Harriers in festive spirits for Handicap Race

Dec 26 2012 by Paul Thomson, East Kilbride News

Emma Lawton became the youngest winner of Calderglen Harriers’ Christmas Handicap race as the running club pulled out all the stops for their annual fancy dress event.

A colourful line-up was on show last week as 18 Harriers turned out, with plenty of youngsters donning guises for the 1.2 kilometre kids race as well.

But it was 11-year-old Emma who stole the show as she claimed first place.

In almost perfect running conditions — depending on what costume you were wearing — runners of all shapes and sizes from fantasy, movie and cartoon worlds gave it everything over the four-mile course, all in the name of fun.

In the cartoon corner, Minnie Mouse, faced up to a Power Ranger, Oor Wullie and Fat Boab. The battle of the superheroes saw Super-Vegas-Man (and his dog) chasing Banana Woman, while Ming the Merciless was lived up to his name in setting the fastest time of the day (26:10).

Representing the world of wildlife, a bumblebee modelled the club colours whilst handicap of the day went to the reindeer towing a two-tonne sledge.

Emma Lawton won the handicap with the fourth-fastest time overall (26:51) to become the youngest ever winner of the Christmas handicap.

Harrier Frances Maxwell said: “Well done to all and a big thanks to all the supporters.

“A special thanks to Martin Duthie for the donations to charities of the choice of the first three runners: Emma Lawton, Russell Couper and Christina Emans.

“It was a great day, full of festive cheer and fun was had by all.”

The handicap finishing places were as follows: 1) Emma Lawton; 2) Russell Couper; 3) Christina Emans; 4) Alison Lessells; 5) Andy Henderson; 6) Frances Maxwell; 7) David Herbertson; 8) Jim Holmes; 9) Alastair Crawford; 10) Ian Rae; 11) George Stewart; Joint-12) Kenny Leinster and Billy Buchannan; 14) Julie Beveridge; 15) Hugh Simpson; 16) Richard Lawton; 17) Craig Stewart; 18) Stephen Phimister.