Ross Houston’s excellent performance ensured that he dominated the Kilomathon Scotland which took place in Edinburgh earlier today.
The second ever Kilomathon Scotland saw Ross Houston repeat his victorious performance from the first year as he dominated the race from the start. He finished in a very impressive 1 hour 27 minutes and fifty nine seconds, Houston was well clear of his nearest rival by 6 minutes. The 31 year old who runs for Central Athletic Club said “I’m really pleased to have won; it was really enjoyable. It was a great event with nice weather, although it started to get hot towards the end and running over the forth road bridge was a big bonus.”
Houston who is from just south of Edinburgh went on to say “It’s a great distance, perfect training for a full marathon and a really well organised event.” He will be taking part in the Edinburgh Marathon on May 22nd and is aiming for a time of 2 hours 20 minutes.
33 year old Ross Milne claimed second place in 1 hour 33 minutes and fifty nine seconds. Milne also ran the inaugural Kilomathon Scotland last year and mirrored his performance as he ran 1 hour 33 minutes last year also. He said “It was a good race but a bit of a solo effort and the hill at the end was tough.” He added, “It is a really good distance, good for marathon training 5 weeks before the Edinburgh Marathon.” Milne was followed two minutes later by William Beattie from Falkirk who ran 1 hour 35 minutes and eight seconds.
Jennifer Maclean claimed her first Kilomathon victory in the women’s event with a time of 1 hour 43 minutes and thirty six seconds. The Edinburgh-based runner has previously competed in the Edinburgh Half Marathon, and was using the Kilomathon as a training vehicle for the Edinburgh Marathon. “It was a really beautiful course, a fantastic day for it and the perfect time to train for the full Edinburgh Marathon. It’s been great I’ve had lots of seconds and thirds but it’s great to win.”
Second place in the Women’s event was Nicola Duncan who ran 1 hour 44 minutes and twenty four seconds. “Really gorgeous sunshine made a big difference, the course was hilly but lovely, really scenic.” In third place was Elspeth Jenkins who completed the race in a determined time of 1 hour 55 minutes and six seconds.
The inaugural Scottish Half Kilomathon took place today; in first place was 50 year old Veterinary Surgeon Ken Mortimer who completed the 13.1km course in 54 minutes and twelve seconds. “The conditions were perfect, bright with a bit of chill in the air. I enjoyed it, it was challenging but there was a real good feeling to the event.” Not far behind Ken was Arthur Crummie who completed the course in 55 minutes exactly and coming in third place was 34 year old Garry Innes who finished in 55 minutes and 48 seconds.
22 year old Amanda Woodrow was the winner of the Women’s Half Kilomathon with a very impressive time of 56 minutes and four seconds. In second place was local girl Mhairi Brown who completed the course in 56 minutes and fifty six seconds. Kate Jordan came in 3rd place, the 28 year old ran a strong time of 1 hour 2 minutes and thirteen seconds.
The Mini Kilomathon race saw 13 year-old Shaw Palmer claim victory; the student at Madras College in St Andrews said “I did the race last year, but I got a better time this year, so I really enjoyed it.” The first girl in the Mini Kilomathon was 12 year-old Anna Scally from James Gillespie High School, who said:- “It was good .I’m looking forward to running in the future.”
GSi Events Race Director, Neil Kilgour, congratulated all of the participants today and paid tribute to the both the runners and local community and fantastic Kilomathon race crew. “There was a great atmosphere at the event today with lots of encouragement from the public for all the runners many of whom were raising money for good causes and charities.
“I would like to thank the local community especially Dalmeny, Kirkliston and South Queensferry for their support of this event which contributed to the very positive experience for our runners, who have been very complimentary about the route and are keen to return again next year.”
Official charity Cancer Research UK are among those set to benefit from today’s race.
Thanks to the City of Edinburgh Council, Fife Council, BEAR Scotland, Forth Road Bridge, Lothian & Borders Police and Scottish Ambulance Service.
Kilomathon London is the next event in the Kilomathon series and takes place on October 23rd.
Places are still available, for entry information please visit: http://www.kilomathon.com/?scotland
Photograph show Elite runners at the start of the 2011 Kilomathon Scotland road race, a metric marathon (26.2 km), over a course that includes the Forth Road Bridge from and to the Royal Highland Showground at Ingliston, Edinburgh, Scotland, 17th April 2011. Photo GRAHAM STUART.
© Graham H. Stuart 2011. All rights retained by copyright holder. Tel.07977 269540 – Email gh.stuart@btinternet.com Graham Stuart, 6 Bayswell Park, Dunbar, EH42 1AE.
After being unable to go about my normal business yet again in Queensferry due to this event, I can assure you that the local community (or certainly anyone I spoke to yesterday morning) do not support this event. No thought whatsoever seems to be given regarding which roads are blocked off to minimise disruption to the people actually living in Queensferry. I’m sure no-one minds a single route being blocked for a short time, but the number of roads closed for four hours is completely unacceptable.
Comments are closed.