Thousands enjoy Alva Games

Published 14 Jul 2010 10:46 0 Comments

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The strongmen were out in force at Alva Games.

THE mist hung low over Torry like a scene reminiscent of fantasy film Lord of Rings.

But instead of Hobbits scrambling up Mount Doom, it was a record 70 runners that made their way up the Ochil hillside in the British Championship Hill Race.

On a wet Saturday afternoon, the highlight of the Famous Alva Games did not disappoint, with Alastair Dunn from Kendal crossing the finish line ahead of the pack for the fifth consecutive year in a row - although in his efforts he lost his wedding ring.

He said, "It was really slippy up there. Hector pushed me all the way and I spent more time on my back than I ever have before but I hung in there and pushed it as hard as I could."

The father-of-two has never managed to break the 20 minute mark and 154th Games was no exception, coming in at 20 minutes and 1 second. It was his fastest time yet and he made it back ahead of Hector Haines, despite the 20-year-old student reaching the 385m summit first.

Hector said, "I was feeling really good and was first to the top but then coming down my legs went like jelly and I could hardly run."

Judith Turner was the first lady back in 28.06 minutes - having cycled from her home in Newmills, Fife, to reach the event just hours before - while the first local runner home was Gary Fraser from Coalsnaughton, in 26.09 minutes.

In the U14 category, Eilidh McCorquodale from Clackmannan was the first girl and first local competitor to make it back. Her achievement came as an early present as she celebrated her 13th birthday the following day.

She said, "I always wanted to do the hill race when I was little. I've been getting in to running in the last few years and I competed in the hill race on my birthday last year. It's something different and great fun."

Almost 3000 people braved the cold and the rain to attend the famous games held as usual at Johnstone Park.

As always there was an international feel with competitors and visitors from Poland and Australia to South America and Africa. Guest of honour was former Australian sprinter Matthew Webster, who officially opened the games led in by the Alloa Bowmar Pipe Band.

He said, "I said to Campbell Lyon (Life President) and the Provost that I've been honoured many times and in many ways back in Australia but I've never been pipped on to a ground - that's a first - and it was a good honour."

The Melbourne resident touched down at the games with his wife Diane as part of a three-month tour across Europe.

The Queen's Gurkha Engineers also made an appearance as part of their tour of Scotland. They competed in the hill race and performed traditional dance including a demonstration of the famous Khukuri knife.

In cycling, Commonwealth Games internationalist Evan Oliphant returned to winning ways in the Scottish Cycle Championship and De'il Tak The Hindmost. Polish brothers Sebastien and Lucasz Wenta pushed the other competitors in the heavyweights events with Gregor Edmunds of Glasgow coming out on top in most events.

Due to the weather, the dancers were transferred to the games hall of the former Alva Academy swimming pool. But that did not dampen the fun as competitors like Jessica (14) and Lois (10) Brown took part.

The sisters, originally from Balfron, emigrated with their family to Calgarry, Canada last year but returned to Scotland to perform at various Highland games throughout the summer.

And for all the talented competitors from outwith the area it was a local lad who scooped athlete of the day. Former Alva Academy pupil Scott McDonald (20) came first in the 1600m Open and second in the 3200m Open.

He said, "It was the first time I've really competed in a highland games. I've been injured and have been trying to get back into running but I felt good on the grass."

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