The Retired Runner

Cover photo – the Leven Las Vegas squad prepare to tackle the Devils Burdens relay race

Last week

There was no report last week as there was no Tuesday night training session and unusually there were no events at the weekend, not even a parkrun as all the Fife parkruns were cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.

Tuesday Night Training

Jog leader Bex was in charge for the first week of the new training block. The group headed to the Balfour Street area in Leven for a pyramid session.

A few members missed the awards night at the Caledonian Hotel on the last night of the previous training block so they picked up their goodies this week. Terry and Davie received commemorative mugs for 100 attendances at LLV training, while Donna, Anna, Lynne, Gayle, Dawn, Susan, Karen and Grant received chocolate medals for other attendance milestones.

The start of the new training block saw Tracy Mayes, Kerrie Donald, David Reynolds, Barry West, Kelly Nicholson and Heather Keddie joining in the club training for the first time.

Parkruns

At Kirkcaldy parkrun on Saturday morning there were new PBs for Susan Kerr, Kirsty Barclay and Stephanie Barclay.

Devils Burdens

The Devils Burdens hill relay race is the first major team event of the year in Fife. Organised by Fife AC, the event sees hundreds of runners traversing the summits of East Lomond, West Lomond and Bishop Hill. Starting and finishing in Falkland village, the race is run in four stages by teams of six; the first and fourth stages are run by individual runners and the second and third stages are run in pairs.

The first stage is a tough cross-country run from Falkland to Strathmiglo. Stage two starts with an extremely challenging 4 mile ascent from Strath all the way to the top of West Lomond then on over Bishop Hill to Kinnesswood. The next pair of runners takes over at Kinnesswood and climbs over Whitecraigs and Bishop Hill again before making the long run to Maspie Den in Falkland where the sixth team member takes over and heads back up Maspie Den to Craigmead then on to the summit of East Lomond. A tricky descent then follows on the way back to Falkland for the finish.

This year there was a record entry of three teams from Leven Las Vegas, with many of the team members making their first appearance in this challenging event.

Here are some photos of the team members in action taken by Pete Bracegirdle of Fife AC (who ran leg 1 for his team then scooted up the hill with his camera!). No action images at the moment of Chris and Matt H. but if any turn up they will be added in.

Race results:

• Team Johny Vegas (Matt M 36:15, Mark & John 1:37:07, Bryan & James 1:08:38, Chris 35:35) – 51st 3:57:35
• Leven La Vida Loca (Ross 45:34, Gillian & Iain 1:45:54, Robin & Kevin 1:08:32, Matt H 41:56) – 94th 4:21:56
• Lost Vegans (Jemma 43:49, Gordon & Terry 1:55:04, Karen & Jeff 1:42:07, Douglas 49:00) – 136th 5:10:00

Skull Mountain Winter Challenge Race 2

Sunday morning was the second race in the Skull Mountain winter challenge trail race series held at Balbirnie Park in Markinch. The organisers took advantage of the recent damp weather to set out a tricky course involving lots of mud and knee deep stream crossings. Chris Russell made light work of the conditions to finish first and retain his overall lead in the series. Jim Dunstan was next to finish and is now sitting third in his age category for the series. Lynsay Bell, Dawn Watson and Jenni Johnstone had a great time in the mud as the pictures show!

Race results:

• Chris – 1st 26:59
• Jim – 27th and 3rd M50 34:16
• Lynsay – 143rd 53:15
• Dawn – 144th 53:23
• Jenni – 145th 54:19

Upcoming Events

For anyone who enjoys a fun casual training run in the dark, the latest in the winter series of torchlit trail runs organised by Run4It Dundee is being held this Friday at Tentsmuir Forest near Tayport starting at 7:30pm.

The first race in the inaugural Morton Running Company (MRC) Grand Prix is this coming weekend’s Kirkcaldy parkrun. The MRC GP was due to start two weeks ago on Saturday 20 January but was postponed due to the icy conditions at Beveridge Park causing cancellation of the parkrun. For details on how to take part in the MRC GP click here.

This weekend also sees the Scottish National Masters Cross Country on Saturday at Kilmarnock and the Scottish Athletics National Indoor Masters on Sunday at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow.

Further ahead:

• Nightmare Series #5 “Volcano Vengeance” – Friday 9 February 7:30pm
• Carnethy 5 Hill Race – Saturday 10 February
• Devilla Forest 15k and 5k – Sunday 18 February
• Skull Mountain Winter Challenge Race 3 – Sunday 25 February
• Cupar 5 – Saturday 3 March
• Smokies 10 mile (Ladies Only) – Sunday 4 March
• Alloa Half Marathon – Sunday 18 March
• Beveridge Park 5k – Friday 6 April
• Round the Houses 10k – Sunday 8 April
• St Andrews 5k (Fife AC Midweek Series) – Wednesday 18 April
• Stirling Scottish Marathon and 5k – Sunday 29 April
• Chariots of Fire Beach Race – Sunday 3 June
• Glenrothes 10k – Sunday 17 June

Cover photo – Jeff, Iain, Gillian, Matt, John, Davie and Mark in the Lomond Hills as the Devils Burdens recces continue.

Tuesday Night Training

Last Tuesday was the customary end of training block pursuit race organised by Chris Russell where runners attempt to improve on their previous best times over a 1.8 mile course, with the coveted Caley Cup being awarded to the biggest improver.

This was the first chance that many of the recent Couch to 5k graduates from October 2017 had to compete for the Caley Cup. Lynsay Bell, Jenni Johnstone, Lesley Turnbull, Dawn Watson, Kirsty Barclay and Kenna Orkney all made substantial improvements from their first attempts last October. Teresa Guild also continued her recent excellent running performances with a big improvement. However, the cup winner for most improved runner in the training block was Angela Wood who cut more than 4 minutes off her previous best time.

At the award ceremony at the Caledonian Hotel in Leven, Chris Russell, Bryan McLaren and Robin Pate all received commemorative mugs for attending 100 training sessions at Leven Las Vegas.

Nightmare Series Race 4 – The Wicked Witch of West Wemyss

The latest instalment of the Nightmare series was held on an out-and-back 4 mile course along the coastal path between West Wemyss and East Wemyss. The theme was based on the Wicked Witch of the West from Wizard of Oz.

First place was closely fought between Chris Russell and Bryan McLaren until the later stages when Chris broke clear and eventually won by a margin of 52 seconds over his younger rival. Chris and Bryan retain the first two places in the rankings for the series so far.

Race results:

• Chris – 1st 25:03
• Bryan – 2nd 25:55
• Jeff – 18th 31:11
• Gordon – 23rd 33:47
• Allen – 26th 34:25
• Terry – 27th 34:28
• Grant – 29th 35:40
• Tam – 35th 38:11
• Bex – 42nd 40:11

Parkruns

A total of 21 LLV members took part in parkruns this weekend at Perth, St Andrews and Kirkcaldy.  Stephanie Barclay and Kenna Orkney both achieved new personal best times at St Andrews.

Great Edinburgh Winter Run 5k

This mass participation annual event takes place on a course around Arthur’s Seat at Holyrood Park in Edinburgh. Taking part for Leven Las Vegas were Lynda and Stewart English and Teresa and Jemma Guild.

Race results:

• Stewart – 595th 25:56
• Jemma – 682nd 26:40
• Teresa – 725th 26:57
• Linda – 1284th 30:11

Scottish Athletics 1500m Indoor Open

On Saturday afternoon Allen Marr was back on the indoor track at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, scene of his 3000m gold medal winning performance last week, this time for an open graded 1500m race. He was seeded in the same heat as Claire Thompson, a top WV40 athlete and the winner of Allen’s 3000m heat last week. On the tight indoor track the athletes hit the first bend within a few steps of the gun being fired so sharp elbows were needed to get round the bend and into the first straight. Three youngsters sped off and Allen kept pace in sixth place just behind two other young athletes for three laps. When they started to slow down a bit Allen moved past them into fourth where he stayed until the second last lap when Claire overtook and opened up a five metre gap. Allen made sure her lead didn’t increase for the next lap and a half, then sprinted off the final bend to pass Claire and cross the line in a new PB of 5m 11s.

Upcoming Events

Kirkcaldy parkrun on Saturday 20 January is the first race in the inaugural Morton Running Company (MRC) Grand Prix, organised by MRC owner and good friend of Leven Las Vegas Dave Morton. For more details on how to take part in Dave’s exciting new competition click here.

Further ahead:

• Devils Burdens – Saturday 27 January
• SVHC Masters Road Relays – Sunday 28 January
• Skull Mountain Winter Challenge Race 2 – Sunday 28 January
• Scottish National Masters Cross Country – Saturday 3 February
• Scottish Athletics National 1500m Indoor Masters – Sunday 4 February
• Carnethy 5 Hill Race – Saturday 10 February
• Devilla Forest 15k and 5k – Sunday 18 February
• Skull Mountain Winter Challenge Race 3 – Sunday 25 February
• Cupar 5 – Saturday 3 March
• Smokies 10 mile (Ladies Only) – Sunday 4 March
• Alloa Half Marathon – Sunday 18 March
• Beveridge Park 5k – Friday 6 April
• Round the Houses 10k – Sunday 8 April
• St Andrews 5k (Fife AC Midweek Series) – Wednesday 18 April
• Stirling Scottish Marathon and 5k – Sunday 29 April
• Glenrothes 10k – Sunday 17 June

Cover photo – And they’re off! The gun is fired at the start of the first 3000m heat at the Emirates Arena with Annabel Simpson of Fife AC as the pacer in the inside lane and Allen in the middle of the line up (Photo by Bobby Gavin)

Tuesday Night Training

Jog leader Tricia took the group through a paarlauf drill at the Energy Park in Lower Methil.

Parkruns

There were two parkrun opportunities in the first week of the new year. On Monday 1st January at Beveridge Park in Kirkcaldy Kevin Hughes and Teresa Guild both achieved new personal best times and Kevin followed this up at the regular Saturday morning event in Kirkcaldy when he further improved his time. Meanwhile at St Andrews weekend parkrun Caroline Robertson also set a PB.

Skull Mountain Winter Challenge Race 1

This wintry trail race was held at Balbirnie Park in Markinch. It marked a first official appearance in LLV colours for recent Couch to 5k graduates Lynsay Bell, Dawn Watson and Jenni Johnstone. Despite freezing conditions and icy stream crossings, all three ladies did brilliantly and are eagerly looking forward to next race in the series on 28 January.

Also running for LLV were Jim Dunstan and Chris Russell with Chris finishing third on the day.

Race results:

• Chris – 3rd and 1st M45 24:02
• Jim – 40th 31:30
• Lynsay – 150th 47:41
• Dawn – 151st 47:42
• Jenni – 154th 49:54

Scottish National 3000m Indoor Masters

Leven Las Vegas Running Club veteran Allen Marr scored a major championship success at the weekend. Allen, representing his Scottish Athletics club PH Racing Club, was competing at the Scottish National Indoor Masters 3000m held at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow where he won a gold medal in the over-60 age category and set a new personal best. Having only taken up running less than 3 years ago, it was his first-ever appearance on an indoor track and his first national championship victory.

After the event he said “it was an amazing experience to run in such a fantastic arena alongside some of the best athletes in the country. I was pretty nervous while I warmed up and made my way to the start but once the gun went I felt great and was able to settle in at a good pace among the front runners. I ran my fastest time so far over the 3000m distance and was overjoyed to achieve my dream of being a Scottish national champion.”

Allen is back on the same track next Saturday 13 January for an open graded 1500m as a time trial and practice run for his attempt at the National Masters 1500m Championships on Sunday 4 February.

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

Karen Britten escaped the winter weather by jetting off to Florida to take part in the Walt Disney World half marathon an Saturday 6 January and then the full marathon the following day Sunday 7 January. The routes for both events incorporated the popular Disney theme parks and the participants were cheered on by well known characters from all the Disney classics.

Upcoming Events

Nightmare Series Race 4 – Wicked Witch of West Wemyss – Friday 12 January 7:30pm

Great Edinburgh Winter Run 5k – Saturday 13 January

Scottish Athletics 1500m Indoor Open – Saturday 13 January

Further ahead:

• Devils Burdens – Saturday 27 January
• SVHC Masters Road Relays – Sunday 28 January
• Skull Mountain Winter Challenge Race 2 – Sunday 28 January
• Scottish National Masters Cross Country – Saturday 3 February
• Scottish Athletics National 1500m Indoor Masters – Sunday 4 February
• Carnethy 5 Hill Race – Saturday 10 February
• Devilla Forest 15k and 5k – Sunday 18 February
• Skull Mountain Winter Challenge Race 3 – Sunday 25 February
• Cupar 5 – Saturday 3 March
• Smokies 10 mile (Ladies Only) – Sunday 4 March
• Alloa Half Marathon – Sunday 18 March
• Beveridge Park 5k – Friday 6 April
• Round the Houses 10k – Sunday 8 April
• St Andrews 5k (Fife AC Midweek Series) – Wednesday 18 April
• Stirling Scottish Marathon and 5k – Sunday 29 April
• Glenrothes 10k – Sunday 17 June

Cover photo – Bryan, Alan, John and Jeff on top of West Lomond during a Devils Burdens practice run 

As December is a fairly quiet month for events and other running activities, this report from Leven Las Vegas Running Club covers what’s been happening over a four week period up to 31 December 2017.

Tuesday Night Training

On 5 December jog leader Ross directed the group through his new super-hills drill. This involved running up and down both of the normal training hills in Lower Methil and the long straight between them without a break. As if that wasn’t exhausting enough, Ross then had the group go up and down each hill twice on each rep!

On 12 December jog leader Allen led a speed session based on time intervals of 4 x 2 minutes, 6 x 1 minute and 6 x 30 seconds.

The evening of 19 December was the “long but not that long” casual run to the Caley in Leven for Xmas drinks.

Killin Santa Dash

Chris Russell and Annie Gibson took part in this fun run.

Lanzarote Half Marathon

Lorna Hughes and Josephine Lenachan escaped the Scottish winter and travelled to Lanzarote to take part in the half marathon in the sun.

Nightmare Series Race #3 : Chariots of Ice – Friday 15 December

A race in the dark along icy paths around St Andrews Old Course, returning along the West Sands. The race was won by Chris “Elf of Darkness” Russell, closely followed by Bryan McLaren, with 9 other LLV taking part.

Race results:

• Chris – 1st 20:40
• Bryan – 2nd 21:25
• Allen – 11th and 2nd MV60 23:48
• Gillian – 22nd 27:05
• Willie – 23rd 27:06
• Jeff – 24th 27:07
• Terry – 25th 29:14
• Dan – 26th 29:15
• Claire – 40th 33:12
• Bex – 41st 33:35
• Karen – 43rd 37:10

Pitreavie Jingle Bell 5k – Sunday 17 December

Iain and Gillian ran in the main race and Ginny made her LLV debut in the kids event.

Results:

• Iain – 13th and 3rd MV40 18:27
• Gillian – 32nd and 1st FS 21:12

Boxing Day Paarlauf

This event is organised by Ian Johnston of PH Racing Club, with proceeds going to charity.  Entrants are paired together by a handicapper to make all the pairings as evenly matched as possible. Taking part for LLV were Allen Marr and Mark McLean. Allen was partnered by Steve Adam of Carnegie Harriers and Mark by Keiran Morgan also of Carnegie. One runner takes on a circuit of about 750m while their partner tackles a 450m loop, with each loop being run 8 times. Allen and Mark both opted for the longer of the two loops.

It was success for LLV with overall winners being Allen and Steve who timed their efforts perfectly when Steve took the lead in the last 20 metres and crossed the line in first place, the pair having steadily worked their way through the field as the other runners started to tire. A great effort by Steve in particular who started his last lap several seconds behind the lead runner and then proceeded to fall going round a slippy bend before getting back up and putting in a fantastic finishing burst.

Chilly Willy Hogmanay Trail Race

At Pitcairn in Glenrothes it was another first place finish for Chris Russell of LLV on the last day of 2017.

 

Parkruns

During December there were parkrun PBs for Angie Wood, Kirsty Barclay, Kenna Orkney and Jemma Guild and a 1st place finish for Andy Cargill at Carlow Town parkrun in Ireland.

Upcoming Events

Kirkcaldy New Years Day Parkrun 10:30am

Scottish Athletics National 3000m Indoor Masters – Sunday 7 January

Allen Marr is representing LLV and PH Racing Club at the Emirates Indoor Arena in Glasgow. On the starting list in the V60 category are Alex Chisholm of Garscube who is the 2017 V60 1500m outdoor gold medallist (Allen taking silver in the same event), David Dickson also of Garscube and Tony Quinn of Kirkintilloch. All three are ranked ahead of Allen so it’s going to be a tough battle to achieve a medal.

Further ahead:

• Great Edinburgh Winter Run 5k – Saturday 13 January
• Scottish Athletics 1500m Indoor Open – Saturday 13 January
• Devils Burdens – Saturday 27 January
• SVHC Masters Road Relays – Sunday 28 January
• Scottish National Masters Cross Country – Saturday 3 February
• Scottish Athletics National 1500m Indoor Masters – Sunday 4 February
• Devilla Forest 15k and 5k – Sunday 18 February
• Cupar 5 – Saturday 3 March
• Smokies 10 mile (Ladies Only) – Sunday 4 March
• Alloa Half Marathon – Sunday 18 March
• Round the Houses 10k – Sunday 8 April
• Stirling Scottish Marathon and 5k – Sunday 29 April
• Glenrothes 10k – Sunday 17 June

Cover photo – Allen and Ian after achieving their milestone parkruns

Tuesday Night Training

New jog leader Wendy took charge of the group for the first time, guiding another large turnout through a set of paarlauf drills.

Parkruns

It was a day of significant milestones at St Andrews parkrun this week. Leven Las Vegas veteran Allen Marr ran his 100th parkrun joined by his grandson Spencer in his buggy. Fellow veteran Ian Shield clocked up his 150th parkrun while long distance specialists Davie Hogg and Robin Pate both exceeded 1000 miles of running in 2017.

In addition there were new PBs for Annie Gibson, Karen Richards, Nicole Kelly, Lynsay Bell and Dawn Watson.

Leven Las Vegas parkrun performance of the day however was at Kirkcaldy where Jim Dunstan smashed his previous best and broke the 23 minute barrier in the process.

Santa’s Sleighs of Fire 5k

As Christmas approaches several seasonally themed races are taking place. On Sunday morning the Santa’s Sleighs of Fire event was held on the West Sands at St Andrews to raise funds for East Neuk of Fife Round Table to distribute to local charities. Leven Las Vegas was represented by Jemma Guild, Bex Oakenfull and Bryan McLaren. Bryan had a fine run to finish in second place overall and also passed the 1000 mile mark in 2017.

Race results:

• Bryan –
• Jemma –
• Bex –

Upcoming Events

Perth Santa Run – Saturday 9 December

Jog Cowdenbeath 5k fun run for MND Scotland – Sunday 10 December

Further ahead:

• Nightmare Series Race #3 : Chariots of Ice – Friday 15 December
• Pitreavie Jingle Bell 5k – Sunday 17 December
• St Andrews Christmas Day Parkrun 10am
• Kirkcaldy New Years Day Parkrun 10:30am
• Portobello Promathon 4 mile – Monday 1 January 10:30am
• Scottish Athletics National 3000m Indoor Masters – Sunday 7 January
• Great Winter Run 5k – Saturday 13 January
• Scottish Athletics 1500m Indoor Open – Saturday 13 January
• Devils Burdens – Saturday 27 January
• Scottish National Masters Cross Country – Saturday 3 February
• Scottish Athletics National 1500m Indoor Masters – Sunday 4 February
• Devilla Forest 15k and 5k – Sunday 18 February (Entries open Sunday 17 December)
• Smokies 10 mile (Ladies Only) – Sunday 6 March
• Alloa Half Marathon – Sunday 18 March (Entries open now)
• Stirling Scottish Marathon and 5k – Sunday 29 April

Cover photo – special guests Usain and Mo arriving at the LLV Christmas Party

Tuesday Night Training

Jog leader Ian took the group along to Lower Methil for a session of hill sprints.

Parkruns

There were a couple of outstanding performances on an icy course at St Andrews where Lesley Turnbull knocked a full minute off her previous best time and broke the 30 minute barrier. Kenna Orkney achieved an even greater improvement of her PB by more than two minutes.

RNLI Kinghorn Santa Run

This event was a fundraiser with a festive theme for the Kinghorn station of the RNLI. The brave volunteers who work at Kinghorn are kind enough to marshal the Nightmare series Blacker Than Black Rock race and several Leven Las Vegas members came along to support the fund raising efforts.  The race was won by Chris Russell of LLV. Also in attendance were Bex Oakenfull, Annie Gibson, Bryan McLaren, John Kay and James Scott.

Blairadam Badass Trail Race

Jim Dunstan and Josephine Lenachan represented Leven Las Vegas at this trail run in Blairadam Forest near Kelty.

Results:

• Jim – 47th 40:45
• Josephine – 159th 64:43

Upcoming Events

Santa’s Sleighs of Fire 5k – Sunday 3 December

Bex, Jemma and Bryan are donning their Santa suits for this one

Further ahead:

• Perth Santa Run – Saturday 9 December
• Jog Cowdenbeath 5k fun run for MND Scotland – Sunday 10 December
• Chariots of Ice Nightmare – Friday 15 December
• Pitreavie Jingle Bell 5k – Sunday 17 December
• St Andrews Christmas Day Parkrun 10am
• Kirkcaldy New Years Day Parkrun 10:30am
• Portobello Promathon 4 mile – Monday 1 January 10:30am
• Scottish Athletics National 3000m Indoor Masters – Sunday 7 January
• Great Winter Run 5k – Saturday 13 January
• Scottish Athletics 1500m Indoor Open – Saturday 13 January
• Devils Burdens – Saturday 27 January
• Scottish National Masters Cross Country – Saturday 3 February
• Scottish Athletics National 1500m Indoor Masters – Sunday 4 February
• Devilla Forest 15k and 5k – Sunday 18 February (Entries open Sunday 17 December)
• Smokies 10 mile (Ladies Only) – Sunday 6 March
• Alloa Half Marathon – Sunday 18 March (Entries open now)
• Stirling Scottish Marathon and 5k – Sunday 29 April

Cover photo – Leven Las Vegas at the Hartley Cup (photo by Wullie Law)

Tuesday Night Training

Jog leader Allen led the group through a Hartley Cup preparation session, including a set of dynamic warmup drills and a variable speed session at the Energy Park in Methil.

Blacker Than Black Rock Nightmare

Everyone’s favourite Nightmare race was back last Friday for the second time in 2017. Apparently the event in February during the last Nightmare series wasn’t wet enough behind the Black Rock to satisfy the participants so this one was specially scheduled to allow the runners to splash through knee-deep freezing cold water in complete darkness half a mile out into the Firth of Forth. The outward half of the race was directly into a powerful wind which then provided assistance on the way back to shore. Proceeds from the race were donated to the Kinghorn RNLI who braved the freezing conditions behind the rock to make sure that all the runners passed around safely.

Race results:

• Chris Russell – 2nd and 1st MV40 18:55
• Bryan McLaren – 3rd and 2nd MS 19:17
• Allen Marr – 28th and 2nd MV60 22:45
• Kenny Ritchie 30th 22:55
• Gordon Christie – 31st 23:10
• Robin Pate – 33rd 23:35
• Willie Goodfellow – 36th 24:05
• Terry Cullen – 43rd 24:32
• Tam Cullen – 46th 26:10
• Davie Hogg – 54th 27:23
• Grant Stevenson – 63rd 28:15
• Bex Oakenfull – 65th 28:23
• Karen Richards – 68th 29:22
• Claire Doak – 73rd 31:45

Parkruns

More PBs this week! At St Andrews there were new personal bests for Susan Kerr, Kirsty Barclay and Matt Holden while at Kirkcaldy Neil Beard continued his PB streak.

Hartley Cup

The Hartley Cup competition was started in 1985 by a Kinross runner named Eddie Hartley who was trying to create a fun short-distance event for local runners. It is a team event contested by a number of running clubs in Fife, Perth, Dundee and Angus, with each club entering a number of teams in various categories. The event is run as a relay with each team member running twice over a one mile distance. There are prizes for the fastest male team, fastest female team, fastest mixed team, fastest male, fastest female and fastest junior team at U13 and U15.

Leven Las Vegas first became involved in the competition in 2013 and have done very well with two successive male team victories in 2014 and 2015, and narrowly missing out on retaining the male team prize as runners-up in 2016.

For the 2017 competition, Leven Las Vegas and Falkland Trail Runners were joint hosts and organisers. The venue was Elie Holiday Park at Shell Bay on the shores of the Firth of Forth in the East Neuk of Fife. There was a pirate theme for the event based on the presence of the distinctive pirate ship at the entrance to the holiday park.

On a cold, crisp and still day under clear blue skies, over 250 runners from 12 clubs took part, assisted by a small army of marshals and caterers from the two host clubs.

Overall Results

Men

1st	Perth Road Runners	A	56m25
2nd	Leven Las Vegas	Viva Las Vegas	58m09
3rd	Kinross Road Runners	A	59m13
4th	Dundee Road Runners	1	60m39
5th	Falkland Trail Runners	Nutty Nutters	61m24
6th	Forfar Road Runners	1	64m10
7th	Kinross Road Runners	B	65m18
8th	Forfar road Runners	2	68m29
9th	Falkland Trail Runners	Falkland Trail Bummers	72m07
10th	Beacon Runners	Bad Boyz	73m59
11th	Falkland Trail Runners	Crusty Nuts	76m51

Ladies

1st	Dundee Road Runners	Female Team	68m03
2nd	Kinross Road Runners	Ladies	71m04
3rd	Strathearn Harriers	Ladies	78m44
4th	Forfar Road Runners	Ladies	79m17
5th	Arbroath Footers	Young Chicks	79m52
6th	Anster Allsorts	The Pony Club	80m24
7th	Beacon Runners	Beacon Belles	82m59
8th	Leven Las Vegas	The Teddy Bears	84m38
9th	Arbroath Footers	Go Go Girls	84m55
10th	Arbroath Footers	Hopeful	93m21

Mixed

1st	Dundee Road Runners	Mixed 1	57m42
2nd	Anster Haddies	Bikini Bottoms	62m08
3rd	Strathearn Harriers	Mixed 1	63m21
4th	Perth Road Runners	Mixed A	63m39
5th	Dundee Road Runners	Mixed 2	64m35
6th	Leven Las Vegas	Devils In Disguise	64m58
7th	Falkland Trail Runners	Brian’s Babes	66m15
8th	Beacon Runners	Beacon Bru Beasts	67m02
9th	Arbroath Footers	Mo Run	68m26
10th	Anster Haddies	Haddie Neds	72m13
11th	Perth Road Runners	Mixed B	72m30
12th	Leven Las Vegas	Jailhouse Rockers	73m01
13th	Forfar Road Runners	Mixed	73m58
14th	Falkland Trail Runners	Team Sair Legge	74m40
15th	Dundee Road Runners	Mixed 4	75m22
16th	Dundee Road Runners	Mixed 3	76m09
17th	Falkland Trail Runners	Mixed Nuts	77m59
18th	Leven Las Vegas	Heartbreak Hoteliers	79m18
19th	Anster Allsorts	Berties Sports Mixtures	79m18
20th	Dundee Road Runners	Mixed 5	79m55
21st	Anster Haddies	Captain Sharron’s Speedies	80m04
22nd	Wee County Harriers	WHC1 51	80m36
23rd	Wee County Harriers	WHC 3	81m39
24th	Wee County Harriers	WHC 2	81m39
25th	Kinross Road Runners	Mixed A	82m33
26th	Wee County Harriers	WHC 4	85m00
27th	Leven Las Vegas	Blue Suede Shoes	86m59
28th	Kinross Road Runners	S Club 5	89m44
29th	Perth Road Runners	PRR Dream Team	96m52

U13

1st	Wee County Harriers		40m13
2nd	Kinross Road Runners		43m07

U15

1st

Perth Road Runners

68m21

Leven Las Vegas Team Results

Viva Las Vegas – 2nd place men’s team 58:09

• Andy – 5:53 and 6:02
• Iain – 6:13 and 6:05
• Bryan – 5:23 (3rd fastest lap of the day) and 5:30
• Alan – 5:49 and 6:00
• Chris – 5:40 and 5:34 (7th fastest lap of the day)

Devils in Disguise – 6th place mixed team 64:58

• James – 5:50 and 6:07
• Elaine – 7:06 and 7:02
• John – 6:23 and 6:20
• Gillian – 6:46 and 7:04
• Mark – 6:09 and 6:09

Jailhouse Rockers – 12th place mixed team 73:01

• Terry – 7:00 and 7:06
• Jemma – 7:25 and 7:50
• Douglas – 6:57 and 7:08
• Bex – 8:23 and 8:32
• Allen – 6:17 and 6:23

Heartbreak Hoteliers 18th place mixed team 79:18

• Gordon – 7:02 and 7:06
• Davie – 7:24 and 7:52
• Jim – 6:59 and 7:12
• Louise – 8:37 and 8:40
• Tracey – 9:12 and 9:14

Blue Suede Trainers 27th place mixed team 86:59

• Grant – 7:31 and 7:36
• Neil – 8:45 and 8:30
• Donna – 7:51 and 7:56
• Anna – 9:25 and 9:33
• Karen – 9:59 and 10:07

Teddy Bears 8th place ladies’ team 84:38

• Teresa – 8:10 and 8:13
• Susan – 8:12 and 8:20
• Sandra – 8:18 and 8:28
• Claire – 8:25 and 8:30
• Karen – 8:52 and 9:00

Upcoming Events

East District Cross Country League – Saturday 25 November

Kinghorn RNLI Santa Run – Saturday 25 November 10:45am

Head along and contribute to this fund-raising event for Kinghorn RNLI, the brave and hardy folk who made sure everyone got around the Black Rock safely in the dark last week.

LLV Christmas Night Out – Saturday 25 November

Not to be missed!! Dress to impress!! Venue is Leven Thistle Golf Clubhouse (upstairs) for THE event of 2017. It’s not too late to get a ticket – see organiser Davie Hogg if you want to attend.

Blairadam Badass Trail Race – Sunday 26 November

Further ahead:

• Santa’s Sleighs of Fire 5k – Sunday 3 December
• Perth Santa Run – Saturday 9 December
• Jog Cowdenbeath 5k fun run for MND Scotland – Sunday 10 December (see below for details)
• Pitreavie Jingle Bell 5k – Sunday 17 December
• St Andrews Christmas Day Parkrun 10am
• Kirkcaldy New Years Day Parkrun 10:30am
• Portobello Promathon 4 mile – Monday 1 January 10:30am
• Scottish Athletics National 3000m Indoor Masters – Sunday 7 January
• Scottish Athletics 1500m Indoor Open – Saturday 13 January
• Devils Burdens – Saturday 27 January
• Scottish National Masters Cross Country – Saturday 3 February
• Scottish Athletics National 1500m Indoor Masters – Sunday 4 February
• Devilla Forest 15k and 5k – Sunday 18 February (Entries open Sunday 17 December)
• Smokies 10 mile (Ladies Only) – Sunday 6 March
• Alloa Half Marathon – Sunday 18 March (Entries open now)

Message from Irene at Jog Cowdenbeath

Hi all,

Last year our group organised a 5k Fun run at Townhill Loch raising money for MND Scotland and having a bit of fun in the process. We would like to repeat the event again this year.

Where: Townhill Water Ski Centre, Townhill Road, Dunfermline

When: 11am 10th December 2017

How much: Minimum donation of £3 to charity

This is NOT a race but a fun run, although if you run fast for fun, we won’t stop you.

It is open to members of Jog Scotland and we would like to invite your members to join us.

We encourage the wearing of Santa hats or Christmas jerseys, t-shirts or other festive wear.

We will provide a medal to finishers but that’s all- no water, banana or goody bag. There is a cafe at the finish area and they do have excellent bacon rolls (just saying!)

I hope your members will be interested in joining us and an indication of numbers would help us with the organisation, so please share this info and let me know if any of your members want to join us.

Best wishes

Irene

Cover photo – Julie completes her C25k graduation parkrun

Tuesday Night Training

New jog leader Bex took charge for the first time and led the group through a pyramid drill at Balfour Street in Leven.

Parkruns

Another impressive set of performances at this weekend’s parkruns.

Julie Campbell did her Couch to 5k graduation parkrun at St Andrews and received her medal and certificate from Ian Shield afterwards.

Also at St Andrews Lynsay Bell, Dawn Watson and Neil Beard recorded new personal best times (Neil may have had some help from his dog Oscar!), and Allen Marr continued his recovery from injury by achieving a top 10 finish in 19:44, his 3rd best time for the Craigtoun Park course.

At Kirkcaldy Teresa Guild and Kirsty Barclay set new PBs and Nicole Kelly ran the course for the first time.

Willie Goodfellow made his first appearance at Elgin parkrun.

National Short Course Cross Country Championships, Kirkcaldy

The 2017 national championships were held at Dunnikier Park in Kirkcaldy. The senior women’s event was won by Laura Muir in an impressive performance. Laura asked if there was any space in an LLV team for the Hartley Cup and she was disappointed with the news that we have a full set of teams.

Glen Clova Half Marathon

The Glen Clova half marathon is one of the most scenic events on the running calendar. The route starts at the Glen Clova hotel from where it heads eastward on a quiet road for the first half of the route before crossing the River South Esk and returning on the main road back to Clova for the finish. Running for Leven Las Vegas were Karen Capewell, Mark McLean and Matt Holden.

Race results:

• Mark – 42nd and 11th V40 1:33:06
• Matt – 110th 1:42:57
• Karen – 257th 2:14:09 PB

Edinburgh Morun 5k

The Edinburgh Morun 10k and 5k events are part of series of events all over Britain during the month of November in aid of the Movember Foundation which raises funds to address some of the biggest health issues faced by men: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health and suicide prevention.

The route starts near Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh and takes a circuit around Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury Crags. Taking part were Leven Las Vegas veterans Lynda and Stewart English who both finished first in their age categories.

Race results:

• Stewart – 18th and 1st MV60 25:40
• Lynda – 62nd and 1st FV60 30:13

Upcoming Events

Blacker Than Black Rock Nightmare – Friday 17 November

Everyone’s favourite Nightmare the “Blacker than Black Rock” starts from the bottom of Pettycur Road in Kinghorn and proceeds across the sand for a mile and a half then around the Black Rock before returning to the starting point. There will be water behind the rock and you WILL get wet so bring a change of shoes. Also required – a headtorch to light the way and a stopwatch for recording your time. Race starts at 7:30.

Livingston AC Open Cross Country – Saturday 18 November

Hartley Cup – Sunday 19 November

Leven Las Vegas have a great record in this competition having won the men’s team event twice and placed second once in the last four years. This year LLV and Falkland Trail Runners are joint organisers. The venue is Shell Bay Caravan Park. The competition arrangements and the LLV relay teams are on the club Facebook page.

Further ahead

• East District Cross Country League – Saturday 25 November
• Kinghorn RNLI Santa Run – Saturday 25 November
• LLV Christmas Night Out – Saturday 25 November – all welcome – see organiser Davie Hogg if you want to attend
• Blairadam Badass Trail Race – Sunday 26 November
• Santa’s Sleighs of Fire 5k – Sunday 3 December

Advance notice of popular 2018 events

• Devils Burdens – Saturday 27 January
• Devilla Forest 15k and 5k – Sunday 18 February (Entries open Sunday 17 December)
• Smokies 10 mile (Ladies Only) – Sunday 6 March (Entries open now)
• Alloa Half Marathon – Sunday 18 March (Entries open now)

Cover photo – Alan, Tracey, Iain, Gillian and Matt at Templeton 10

Tuesday Night Training

On the first week of the new training block, jog leader Ross led a huge group of 63 joggers through a pursuits drill.

Glenrothes Triathlon Club 5k Halloween Hustle

Race results:

• Chris – 1st 18:58
• Dan – 13th 27:09
• Hennie – 24th 28:24

Bill Duff Charity Race number 100

Bill Duff was first over the line in his 100th race of 2017, achieving his target in aid of ABF The Soldiers Charity. Read Bill’s story here.

Next to finish was Chris Russell.

Pentland Hills Flash Mob Run

Chris Russell notched up another win in this race.

Parkruns

This week saw a number of improvements in members’ parkrun times. At St Andrews Jemma Guild, Karen Richards, Lesley Turnbull, Angie Wood, Matt Holden, Kirsty Barclay and Jaime Muir all set their best times so far, and Kenna Orkney completed her first ever parkrun. At Kirkcaldy Neil Beard improved on his previous best time.

Glen Ogle 33 Ultra

Race results:

• Jim – 223rd 5:58:08
• Karen – 413th 7:53:09

jogScotland Awards

Ian was shortlisted for the Leader of the Year award but was not chosen as the winner on this occasion.

Templeton 10

Race results:

• Alan – 17th 1:07:55
• Iain – 22nd 1:08:22
• Gillian – 68th 1:16:44
• Matt – 93rd 1:20:52
• Tracey – 254th 1:48:10

Edinburgh Men’s 10k

Race results:

• Andy – 135th 40:12
• Mark – 144th 40:26 PB
• Stewart – 920th 51:05 PB

Bob Stark Memorial 5k Race

This charity race starts at the duck pond in Falkland Estate and follows a circuit through the woods before finishing in the historic gardens of Falkland Palace. Allen Marr was representing LLV/PH Racing Club. There was a top quality race entrant in Allen’s age category – none other than Paul Forbes who represented Scotland at Commonwealth Games in 1978, 1982 and 1986 and remains one of the fastest Scots ever over 800m. Paul is also the current Scottish National 5k champion in the over-60 age category.

Race results:

• Paul – 12th and 1st MV60 20:53
• Allen – 23rd and 2nd MV60 22:19

Upcoming Events

Kelpies 5k – 10/11/12 November

National Short Course Cross Country Championships, Kirkcaldy – Saturday 11 November

This event is being held at Dunnikier Park in Kirkcaldy. LLV members can’t take part in this national competition as it is only for members of Scottish Athletics affiliated clubs. However, it is a great opportunity to go along and watch some well known athletes, including the 2016 senior women’s winner Laura Muir.

Glen Clova Half Marathon – Saturday 11 November

Karen Capewell, Matt Holden, Lynne Hughes, Andy Cargill and Mark McLean are representing LLV

Silvery Tay Trail Race, Wormit – Sunday 12 November

Further ahead

• Blacker Than Black Rock Nightmare – Friday 17 November
• Livingston AC Open Cross Country – Saturday 18 November
• Hartley Cup – Sunday 19 November
• East District Cross Country League – Saturday 25 November
• Kinghorn RNLI Santa Run – Saturday 25 November
• LLV Christmas Night Out – Saturday 25 November – all welcome – see organiser Davie Hogg if you want to attend
• Blairadam Badass Trail Race – Sunday 26 November
• Santa’s Sleighs of Fire 5k – Sunday 3 December

Advance notice of popular 2018 events

• Devils Burdens – Saturday 27 January
• Devilla Forest 15k and 5k – Sunday 18 February (Entries open Sunday 17 December)
• Smokies 10 mile (Ladies Only) – Sunday 6 March (Entries open now)
• Alloa Half Marathon – Sunday 18 March (Entries open now)