Sunday 23 February 2014

Good junior efforts and a first (?) for Colin Williams at the National XC

There may not have been any ploughed field or burn crossings but the conditions at Callendar Park, Falkirk for the Scottish National Cross-Country Championships on Saturday were as close to traditional cross-country as you’ll get with a tough undulating course and increasingly muddy conditions as the course churned up with each passing race.

The first crack of the starter’s gun signalled the start of a long day of racing with over one hundred and fifty lining up for the Under-13 Boys race over 3.2km. Craig Angus (Leithenburn branch) was the sole Moorfoot and was having his first taste of national level competition. He had an encouraging run for 64th, well inside the top half.

The Under-13 Girls race over the same distance was probably the strongest race for Borders athletes. Beth Hobbs was another having her first National outing and ran strongly for 10th with Mairi Wallace not far behind in 15th. Interestingly, whilst the National Championships does not cater for composite teams, with Gala girls in 5th and 18th had these four girls been running in a Team Borders vest then National Championship team silver would have come their way, a mere 4 points off gold.

The Under 15 Girls 4km race saw Zaynah Aziz (Selkirk branch) produce a very solid run for 13th. Fiona Grant seemed to find the going tough and was a bit below par with her 36th place finish.

Naimh Shaw, continued her return to fitness with a decent effort for 32nd in the U17 Women’s race over 4.8km.

In the U17 Men’s 6.4km race Kobe Stevens had a solid run for 33rd with Sam MacNeil not too far behind and winning a sprint to the line for 41st. An injury interrupted few months contributed to Ben Hindley unfortunately finishing well adrift of his true capabilities back in 80th spot.

Sophie Collins was another who battled adversity to get on the start line after two weeks of minimal training due to illness and in the circumstances she did very well to get home for 17th in the Under 20 Women’s race over 4.8km.

In what was billed as the race of the day, with virtually everyone who is anyone in Scottish women’s endurance running on the start line (apart from Sarah Mac!), 1st year senior Scout Adkin was the first Borders athlete home in 25th in the senior women’s race over 8k, an excellent effort given tired legs still from her 3rd place the previous Saturday in the Carnethy 5 hill race.

Finally, a big well done to Colin Williams who came home in 222nd place in a mammoth field of 566 in the senior men's race over 12km. Is this a first Moorfoot senior men's finisher in the National Champs? Certainly the first for a good number of years.


Moorfoot AGM 2014 - Summary

This year's AGM was held in the Country Hotel Peebles on Friday 21-February and was attended by ten members

Please a short summary of the meeting below:
Apologies
Barry Hughes


President's Report
Mike gave an overview of the year; appreciation of membership support for club events and races

Treasurers Report
Kirsty updated on the current membership and accounts; membership at 97 for 2013, up from previous year, with the growth primarily in Junior members; more money spent this year on membership but good balance remaining in bank

Coaching Report
Gregor gave a summary of the junior coaching highlights, including a number of individual and team wins and international representations for Moorfoot members.


Election of Committee
Mike McGovern remains as President
Kenny steps down as Secretary – position vacant; to be decided at next committee meeting
Kirsty steps down as Treasurer - Eddie Balfour takes over in this role
Committee members - Gregor Nicholson, Mike Pearson, Alan MacDonald, Brian Hood, Tom Hobbs – welcome to new committee member Colin Williams



Fees
Fees will remain unchanged for 2014 - £15 senior, £10 junior, £20 couple/family
Fees due 1-April - appreciate payment by 30-April

Events for 2014/15
Gypsy Glen Hill Race – Wed 14-May – Mike Pearson taking organisation role but full support from club members also requested

Cademuir Rollercoaster Hill Races – Sat 16-Aug – Gregor taking organisation role and again full support from club members also requested

Borders XC - Peebles leg early December (TBC)

Watch blogger for other club events and runs throughout the season....

AOB
Alan MacDonald showed sample top with reflective ‘Moorfoot Runners’ printing which can be printed by Loanhead company – further details following next committee meeting

Mike Pearson gave review/feedback on Borders XC series 2013/14

Next Committee Meeting scheduled for Wed 26-March 7:30pm County Hotel Peebles (TBC)

Thursday 20 February 2014

Moorfoot Runners AGM - County Hotel Peebles Fri 21-Feb 7:30pm

This years Moorfoot Runners Annual General Meeting will be held on Friday 21-February in the County Hotel Peebles at 7:30pm
(Usually lasts about an hour or so plus some additional socialising at the bar afterwards...)

Usual AGM agenda and formalities...

o Presidents Report (Review of Year) MMcG

o Treasurer’s Report KHD

o Junior/Coaching Report GN

o Election of Committee

o Fees

o Events for 2013/14


AOB

All welcome - come along, support your club and bring any ideas or initiatives you would like to introduce to club. We are always looking for new ideas and volunteers - you don't have to be a committee member to contribute.....

Vacancies for Club Secretary and Treasurer this year  - please let me know ifanyone would like any further information on what is involved...

Saturday 8 February 2014

Result Round up 1/2 Feb - Forfar trail half marathon, Foxlake Tri trail, Borders XC round 5

Looking at the results there have been some good results last weekend
James Britton followed up the second place at the Feel the Burns with another second place at the Forfar trail half marathon recording 1:20.15 on the hilly and off road course:
http://forfarroadrunners.co.uk/site/sites/default/files/Multi%20Results%202014.pdf
The 5th round of the Borders XC series was held at Conundrum Farm located just off the A1 approximately one mile north of Berwick. 4 Moorfoots were in action - first home was Carol Moss as 5th woman and 2nd F40, followed by Ian Munro, Sophie Collins 1st FJ and a first appearance of the series for Mike Pearson. Final leg in Dunbar next weekend on Sunday 16th February
Details: http://www.bordersxc.com/
Mike McGovern was in action at the 2nd Tritrail at Foxlake near Dunbar and finished in a strong 6th position
Details: http://www.webscorer.com/racedetails?raceid=18047


Wednesday 5 February 2014

Tweeddale Sports Council 2014 Annual Awards Nominations

Tweeddale Sports Council 2014 Annual Awards Nominations are now being taken...
Nominations for Sports Personality, Junior Sports Personality, Coach, Junior Coach, Team of the Year, National or International Sport Performer

Nomination forms at the Gytes....closing date Monday 17-Feb

Tuesday 4 February 2014

Paced Group Time-Trials at Tweedbank this Sunday (9-Feb-2014)

This Sunday 9 February Gregor is organising another opportunity for a paced group 3000m at Tweedbank whether as a training measure or as a sharpener before Carnethy? Full or part distance can be run at your chosen pace per the attached information. All welcome, as long as you can hit one of the paces that will be "whistled" every 100m.