Portobello 4 mile Road Race 22/6/06
The weather held for the running of the Portobello Road Race. A bit breezy, but bright and fair as the runners raced round the mostly flat 4 miles up and down the prom. Zak, PRC's latest star recruit, pulled away from the start and by the time he passed again about half way had a huge lead over the next man.
Janet, looking strong from the start, did exactly the same in the women's race and at halfway was well ahead of Cath Ferry who has won the last 2 years. We waited at the finish line to see if Zak was going to break the record but perhaps the wind, combined with the lack of competition, led to a comfortable victory a short distance off the course record. We then waited over a minute and a half for Ryan Montgomery of HELP to come in second. Brian Kirkwood powered in, in third - much faster than many a younger runner, putting the super in supervet. Janet came in eighth and first woman, just one place behind Mark Picksley, back to racing for Portobello after a couple years absence to injury. John Pickard was the fourth and final PRCer over the line in a respectable 13th place.
There was a good turn out - although the Fun Run entry earlier was far bigger. From where I stood, the whole thing seemed to run very smoothly despite Chris being absent on the night. Douglas and Paul appeared to be holding the fort and thanks should be made to all the helpers, especially Kate and Linda and Jennie who do the registration and timing and aren’t even runners. Thanks also to councillor for the Portobello ward, Lawrence Marshall (who has in his time run a 2.45 marathon), for presenting the prizes. And finally, thanks to Alex Jackson who seems to be at every race where there's a finish line.
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in the background N. Berwick law.....
Janet and her folks
Special mention to Mr. Burnett and Ms. Malloy, above, who have recently
started running, with a view to getting in shape, and showed great spirit.
Results here
Photos Peter Buchanan, Mary Hunter, Alan Munro
