Published: Monday, 24th March, 2008 12:00
Alloa Half Marathon is great success
By Jamie MacDonald
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Race winner Robert Gilroy crosses the finishing line.
Pic by: Jan van der Merwe
Click Here to Download a PDF of the Full results from the Alloa Half Marathon 2008'
WORRIES over severe winter conditions proved to be unfounded as runners in Sunday’s 26th Alloa Half Marathon enjoyed almost perfect conditions for the annual race.
The absence of snow and rain enabled the 850 entrants to post quick times – with many achieving personal bests.
This year was the first to be organised by Alloa’s Round Table, who introduced electronic chip technology which significantly helped to accurately time the runners.
Provost Derek Stewart got the race underway and runners left Lornshill Academy to follow the 13.1 mile course taking in Alloa, Sauchie, Tillicoultry, Alva and Tullibody.
First to cross the line back at Lornshill was Robert Gilroy, of Ronhill Cambuslang Harriers, in a time of 1:09:38; while Fiona Matheson, of Falkirk Victoria Harriers, was the first woman to finish, clocking 1:20:11.
The Alloa Half Marathon is proving to be happy hunting ground for winner Robert, who also won back in 2004. He was pleased with the win, which comes on the back of a second place in last week’s Edinurgh Half Marathon.
Robert said, “It is good to win and the conditions today were brilliant.
“When I was out in front I was enjoying the scenery until I realised second was catching up on me, so I had to get the head down again.
“This is my third half marathon in a row as I’m training for the London Marathon, but I’m going out for a few beers now to celebrate.”
Fiona Matheson was delighted with her victory – she won the race two years ago and finished second last year.
Fiona said, “I was looking for a time just over 1:20 so I’m happy with this. It’s more about the time but it is nice to win.
“It was a lovely day, the crowds were out most of the way cheering us on and it really does spur you on.”
In the men’s race Paul Sorrie finished second in 1:10:09, with Alastair Morrison, from Garscube Harriers, third in 1:11:44.
Second and third in the women’s race was a close run thing, with Iona Robertson, of Bellahouston Road Runners, pipping Helen Sharpe, from Fife AC – their times were 1:25:07 and 1:25:20 respectively.
The first local runners back were Ian Stewart (1:16:31) and Fiona Kelsall (1:35:32).
Running the half marathon for the 19th time, Ian also won the over 50s race.
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Five will go for next season