Gillham Grabs Gold in Grangemouth

As the race developed, a leading pack formed and splintered before windy conditions buffeted athletes through the last mile. Shettleston Harrier’s Wayney Ghebresilassie emerged the overall winner in a time of 30.57. Chasing seven seconds behind was Scottish Student Sport Men’s Champion Euan Gillham, pulling away from fellow Edinburgh University student Logan Rees in the final stages of the race. Logan’s time of 31.16 was enough to hold a one second gap over James Bowness of Glasgow Caledonian University, completing the podium for the men’s competition.

Making up the four counters, Scott Stirling (7^th) and Craig Campbell (14^th) took Edinburgh’s men to both the SSS and overall team title. Alastair Thurlbeck (10^th), Martin Lynas (19^th), Gavyn Chalmers (42^nd) and Calum Ferguson (114^th) claimed team silver for Glasgow University. St. Andrews University won bronze through Philip Wright (27^th), Stephen McDougall (95^th), Charlie Hillman (106^th) and Sam Lesley (579^th).

After the race, Scott Stirling commented: “Training had to take a back seat with final year exams but I’m happy with my run today and delighted to help Edinburgh pick up the title.  We’ve been pretty dominant over the years here and it’s great to keep that record going”.

Louise Mercer of Edinburgh University claimed a convincing individual gold in the Scottish Student Sport Women’s Championship and overall fourth in a time of 36.11. Glasgow Caledonian’s Anna Tait took silver in 37.39 and Edinburgh’s Amy Frankland won bronze a minute further back. 32^nd overall, Iona Evans completed Edinburgh’s team of three to add a team gold to individual honours. Katrina Ballantyne (21^st), Isabella Sheldon (33^rd) and Katherine Mitchell (43^rd) made up Glasgow University’s team for silver.

Edinburgh ladies’ captain Amy Frankland marveled “It’s brilliant to see the team performing so well throughout this long season. Our membership spans from national and international athletes to those first taking up the sport and we love competing as a team on days like this”.

Many thanks to Falkirk Victoria Harriers for once again hosting the championship and congratulations to everyone racing on the day.