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/).
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.
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.
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
Entries for the National Short Course XC Championships (on November 6th) close at midnight. At time of writing, Senior Endurance has twelve athletes entered, which is great! Full details and booking link at:
https://scottishathletics.sportserve.net/pages/event/athletics/athleticsbookingdetails.aspx?id=11574
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For those of you who didn’t get the chance to attend, Joe Hoolaghan (Senior Endurance Representative) has published his report for 2018 given at the recent AGM.
You can read it via this link.
We had 23 athletes competing in the first Time Trial of the season. This one was just a warm up for the competition proper which runs from February to November (no points awarded for this one). None the less, we still have winners and the wooden spoon.
First male was Douglas Samson and first female across the line was Gayle Samson – well done to the Samsons and everyone who made it down to Strathclyde Park for the race. Dougie O’Hare picked up the first wooden spoon of the season.
Thanks to Anne Hughes, John Hughes, Lynsey Sneddon and all of the helpers for getting the 2018 TT season underway.
See the full results and the 2018 Time Trial Championship page for all championship details.
Please see the handicaps for the senior endurance January 2018 Time Trial which takes place on Tuesday 9th January 2018 @ 6:30pm from The Boathouse Gym, Strathclyde Park.
Please remember this race does not count for points but does count for markers and as one of your last three best times. We still have our male and female winners and the Wooden Spoon to present after the race.
There is also a new 2018 Time Trial Championship page which has the rules, handicaps and will have the rolling results/tables on it as the season progresses.
Remember – you must be a member to take part in the Championships so Join Us now!
Reminder – The first Time Trial of the year takes place next Tuesday 9 January meeting at the Boathouse Gym reception @ 6.30 pm.
1. This race is not part of the championship.
2. It does count for markers and the best of your last three times.
3. We are planning to trial a new course which will be tested out again on Thursday night.
4. Remember to wear hi-viz and a head torch if you have one.
5. If you are free to help please reply to the post on Facebook.
We do need a couple of people with torches at the tunnel.
We had 22 athletes and a dog (Zara McIsaac) taking part in this year’s Christmas Handicap. Whilst this is a fun event we still have winners and a wooden spoon. So the first male was our very own Coach John Hughes (his first time trial win in 7 years) in 25:57 (his fastest time this year) and first female was Susan Stewart in an excellent time of 27:09. Winner of the wooden spoon was Mae McIsaac in a very mediocre time, although she was just pipped at the post by Peter Blackmore and Phyllis Hands.
Thanks to Santa’s helpers for making the race run so smoothly – Anne Hughes, Lynsey Sneddon, Tommy Sneddon, and Angela Downie.
See the full results (December tab) however note this is not a championship race.
Back at the Electric Bar Jim White was voted Road Runner of the Year by his fellow athletes. Well done Jim from your all in the Senior Endurance section.
The Senior Endurance XC Championship Tables have been updated following yesterday’s West District Championships.
Well done to all of our athletes who braved the elements and competed at Irvine yesterday. See below for results.
45 Paul Burns 36:07:00
63 Allan Cameron 37:21:00
107 Ewen Cameron 40:06:00
171 Scott Dickson 44:38:00
187 Graham McEwan 46:07:00
188 John Burns 46:18:00
205 Kevin McPhillips 49:17:00
88 Phyllis Hands 33:08:00
96 Joyce Allardice 33:26:00
Motherwell AC Results from the LAAA XC Championships on 25 November
U13 Girls
20 Emma Kelly 8:06
23 Katie Howley 8:15
27 Ava Lenzi 8:29
U15 Girls
7th Joey Leach 11:19
13th Cara Baldwin 12:07
U17 Men
9th Dylan Drummond 14:42
Senior Women
3 Clare Hughes 30:23
8 Emma Hunter 33:36
18 Phyllis Hands 36:23
20 Joyce Allardice 36:31
Senior Men
9 Allan Cameron 26:12
11 Paul Burns 26:49
18 Alan Tait 28:04
35 Ross Thomson 29:33
38 Ewen Cameron 29:59
56 Graham McEwen 33:27
57 John Burns 33:30
63 Kevin McPhillips 35:17
Congratulations go to Clare Hughes for her bronze medal in the individual race and the senior women’s team (Clare Hughes, Emma Hunter and Phyllis Hands) who also picked up a bronze in the team event.
The Senior Endurance XC Championship tables have been updated on the club website and can be accessesed on the Cross Country Championship page.
It was decided at the committee meeting last night, that instead of a Secret Santa at the Christmas handicap race we’re going to do something a bit different.
We will be donating to a Toy Drive ran by the Motherwell Community Trust & the MFC Podcast to make sure underprivileged children in our area have a present on Christmas morning. All contributions are going to the Salvation Army in Bellshill.
So rather than bringing a gift for a fellow clubmate we ask that you bring a toy (any value, no matter how big or small) to the Xmas handicap race and the club will pass these gifts on.
We had a brilliant turn out of 35 athletes for the final race in this year’s Time Trial Championship. The weather was cold but thankfully the ice had not affected the paths for the duration of the race. Well done to everybody who made it down for tonight’s race.
Tracey Lamont won the women’s race breaking the 29 minute mark for the first time, and John Burns won the men’s race in PB of 27:39. Gary Wood picked up the wooden spoon in a slower than usual time.
The full results with the winners of this year’s champions will follow tomorrow.
Thanks to Anne Hughes, Lynsey Sneddon, Ally Robb, and Angela Downie for helping the race go smoothly once again.
Full results on the 2017 Time Trial Championship Page.
Following the race we are pleased to announce the winners of this year’s championship.
Well done to our medallists and everyone who took part in this year’s championship. Over the course of the season 25 women and 59 men took part in the 10 championship races.
Thanks once again for positively supporting the event for another year.
Joe
As above see the 2017 Time Trial Championship Page for full details and past results.
Remember remember…it’s time trial night on Tuesday which also means we’re collecting as usual for the foodbank.
It tends to be the same things they are short on so the list this month is:
As always though, they are always grateful for donations of any non-perishable foods.
See the Time Trial 2017 Championship page for handicaps, recent results and the League Tables.
Senior Endurance Training on Thursday 26 October is at Ravenscraig as the AGM is taking place there that evening.
Furthermore, please can you return any trophies to the AGM tomorrow night (Th 26th) ahead of engraving for the forthcoming prize giving on the 17th of November, thanks.
Team gold for the ladies, bronze for the men and some all round great racing.
In addition to supporting the event we had 17 athletes taking part in the relays. Well done to all our competitors and special mention to the Men’s Masters team (5th) and the Women’s Masters team (8th).
15 club members ran in the Great Scottish Run Half Marathon on 1st October.
This was the last race in the championship and leagues, however, there is still the Hypothetical Marathon to count in up to 21 October. T he LAAA Road Relays also count for bonus points towards the Championship.
Results are below. The format is:
Name
Club
Position
Time
Stephen Allen
Motherwell AC
160
01:23:37
Jim White
Motherwell AC
169
01:23:52
Neil Richardson
Motherwell AC
209
01:25:04
Ewen Cameron
Motherwell AC
335
01:28:25
Graham McEwan
Motherwell AC
950
01:37:34
Alan Keachie
Motherwell AC
997
01:38:06
Alison Murray
Motherwell AC
1417
01:41:57
Joyce Allardice
Motherwell AC
1881
01:45:32
Tracey Lamont
Motherwell AC
1946
01:45:58
Nigel Hetherington
Motherwell AC
2041
01:46:39
Kevin Mcphillips
Motherwell AC
2281
01:48:27
Gillian McCaffer
Motherwell AC
2716
01:51:02
Angela Malcolm
Motherwell AC
2928
01:52:28
Robert Pattinson
Motherwell AC
3933
01:58:39
Barbara Hogg
Motherwell AC
5019
02:05:57
The next Road Runners Time Trial will be on our new winter route.
We will run the course next Thursday (28th September) to give runners the chance to try it out and give any feedback.
Paul Harkins has taken kilometre splits on his watch and logged it on TomTom
We’d encourage you to view this.
Screenshots of each km (and the last 400m-ish) are below.
You can download all of the images from this link.
We had 28 athletes taking part in this evening’s Time Trial Handicap Race. The weather gods were with us once again and we had some great performances (full results to follow tomorrow). Miranda Richmond won the women’s race in 30:37. John Burns won the men’s race in 29:12. Peter Blackmore picked up the wooden spoon in an uncharacteristically slow time. Well done to Miranda, John, Peter and everyone who made it down to Strathclyde Park tonight.
Thanks to Irene Kerr, Margaret Hoolaghan, Nick Hughes, Andrew Steel, and Douglas & Gayle Samson for helping make things run smoothly.
Please see the 2017 Time Trial Championship page for the league tables and full results.
Carrying on with our foodbank donations on time trial nights, this month they are in need of the following non-perishable foods:
Tinned Custard, Tinned Potatoes, UHT Long Life Milk (whole, semi-skimmed and skimmed), Tinned Meat, Small jars of coffee, Savoury Rice and Cup-a-Soups.
Thanks
Elaine
The August 2017 time trial took place on 1st August.
There was a good turnout of 26 athletes on a pleasant evening for racing giving the conditions earlier in the day.
Jim Tracey won the men’s race in 35:30 and Angela Downie won the women’s race in 33:04.
Craig Mackenzie picked up the wooden spoon for a performance well below his best.
Thanks to Anne Hughes Lynsey Sneddon Catherine Kerr Thomas Sneddon David Gardiner and Andrew Steel for making the race run smoothly once again.
Please see the 2017 Time Trial page for full results and league tables.
For those travelling to the Glenmore Lodge trip on 1st – 3rd September, the itinerary and arrival information has been published.
Please see the links below.
Please note that the Senior Endurance training shall take place at Strathclyde Park on Saturday 29th July (9:30am).
This is due to the closure of Wishaw Track on that day.
We had a smaller than usual turnout of 20 athletes for tonight’s time trial. Perhaps, the start of the school holidays and the rather strange weather for the time of the year had something to do with it.
That said, we had some great performances.
First male in a 26:11 was Lorne Crawford with 2 minutes off his PB and first female was Alison Murray in 29:19 which was a wee bit faster than last month’s time. The wooden spoon surprisingly went to Susan Stewart who is training for next week’s Clyde Striders Ultra Relay.
Thanks to Lynsey Sneddon, Anne Hughes, Ross Thomson, Tommy Sneddon and Andrew Steel for making things run smoothly once again.
See the Time Trial 2017 Championship page for the full results and league tables.
The next time trial shall take place on Tuesday 4th July 2017 at 6:30pm, starting at The Boathouse.
The club shall be collecting for the local food bank again at the Time Trial. The following items are required if you wish to donate.
We have changed the pick-up venue for going to the Brian Goodwin 10K on Friday night.
Rather than getting the bus from the Boathouse, we will now leave from the Electric Bar at 5.30 pm.
Anyone bringing cars can park in the car park at the back of the bar.
We had a great turnout 37 runners taking part in this evening’s race. The weather was pleasant and we had some excellent performances (more about that in the full results tomorrow). Miranda Richmond won the women’s race in 33:51 and Neil Richardson won the men’s race in 24:41. Catherine Kolb had a bit of an off night and picked up the Wooden Spoon (The JIm Tracey Award).
Louise Speirs was presented with a cake on the occasion of her birthday.
Thanks to Anne Hughes, Lynsey Sneddon, Tommy Sneddon, Louise Speirs and Lesley Ross making things run smoothly on a busy evening.
A special mention to Neil Richardson who won the race and broke the 25 minute mark and Mark Gallacher who dipped under 24 minutes for the first time. Well done guys.
The results are now available on the 2017 Time Trial Championship page. Remember to click the June tab at the top of the 2017 Time Trial Results spreadsheet.
A 30 seater bus has been booked for anyone wishing to go to the Brian Goodwin 10K on Friday 16 June.
Elaine Jamieson is co-ordinating and will be at training sessions on Tuesday and Thursday evenings to take payments for the bus which will cost £10.
Names will not be confirmed until money has been paid.
The bus will leave The Boathouse at 5.30 pm prompt and will leave for the return journey at 9.30 pm, giving us a chance to enjoy a few well earned refreshments after the run.
If past years are anything to go by, we finish the night off in the Electric Bar when we arrive back in Motherwell, so there will also be a drop off at the Electronic Bar.
Please be aware the car parks at Strathclyde Park (including The Boathouse car park) close at 9pm!
The next Time Trial takes place Tuesday 30th May at 6:30pm from The Boathouse, Strathclyde Park.
Please see the 2017 Time Trial page for handicaps and league tables.
The club will be collecting items for a local food bank at this session. Items required include
Due to a cycling event in Motherwell on Tuesday 23rd May 2017, the Senior Endurance (Road Runners) training shall meet at Hamilton Palace Grounds.
Please be aware of local road closures in Motherwell from 7am ’til midnight. See North Lanarkshire Council for more details.
There is still a fair bit of time until the deadline for the final payment of £70 per person on 1 July, however, Tracey Lamont is happy to take any partial or full payments between now and the deadline if anybody wants make an early payment.
Tracey can be contacted at training most Tuesday’s or you can contact her on 07854730347 to make arrangements.
If anybody has special dietary requirements can you please email Joe Hoolaghan on joehoolaghan@motherwellac.com or send him a private facebook message and he will ensure that Glenmore Lodge gets the information well in advance of the weekend.
We had 33 athletes taking part at last night’s race on what was a fine evening for racing, although perhaps a wee bit windy at the lochside.
Joyce Allardice won the women’s race in 29:29 and Alan Keachie won the men’s race in 26:38. Well done Joyce, Alan and all of our athletes who made it down to Strathclyde Park for the race. The Wooden Spoon (The Jim Tracey Award) went to none other than Jim Tracey!
Thanks to Irene Kerr, Lynsey Sneddon, Tommy Sneddon, Anne Hughes and Robert Pattinson for making things run so smoothly once again.
The full results are available on the 2017 Time Trial Championship page.
The next road runners time trial takes place at 6:30pm on Tuesday 2nd May, meeting at The Boathouse Gym as usual.
Please see the 2017 Time Trial Championship page for handicaps, league tables and more.
We could be doing with a couple of helpers for the finishing line to make sure we capture all of the finishers in the correct order. If you are available please reply to the post on Facebook. A bonus point is available to helpers.
We will once again be taking donations for the Lanarkshire Foodbank at Tuesday’s Time Trial. Any non perishable goods and toiletries are greatly accepted, however they are in particular need of the following items:
We will once again be taking donations for the Lanarkshire Foodbank at Tuesday’s Time Trial. Any non perishable goods and toiletries are greatly accepted, however they are in particular need once again of the following items:
Tinned meat, small jars of coffee, tinned fruit, savoury rice, super noodles and UHT Long Life milk (whole and semi skimmed)
David Shaw, Manager of the Foodbank has accepted our invitation to come down to the Boathouse at the end of the TT to receive our donations, and this will give us the perfect opportunity to get some photographs taken, and perhaps some publicity for The Motherwell Times.
Thanks,
Elaine
The Senior Endurance Section had 20 athletes (8 women and 12 men) taking part in the National Road Relay Championships at Livingston. The Women’s W50 team (Mae McIsaac, Phyllis Hands and Joyce Allardice) picked up the bronze medal.
Our Men’s M40 team were fourth.
Well done to all of our athletes and organisers/marshals who made it through to Livingston.
The full set of results can be accessed on Scottish Athletics.
Benny won Clydesdale Veteran Sports Personality of the year and Phyllis received a merit certificate at the award ceremony on Friday 17 March. Benny and Phyllis are pictured just before dashing off for a glass of champagne to celebrate!
Congratulations from all at the club.
We had a fantastic turn out of 40 athletes at this evening’s Time Trial on a very nice night for this time of the year. Louise Speirs won the women’s race in 34:50 and William Martin in a return to form won the men’s race in 30:51. Chris Macdonald picked up the wooden spoon following a rare DNF.
Thanks to Anne Hughes, Lynsey Sneddon, Tommy Sneddon, James Proffitt, Irene Kerr and Wendy Kerr for making the race run smoothly.
We also had a small celebration for Angela Downie’s birthday.
Results and updated league tables to follow soon on Time Trial Championship 2017 page.
30 places on a twin room basis have been reserved for the above training weekend at Glenmore Lodge.
The detailed programme for the weekend has still to be finalised, however, the format will be similar to previous years – a mixture of training sessions, recreational activities (e.g. Yoga and Pilates), lectures, and some social activities in the evenings.
A discounted package of £120 per person has been negotiated with Glenmore Lodge for 2 nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast with a packed lunch provided both days.
To reserve a place a non-refundable deposit of £50 is required with the balance to be paid in full no later than 1st July.
Tracey Lamont has kindly agreed to take names and collect the payments this year.
So if you want to go please reply to the post on Facebook or the message board on this website in the first instance, or let Tracey know in person or by text (07854730347) about your interest in the Training Weekend.
Your place will be reserved when Tracey receives your deposit.
The next time trial takes place on Tuesday 7th February 2017 at 6:30pm, starting at The Boathouse Gym, Strathclyde Park.
Please see the handicaps and the Time Trial Championship page.
The main entrance to Strathclyde Park is closed to traffic on Tuesday 7 Feb. You can still get to the Boathouse one of the following ways.
Please spread the word.
Provisional races for the 2017 Road Runners championship and leagues.
| Date | Race | Approx Price | Comments |
| 5 March | Down by the River 10K | £8/£10 | Confirmed Race |
| 2 April | Tom Scott 10 Miles | £12 | Confirmed Race |
| 14 May | Monklands 5K | £5 | Confirmed Race |
| 16 June (approx) | Brian Goodwin 10K | £9/£11 | Confirmed Race |
| 11 July (to be confirmed) | 15K Moffat Hill Race | £12 approx | Date to be confirmed but it is always the 2nd Tuesday in July |
| 23 July | Strathclyde Parkrun 5K | Free | Confirmed Race |
| 12 August | Linwood Parkrun 5K | Free | Confirmed Race |
| 10 September | Stirling 10K Scottish Championship | £16/£18 | Scottish Championship possible clash with club championship. Joe to speak to Ewen Cameron. |
| 24 September (to be confirmed) | Dumfries Half Marathon
| £20 (in 2016) | Date is always this weekend in September |
There was a Record Turnout at the Senior Endurance January 2017 Time Trial.
We had 42 athletes competing in tonight’s Time Trial race. That is beats our previous best by two since the monthly competition started in October 2004.
We had some great performance – too many to mention, and Susan Stewart won the women’s race in a PB of 27:23, and Ewen Cameron won the men’s race also in a PB of 23:53. Mark Paterson picked up the Wooden Spoon [The Jim Tracey Award] in a slow time on his return from injury. Well done to everybody who managed down for the race tonight.
Thanks to Irene Kerr, Anne Hughes, Lynsey Sneddon and Lesley Ross for helping out on what was a rather hectic evening.
Please see the full results.
The next time trial takes place on Tuesday 10th January 2017, 6:30pm at The Boathouse.
Please see the handicaps.
NOTE: there is a slight change in the Time Trial Championship Rules for 2017.
The December Time Trial is no longer part of the championship even for markers.
The January Time Trial has been reinstated to the championship and the times recorded will be used in the process for working out the handicaps (best of last three results).
The 2017 Time Trial Championship page has been created to reflect the new rules.
The Senior Endurance sub-committee recently published a provisional set of races for the up-coming 2017 Road Running Championship.
For more information about this, please read the minutes from the Senior Endurance Sub-committee meeting on 3rd December, which can be found on the Welfare and Management page.
The 2016 Christmas Time Trial took place on Sunday 11th December.
We had 21 athletes competing in this year’s 4 Miles Christmas Handicap on a fine December morning. Dougie O’Hare won the men’s race in 33:40 and Elaine Jamieson won the women’s race in 30:40 with Mae McIsaac picking up the Wooden Spoon (The JIm Tracey Award) in a time that would be easily forgotten. Well done to everyone who made it down to Strathclyde Park this morning.
Allan Cameron was voted Road Runner of the Year by his fellow athletes. A photo of Allan being presented with the trophy by Jim Tracey is attached. Well done Allan.
Thanks to Anne Hughes, Lynsey Sneddon, Margaret Hoolaghan and Mark Paterson for helping out.
N.B. The Christmas Handicap is a fun event and is not part of the Time Trial Championship for markers.
Please see the full results.
The December Time Trial takes place on Sunday 11th December, meeting at 10:30am at The Boathouse Gym, Strathclyde Park.
Please see the handicaps.
We had a great turn out of 32 athletes on a fresh autumn evening for the final race in the 2016 competition. The conditions were pretty good for the 4 mile handicap race. First female was Miranda Richmond in 34:24 and first male was Jim Tracey in 34:20. The Wooden Spoon was picked up by Nick Hughes who has a bit of an off night.
We had some great performances and this season’s winning places were decided on the evening. More to follow on this one.
Thanks to Lynsey Sneddon, Irene Kerr, Anne Hughes and Kevin Durnian for the smooth running of the race.
Please see the full results and the 2016 Time Trial Championship page for the final league tables.
The final Road Runners Time Trial takes place on Tuesday 1st November @ 6:30pm – starting at The Boathouse Gym, Strathclyde Park.
We look forward to seeing everyone there!
Please see the handicaps and the 2016 Time Trial Championship page for the current standings.
We had an excellent turnout of 26 Senior Endurance athletes participating. The women took silver and bronze, and the men took bronze too. Well done to all of our athletes for fantastic performances.
Katelyn McGeever 15:18
Emma Morris 16:15
Jo Clark 16:18
Clare Barr 17:30
Susan Stewart McKillop 16:35
Tracey Lamont 18:32
Gillian McCaffer 18:51
Mae McIsaac 18:55
Phyllis Hands 18:17
Elaine Jamieson 18:02
Barbara Hogg 20:29
Pat Allen 21:56
Allan Cameron 13:22
Craig McKenzie 13:23
Chris McDonald 13:19
Stephen Allen 13:35
Mark Gallacher 14:33
Scott Dickson 15:41
Brian McLinden 15:31
Stuart MacGregor 15:3
Jim White 16:17
Peter Blackmore 17:15
Tommy Sneddon 17:05
Ross McLean 17:58
Gary Wood 18:46
Andrew Scott 18:58
We had a fantastic turn out of 40 Senior Endurance athletes (possibly a record) at this evening’s Time Trial Handicap Race which was our first race on the winter route. The weather gods were with us tonight and the conditions were excellent for the race.
Peter Blackmore was first male (for the second consecutive month) in 27:28 and Gillian McCaffer was first female in 30:58. Unsurprisingly, Jim Tracey picked up the wooden spoon (The Jim Tracey Award) in a slower than usual time. Thanks to everyone who made it down to Strathclyde Park tonight.
Thanks to Anne Hughes, Irene Kerr, Lynsey Sneddon, Mark Paterson and Ross McLean for helping out on what was a busy evening.
Please see the full results and the 2016 Time Trial Championship page for the tables.
The next Road Runners Time Trial takes place on Tuesday 4th October at 6:30pm, starting at The Boathouse.
Please see the handicaps and the 2016 Time Trial Championship page.
A note for all attending the Endurance Training weekend this coming Friday to Sunday….
An afternoon session has been added for those who arrive early. The programme is the linked document.
Changing is available on arrival and rooms will be ready from 3pm onwards.
From Aviemore, turn right towards Glenmore at the mini roundabout before you head into the town (Italian restaurant is on the roundabout). Follow this road out into the forest and along the side of Loch Morlich. A few miles out you will past a campsite on the right, and the reindeer centre on the left after which the entrance road to Glenmore Lodge is on your left.
Glenmore Lodge, Aviemore,
Inverness-shire, Scotland, PH22 1QU
Web: http://www.glenmorelodge.org.
Lodge Phone Number: 01479 861256
There is no mobile phone reception at the lodge however payphones are available. If you need to be contacted, the lodge number is 01479 861256 – Free wifi is available so you can Whatsapp, Facebook and Skype til your hearts content!
All towels etc. are provided as well as meals. Just bring your running gear and any sports drinks etc.
If anyone needs a lift back on Sunday, Ewen has 3 spaces in his car.
Looking forward to another great weekend!
Ewen Cameron
Chair, Motherwell Athletics Club
The next time trial takes place on Tuesday 6th September, 6:30pm and the Boathouse, Strathclyde Park.
Please see the handicaps for the time trial.
See also the Time Trial Championship page for tables/previous results.
In order to make the race more competitive and increase participation, the sub-committee decided to make the 3K Track Championship a standard scratch race and incorporate an age graded race in both male and female categories. There will be medals for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places (male and female) in both events..
This means that our fastest runners get to compete against each other and there is the opportunity for all race participants to compete on a level playing field, regardless of age. Everyone will start at the same time with it being clear who wins the prizes in the scratch event with the age graded times being calculated after race has finished. More details will follow about the age graded times calculation.
We hope this will encourage our Senior Endurance athletes to participate in this years club championship. Please spread the word to your fellow athletes and make this year’s 3K track championship race successful.
Please also see the previous post on the full timetable of events.
The MAC Annual Club Championships will take place at Wishaw Sports Centre on Sunday 11 September 2016.
The first event will be the Senior Endurance/Road Runners 3K Track Championship Race and those taking part should attend by 9.30am for a prompt start at 10am. Registrations open for Track and Field athletes at 10am in the portacabin by the track, with the first event of the day starting at 11am. A draft order of events is attached. We should be finished by 4pm at the latest.
A wee reminder too that everyone taking part must be club members and should make sure their annual membership is up to date. As always, we will require lots of helpers to ensure that the day is a success and would appreciate offers of assistance from coaches, parents and senior athletes with various tasks including timekeeping, placing and at the various field events.
We would love to see as many athletes as possible competing on the day. It’s usually lots of fun with medals and awards being presented at the club prizegiving night in November (details to follow). Home baking donations are very welcome too!
Here’s hoping we have good weather on the day.
Pick up times have been arranged as follows:
We are aiming for 10.16 am Ferry at Wemyss Bay.
Any last minute call offs etc should text or phone Elaine 07951 960469
Due to the Inter Region Triathlon Championships being held at Strathclyde Park on 3 & 4 September the Parkrun has been cancelled that weekend.
The RRs Sub-Committee considered changing the date of our race, but voted narrowly in favour of a change of venue. We considered Livingston, Linwood, Pollock and Silverknowes.
Again by a slim majority, Linwood was the new venue approved by the sub-committee. Linwood is apparently a flat fast two lap course and the event takes place at ON-X Linwood, Brediland Road, Linwood, PA3 3RA at the usual time of 9.30 AM.Sorry if this causes you any inconvenience.
Joe Hoolaghan, on behalf of the RRs Sub-Committee.
We had 27 Senior Endurance athletes taking part in this evening’s Time Trial Handicap Race. The weather was relatively kind to us with just a fine drizzle to keep the runners cool. Tracey Lamont was first female in a PB of 29:08 and Dougie O’Hare was first male in 35:49 (not a PB). Jim Tracey picked up the Wooden Spoon (The Jim Tracey Award) in another uninspiring time. Thanks to everyone who made it down to compete.
Thanks to Linsey Sneddon, Anne Hughes, and Irene Kerr for keeping everything running smoothly on the night.
Please see the full results and the 2016 Time Trial Championship page.
The August 2016 Time Trial takes place on Tuesday 2nd August at 6:30pm, starting at The Boathouse, Strathclyde Park.
Please see the handicaps and the 2016 Time Trial Championship.
We had 22 senior endurance athletes competing in the July Time Trial on what turned out to be a rather nice evening considering the rain was lashing down just prior to the start.
Roddy Quinn won the men’s race in 27:08 and Tracey Lamont was first female in 29:46 well done to both of them. John Hughes picked up the Wooden Spoon (The Jim Tracey Award) in an uncharacteristically pedestrian time. Thanks to everyone who made it down to the park to compete this evening.
Thanks once again to Irene Kerr, Anne Hughes and Lynsey Sneddon for helping out and making sure things ran smoothly.
Please see the full results and the 2016 Time Trial Championship league table.
The July 2016 Time Trial takes place on Tuesday 5th July, 6:30pm start at The Boathouse.
Please see the handicaps for the time trial, and the Time Trial Championship.
The June time trial took place on Tuesday 7th June. The results in full are here.
33 athletes competed on a fabulous summer’s evening. First male was Christie Nesbitt and first female was Mae McIsaac. The wooden spoon went to Dougie O’Hare.
Thanks to Lynsey Sneddon, Irene Kerr, and Anne Hughes for helping out once again.
Thanks to Tommy Sneddon for putting them together.
The league tables are on the 2016 Time Trial Championship page.
The June 2016 Time Trial is next Tuesday 8 June at 6:30pm, starting at The Boathouse, Strathclyde Park.
Please see the handicaps and the 2016 Time Trial Championship page.
The club is running a bus to the Bute Highland Games for a club day out on Saturday 20th August. There is the 10K Road Race (not part of the championship) for those who want to compete and there are various other track races available for all age groups.
The bus is open to members, family and friends. The bus will be free, although a small deposit may be required to secure a seat, this is due to the large number of late call offs in recent years. Folk will pay for the ferry from Wemyss Bay to Rothesay themselves.
What we need at this stage is a note of the numbers who will be requiring the bus. Elaine Jamieson has once again kindly offered to organise the bus. If you would like a seat(s) please reply to the post on Facebook, speak to Elaine directly, or text her on 07951 960 469. Please spread the word.
More details about pick up points, times, and the return journey will be published a bit nearer the time.
A 33 seater bus (same as last year) has been organised for the Brian Goodwin 10K.
It leaves from the Electric Bar at 6.00 PM on Friday 17th June, which will get us to The Cartha Queen’s Park Rugby Club in plenty of time for the 7.30 PM start. The bus will be returning to the Electric Bar at 10.00 PM. The Boathouse Car Park closes before our return from the race so please do not park there if you are leaving your car.
If you wish to book a seat(s) on the bus please reply to the post on Facebook or text Jim White (who has kindly agreed to sort out the numbers this year) on 07725262878.
Seats will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
We had 24 Senior Endurance athletes competing in Tuesday nights May Time Trial on what was horrendous weather for a good part of the the time – high winds, rain and hailstones.
That said we still had some great performances with Phyllis Hands winning the women’s race in 29:42, her best run for a while, and Robert Pattinson winning the men’s race in a new PB of 25:56. Ian Young picked up another wooden spoon to add to his collection! Well done to everyone who braved the elements to take part this evening.
Thanks once again to Anne Hughes, Irene Kerr, Lynsey Sneddon and John Hughes for helping out on such tough conditions.
Please see the full results and the up-to-date league table.
The May 2016 Road Runners Time Trial takes place on 26th April at 6:30, starting at the The Boathouse Gym, Strathclyde Park.
Please see the handicaps and the upated time trial championship page for leagues tables/12 month rolling sheet.
Given that the Snowball 5 Mile Race (Championship Race) in Coatbridge takes place on Wednesday 4 May, it has been decided that the May Time Trial which was planned for Tuesday 3 May should be moved to the previous Tuesday 26 April. From a coaching perspective it is not a realistic or sensible option to race on consecutive days.
So the May time Trial will take place on TUESDAY 26 APRIL.
Please note this in your schedules; the training schedule has taken this into account.
The Snowball Race (Championship Race), organised by Scottish Veteran Harriers Club, takes place on Wednesday 4 May and starts at 7.30 PM.
Registration takes place at the Coatbridge Outdoor Centre (Coatbridge Track) on the night. Pre-registration is not required. The race starts approximately 1 mile away at the entrance to Drumpellier Park so please allow time for registration and getting to the start line.
That is all of the detail available at the moment – if there is any more info we will keep you posted.
The April 2016 Time Trial took place on Tuesday 5th April, and it was remarkable for the fact that over half the field obtained times faster than their handicaps!
The first male was Jim Tracey and Louise Speirs was first lady. The Wooden Spoon went to Ian Young.
See the full results and the 2016 Time Trial Championship page.
The April 2016 Time Trial takes place on Tuesday 5th April at 6:30pm, starting at the Boathouse Gym, Strathclyde Park.
The handicaps have been published. Please see the 2016 Time Trial Championship page for 12 month rolling sheet, league tables and more.
We held the March Trial, the first competitive one of the season, on a cold, wet and windy night at Strathclyde Park. That said we still had a really good turnout of 31 athletes taking part in the 4 mile handicap race.
Congratulations go to Allan Cameron who won the men’s race in an excellent time of 22:06, and Susan Stewart won the women’s race in a PB of 27:59. Peter Blackmore picked up the wooden spoon in an unremarkable time that would be easily forgotten. Thanks to everyone who made it down to compete this evening.
Thanks to tonight’s helpers too – Jim Tracey and John Burns who were on torch duty at the underpass, Anne Hughes for starting the race and timing the finishers, Brian McLinden for stepping in to the breach and ensuring we got the names of every finisher in the correct order, and Lynsey Sneddon for videoing the finish to back up the manual process.
See the full results and the 2016 Time Trial Championship page.
Coach John Hughes recently gave a well received talk on the clubs annual training plan.
The slides for this talk are now available on the website.
A link shall remain on the Calendar page for future reference.
The first competitive race of the Time Trial Championship takes place this coming Tuesday at 6.30 pm at the Boathouse as usual.
The Road Runners Sub Committee approved a proposal to change this year’s rules.
Essentially the February Handicaps will be the same as the December ones for all runners except those who achieved a 1st and/or 2nd Marker in December and January. A new 12 month rolling sheet for 2016 and the February Handicaps has been published.
We had an excellent turn out of 36 Road Runners for last night’s Time Trial and we had a dry spell for the race!
Alan Cameron won the men’s race in a superb time of 22:46 and Phyllis Hands took the women’s trophy in 30:42, a full half minute faster that her estimated time. Dougie O’Hare picked up the Wooden Spoon (The Jim Tracey Award) with an unspectacular performance.
Thanks once again to Irene Kerr, Wendy Kerr, and Anne Hughes for helping out.
See the full results.
It’s that time of year again when memberships are also due for renewal.
As with previous years we are asking you to do this online at Entry Central to avoid any admin overhead for our already busy volunteers.
If you joined after 1st October 2015 then your membership is valid for 2016.
If you are a member of the track and field section, please also ensure that your monthly standing order of £5 is setup.
If you have any questions, see our membership page or please speak to Monica or one of the coaches.
On that special link above you will find the first edition of the new MAC Monthly newsletter.
The plan is to have this distributed to all members through email over time, however I am currently having problems accessing entry central. Please note also that there may still be issues trying to renew membership, but hopefully they will be resolved ASAP. I look forward to your feedback on what I think can be a good communications tool going forward.
Thanks, Mark
We had 32 RRs participating in this morning’s Christmas Handicap and this was our biggest turnout since records began.
Given the treacherous conditions because of the ice and frost, this annual event split into a fun run for the majority of the group with the small band of ‘serious’ (or seriously mad) RRs deciding to do the 4 mile race proper.
Emma Stevenson was first female and Tommy Sneddon was first male in the serious race, with Craig Mackenzie picking up the wooden spoon (The Jim Tracey Award). Congratulations to them for risking life and limb by competing in such crazy conditions.
Female
1st Emma Stevenson 26:28
Male
1st Tommy Sneddon 28:13
2nd Mark Paterson 23:38
3rd Craig Mackenzie 23;18
1st Marker
Ben Smith 24:31
Alan Tait 24:42
Roddy Quinn 33:12
2nd Marker
Alan Cameron 23:35
Back at the Electric Bar around 40 RRs voted Mark Gallacher Road Runner of the Year – well done Mark you deserve all the accolades for your efforts this season. It was also Vicki Wright’s birthday ​​and she was presented with a cake by Tracey Lamont from her fellow RRs.
Thanks to Anne Hughes and Lynsey Sneddon for helping out once again.
Well done to all our athletes who represented the club at the LAAA cross country championships on 21st Nov.
Full results are:
Thanks to all the parents who came to support on a freezing cold day and to Bob McCrum and Lesley Ross for volunteering with registration and the finish funnel.
The RRs Sub Committee had its first meeting on Saturday 14 November. There was an excellent turnout of 12 RRs. We discussed a number of areas including the rules for the competitions and the races for next season’s championship. Six races have been approved – 3 Parkruns (5K), Down by the River 10K, Tom Scott 10 Mile Road Race, and the Brian Goodwin 10k. The remaining 3 races will be decided at the January meeting. Please have a read at the minutes to get up to speed on the discussions.
Please see the minutes.
