London Marathon 2022 Club Ballot Now Open

Motherwell AC has one club place for this year’s London Marathon. Club members who were unsuccessful in the main public ballot may enter the club ballot (subject to requirements) for a second chance to gain a place. The ballot is now open, and will remain open until midnight on Wednesday 13th April. The draw will take place at the start of Senior Endurance training on Tuesday 19th April.


For full details, please check the club website (https://motherwellac.com/club/london-marathon/).

Last Call For LAAA XC Entries

As previously notified, the Lanarkshire AAA Cross-Country Championships will be held on Saturday 12th February. The venue will be Kirklandpark Primary School, Strathaven. Junior races commence at 11.10am. The senior race will commence at 1pm, and will be 6.4km.


Entry is free for Scottish Athletics members (£2 otherwise). Senior endurance athletes wishing to enter should email or private message Alan Strang (alanstrang@motherwellac.com) by Wednesday 26th January. Please also indicate your date of birth, as this is required on the entry form. Junior athletes should speak to their coach.


National XC Championships 2022


The National XC Championships will be held at Callendar Park, Falkirk, on Saturday 26th February. The deadline for entering is Thursday 10th February. It would be fantastic to see a great MAC turnout to finish the cross-country season.


https://scottishathletics.sportserve.net/pages/event/athletics/athleticsbookingdetails.aspx?id=11584


Clubs entering are asked to provide two marshalls to assist on the course. If you are not intending to run and are able to marshall on the day, please let Alan Strang as soon as possible.

LAAA XC Championships 2021

The delayed Lanarkshire AAA Cross-country Championships for 2021 will be held on Saturday 12th February. The venue will be Kirklandpark Primary School, Strathaven. This was the venue the last time this championship was held, back in November 2019, and a great location it turned out to be. The senior race (male and female combined) will commence at noon, and will be 6.4km.


Coming just two weeks before the National XC in Falkirk, this would be a great sharpener for that event. It would also make a lower-key debut for anyone wanting to try their first cross-country race. Indeed, due to the late announcement of this event, it will not be included in the club’s cross-country championship. So, in that respect, the pressure is off. But there ARE still LAAA XC medals up for grabs.


Entry is free for this race. Senior endurance athletes wishing to enter should email or private message Alan Strang (alanstrang@motherwellac.com) by Wednesday 26th January. Please also indicate your date of birth, as this is required on the entry form.

SENIOR ENDURANCE CROSS COUNTRY – NOVEMBER UPDATE

National Short Course XC Championships – Saturday 6th November


Fifteen senior endurance athletes will travel to Lanark Racecourse on Saturday to participate in the National Short Course XC Championships. Among them will be David Gardiner, defending the National M50 crown he won in Kirkcaldy in 2019. Best wishes to all representing MAC at the weekend.


West District XC Championships – Saturday 4th December


Entries remain open for the West District XC Championships, to be held at Balloch Country Park. They remain open until Thursday 18th November. Full details and booking link at:


https://scottishathletics.sportserve.net/pages/event/athletics/athleticsbookingdetails.aspx?id=11577

Senior Endurance Cross Country Championship 2021-22

Details of the upcoming Senior Endurance Cross Country Championship can be revealed. Not all ‘traditional’ XC races have been announced – no Lanarkshire AAA event – so the championship will be slightly shorter than normal. It will consist of a series of five races: two team relays and three individual races.


CHAMPIONSHIP RACES:


09/10/2021: West District Cross Country Relay Championships, Alexandra Park Sports Hub, Glasgow – details here


23/10/2021: National Cross Country Relay Championships, Scone Palace, Perthshire – details here


06/11/2021: Short Course Cross Country Championships, Lanark Racecourse, Lanark – details here


04/12/2021: West District Cross Country Championships, Maryhill Park, Glasgow – details here


26/02/2022: National Cross Country Championships, Callendar Park, Falkirk – details here


RULES:


Three points are awarded for participation in the West District XC Relays and the Scottish National XC Relays.


Points are scored according to finishing times for the individual races – 6 points for the fastest time, 5 points for second fastest, and so on, with 1 point for sixth. All subsequent finishers also score one point.


All races shall count towards your total. There are separate male and female championships.


ENTRIES OPEN:


With that in mind, entries for the first race of the season – West District Cross Country Relay Championships – ARE NOW OPEN. Full details are available here. Please note the affiliation rules regarding Scottish Athletics membership.


It should be stressed that you do not need to be amongst the fastest to participate. This is about representing the club, racing hard, and having a lot of fun with your teammates. The more the merrier!


Entries for the team relays are performed by the club. So if you want to take part, please let Alan Strang (alanstrang@motherwellac.com) know and arrange payment of a £5 deposit. This can be paid in person, by bank transfer, or by PayPal. Only once this deposit has been paid is your place in the squad confirmed. This deposit will be refunded on the day of the race.


Our closing date for entries is Tuesday 21st September.

Senior Endurance 3000m Track Championship 2021

Saturday 18th September 2021


OVERVIEW:


The 3000m Track Championship is an annual race for Senior Endurance, held during the club’s Track & Field Championships. After a year’s absence, the race returns for 2021. It is the culmination of the summer track training block, and gives members one last chance to push themselves around the track. Prior attendance at track training is not required, however, and ALL members are invited and encouraged to participate in this traditionally competitive race. A large attendance would be great to see.


This will be a scratch race, but finishing times will also be age-adjusted afterwards. In that way, prizes can be awarded to the male and female race winners, as well as to those who score most highly for their age. The track championship trophies will be awarded to the scratch race winners. Medals will be awarded to the top three male and female runners in the age-graded results.


Please make every effort to attend this event and support your club.


ELIGIBILITY:


Only current members of Motherwell AC [on LoveAdmin] and approved ‘trialists’ can participate. Only current members of Motherwell AC can be awarded prizes.


ON THE DAY:


This event will be the club training session for Saturday 18th September. Please meet at the track at Wishaw Sports Centre (Alexander Street, ML2 0HQ). Registration for the race will be from 9.30am, with the race starting at 10.00am prompt.


Please wear your MAC vest. If you do not have one, please make this known in advance so something can be sorted out.


Drinks and snacks will be provided after the conclusion of the race, so no need to rush off.

MAC Senior Endurance Relays – The Teams

Saturday 7th August 2021

 

REVISED TEAMS:

The teams have been formed for this Saturday’s MAC Team Relays. It is hoped they will be even closer matched than the ones from May.

 

Team Jamaica (Yellow): Craig Morris, David Hoolaghan, Paul Burns, Ross McLean

Team Netherlands (Orange): Alan Strang, David Gardiner, Scott Dickson, Tommy Sneddon

Team Ethiopia (Green): Alastair Loudon, Graeme Kennedy, Neil Richardson, Phyllis Hands

Team Kenya (Red):  Iain Campbell, Jim Scougal, Marcus Whyte, Scott Kelman

Team Poland (White): Alan Main, Charlotte Hands, Emma Morris, Jonathan Moore

Reserve: John Hughes

 

RUNNING ORDER:

It is up to each team to decide on its running order. The only requirements are that each team member runs at least one leg, and each team must run four legs. So for incomplete teams, team members may run additional legs in order to complete the relay.

 

NON-ENTRANTS:

Members who did not enter are still welcome to participate in the session. They will be used to make up any incomplete teams, replace injured runners, or make up their own team on the day with other non-entrants. Alternatively, they can run a timed two miles for the individual challenge.

 

ROUTE:

The route will be a mini version of the Strathclyde parkrun and can be viewed here.
https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1537352
Pay attention to the ‘parkrun turning loop’ next to the playpark on the far side of the loch.

 

START TIME:

This event will be the club training session for Saturday 7th August. Please meet at the Strathclyde Park Watersports Centre by 9.30am. The action will commence at around 9.50am, and certainly by 10am.

 

ON THE DAY:

Please make every effort to wear your MAC vest. If you do not own a vest, please let this be known and something can hopefully be sorted out.

 

If you can also bring some safety pins for the home-made race numbers (colour coded by team), that would be appreciated. Safety pins will be made available for those who do not have them.

 

HELPERS:

Joe Hoolaghan, Brian McLinden and John Hughes will kindly help on the day to ensure everything goes to plan.

MAC Senior Endurance Relays – 2 Miles

Saturday 7th August 2021


OVERVIEW:

The fourth MAC Team Relays for Senior Endurance take place next month. This will be exactly the same as the event back in May that seemed to go down well. So participating athletes will be formed into teams, and each team member has to run one leg of two miles. First team home wins.


ELIGIBILITY:

Only current members of Motherwell AC [on LoveAdmin] and approved ‘trialists’ can participate.


ENTRIES:

Anyone wishing to participate (or to help out on the day) should indicate in the MAC Members Facebook group or send an email to alanstrang@motherwellac.com. The closing date for entries will be midnight on Tuesday 3rd August.


TEAMS:

Participating athletes will then be formed into teams with the intention to make all teams as similar in overall ability as possible. Teams will be announced by Thursday 5th August. Team size will ideally be 4, but this depends on the overall number of participants.


RUNNING ORDER:

It is up to each team to decide on its running order. The only requirements are that each team member runs at least one leg, and each team must run four legs. So for incomplete teams, team members may run additional legs in order to complete the relay.


NON-ENTRANTS:

Members who do not enter prior to the deadline are still welcome to participate. But by not entering they cannot be placed in the initial team allocation. Instead, they will be used to make up any incomplete teams, replace injured runners, or make up their own team on the day with other non-entrants. In the worst case scenario, they can run the two miles for the individual challenge.


ON THE DAY:

This event will be the club training session for Saturday 7th August. Please meet at the Strathclyde Park Watersports Centre by 9.30am. The action will commence at approximately 9.50am, and certainly by 10am.


Please make every effort to wear your MAC vest. If you do not have one, please make this known so something can be sorted out.


If you can also bring some safety pins for the home-made race numbers, that would be appreciated. Some will be made available, but possibly not sufficient for all.


ROUTE:

The route will be a mini version of the Strathclyde parkrun and can be viewed here: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1537352

Upcoming Events for Senior Endurance

Senior Endurance members have enjoyed some internal club competition recently, such as the relays and the team challenge. The action continues over the next few months. In addition to the monthly Time Trial Championship, here are some dates for your diary.


Tuesday 20th July – Pace Judgement Session


This is not an ‘event’ as such, but unusual enough to warrant a mention. Predict your time for the 4-mile route and then see how close you can get to it. No watches or phones will be allowed. Who will be closest?


Saturday 31st July – John Lucas Memorial Relay


Senior endurance is looking to enter one or more teams into this Strathaven-based 46-mile relay event.


Tuesday 17th August – MAC Team Relays – 2 mile (TBC)


The popular relay event from May returns; this time on a Tuesday to avoid any possible parkrun clash.


Saturday 18th September – Senior Endurance 3000m Championship Race


Traditional annual track race for Senior Endurance, held during the T&F Club Championship event at Wishaw.


Saturday 16th October – MAC Team Challenge – 5k (TBC)


June’s 5k Team Challenge is back. If parkrun has returned, our challenge will be done as part of that. Otherwise, we will do our own thing again.

John Lucas Memorial Relay 2021

There is growing interest within Senior Endurance to enter one or more teams in this year’s John Lucas Memorial Relay, to be held on Saturday 31st July. Teams of five will tackle the 46-mile route, starting and finishing in Strathaven, and including a traversal of the Whitelee Windfarm.


If you would like to put your name forward for consideration and haven’t already done so, please a) reply to the post in MAC Members, b) let David Gardiner know, or c) send an email to alanstrang@motherwellac.com.


Full details are available at https://www.entrycentral.com/strathavenJLM but entries will be co-ordinated by David.

MAC Senior Endurance 5k Team Challenge

Tuesday 15th June 2021


OVERVIEW:

Following a successful team relay event last month… June sees something different. A team challenge. What’s that? Well, rather than team members running in sequence, everyone will set off at the same time and run the same distance. Like a race! The scoring system will allow a winning team to be determined. It is just a bit of fun, though, an excuse to push yourself over the 5k distance.


SCORING:

Points will be awarded to runners based on finishing position. First runner home scores 1 point for their team, second scores 2 points, etc. Points will be totalled up for each team with lowest total winning. So, to be clear: finishing position is key, not time.


TEAMS:

Attending members will be split into one of three teams at the start of the session using an ‘old school’ method. Coloured stickers will be provided to be worn front and back, to make team identification easy during the race.


ELIGIBILITY:

Only current members of Motherwell AC [on LoveAdmin] and approved ‘trialists’ can participate. All are encouraged to participate, regardless of ‘pace’. Everyone is welcome.


ENTRIES:

No pre-entries are required for this event. Anyone wishing to participate should just turn up to training on Tuesday as normal.


START TIME:

This event will be the club training session for Tuesday 15th June. Please meet at the Strathclyde Park Watersports Centre at 6.30pm. The action will commence after teams have been formed and everyone has had an opportunity to warm-up.


ROUTE:

The route to be used will be the Strathclyde parkrun route.

Good luck Sophie!

At Motherwell Athletics Club we always want to help our members achieve their full potential,
not only in regards to their athletic performances but in everything they do.


Such is the case for Sophie Hall, who has recently been awarded a summer internship in
London and will pause her club membership while she is away.


“I’m currently in my 4th year at Strathclyde University studying a Masters in Product Design
Engineering. I’m going down to London for a 3 month summer internship at SharkNinja. They
make hoovers/kitchen appliances etc – you will have heard of them. I will be working as an
Advanced Development Product Design Engineer and I am really looking forward to the
experience, both professionally and socially.”


This is a fantastic opportunity for Sophie and although we will miss her at the club, we wish her
every success with the internship after which she is returning to Strathclyde to complete her
Masters degree.

MOTHERWELL AC SENIOR ENDURANCE RELAYS – REPORT

A bright but breezy morning at Strathclyde Park saw 26 MAC athletes take part in the MAC Team Relays. Following two virtual events earlier in the year, this event was the real thing. Six teams of four (plus one of two) lined up at the start, with each team member having to run a two-mile leg.


Scott Dickson (B) – a winner of both virtual relay events – opened up a small lead during the opening leg, leading Neil Richardson (D) by 16 seconds. Brian McLinden (F) was 14 seconds further back. Steven McCaw (E) came home 4th. Gayle Samson (C) and Charla Hands (A) were close throughout, but it was the former who completed her leg first.


Into the second leg, and a strong run from Miranda Richmond (F) saw her reel in Phyllis Hands (D) and John Burns (B) to put her team into the lead. John dug deep, however, and ensured the gap was only 3 seconds. How important could that run turn out to be? A great run from Douglas Samson (E) saw his team reach the half-way point in 3rd. Alastair Loudon (C) showed real pace as he finished 5th, with Jim White (A) 15 seconds further back.


It was all change during the third leg. Team C started 5th but finished in the lead! This was thanks to a flying effort from Mark Ellis (C). Lauren Wyllie (F) kept her team in the mix, finishing just 21 seconds behind. Next up was Simon Marshall (B), doing just enough to give his team a shot at the win too. Emma Morris (A) put in the fastest female performance of the day, but surely too far back to be in contention? Gillian McCaffer (D) and Gary Arthur (E) completed the third leg.


One leg remaining. Scott Kelman (C) started in the lead, and set off with no intention of giving it up. He hadn’t anticipated just how fast Alan Tait (B) would be, however. Before the turn Alan had reeled in both Alan Main (F) and Scott to put Team B in the lead. Scott would not let him get too far away but, before long, he had a charging Ewen Cameron (A) to contend with behind. The effort being put in by all on the home straight was astonishing. Alan Tait brought it home in style to win the relay for Team B, with Scott 10 seconds back in second place. Ewen gave it his all but had to settle for third, 6 seconds further back. Alan Main gave his team a fourth place finish. Iain Campbell (D) was fifth and Robbie Pattinson (E) 6th.


A mention should be given to the two reserves – David Gardiner and Alan Strang – who each ran two legs just to complete Team G (ineligible for the standings). David ran two of the three fastest times of the day, even while ‘taking it easy’ on his second effort. Impressive! And, talking of mentions, thanks to the helpers Joe Hoolaghan, John Hughes and Anne Hughes for ensuring the event ran smoothly.


And then… and then… Charla’s delicious home-baking! The perfect end to the event.


It was a great relay, enjoyed by all, and it was fantastic to see so many MAC vests on show. Our safety pin skills were a bit rusty, though – more practice is needed!


Team Results:


1st – Team B – 52:42 (Scott Dickson, John Burns, Simon Marshall, Alan Tait)
2nd – Team C – 52:52 (Gayle Samson, Alastair Loudon, Mark Ellis, Scott Kelman)
3rd – Team A – 52:58 (Charla Hands, Jim White, Emma Morris, Ewen Cameron)
4th – Team F – 53:26 (Brian McLinden, Miranda Richmond, Lauren Wyllie, Alan Main)
5th – Team D – 54:05 (Neil Richardson, Phyllis Hands, Gillian McCaffer, Iain Campbell)
6th – Team E – 56:01 (Steven McCaw, Douglas Samson, Gary Arthur, Robert Pattinson)
N/A – Team G – 48:41 (David Gardiner, Alan Strang, David Gardiner, Alan Strang)


Individual Results:


10 min – David Gardiner 10:43
11 min – Ewen Cameron 11:18, David Gardiner 11:30, Mark Ellis 11:39, Iain Campbell 11:58, Alan Tait 11:59
12 min – Scott Kelman 12:42, Scott Dickson 12:42, Emma Morris 12:54, Douglas Samson 12:55, Alan Main 12:55, Neil Richardson 12:58
13 min – Robert Pattinson 13:00, Alan Strang 13:02, Jim White 13:06, Alastair Loudon 13:11, Brian McLinden 13:12, Lauren Wyllie 13:26, Alan Strang 13:26, Simon Marshall 13:35, Miranda Richmond 13:53
14 min – Gillian McCaffer 14:05, Steven McCaw 14:23, John Burns 14:26
15 min – Phyllis Hands 15:04, Gayle Samson 15:20, Charla Hands 15:40, Gary Arthur 15:43

Mental Health Awareness Week

Dear Member,


This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, so we thought this would be an opportune time to reach out and remind you of the support MAC can offer around mental health.


As the club’s Welfare Officers, it is our role to look out for the welfare of our athletes, and mental health is a huge part of that. It is the responsibility of everyone at the club to look out for each other, to be able to spot the signs and symptoms of mental health issues, and to know where to go for support.


Section 3.5 in our Welfare & Childcare Policy: (https://motherwellac.com/wp-content/uploads/Motherwell-AC-Welfare-Childcare-Policy-2020-1.pdf ) has some helpful links on services you can contact for support, training and tools. We would like to encourage everyone to give this a read if you can ,and if you or someone you know at the club is struggling, please reach out.


If you have any concerns or questions at all, we are always only a phone call or email away.


Thanks,


Ross Thomson

07906266720

ross.thomson@motherwellac.com


Pauline Russell

paulie.russell@motherwellac.com

MAC Team Relays – 2 miles

Saturday 22nd May 2021


OVERVIEW:

The third MAC Team Relays for Senior Endurance take place later this month. What is it all about? Well, this time it will be a REAL relay. There will be nothing virtual about it! Participating athletes will be formed into teams, and each team member has to run one leg of two miles. First team home wins.


ELIGIBILITY:

Only current members of Motherwell AC [on LoveAdmin] and approved ‘trialists’ can participate.


ENTRIES:

Anyone wishing to participate should indicate in the MAC Members Facebook group or send an email to alanstrang@motherwellac.com. The closing date for entries will be midnight on Monday 17th May.


TEAMS:

Participating athletes will then be formed into teams with the intention to make all teams as similar in overall ability as possible. Teams will be announced on Wednesday 19th May. Team size will ideally be 4, but this depends on the overall number of participants.


RUNNING ORDER:

It is up to each team to decide on its running order. The only requirements are that each team member runs at least one leg, and each team must run four legs. So for incomplete teams, team members may run additional legs in order to complete the relay.


NON-ENTRANTS:

Members who do not enter prior to the deadline are still welcome to participate. But by not entering they cannot be placed in the initial team allocation. Instead, they will be used to make up any incomplete teams, replace injured runners, or make up their own team on the day with other non-entrants. In the worst case scenario, they can run the two miles for the individual challenge.


START TIME:

This event will be the club training session for Saturday 22nd May. Please meet at the Strathclyde Park Watersports Centre at 9.30am. The action will commence at approximately 9.50am.


ROUTE:

The route will be a mini version of the Strathclyde parkrun and can be viewed here: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1537352

Virtual MAC Team Relays 2 – Results

The results of the second Virtual MAC Team Relay are out. An amazing twenty-six runners took part in this event, with twenty-five submitting times. But more on that later. Fastest female was Emma Morris in 21:18. Fastest male was David Gardiner in 17:20. But which team won…?


In emphatic manner, Team McColgan were the victors – congratulations to Paul Burns, Evan Crane, Scott Dickson, Marcus Whyte and Clare Barr. Scott has been in the winning team in both Virtual Team Relays this year – clearly a lucky mascot!


Congratulations also to Gillian McCaffer who beat her 5k PB during her run.


Commiserations to David Hoolaghan who was an unfortunate DNF.


Thanks to Douglas Samson for stepping in to replace David in Team Muir. And beating his 5k PB in the process.


Above all else, thank you all for supporting this event – the number of runners certainly exceeded expectations! Hopefully you enjoyed a bit of friendly competition and banter with your club-mates.


Full results below:


1st – Team McColgan (1:43:33)
Paul Burns – 17:42
Evan Crane – 18:46
Marcus Whyte – 21:19
Scott Dickson – 22:21
Clare Barr – 23:25


2nd – Team Reekie (1:47:00)
Ewen Cameron – 19:17
Graeme Kennedy – 20:29
Lauren Wyllie – 21:39
John Hughes – 22:20
Kevin McPhillips – 23:15


3rd – Team Hawkins (1:47:03)
David Gardiner – 17:20
Gillian McCaffer – 22:10
Miranda Richmond – 22:25
Robert Pattinson – 22:28
Scott Kelman – 22:40


4th – Team Wightman (1:47:30)
Iain Campbell – 19:35
Nick Hughes – 20:16
Emma Morris – 21:18
Steven McCaw – 22:38
Phyllis Hands – 23:43


5th – Team Muir (1:51:50)
Mark Ellis – 20:01
Douglas Samson – 20:09
Brian McLinden – 21:23
Alastair Loudon – 23:04
Mark Smellie – 27:13


Next time might not have to be virtual…

Virtual MAC Team Relays – Teams

Teams:

Twenty-five members have entered this weekend’s Virtual MAC Team Relays. They have been split into five teams of five, ready for some fun competition over the 5k distance. The teams are:


Team Hawkins (David Gardiner, Gillian McCaffer, Miranda Richmond, Robert Pattinson, Scott Kelman)
Team McColgan (Clare Barr, Evan Crane, Marcus Whyte, Paul Burns, Scott Dickson)
Team Muir (Alastair Loudon, Brian McLinden, David Hoolaghan, Mark Ellis, Mark Smellie)
Team Reekie (Ewen Cameron, Graeme Kennedy, John Hughes, Kevin McPhillips, Lauren Wyllie)
Team Wightman (Emma Morris, Iain Campbell, Nick Hughes, Phyllis Hands, Steven McCaw)


Each team member should race a 5k during the run window and submit this. Full details are included below.


Run Window:

The run window for this will be Thursday 11th March at 00:00 until Sunday 14th March at 18:00.


Routes:

Any location can be chosen for the run as long as there is no net downhill elevation to the route. The start and finish points should be close together. Loops can be used, but loops must be at least 1km in length. Out and back routes are also acceptable.


Submitting Times:

Times for the 5k run (preferably with a GPS activity from Strava/Garmin/etc) should be posted in MAC Members Facebook group or sent to alanstrang@motherwellac.com. The deadline for submitting times will be 19:00 on Sunday 14th March.


Results:

Results will be collated and posted as soon as possible after the submission deadline on Sunday evening.


Prizes:

There are no prizes, just hearty congratulations from your teammates. Hopefully.

Virtual MAC Team Relays – 5k

Thursday 11th – Sunday 14th March 2021


Overview:

The second Virtual MAC Team Relays for Senior Endurance take place next month. What is it all about? Same as last time – participating athletes will be formed into teams, and each team member has to run the event distance of 5k. The times for all team members are combined, and the team with the quickest overall time wins.


Eligibility:

Only current members of Motherwell AC [on LoveAdmin] can participate.


Entries:

Anyone wishing to participate should indicate in MAC Members Facebook group or send an email to alanstrang@motherwellac.com. The closing date for entries will be midnight on Monday 8th March.


Teams:

Participating athletes will then be formed into teams with the intention to make all teams as similar in overall ability as possible. Teams will be announced on Wednesday 10th March, prior to the run window opening. Team size will be 3 or 4, depending on the overall number of participants. Late entries may be invited to help make up full teams.


Run Window:

The run window for this will be Thursday 11th March at 00:00 until Sunday 14th March at 18:00.


Routes:

Any location can be chosen for the run as long as there is no net downhill elevation to the route. The start and finish points should be close together. Loops can be used, but loops must be at least 1km in length. Out and back routes are also acceptable.


Submitting Times:

Times for the 5k run (preferably with a GPS activity from Strava/Garmin/etc) should be posted in MAC Members Facebook group or sent to alanstrang@motherwellac.com. The deadline for submitting times will be 19:00 on Sunday 14th March.


Results:

Results will be collated and posted as soon as possible after the submission deadline on the Sunday evening.


Prizes:

There are no prizes, just hearty congratulations from your teammates. Hopefully.

Virtual MAC Team Relays – 3k Results

The results of the first Virtual MAC Team Relay are out. Fifteen members braved freezing conditions and dodged the lockdown hordes to submit a time. Fastest male was David Gardiner in 10:07, while the fastest female was Lauren Wyllie in 12:58. But which team won…?



Team Chatelherault were the victors – congratulations to Nick, Scott, Lauren and Phyllis!



Full results below:



1st – Team Chatelherault
Nick Hughes – 10:57
Scott Dickson – 11:36
Lauren Wyllie – 12:58
Phyllis Hands – 14:54
Total Time – 50:25



2nd – Team Ravenscraig
Alan Strang – 11:42
Robert Pattinson – 12:44
Gillian McCaffer – 13:21
Miranda Richmond – 13:23
Total Time – 51:10



3rd – Team Bellziehill
David Gardiner – 10:07
Scott Kelman – 12:55
Steven McCaw – 13:08
Charlotte Hands – 16:10
Total Time – 52:20



DNF – Team Furlongs
John Hughes – 12:15
Brian McLinden – 12:17
Clare Barr – 14:12
Alastair Loudon – –:–
Total Time – Incomplete



Many thanks to all who participated in this event. A second virtual team relay has been pencilled in for mid-March, this time over the 5k distance.

Virtual MAC Team Relays – Teams

Teams:
Sixteen members have entered this weekend’s first Virtual MAC Team Relays. They have been split into four teams of four, ready for some fun competition over the 3k distance. The teams are:


Team Bellziehill (David Gardiner, Scott Kelman, Steven McCaw, Charlotte Hands)
Team Chatelherault (Nick Hughes, Scott Dickson, Lauren Wyllie, Phyllis Hands)
Team Furlongs (Brian McLinden, John Hughes, Alastair Loudon, Clare Barr)
Team Ravenscraig (Robert Pattinson, Alan Strang, Miranda Richmond, Gillian McCaffer)


Each team member should race a 3k during the run window and submit this. Full details are included below.


Run Window:
The run window for this will be Thursday 21st January at 00:00 until Sunday 24th January at 17:00.


Routes:
Any location can be chosen for the run as long as there is no net downhill elevation to the route. The start and finish points should be close together. Loops can be used, but loops must be at least 1km in length. Out and back routes are also acceptable.


Submitting Times:
Times for the 3k run (preferably with a GPS activity from Strava/Garmin/etc) should be posted in MAC Members Facebook group or sent to alanstrang@motherwellac.com. The deadline for submitting times will be 18:00 on Sunday 24th January.


Results:
Results will be collated and posted as soon as possible after the submission deadline on the Sunday evening.


Prizes:
There are no prizes, just the respect and admiration of your teammates. It’s just a bit of fun to help us get through January.

Time Trial Championship Returns For 2021

As previously notified, the Senior Endurance Time Trial Championship makes a welcome return for 2021. It is hoped that a combination of virtual and actual events will allow the championship to run throughout the year.


The championship kicks off in February. Due to current restrictions, this will be a virtual event. It will be held over a four day period (Saturday 6th – Tuesday 9th February).


The rules for the championship have been updated to take into account the changes and flexibility required this year. These are available on the website (https://motherwellac.com/championships/time-trial-championship-2020) and all members are encouraged to read them.


One key aim is to allow as many participants as possible to start scoring from the first round. All members who took part in at least one club time trial (actual, virtual, Christmas) in 2020 can score points in February. Any member who wishes to participate but DIDN’T do a time trial last year can run a solo time trial during January. Their time and GPS activity can be submitted to Joe at joehoolaghan@motherwellac.com or by messenger. This time will be used to determine their handicap, also allowing them to score points in February.


It is hoped that as many members as possible support the club and take part in this year’s time trial championship.

Virtual MAC Team Relays – 3k

Overview:

The first ever Virtual MAC Team Relays for Senior Endurance take place later this month. What is it all about? Simply, participating athletes will be formed into teams, and each team member has to run the event distance of 3k. The times for all team members are combined, and the team with the quickest overall time wins.


Eligibility:

Only current members of Motherwell AC [on LoveAdmin] can participate.


Entries:

Anyone wishing to participate should indicate in the MAC Members Facebook group or send an email to alanstrang@motherwellac.com. The closing date for entries will be midnight on Monday 18th January.


Teams:

Participating athletes will then be formed into teams with the intention to make all teams as similar in overall ability as possible. Teams will be announced on Wednesday 20th January, prior to the run window opening. Team size will be 3 or 4, depending on the overall number of participants. Late entries may be invited to help make up full teams.


Run Window:

The run window for this will be Thursday 21st January at 00:00 until Sunday 24th January at 17:00.


Routes:

Any location can be chosen for the run as long as there is no net downhill elevation to the route. The start and finish points should be close together. Loops can be used, but loops must be at least 1km in length. Out and back routes are also acceptable.


Submitting Times:

Times for the 3k run (preferably with a GPS activity from Strava/Garmin/etc) should be posted in MAC Members Facebook group or sent to alanstrang@motherwellac.com. The deadline for submitting times will be 18:00 on Sunday 24th January.


Results:

Results will be collated and posted as soon as possible after the submission deadline on the Sunday evening.


Prizes:

There are no prizes, just the respect and admiration of your teammates. It’s just a bit of fun to help us get through January.

Virtual Events Continue For Senior Endurance

Club training sessions may be suspended for now, but that is no reason to stop running.


The Senior Endurance training schedule for January remains on the website (https://motherwellac.com/senior-endurance-training/) for those who wish to do any of the sessions.  These are only suggestions, are not mandatory, can be done at any time, and in any location.  Adherence to government ‘exercise’ rules  is required at all times.  As such, sessions should be done individually or with a maximum of one other person.


Not sure what to train for?  Take a look at the following virtual events coming up in the next few weeks:


Friday 8th – Monday 11th January

Virtual Scottish Athletics Road Challenge III
The distance for this challenge is 8k.  Be quick – entries close midnight on Thursday.


Thursday 21st – Sunday 24th January

Virtual MAC Team Relays
Details to be announced soon…


Friday 29th January – Monday 1st February

Virtual Scottish Athletics Road Challenge IV
The distances on offer for this challenge are 8k or HM.  Entries not yet open.


Saturday 6th – Tuesday 9th February

Virtual MAC February Time Trial
The MAC Time Trial Championship returns for 2021 with a virtual event to kick things off.  Details to be announced soon…


Friday 12th – Monday 15th February

Virtual Scottish Athletics Road Challenge V
The distance for this challenge will be 5 miles. Entries not yet open.

New Year, new system!

Today LoveAdmin begins streamlining MAC membership/fees admin in a much more efficient way. If you haven’t already done so, please activate your account; you will make my role as Membership Secretary a whole lot easier!
Check your inbox for emails with ‘how to’ instructions (try your spam folder), or please contact me (Clare Barr) on membership@motherwellac.com

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