mark Bryson’s great result in last weekend’s Loch Ness Marathon: his time of 3 hours and 40 seconds, (not quite a personal best which is sub-3) nevertheless earned him 15th position in his age category and 62nd place overall, from almost 2,700 runners on the day.