Here is the official press release from the Mid Argyll Triathlon and Clycle club with some photos below (I'll add captions tomorrow night when I get time). As Rab posted the full results can be seen at
http://www.midargyllcycleclub.co.uk/hom ... /cpres.xlsScottish Sea Farms Crinan Puffer 8.5 (2011) 118 runners competed in the Scottish Sea Farms Crinan Puffer 8.5 on Sunday 17th April 2011.
The 10am start at Pier Square in Ardrishaig deterred neither the racers nor the large crowd of supporters. Strathclyde Police closed briefly the A83 to allow the runners to start on the main road.
On the whistle, the pack was off, with the front-runners already battling to establish race position. Soon everyone was on the banks of the Crinan Canal - next stop Crinan.
The slightly overcast, cool, and almost windless conditions were ideal for this type of event.
Mid-Argyll Triathlon Club members were out in force to marshal the various road junction and bridges along the route. Having a busman’s holiday was Mid Argyll Community Pool manager Mark Kelly, who was handing out water at Baddens, and Health Visitor Dorothy Clark showed her caring side by doing the same at Barnakill.
There were running battles all over the place, but these particular ones didn’t require police intervention.
Out in front, were Lyon, Barbour (Strathblane) and Docwra (Shandon) - who was the only barefoot runner, all setting a blistering pace. Just behind, were Law and Whiston (both Ardrishaig), and Morran (Campbeltown), who, for his 23 years, was an equal match for the two gnarly veterans.
Talented David McAlister (17) got out of bed early to represent Mid Argyll youth, sticking with those who should be wearing slippers as opposed to running shoes!
The ladies were strongly represented at the front of the field by Thompson (Glasgow) and McCallum (Clydebank), both of whom were an equal match for most of the men.
Neil Souden couldn’t be persuaded to run; instead he lead a team of six Red Cross volunteers. There were no major injury issues during the event - just a few blisters, a strained ankle, and some emergency transport to the finish for one runner who couldn’t undo a stitch and therefore withdrew!
At Cairnbaan, the residents cheered on the event. Followers and supporters, in a fleet of cars, stopped to cheer on family and friends from the opposite bank of the canal.
Mid Argyll Pipe Band members, led by Struan Thorpe, played at various locations, stirring the blood of the athletes.
Lyon left Bute like a lamb and finished like a lion, crossing the finish line in first place. With an average pace of 6mins 02secs per mile, no one could match him on the day - but only 39 seconds separated 1st and 3rd places.
Meanwhile, Whiston was having pacing problems; his half-mile splits were all over the place, but he was making quick-paced slow progress in reeling in Law.
Morran took his opportunity, and overtook Whiston not far from the finish, but the wily dog was not going to roll over - as he bounded past the pup.
Morran’s attack was quashed and he had no response. Law could not be caught.
As official timekeeper, Mid Argyll Athletic Club’s Bill MacCallum had some inspiring times to record. He witnessed the elation and relief at the finish line, and he saw many happy people.
All the runners received a goodie bag.
The event’s lead organiser, Richard Barrie, thanked Scottish Sea Farms, Storvik Ltd, The Cooperative Membership, Mid Argyll Council on Alcohol and Drugs, Argyll & Bute Council Road Safety Unit and Thomas Tunnock Ltd. for their involvement with the event.
He acknowledged also the work of the marshals and of the British Red Cross, the assistance of Charlie Greenlees and Colin Hunter with photography duties, and the invaluable support rendered by Anderson’s Coaches, Strathclyde Police, and Mid Argyll Pipe Band.
The runners and supporters were very responsive - a really good crowd - and gave the event organisers positive feedback.
Mid Argyll Tri Club member and breast cancer fundraiser Fee Corner presented the prizes after her inspiring run. Donations on the day raised £280 for her cause - the Mid Argyll Hospital Chemotherapy Unit.
Scottish Sea Farms Crinan Puffer 8.5 2011- Prize Winners
Junior Male1st David McAlister –Mid Argyll 56.59
2nd William Salton – Mid Argyll 74.05
3rd
Female Senior1st Claire Thompson - Glasgow 57.21
2nd Marina MacCallum - Clydebank 58.19
3rd Elena Adair – Mid Argyll 63.18
Male Senior1st Shaun Lyon – Isle Of Bute 51.12
2nd Ian Docwra – Shandon 51.32
3rd Tommy Morran – Campbeltown 54.02
Female Vet1st Fiona Greer – Old Kilpatrick 62.44
2nd Katie Ferguson – Campbeltown 65.04
3rd Fiona Irwin - Campbeltown 67.16
Male Vet1st Hendrie Barbour – Strathblane 51.51
2nd Andrew Law – Mid Argyll 52.39
3rd Stephen Whiston – Mid Argyll 53.49
Local Female1st Eleana Adair – Mid Argyll 63.18
Local Male1st Andrew Law – Mid Argyll 52.39
The event’s lead organiser, Richard Barrie3rd Elena Adair – Mid Argyll 63.182nd Marina MacCallum - Clydebank 58.191st Claire Thompson - Glasgow 57.21Male Senior3rd Tommy "Rab" Morran – Campbeltown 54.02 picked up by Robert McDonaldMale Senior2nd Ian Docwra – Shandon 51.32Male Senior1st Shaun Lyon – Isle Of Bute 51.12Female Vet 4th Jocelyn RichardFemale Vet 3rd Fiona Irwin - Campbeltown 67.16Female Vet 2nd Katie Ferguson – Campbeltown 65.04Female Vet 1st Fiona Greer – Old Kilpatrick 62.44 - No.133Male Vet 3rd Stephen Whiston – Mid Argyll 53.4Male Vet 2nd Andrew Law – Mid Argyll 52.39Male Vet 1st Hendrie Barbour – Strathblane 51.51 Local Female1st Eleana Adair – Mid Argyll 63.18 and
Local Male 1st Andrew Law – Mid Argyll 52.39
Next time Tina, remember to give me a teacake!! Look at this one closer - look at the kid to the right!!!
Johnny, one for you.