Organisers call ‘time’ on Kinnoull Hill handicap

Aug 8 2008 by Les Stewart, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

BEING in a canoe without a paddle could so easily have described Perth Road Runners’ handicap race as runners were required to remove all watches prior to the event start.

Race organiser, Karen Walters produced an accurately measured 4.9-mile course taking runners along the woodland paths of Kinnoull Hill before a final descent to the finish line.

With runners providing an estimated time for the distance, it was Jake Carter who recorded the "best time" of 7 seconds within his prediction, closely followed by Steve Bonthron (–12 seconds).

The women apparently lost all track of time, as it was left to Linda O'Neill to provide their best effort, finishing fourth overall (–34 seconds).

Despite the rain all 20 runners successfully negotiated the route.

Missing on the night was Angela Park who had ventured into the Kingdom of Fife for five races over five consecutive days as part of the 8th annual Tour of Fife challenge. Starting with a 5-mile road race Angela secured a mid table position from a field of 150 (7th F) before completing the series with the forest race and dropping to 14th (F) position.

This Saturday, invited club members will participate at the George Duncan Athletics Arena as part of the Testimonial to the former Scottish Athletics official and member of Strathtay Harriers. The day opens with a senior 4-mile road race at 9:50am followed by track and field events for junior teams.

The club is now recruiting runners for the North Inch Ultra Festival organised by Scottish Athletics on September 13 and 14. In particular, the Mixed Team Relay starting at 8pm on Saturday and finishing the following morning has attracted strong interest from members with 2 teams of 6 runners already lined up for the 12-hour event. Further details may be obtained from Kenneth Stewart.