Golden ladies at Vale of Leven

Jun 17 2009 by Jean Pedder, Stirling Observer Wednesday

CENTRAL Athletic Club’s Ladies swept to Team Gold medals in the Scottish 10 Kilometre Road Race Championships at Vale of Leven on Sunday.

Over a tough course it was Alison Docherty who led the team home in 36min 59secs also winning an individual Bronze medal in the Scottish Championship Race and cementing her second place in the Polaroid Eyewear 10K Series.

Both Fiona Thomson (39min 35secs) and Hazel Dean (41.10) ran determinedly to ensure that Central travelled home with the Gold medals.

Alastair Hay continues to chip away at his personal best times and brought his 1500 metres time down to 3min 44.43secs at the British Milers Club meeting at Watford on Saturday night.

Three of Central’s aspiring young athletes made the long trip to Snowdon on Sunday, June 14 to compete in the European Mountain Running Championships Trial for the UK Team.

Scott McDonald and Alex Hendry finished First and Second in the Junior Men's Race, hence guaranteeing their selection for the Great Britain team.

They both dictated the race and although Scott opened a gap at one stage Alex fought back battling to the end with Scott prevailing by just 9secs with a large gap back to Robbie Simpson of Banchory in third and Ricky Challinor of Liverpool fourth.

Catriona Buchanan was one of the youngest runners in the Junior Women’s race and found the course a bit short for her liking finishing eleventh overall but will have gained invaluable experience for the future.

Ross Houston was another to continue his successful season with a tasty 24min 30secs in the Corstorphine five mile Road Race on Wednesday June 10 breaking the previous course record in second place to Altrincham’s Andy Norman (24.28) but well ahead of the rest of the field.

The Dechmont Law 2.5K Trail Fun Run was held over an undulating course in Livingston on June 14 with the talented Roisin Bonucci taking first place in 8min 54secs.

An improved run from Michael McCabe (8.59) saw him come through in second place while debutant Graham Bruce (10.23) also showed good form in third.