Mud and glory for international trio
Published 2 Dec 2011 08:30
THERE were medals amidst the mud for the three Helensburgh runners who braved what could only be described as atrocious conditions to represent Scotland at the British and Irish Masters Cross Country International on Saturday.
Torrential rain and gale force winds, added to the sodden ground underfoot, made the going extremely tough for Julia Henderson, Jan Fellowes and Paul Thompson as they competed against teams from Ireland, Northern Ireland, Wales and England on the highly challenging course at Glasgow's Bellahouston Park.
The first race of the day was the women's 6km competition and Julia, running in the youngest of the veterans categories (W35-39), led the Burgh charge as she finished seventh in her age group (and an impressive 15th overall) in 22.42.
Each country had four runners in each age group, with three counting towards the team prize and Julia's team won the silver medal, just a tantalising single point behind gold medallists, England.
Jan, running in the W55-59 category, put in a tremendous effort in the conditions and was part of the bronze medal winning team, recording a time of 28.59.
In the 8km men's race, Jan's husband Paul Thompson (V55-59) ran a well-executed race and was just out of the individual medals when he finished equal fourth, in 28.57.
However, his efforts were rewarded, being second counter in the silver medal team.
All in all, it was a fantastic day for Helensburgh AAC and for Scotland. Jan, Julia and Paul are pictured with Joyce MacGinley of local sponsors Babcock, who kindly supported the Cross Country International and are also title sponsors of Helensburgh's annual Babcock Half Marathon, which takes place in August.
Pictured left to right: Jan Fellowes, Julia Henderson, Joyce MacGinley, Babcock PR Executive, Paul Thompson.
This article appeared in Helensburgh Advertiser 01 Dec 11
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