Author: The Author

The Glasgow Marathon was one of the biggest and best of the City Marathons of which there were many – in one year Scotland had 14 races over the magic distance.   Glasgow had many of the biggest stars in marathon running and it was also one where home cots performed well.   It is appropriate that it is examined in some depth and Joe Small has written the history of the race below.

“The present day Glasgow event started life as a full marathon in 1979, prior to the advent of the people’s races, or ‘fun runs’, continuing through to 1987 as a full marathon before changing to a half marathon in 1988.   What follows is a brief summary of the full marathon between those dates.

1979:  The inaugural race required a qualifying time of three hours resulting in a restricted number of competitors.   The race on Sunday 14th October attracted a field of 63 with 58 finishers, in stark contrast to the thousands who competed in later years.   The course for that first running consisted of four laps, starting in George Square, on to Ingram Street, High Street, westward along the north bank of the Clyde to Finnieston, Argyle Street, looping round Byres Road, University Avenue, Kelvin Way, then following Sauchiehall Street back to the city centre and George Square.  

The runners set off in mild, slightly damp conditions, perfect for marathon running.   At five miles the leaders were 1976 British Olympic Marathon representative Barry Watson (England), Sandy Keith (Scotland) and Doug Gunstone (Scotland) passing the marker in 25:49.   At the ten mile point, Watson and Keith led in 52:06 with Gunstone third in 52:14.   Fifteen miles saw the same three leading, Watson and Keith 1:18:27, Gunstone 1:18:56.   This continued through twenty miles, 1:44:17 for Watson and Keith, Gunstone falling further behind with 1:46:40.   Watson pulled away over the last six miles having a seven second lead at 25 miles, winning by 23 seconds from Keith in 2:17:45 with malcolm Firth of Wales coming through to take third from Gunstone in fourth.   Leslie Watson, being the only female competitor, won with 2:53:32 taking forty sixth place.

1980:   The 1980 race, on Sunday 14th September, saw the same course as the previous year being used.   With entry requirements similar to 1979, a field of 62 runners set off from George Square.   An innovation for this event was the inclusion of an international team race, with representatives from Scotland, England, N Ireland, Wales, Eire and Argentina taking part.   Through five and ten miles a leading group of four set the pace, Jim Dingwall from Scotland, England’s John Cain and Alan McGhee and Steve McHale from Wales, 25:19 for five miles, 51:27 at ten.   McHale had dropped 30 seconds off the pace at 15 miles, passed by the leaders in 1:17:00.   By 20 miles it was down to two, Dingwall and Cain, timed at 1:42::54.   Dingwall had a two second lead at 25 miles, eventually winning by nine seconds in 2:16:07 from Cain in 2:16:16.    Leslie Watson again won the women’s event, finishing thirty fifth in 2:47:07.

1981:  The 1981 race took place on Sunday, 18th October, with a field of 144 runners.   In ideal conditions over the same city centre route, Eire’s Jim McGlynn was victorious with a winning time of 2:18:24, just outside his personal best.   Second place was taken by Alan Coles from Wales (2.18.53), with Rod Stone from Cambuslang Harriers (2.19.08), representing Northern Ireland, in third.   Scots took the next three places, Colin Youngson fourth (2.19.12), Des Austin fifth (2.19.19) and Alastair Macfarlane in sixth (2.21.01), giving Scotland victory in the team race.   The women’s race was won by Priscilla Welch, representing Dunrossness AC, from Shetland with a  time of 2:55:15 when finishing in fifty eighth place.

1982:   Following on from the success of large marathons such as New York and London, the race this year was the first “Scottish People’s Marathon” with a new course taking in much of the city, starting on the Saltmarket, via George Square taking in Byres Road, Dumbarton Road, the Clydeside Expressway, the Broomielaw, Bellahouston Park, Pollok Park then through the south side and finishing at Glasgow Green.   From the hundred or so starters in previous years a huge total, 7100, set out on Scotland’s first mass participation “people’s” event.

American Emil Magallanes was the first to make a break, just after halfway pursued by Scotland’s Jim Brown and Peter Fleming.   Magallanes fell away soon afterwards, Brown and Fleming built up a nine second lead over England’s Glenn Forster.   Brown dropped away at 22 miles with Forster, in windy conditions, pulling away to win in 2:17:16; Forster’s Sunderland Harriers clubmate Calum Bark came through with a late surge to claim second place in 2:18:36 with Fleming being first Scot in third with Brown fourth.   First veteran was Fife’s Donald Macgregor with 2:22:06 and marathon great Jim Alder competing in what he said was his last marathon recording an excellent 2:26:40.   An interesting finisher was Olympic 1500m runner Frank Clement in 2:45.     The women’s race was a repeat of the previous year with Priscilla Welch again victorious.   After running with Linda Stott from Aberdeen till around the 20 mile mark Welch pulled away to win by 26 seconds from the previous winner, Leslie Watson who passed a flagging Stott in the closing stages.

1983: If 1982 had seen a massive number of participants, this year saw even more. From an entry of 14000, 9606 started, with 9600 finishing, putting Glasgow in the top league of ‘Big City’ marathons. One of the problems with dealing with such large numbers cropped up in this event, when there was an issue with obtaining medals which were to be handed out the finishers as they crossed the line. Due to manufacturing difficulties, only the first three finishers in the men’s & women’s events together with the winners in the vets categories received a medal, everyone else had to settle for a rose!

To the race itself, the same course as last year was used, with competitors having to face blustery conditions throughout. A leading group of 18 passed through 10 miles in 52min. 30 sec., with Donald Macgregor setting much of the pace, along with Peter Fleming, Jim Brown, Andy Daly, Graham Getty among others. By 15 miles the group had been reduced to 8, with Brown dropping out shortly afterwards. At 18 miles, Fleming made his move & pulled clear of the field to win comfortably in 2.17.46 from Sheffield’s Bill Domoney with Dic Evans from Wales in third. There was a fine performance from Aberdeen’s three times Scottish marathon champion Colin Youngson, timed at 2.19.18, holding off Mick Crowell from Wales for fourth, ensuring Scotland’s victory in the international team race. Scotland’s Andy Daly was sixth and Don McGregor in seventh was the first veteran. The first eight were under 2.20. The women’s race saw a win for Sue Brusher from California in 2.49.18, with Leslie Watson once again runner up, 32sec. behind.    Also worthy of mention was the performance of Alan Wilson of Victoria Park AAC, setting a British junior record when finishing 13^th in a time of  2.23.54

1984: The 30^th September saw this year’s event take place, with again, an increase in the number of participants – a new record total 10173 lined up for the start, with 9449 finishing. Amazingly, over 5000 other entrants failed to show up.   A very fast start to the race saw the leaders, including Jim Brown, Alistair Douglas and Jim Warwick open up a 10 sec. lead through 4 miles, covered at close to 5min. miling pace. Andy Girling from Glasgow University caught the lead group & he & Brown proceeded to pull clear. By 20 miles, Girling had established a substantial lead. The chasing pack had included John Boyes, running for England, in spite of being Scotland qualified. Boyes closed the gap running along with multi Scottish internationalist Laurie Spence, catching Girling around the 21 mile mark. Boyes, apparently running within himself, pulled away to win comfortably in 2.14.54, some 2min.22sec. inside the course record. Girling was second, 47 sec. back, with Spence finishing third, & first Scot, in 2.16.01     With former winner Jim Dingwall in fifth along with leading veteran Donald Macgregor in tenth, Scotland finished second of seven nations in the team race.   Early leader Jim Warwick, who wasn’t a member of any club finished 13^th in 2.19.19, almost an hour inside his estimated finishing time!    Lorna Irving running in her third marathon, produced a Scottish All-Comers record of 2.37.19 to win the women’s event easily, 8 minutes clear of perennial runner up Leslie Watson, again second in 2.45.24. Third was Central Region AC’s Ann Bates, 2.52.20.

1985: The 1985 race was held on Sunday 22^nd September, in persistent heavy rain. Numbers this year saw 11,492 entries, slightly higher than last year’s record.

Former GB track internationalist Dave Lowes from Newcastle came out victorious in this year’s event. Having given up the sport for six years due to injury, Lowes, running in his first marathon showed excellent form to win by 23sec. from fellow Englishman Peter Russell with another England representative, Ray Maule from Coventry in third. Lowes hadn’t been included in the England team, but with 2^nd 3^rd & 4^th they still won the team race easily.

Loews was among the pace setters from the start, along with Ossie Harris one of the England team. Harris forced the pace until the 15 mile mark, before Lowes pulled clear. The chasing pack included Maule, Harris, Robson, Russell & Mike Carroll. Running for Annan & District, Carroll was the first Scot to finish in 6th., with Donald Macgregor in tenth for the second year, once more the first veteran. In 138^th place was former Commonwealth & European champion Ron Hill, completing his 99^th marathon.

Angie Pain of Leeds set a course record of 2.37.06 in winning the women’s race, closely followed for around 15 miles by last years winner Lorna Irving, eventually finishing 1min 14sec. behind. First Scotswoman was Sandra Branney of Victoria Park AAC, in 2.45.06

The race was struck by tragedy when Duncan Kerr of Garscube Harriers, on course for a 2.20 time, collapsed & died, less than half a mile from the finish. In spite of intensive efforts by doctors, his heart had stopped & failed to respond to all attempts to resuscitate him. A sad end to this 1985 event.

1986: September 21^st. saw this year’s race take place, with, for the first time, a decrease in the number of participants. 3000 fewer than last year, 8210 started. One argument put forward was that “at first people had been caught up in the marathon hysteria, now however, the race was attracting more serious runners”. Starters included a Pink Panther, a Scottish Superman & a hula hoop dancer – possibly a slightly flawed argument?   The course record was well & truly beaten by winner Kenny Stuart from England, running in his first marathon.   Stuart led through the 5 mile mark; at 10 miles Stuart had Poland’s Konieczny & Robin Nash for company. At 15 miles, Stuart was clear of the field and in a comfortable win, finished almost 4 minutes ahead of Welshman Dic Evans, who finished third in 1983, with Jacek Konieczny third. The winning time was 2.14.04.First Scot was Pitreavie’s Frank Harper, with a new p.b. of 2.18.44 in fourth place. Scotland’s team of Harper, Alan Adams & Murray McNaught were third in the team race with England first & Wales second. Dumbarton’s Adams was the first veteran, in 2.23.03.

Sandra Branney, first Scotswoman last year, won the women’s event even more convincingly than Stuart, more than eight minutes clear of Leslie Watson, who once more took the runners up award, together with the first female veterans prize.

Kenny Stuart was a remarkable endurance athlete. Best known as a fell runner his record for the Ben Nevis Hill Race, set in 1984 still stands, 27 years later. Incidentally, the women’s course record, set in the same year, was set by his wife Pauline! Kenny also holds the course record for the Snowdon race from 1985 – 26 years on. He later recorded a marathon time of 2.11.36 in the 1989 Houston Marathon. Later that year his career came to a premature end due to persistent allergy problems.

Kenny Stuart

1987: Worrying signs for the race, as `only’ 5516 started, a huge drop off rate from previous years. Lack of television coverage & no main sponsor were cited as possible reasons, 15 minutes of race highlights were shown on BBC late at night as part of a programme covering a snooker tournament.   In an effort to increase the quality & quantity of the field, the course was made easier & prize money was on offer for the first time. However, these incentives did not make much of an impact, with again, no TV coverage and the car, a prize for anyone bettering 2hr. 13, remained unclaimed.    The men’s race was won By Dublin’s Eamonn Tierney in 2.19.09, the slowest winning time in the race’s history. Second & first Scot was Terry Mitchell of Fife AC, 31sec. back, with Hammy Cox only three seconds behind Mitchell in third. The race was arguably the most competitive in spite of the slower times, with a group of 20 runners together at the 10 mile point, reducing to five at 20 miles. Tierney broke clear at 23 miles, though Mitchell closed the gap two or three times, before finally losing touch with one mile to go. Fast finishing Cox from Greenock Glenpark just failed to catch Mitchell.   Tierney picked up £1000.00 for his efforts with Mitchell receiving £750.00.  First veteran was Brian Carty of Shettleston in 17^th., with a time of 2.25.18.   Glasgow, with Bellahouston pair Andy Daly & Billy Robertson, won the inter-city team race & £900.00, from Cardiff in second.   A new name in the women’s event with Scot Sheila Catford threatening the course record, winning in 2.37.31, less than half a minute off the best time, which was worth £1000.00 in prize money. 2^nd, once more, was Leslie Watson, again first women’s veteran, competing in marathon number 140! Third place went to Penny Rother of Edinburgh AC with a time of 2.54.27.   This was the last year in which the race distance was the full 26 miles 385 yards. Undoubtedly the drop off in numbers, together with the lack of sponsorship & television coverage caused the organisers to have a major rethink as to the way forward.   In 1988, the race was changed to a half marathon, followed by a 25km event, then back to a half marathon. Coverage of those events will require a separate article.

Colin Youngson’s account of the 1983 Glasgow Marathon, as published in the Vets magazine in 2015 is worth a read – just click on his name!

 

 

Alastair Wood

(This event was the road race which finished on the track of the long-established Forres Highland Games, in North-East Scotland. It was controversial because Alastair Wood set a GBR and European record in 1966 and statisticians in England doubted the length of the course. Alastair Wood was fourth in the 1962 European Marathon Championship and twice second in the AAA Marathon. He had a distinguished track career, running for GB at 3 miles, 6 miles and steeplechase, as well as the marathon. He had been 7^th in the International CC and went on to be world record holder for 40 miles track and to break the record for the London to Brighton road race. There is no reason to doubt his ability to run such a time, on an occasion when he was in top form, on a one-directional course with a following wind. The 1970 Forres Marathon course was definitely short but this is no reason to doubt the distance of earlier Forres courses, since the start place in Inverness varied considerably. Anyway, this was 1966. Was course measurement always accurate back then? Tell me of a runner whose PB was not on a ‘fast’ course e.g. Boston, Glasgow and London!)

 

9 RUNNINGS

10/7/65 ALASTAIR WOOD (SCO) 2.29.54

9/7/66 ALASTAIR WOOD (2) 2.13.45

8/7/67 ALASTAIR WOOD (3) 2.16.16

6/7/68 JOSEPH CLARE (ENG) 2.18.43

12/7/69 ALASTAIR WOOD (4) 2.27.44

4/7/70 ALASTAIR WOOD (5) 2.13.44 (three-quarters of a mile short)

71 No Race

8/7/72 DONALD RITCHIE (SCO) 2.33.00

7/7/73 ALASTAIR WOOD (6) 2.22.29

6/7/74 ALEXANDER KEITH (SCO) 2.26.28

On Saturday 12^th July 1969, I took part in my very first marathon, having reached the ‘legal’ entry age of 21. The event was the Inverness to Forres Marathon part of the well-organised Forres Highland Games, which continues to flourish today. I have to laugh at my training schedule: the university track season, endless repetition sessions, a 3.58.2 paarlauf mile, PBs for one mile, three miles and 5000 metres, plus a few longer hungover yet hard Sunday runs from Woodie’s house (usually failing to hang on to the great man) and a couple of ten mile races. The final regime was an exhausting eight days totalling 100 miles in seven runs (to prove I could handle the distance!), a 6 mile grass track race the following Monday, a six mile jog on Wednesday, an inexplicable short rep session on Friday and off to the marathon on Saturday.

The start was on top of a short but steep hill on the edge of Inverness, followed by the long straight fairly flat main road to Forres, running on the right hand side of the road. The only advice was that, when you passed under the railway bridge at Nairn, there were ten miles to go to the finish in the Games arena in Grant Park, Forres. A newspaper clipping shows Ally Wood striding off rapidly, followed only by Don Ritchie. Since it was a hot day, they were both sporting jaunty knotted white hankies, scout neckerchief fashion. There were only 14 intrepid starters. My diary notes: “Lots of food and drink before. Watched Wood shoot off while I ran steadily with the second pack. After 10 miles, I broke away. Passed several, feeling good, then worse. However saw the foolhardy DR ‘dying’ ahead, so passed him at 18 (he dropped out at 23 – mind you, he had won the 17 miles Mamore Hill Race from Kinlochleven a week earlier). Did the rest on my own – hard but not competitive. Sponges at every stop and two small drinks of water. Okay state, considering, at the end. Sore thighs and feet but no blisters. Might have caught Hughie Mitchell if I had pushed it.” 1^st AJW (2.27.44), 2^nd Hugh Mitchell (Shettleston) 2.38, 3^rd Colin Youngson 2.41.13. Third prize was a pedestal ashtray – just what an improving young runner might have desired, not. After a holiday, the next race I contested was another ‘you have to be 21 at least’ event – the gruelling Ben Nevis race – in those days, we used to run everything!

Donald Ritchie reckons that “the 1969 course had been changed to compensate for a reduction in length caused by road realignment and I suspect that it is now over-length, because with a following wind I went through five miles in 28.47 and ten miles in 57.40, which did not match my effort.”

Alastair Wood had made major headlines on 9^th July 1966 when he ran a fantastic British and European Record marathon (2.13.45) in this event. (This time is now fully accepted by the Scottish Association of Track Statisticians.) He had peaked brilliantly by the unusual method of running as many as 60 x 220 yard strides! On the 9^th of July he “was full of energy, his knees coming up of their own accord!” There was a following breeze, but there is no doubt that he was capable of such a time, which was later ratified. (Certainly, after Ron Hill broke the European Record at the 1970 Edinburgh Commonwealth Games, ‘Athletics Weekly’ listed Alastair’s Forres time as being as down to 5^th on the British All-Time list. – Ron Hill 1970  2.09.28, Bill Adcocks 1968 2.10.48, Jim Alder 1970 2.12.04, Don Faircloth 1970 2.12.19, and Alastair Wood 1966 2.13.45.) It was a day on which Alastair felt he could “run forever” and local rumour has it that he claimed to be “the fastest white man in the world” [behind an African( Abebe Bikila) and a Japanese (Morio Shigematsu)]!

Donald Ritchie ran the Inverness to Forres in 1966, 1967, 1969, 1972 and 1973. He remembers that the 1966 course started where the industrial estate is now, with about a mile to run before going under the railway and joining the A96 south bound. His training diary entry follows. “I travelled to Inverness with Alastair for the Inverness to Forres marathon, which is part of the Forres Highland Games. Weather conditions were ideal: a cloudy day with a following wind. Alastair led, followed by Ron Coleman, Peter Duffy, myself and Hugh Mitchell. By ten miles Alastair was well away and Coleman had got away from Mitchell, who in turn had pulled away from me and I had a gap on Peter. My time at ten miles was given as 50.05, which is suspicious. We had a refreshing shower of rain, which lasted for about 30 minutes, between ten and twenty miles. My time at 20 miles was given as 1.53.30 and from there I could see Hugh pass Ron. About three-quarters of a mile later he stopped for a drink and then started jogging. I passed him soon after this and the sun broke through, making the temperature rise considerably, so that it became very hot. We left the A96 at Brodie, crossed the railway line and followed a minor road, before re-crossing the railway to rejoin the A96. By this point I was really feeling grim and felt like I needed to stop for a serious call of nature. I managed to keep going and the feeling passed. I was some two miles from Forres and gradually it got closer. There are two nasty little hills as you enter Forres, which I felt hard. I was very glad to see the sports field in Grant Park and I was soon on my last lap. Alastair’s time was a great 2.13.45, the fastest in the world this year. Hugh Mitchell ran 2.25.16 and I achieved 2.29.08, with Brian Goodman 4^th in 2.38.21 and Peter Duffy finished fifth of the eleven starters. I had two blisters on my right foot.” It seems likely that the course measurement may have been done in a car; and therefore the ten mile point seems a little early but the twenty mile point seems right enough. Add a following wind and AJW’s great form and the fantastic finishing time is explained. In a ‘Scotland’s Runner’ interview by Mel Edwards in 1986, Alastair himself claimed that the course had been measured by surveyors and the North of Scotland AAA.

Before that marvellous run in 1966, Alastair had won the 10^th July 1965 inaugural (?) event in 2.29.54, with Duncan Davidson of Forres Harriers third in 2.47.06.

Then on the 8^th of July 1967 Alastair Wood (2.16.16) won the Inverness to Forres Marathon again. Don Ritchie hung on during the first five miles but slowed down drastically during the last ten to finish second in 2.35.22. (Please note that on 26^th August 1967, Alastair was a close second (2.16.21) to Jim Alder in the AAA Marathon, so there is no reason to suspect the length of the Forres course that year.) Don Ritchie’s diary is as follows. “I drove to Inverness with Peter Duffy for the marathon. Alastair won it in 2.16 with me a very poor and tired second in 2.35. Peter dropped out at 13 miles because of a blister, which allowed a Shettleston runner to take third place. I have never felt so bad in a marathon before. I went with Alastair for about five miles, but found it very hard and had to let him go. After 13 miles I began to experience restricted breathing and very painful legs. I felt that I was crawling round the track lap at the finish.”

On the 6^th of July 1968, Joe Clare (AAAC), a very strong runner (but certainly not as good as AJW) won in 2.18.43 (and his time IS accepted by the International Association of Road Running Statisticians, so why not Alastair’s runs in 1966 and 1967? Sounds like victimisation.) Therefore 1969 was Alastair’s fourth victory.

On the 4^th of July 1970, Alastair won for the fifth time, apparently breaking his own course record by recording 2.13.44, no less than 22 minutes in front of the second-placed Duncan Davidson. However this time the distance was found to be three-quarters of a mile short, at least partly due to a change of start place. Yet this is no reason to doubt the 1966 European record or indeed the other fast times in 1967 and (apart from the shorter distance) 1970. My belief is that these good times may be explained by changes to the start place, a following wind, and cool conditions, plus a variation in Alastair Wood’s fitness. The slow times in 1965 and 1969 were on hot days without a tailwind. Nowadays, runners exult in fast times at the London Marathon, with its long downhill start and frequent tailwind! No one complains about those factors and the rapid times……

There is no record of a marathon being held in 1971 but on 8^th July 1972 Don Ritchie finally won the event in 2.33.00, with Duncan Davidson second in 2.54.35, Mike Scott third in 3.01 and Charlie Greenlees fourth in front of Ron Pickard. Donald’s diary noted: “The weather was warm and I assumed the lead after about a mile and thought that I was running well, but the five mile time of 28 minutes was disappointing. Ten miles was passed in 56.15 and I was surviving the heat quite well but the road surface was very hot and my feet suffered very badly, especially on the newly-surfaced sections of road with stone chips. I slowed over the last two miles and my feet were extremely painful, so I was pleased to reach the Games field at Grant Park and the finish and very pleased to win. At night I suffered from sunburn on my back and shoulders and my feet were blistered, with raw skin on my big toe and a burst blister on the sole of my foot. I hope that they will not become infected, despite my cleaning and disinfecting efforts.”

Then on 7^th July 1973, the amazing Alastair Wood won for the sixth and last time in 2.22.29 with Don Ritchie second in 2.27.10, Colin Jackson third in 2.29.12 and Duncan Davidson fourth in 2.49.12. Donald wrote: “I had mis-judged the time to drive from Aberdeen to Inverness so had to drive like a madman to get to the start at 30 seconds after 1 p.m. The race was due to start at 1 p.m. but luckily the runners were only lining up as my Birchfield Harriers team-mate Colin Jackson and I arrived. They agreed to delay the start for us. I was completely drained of nervous energy by then. The start was quite brisk, and I went with Alastair despite feeling dozy, but after about three miles I let Alastair go. I passed five miles in 27.00 and began to feel better and held the gap to Alastair constant for a while. I reached ten miles in 54.25, fifteen miles in 1.22.52 and no time was given for 20 miles. I was quite pleased with how I felt during the race. Colin was delighted with his race and breaking 2.30. (Alastair is positive that the course is now too long and he estimates it is 27 miles 680 yards.)”

 

  

                                                             Not long after the 1973 start, left to right: Alastair Wood, Colin Jackson, Donald Ritchie

On Saturday 6^th July 1974, just two weeks after finishing third in the Scottish marathon championship, representing ESH, I turned up for what turned out to be the final Inverness to Forres. I have a copy of the race instructions as well as the precise locations of the ‘refreshment stalls’. The race started now “on Longman Road at 1 p.m. sharp, directly opposite Lamp Standard on left of entrance to Brown Wooden Building, midway between Auto Sales and Ferries Garage. Runners must keep on the left side of roadway.” One official was instructed to “run and open the Canvas Gate near to the Cricket Pavilion so that runners are not hindered in getting into the Park”. However my pot-hunting attempt was doomed. At the start I met the redoubtable Sandy Keith, a training partner and major rival from Edinburgh AC. At the Scottish marathon, he had led for some time then ‘blown up’ a little to finish fourth, four minutes behind me. However his powers of recovery were far greater. I threw in several fartlek bursts during the first ten miles of the Forres race, failed to shake Sandy, and then ‘gave up’ and watched him stride away out of sight. He won in 2.26.28, whereas I plodded in second in 2.33.44. I have the finisher’s certificate, signed by Forres Harriers official Sandy Brander, who did a lot for North Athletics, along with Tom Mackenzie, a cheerful, charismatic Inverness stalwart.

A year later, I finally obtained a coveted ‘North of Scotland Milk Marketing Board’ plaque, for winning the Forres Highland Games Road Race, but the distance had been reduced to a hilly ten miles. In 1983 I won the event again, over a similar course measuring 11 miles plus.

 

 

 

Donald Macgregor

Olympian Donald Macgregor has written about the first two People’s Health Dundee Marathons (both of which he won) in his fascinating autobiography “Running My Life”. Aberdeen and Glasgow had led the way, while the Edinburgh People’s event had not been a success. However Dundee – the ‘City of Discovery’ – was determined to create a well-organised, popular event. It was sponsored by Radio Tay, The Courier, the Health Organisation Council and the City of Dundee.

1983 24^th April: City of Dundee People’s Health Marathon

1                    Don Macgregor (Fife AC) 2.17.24 1^st Veteran

2                    Terry Mitchell (Fife AC) 2.20.50

3                    Rab Heron (Brighton and Hove AC) 2.21.26

4                    Craig Ross (AAAC) 2.22.43

5                    Murray McNaught (Fife AC) 2.23.34

6                    Sam Graves (Fife AC) 2.23.57

1^st Woman: Marjorie Thoms 3.02.08

 

According to Don Macgregor, “the course started in City Square then went round a small loop then westwards towards Invergowrie, Back to Broughty Ferry past HMS Victory and the shipyards. Next was a wide arc north of the Kingsway, past the Dundee University playing fields at Downfield, before rising to the highest point about 21 miles, just before Lochee. Then the course descended in swoops towards the city centre before flattening out into the main street and the finish gantry in City Square.” 

A huge field of around 3500 started, on a cool day, ideal for running. Richie Barrie (Dundee Hawkhill H) led for sixteen miles and he and Macgregor broke away after five miles. After Richie dropped out, Donald describes concentrating hard during the last ten miles on his own. “You have to stay focused all the way. It’s possible to exchange remarks for a second or two but best not to stop. Better to take sponges and drinks on the run, snatching a cup of water or juice or in some cases a special drink from the tables, and pour the water – not the juice – over your head, wiping head, neck, face, arms and thighs with a well-filled sponge or two.  “I got to the top of the hill with an effort and after that my cadence grew more fluent; I was able somehow to run more smoothly and on the downhill my stride lengthened. Gradually the lead over Terry Mitchell, who had moved into second and had been catching me, increased. At the finish it was over three minutes……It was the fastest time by a veteran in the UK that year.   Charlie Robertson of Newport, Scottish marathon champion in 1948 and 1952, won the over-65 title with around 3.20.”

 

1984 29^th April: City of Dundee People’s Health Marathon

1    Don Macgregor (Fife AC) 2.18.16 1^st Veteran

2    Charlie Haskett (Dundee Hawkhill H) 2.18.41

3    Murray McNaught (Fife AC) 2.19.44

4    Alastair Macfarlane (Springburn H) 2.19.56

5    Don Ritchie (Forres H) 2.19.58

6    Terry Mitchell (Fife AC) 2.20.24

1^st Woman: Margaret Baillie 2.51.12

2000 ran.

Since the first Dundee Marathon, “Don Macgregor’s Marathon Manual” had been published by the Scottish Health Education Group and Radio Tay. This was full of excellent advice. In addition, to encourage would-be marathoners, Don had delivered no fewer than 26 four-minute weekly slots on Radio Tay on Saturday mornings.

 

The author describes the race. “The weather was a bit colder but again not too windy. The pack ran together for the first few miles, until Terry Mitchell and then Charlie Haskett pulled away from me along the outer roads from 15 miles onwards. I did not think I would be able to catch Terry, but somehow reeled him in, then went after Haskett. I passed him as we started the downhill, and he couldn’t respond sufficiently to stop me building up a slight lead. I didn’t look back until the bottom of the hill. He wasn’t far away, but far enough. I crossed the line considerably less fresh than in 1983, 25 seconds to the good. Charlie was obviously disappointed, but I was relieved rather than exultant.”

In “Relay”, the Fife AC magazine, Don was less restrained: “On the downhill, DFM sensed that CH’s dominance had gone, and forced the pace on the Lochee Road – and a gap opened – yippee! Bit by bit it grew to 30 yards, 50, 70 and by 25 miles it was clear that only falling over would stop ‘Der Alte’ from repeating his 1983 victory. “I wish I could have spent a bit more time running up and down that last 300 waving at the crowd,” said the slightly amazed champion, who thought Time’s winged chariot would get him this time. McNaught ran excellently to confound the lack of mentions pre-race, and took himself down to 2.19.44. Five were under 2.20 – classy stuff! Terry, though disappointed, really made the race and was, despite fading, faster than last year. Sam Graves sped to 2.22.19 (PB).”

“Margaret Baillie was the superstar of the ladies race, winning by sixteen minutes (and one second), from 1983 champion Marjorie Thoms in a splendid 2.51.32. It was Margaret’s third marathon and she finished in excellent shape. For those of you who don’t know her, she’s rather small, looks fit, and like men’s winner Don, has two children (now there’s a hint if you’re looking for the secret of success!) The Courier described her as “mother of two” but refrained from “father of two” for any of the men. Bell-Baxter PE teacher Jocelyn Scott, who ought to be an FAC member, was third in her debut in 3.13.55. Great stuff! Kim Macgregor (3^rd marathon) was encouraged (she said on the radio anyway) by news filtering back of father-of-two’s victory, to scamper home about 8^th or 9^th of the ladies in 3.25.04, and that includes time spent waiting to be registered by the key-in man, she swears. A PB by 23 minutes – all the miles were worthwhile.”

 

1985 28^th April: City of Dundee People’s Health Marathon

1    Murray McNaught (Fife AC) 2.20.25

2    Craig Ross (Dundee Hawkhill H) 2.23.10

3    Doug Hunter (EAC) 2.24.25

4    Sam Graves (Fife AC) 2.25.44

5    Charlie Haskett (DHH) 2.26.06

6    Peter Wilson (AAAC) 2.26.31

7    Don Ritchie (Forres H) 2.26.35 1^st Veteran

8    Dave Hamilton (DHH) 2.27.43

9    Dave Wyper (Bellahouston H) 2.28.06

10  A. Graham 2.28.30

11 Peter McGregor (VPAAC) 2.28.31

 

1^st Woman: Ann Curtis 2.48.00

2    Tricia Calder 2.48.26

3     Jill Danskin 3.02.21

4    Carol Gray 3.02.36

5    Caroline Moorat 3.03.14

6    K. Sloan 3.04.58

7    Gail Pope 3.06.12

8    Sheila Cluley 3.08.06

9    A. McMurray 3.09.27

10  A. Wilson 3.09.52

 

Doug Gunstone reported for the Scottish Marathon Club magazine. “A cold, if not gale force, westerly wind greeted runners and soon after halfway, even for the leaders, this was accompanied by sleet. This made life miserable, especially for the slower runners in the second half of the race.”

“2215 faced the starter (only 65 did not reach the finish) and a large group of over fifty formed at the front for the first three miles out the Perth Road and against the wind, but as the course swung around and runners enjoyed a following wind, the pace increased considerably and the bunch was reduced to around 20. It was Craig Ross who made the first serious break as the course turned back into the wind at 11 miles, and started to climb away from the Tay. By halfway, in around 69 minutes, he was pulling clear ……… For a couple of miles it looked as if Craig might run right away, but gradually the joint pre-race favourites, Charlie Haskett and Murray McNaught began to peg the lead back and by 17 miles shared the lead. The next few miles saw Murray hanging on as Charlie made his bid but on the last uphill climb towards the 22 mile point Murray made his move and soon pulled clear, running in an easy winner, almost three minutes clear of Craig Ross. Craig had stuck to his task well after being dropped and he enjoyed  his most rewarding marathon for some time. Doug Hunter ran a typically steady race for third place, and Don Ritchie took the veterans award, a week after running the London Marathon. The team race was won by Hawkhill Harriers, who comfortably beat Fife AC, the winners in the previous two years.   The women’s race was won by Ann Curtis, who led all the way and was rewarded with her first sub-2.50 clocking and a course record. The late rush by Tricia Calder was not quite enough and she was still 36 seconds behind Ann at the finish.   Murray’s winning time was only 41 seconds slower than his PB, and after what was on his own admission an unspectacular winter season, his ability to peak for the race that he was aiming for is highly commendable……. Mass participation road racing appears to be here to stay in Dundee.”

“Relay” is less serious in tone. “Who won his last victory at Babcock and Wilcox Sports in 1964? Who asked NOT to be made favourite for Dundee? Who looks like a Spaniard – so much so that the SAAA officials mistook him for one last year? Who showed on Snowy Sunday that he had convinced himself he was a winner? Who passed impetuous ex-FAC man Craig Ross and pulled three minutes clear of him and last year’s second-placer Charlie Haskett to cross the line with both blue gloves thrust skywards and last year’s winner shouting about him over the Radio Tay airwaves? Whose wife said of his victory, “I never expected anything else”? Yes, the answer is our latest Fife AC hero Murray McNaught, the architect of victory.”

 

1986 27^th April: City of Dundee People’s Health Marathon

1    Colin Youngson (Aberdeen AAC) 2.20.03

2    Murray McNaught (Fife AC) 2.21.08

3    Sam Graves (Fife AC) 2.23.44

4    Craig Ross (DHH) 2.24.02

5    Peter McGregor (VPAAC) 2.29.24

6    C. Hoffman (2.32.02)

7    George Reynolds (Forres H) 2.32.09

8    E. Jones 2.32.16

9    Ken Duncan (Pitreavie AAC) 2.32.23

10  Mick Francis (Forres H) 2.33.17

 

1^st Woman: Morag Taggart (Pitreavie AC) 3.06.40

2        E. Kyle 3.11.10

3        C. Chambers 3.12.37

4        U. Webernboerfer 3.13.40

5        M. Rabold 3.14.09

6        J. Armstrong 3.15.18

7        L. Simpson 3.16.50

8        E. McMurray 3.17.59

9        P. Webster 3.25.43

10    J. Baxter 3.27.33

Fewer runners entered: 1650.

 

The winner’s diary notes the following. “I did not do the pre-marathon diet but tried ginseng tablets with yeast and iron and avoided milk or cheese the week before the race. Nevertheless I had the usual problems with catarrh for ten miles. There was a headwind so the pace was slowish and about fifteen kept together. Suddenly, on a short steep hill about twelve miles, the group was down to three – Murray McNaught, George Reynolds and myself, with Sam (or Ian) Graves chasing. We dumped George, and then I mashed Murray up the big hill after 19 miles. He kept the gap to 65 seconds. Felt strong but underestimated the speed (thought it would only be about 2.23) and slowed a little to chat with the lead cyclist. Then, when I saw the finish clock in the distance, I had to go mental trying to sprint but just missed ducking under the magic 2.20. Still a good run for me at the age of 38.”

26 year-old Morag Taggart from Dunfermline said that she had hoped for a faster time but the hot conditions had not helped. “But it was a good race,” she enthused, “The spectators, especially, made the day.”

 

1987 26^th April: City of Dundee Peoples Health Marathon

1                    Terry Mitchell (Fife AC) 2.22.19

2                    Charlie Haskett (DHH) 2.28

3                    Sam Graves (Fife AC) 2.29.13

4                    George Reynolds (DHH) 2.29.59

5                    Paul Briscoe (DHH) 2.32.54

9        Stuart Asher (Fife AC) 2.35.15

10    Doug Gunstone (Fife AC) 2.35.49

11    Bob Wood (Dundee RR) 2.36.55 1^st Veteran

1^st Woman: Jill Danskin (London Olympiades) 3.02.20

2    Margaret Robertson (Dundee RR) 3.09.04

3    M. Muir (Dundee RR) 3.12.16

Team: Dundee Hawkhill Harriers.

853 ran

 

“Relay”, the Fife AC magazine reported: “Phewwhatascorcha! screamed the Courier headline, and there was no denying that this year’s Dundee Marathon was indeed a warm affair, with temperatures in the 60s, a pleasant change from the usual wind and snow. Keeping cool at the front of the field was Fife AC’s distance dynamo, Terry Mitchell. The race was expected to be between Terry and Dundee Hawkhill’s Charlie Haskett, but an increase in pace along the waterfront section towards Broughty Ferry left Terry clear after ten miles. The fair-haired St Andrews chef went on to serve up a comfortable win, putting almost six minutes between himself and the second-placed Haskett. This was Fife’s fourth win in the men’s race, Don Macgregor having won it for the first two years, followed by an ’85 victory by Murray McNaught. As in ’85, Sam Graves was second Fife man home, this year’s third equalling his highest finish in the race.”

The Scottish Marathon Championship was included in this event, so Terry, Charlie and Sam were the SAAA gold, silver and bronze medallists. “The only problem was in the last six miles when I began to feel the pace a bit, but I got to the end okay,” said the victor.

 

24^th April 1988: City of Dundee Health Marathon

1                    Sam Graves (Fife AC) 2.27.50

2                    Paul Briscoe (DHH) 2.29

3                    Stuart Asher (Fife AC) 2.29.40

4                    Rod Bell (DHH) 2.30

5                    Murray McNaught (Fife AC) 2.31

6                    Andy Stirling (Bo’ness) 2.31

1^st Woman: Jill Danskin (London Olympiades) 3.01

 

“Relay” reported: “Fife athletes were out in force, as always, for this event and as always dominated the event. Weather conditions were favourable with a cool gentle breeze as the runners set off on their 26.2 mile task (must be mad). Murray McNaught took up the lead early on and remained in front for about 20 miles. Stuart Asher made his move after 15 miles by slotting into second place, but with Murray fading, it was Sam ‘When are my subs due?’ Graves who made a late burst to win this race at last. Fife AC picked up the team prize, with Sam, Stuart and Murray doing us proud.”

 

14^th May 1989: City of Dundee Health Marathon

1                    Paul Briscoe (DHH) 2.33.14

2                    Bob Wood (DRR) 2.35.45 1^st Veteran

3                    D. Lancaster (DHH) 2.36.48

4                    N. Craig 2.37.20

5                    Dave Hamilton (DHH) 2.37.23

6                    Rod Bell (DHH) 2.37.38

7                    Charlie Love (DHH) 2.40.34 2^nd Veteran

8                    J. Lumsden 2.40.50

9                    Doug Gunstone (Fife AC) 2.42.33

10                Graham Flatters (DHH) 2.42.33

1^ST Woman: Jill Danskin (London Olympiades) 3.00.39.

 

Jill Danskin, a team-mate and training partner of the illustrious Leslie Watson, became the most successful female competitor in the Dundee Marathon, with a third place in 1985 and three wins in succession from 1987-89.   Paul Briscoe ran for Dundee Hawkhill Harriers in the Edinburgh to Glasgow Relay; and won a team silver medal in the Scottish National Cross-Country Relay in 1990; plus a team bronze medal in the National CC in 1993.

 

1990 13^th May: City of Dundee Marathon

1                    Stuart Asher (Fife AC) 2.28.57 1^st Veteran

2                    Bob Wood (Dundee Road Runners) 2.29.17 2^nd Veteran

3                    Paul Briscoe (DHH) 2.29.46

4                    Rod Bell (DHH) 2.32.58

5                    Dave Hamilton (DHH) 2.36.09

6                    Mitch McCreadie (Fife AC) 2.37.29

7                    Steve Borland (DHH) 2.37.42

8                    Mike McHale (Pitreavie) 2.38.21

9                    Richard Davidson (DRR) 2.38.45

10                D. McNicol (Fife AC) 2.38.56.

 

Stuart Asher, a good hill runner, is a quiet man with considerable athletic talent. He was understandably pleased to win his local marathon after a fine battle with the consistent Bob Wood and previous winner Paul Briscoe.

 

12^th May 1991: City of Dundee ‘800’ Marathon

1                    Hugh Mackay (Fife AC) 2.26.03

2                    Rod Bell (DHH) 2.26.10

3                    Euan Wilkinson (Calderglen H) 2.29.22

4                    Dave Hamilton (DHH) 2.30.39

5                    Davie Fairweather (Cambuslang H) 2.31.00 1^st Veteran

6                    Don Ritchie (Forres H) 2.32.03

7                    Stuart Asher (Fife AC) 2.32.30

8                    George Sim (Moray RR) 2.32.57

9                    Bob Wood (DHH) 2.33.39

10                Craig Ross (DHH) 2.35.29

 

1^st Woman: Eileen Masson (Kilbarchan AC) 2.45.52

2^nd Aileen Wilson (DHH) 2.56.35 1^st Veteran

Eileen Masson also won the Scottish Women’s Marathon title twice: in 1988 (Aberdeen Marathon); and in 1991 (Inverclyde Marathon at Greenock).

Before he switched to Fife AC, in 1985 Hugh Mackay set club records for Dundee Hawkhill Harriers: 800m in 1.52.20 and 1500m in 3.48.3; so his ability to produce a sprint finish to win a competitive marathon was not surprising but his stamina certainly was!

Don Ritchie wrote in his training diary: “I ran in the ninth and final edition of the City of Dundee Marathon. My start was fine and I tucked in with the leading bunch, but I drifted off the back as I began to find the pace too hard to maintain. I was pleasantly surprised to regain contact with the group by the time we got to Riverside Drive. I got my first drink at nine miles, but had to stop to retrieve it from the table. This, plus trying to drink it caused me to lose contact with the group, but not with John Duffy of Shettleston. We ran past ten miles in 55.24 and the halfway point in 1.13.06, which was pleasing. Now, however, we were exposed to winds and our pace slowed.

I got my second drink, again 330 ml of 10% solution of Enduro Booster at 17.5 miles. At 18.5 miles we were joint 10^th and I decided to try to push on and passed 20 miles in 1.55.50 and I was pulling in the runner ahead. There were some stiff climbs after this and I managed to catch and pass three runners in the last two miles, including George Sim, which was pleasing. My time was a little disappointing, but if I could have held onto the main group until the start of the return journey, I am sure that I could have produced a better time. I am, however, quite pleased with my run.”

 

Thus ended the City of Dundee Marathon, for nine years a successful race on a fast course. The event’s rise and fall coincided almost exactly with the boom years of Scottish, and indeed British, marathon running. Maybe the fashion will return in the 2020s?

 

 

Graham Laing: men’s winner in the first race

The seventies and eighties were wonderful decades for Scottish marathon runners – wherever you lived in the country, there was sure to be a marathon near you!    And the SAAA Championship was a dedicated race held in the Scottish Championships.   The Aberdeen Marathon was one of the best of these and Colin Youngson has written the following portrait of the race.

Despite the efforts of the incorrigible Alastair Wood and his staunch training partner Steve Taylor, who inspired many Aberdeen AAC runners to do well in the Scottish Marathon Championship, the Shettleston Marathon and other marathons in England, Europe and beyond, there was no post-war local full-distance marathon event, although there were plenty of long training races (from 10 miles to 21 miles) in the North, East or West of Scotland. And in fact every Sunday run with Wood and co was a race!

Fraser Clyne has written: “Marathon running didn’t return to Aberdeen until 1979 when Mel Edwards of Aberdeen AAC organised a race over a four-lap course at the Bridge of Don on the northern outskirts of the city, with the start and finish on the university running track at Balgownie. Graham Laing, making his marathon debut, won ….The race attracted a field of 62 runners (the biggest marathon held in Scotland) but this increased to a peak of 1,314 by 1984. Numbers declined from then on and when the race was last held in 1990, there were just 174 finishers.”

Aberdeen Marathon Winners

1979    16^th September: Norco Aberdeen Marathon

1                    Graham Laing (Aberdeen AAC) 2.21.40

2                    Jim Brown (Clyde Valley AAC) 2.22.22

3                    Colin Youngson (Edinburgh Southern H) 2.27.44

4                    John Bigham (RAF Cosford) 2.28.00.

5                    Willie Day (Falkirk Victoria H) 2.29.33

6                    Doug Gunstone (EAC) 2.29.57

7                    Evan Cameron (ESH) 2.31.22

8                    John Lamont (AAAC) 2.34.46

9                    Colin Martin (AAAC) 2.34.58

10                Alastair Wood (Cambuslang H) 2.35.47 1^st Vet

59^th equal James Youngson (aged 66) 4.05.39

1^st Team: AAAC; 2^nd ESH.

1^st Woman: Leslie Watson (London Olympiades) 3.01.06

2^nd Elin Abom (Sweden) 3.55.08.

Leslie, of course, was the London physiotherapist, originally from Glasgow, who became an iconic figure in British marathon running, completing an amazing 206 marathons. She was Scottish marathon record holder and in 1981 set a world record for fifty miles in Connecticut, USA. Google Leslie Watson for more impressive achievements.

The route involved three and a half laps of the track and then out onto Balgownie Road then right for four gruelling left-hand-circle laps past Causewayend, Lower Bonnyside and Whitestripes Road, before going back down Balgownie Road and finishing with one lap of the track. 107 entered, including 8 women. 77 started and 60 finished.   Jim Brown, a tremendously successful Scottish and UK international cross-country and track runner, started fast, with Willie Day and Ian Elliot (ESH) for company. However by ten miles (54.06) Graham Laing had caught up. They ran together until 20 miles (1.47.45) before 20 year-old Graham moved away to victory.   My diary states: “Windswept, undulating, tiring course. Kept going slowly but quite strongly. During last lap, I came past Doug Gunstone and Willie Day (and the RAF runner John Bigham, who was sent off course). Reasonably okay effort.”

1980    28^th September: City of Aberdeen Milk Marathon

1                    Graham Laing (Scotland) 2.19.33

2                    Don Faircloth (England) 2.21.46

3                    Mike Critchley (England) 2.23.18

4                    John Robertshaw (Wales) 2.24.16

5                    Paul Eales (England) 2.24.44

6                    Mick McGeoch (Wales) 2.25.36

7                    Don Macgregor (Scotland) 2.26.48 1^st Vet

8                    Dic Evans (Wales) 2.28.03

9                    Evan Cameron (Scotland) 2.30.13

10                Jim Dingwall (Falkirk Victoria H) 2.30.40

11                Marty Deane (Northern Ireland) 2.30.55

12                Graham Milne (AAAC) 2.33.13

James Youngson (aged 67) 3.36.18

1 England; 2 Scotland; 3 Wales; 4 N. Ireland.

1^st Woman: Margaret Chambers (Blaydon) 3.05.07

2^nd Nancy McCraw (Teviotdale) 3.36.29

3^rd Kim Boxell (Fife) 4.06.43

A brilliant run by the youthful newly-crowned Scottish Marathon Champion, Graham Laing, who outclassed the experienced 1970 Commonwealth Marathon bronze medallist Don Faircloth. Graham’s time, on the same exhausting course as before, was an excellent one.    The P and J reported: “Early on, Laing forged ahead of Bolton’s Mike Critchley the leading Englishman, and after ten miles had a 45 second advantage, which had become 2 minutes 18 seconds by 20 miles. He broke his own course record and reduced his personal best by 2 minutes 7 seconds. A well-judged race was run by Don Faircloth of Croydon, who moved from 6^th in the second lap to second at the finish.”    Recently crowned World Veteran Marathon Champion Don Macgregor was a long way in front of his M40 challengers.

 

1981    27^th September: City of Aberdeen Milk Marathon

1                    Max Coleby (England) 2.21.29

2                    Martin Knapp (England) 2.21.30

3                    Don Macgregor (Scotland) 2.21.52 1^st Vet

4                    Fraser Clyne (Scotland) 2.23.36

5                    Dic Evans (Wales) 2.24.24

6                    Mick McGeoch (Wales) 2.24.41

7                    Evan Cameron (Scotland) 2.26.23

8                    Tim Hassell (England) 2.26.57

9                    Graham Milne (Scotland) 2.27.13

10                Doug Gunstone (Springburn H) 2.27.26

11                Peter Wilson (AAAC) 2.27.34

201^st James Youngson (aged 68) 3.31.16

1^st England; 2^nd Scotland; 3^rd Wales.

1^st Woman: Katie Fitzgibbon (London Olympiades) 3.07.46

2^nd Priscilla Welch (Shetland) 3.08.55

3^rd Lynda Stott (AAAC) 3.21.12

Priscilla went on to become one of the greatest veteran marathon runners. Her peak performances included: sixth in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics; and at the age of 42, second in the London Marathon (2.26.51) and first in the New York Marathon.

This race took place in cold gale-force winds and driving rain. The new course finished in one of Aberdeen’s lovely grassy areas: Duthie Park. Before that, starting opposite the Beach Ballroom, it looped round Union Street, Riverside Drive and the harbour, then up the Esplanade and back down King Street, Riverside Drive, Holburn Street, Great Western Road, North Deeside Road, Maryculter Bridge, and the South Deeside Road.   Fraser Clyne was making his marathon debut and ‘went for it’ at 17 miles. Unfortunately, having pulled away, he ‘hit the wall’ and struggled home fourth. Max Coleby, an experienced GB international runner from the famous Gateshead Harriers, squeezed home after an exciting sprint against his team-mate Martin Knapp.

 

1982    19^th September: City of Aberdeen Milk Marathon

1        Gerry Helme (England) 2.15.16

2        Ieuan Ellis (Wales) 2.16.47

3        Fraser Clyne (Scotland) 2.19.58

4        Colin Youngson (Scotland) 2.21.03

5        Nigel Spiers (Wales) 2.22.36

6        Mick McGeoch (Wales) 2.23.14

7        Donald Ritchie (AAAC) 2.24.00

8        Jim Ashworth (England) 2.25.54

9        Sam Graves (Fife AC) 2.26.11

10    Peter Wilson (Scotland) 2.26.20

1^st Vet Jim Ash (Beith H) 2.31.49

1 Wales; 2 Scotland; 3 England; 4 Northern Ireland.

 

1^st Woman: Jacqui Hulbert (Wales) 2.52.20

2^nd Lynda Stott (AAAC) 2.53.04

3^rd Priscilla Welch (Shetland) 2.55.59

This race must have been a real tussle!

The route started on the Beach Boulevard, and then went down Union Street, Riverside Drive, past the harbour, up the Esplanade, King Street, Market Street, the harbour again, Riverside Drive, Holburn Street, Great Western Road, North Deeside Road, Maryculter Bridge, South Deeside Road, Riverside Drive, the harbour and finished next to the Beach Boulevard.

My diary notes: “Cool day. Not much wind. Facing wrong way when Provost fired gun prematurely! Shot off up hill into Union Street, then in behind Fraser. Broke away from Gerry and Ieuan (rest well dropped). 5 miles in 25.03! Caught by Gerry then dropped him on the cobbles. 10m 50.47 – too fast. Hung on up Holburn and out Great Western Road past Grampian TV but had to let go at the hour, in Mannofield. Kept going steadily, though passed by Gerry. Ieuan flew past at 18 miles – slight headwind. Plodded on for the last eight miles – very tired but trying hard and held off the pursuers by one and a half minutes. Fraser blew up last two miles, but didn’t see him until last half mile. A good try. Not very smart tactics, though.”

Gerry Helme, from St Helens on Merseyside (who went on to run a wonderful 2.10.12 in the 1983 London Marathon) had recorded the fastest-ever time on the fastest course for the Aberdeen Marathon. Ieuan Ellis was seventh (2.15.12) in the 1986 Edinburgh Commonwealth Games and recorded a personal best (2.13.21) in that year’s Beijing Marathon. Fraser Clyne lost three minutes to Ellis in the last three miles. However he soon became one of Scotland’s best-ever marathon runners, with a 1985 PB of 2.11.50 when he was second in the US Marathon Championships in Sacramento.   Jim Ash – an extremely durable athlete – for several years lived in Peterhead and worked as a fire and safety officer with Shell Expro at St Fergus gas terminal before being transferred to Fife.

 

1983    18^th September: City of Aberdeen Milk Marathon

1                    Kevin Johnson (England) 2.19.01

2                    Trevor Hawes (Wales) 2.19.41

3                    Calum Bark (England) 2.19.57

4                    Marty Deane (Northern Ireland) 2.20.08

5                    Dave Hill (England) 2.21.27

6                    Peter Wilson (Scotland) 2.21.53

7                    Mick McGeoch (Wales) 2.24.18

8                    Charlie Haskett (Dundee Hawkhill H) 2.24.57

9                    Don Ritchie (Scotland) 2.25.20

10                Ian Moncur (Forres H) 2.27.47

11                Craig Ross (AAAC) 2.28.42

12                Billy Brannigan (Northern Ireland) 2.30.40 1^st M40

13                Alastair Wood (AAAC) 2.31.48 1^st M50!

14                G. Williamson (N.I.) 2.32.16

15                Jim Ash (Beith H) 2.32.55

16                Sam Graves (Fife AC) 2.33.00

17                Murray McNaught (Fife AC) 2.34.46

18                Steve Brown (Wales) 2.36.04

1 England; 2 Wales; 3 Northern Ireland.

1600 started.

1^st Woman: Lynda Bain (AAAC) 2.50.29

2^nd Jacqui Hulbert (Wales) 2.56.20

3^rd Morag Taggart (AAAC) 3.07.08

Marriage obviously suited the former Lynda Stott’s rapidly improving marathon form. The quietly –spoken librarian, who only started running in 1981, had fitted in seven marathons before this one, when she won a gold medal in this, the very first Scottish Women’s Marathon Championship. Jacqui Hulbert had made a bold attempt to retain her title but tired badly with four miles to go. Lynda Bain surged past to secure a clear victory.

Previous winner Graham Laing (Scotland) tried to break the field and was two minutes clear at 14 miles. However he had underestimated the effect of running alone into powerful winds (which blew down the Press tent) and dropped out at 18 Miles, shortly after he was passed by a more cautious pack of three Englishmen, a Welshman and a Northern Irishman. Kevin Johnson, a 25 year-old Geordie from Elswick Harriers, finished most strongly. Local Hero Alastair Wood broke the M50 record by twelve minutes. Scottish Marathon Champion Peter Wilson was awarded the A.J.M. Edwards Trophy for the leading AAAC runner and, as first finisher from the North-East, won an all-expenses-paid trip to the following April’s Milk Run in Boston USA! Sadly, this proved to be a one-off prize.

 

1984    16^th September: City of Aberdeen Milk Marathon

1                    Mark Burnhope (England) 2.19.36

2                    George Reynolds (Scotland) 2.21.04

3                    Alan Catley (England) 2.21.09

4                    Charlie Haskett (Scotland) 2.21.37

5                    Colin Brown (England) 2.22.37

6                    Colin Youngson (Scotland) 2.23.36

7                    Noel McEntaggart (Eire) 2.23.51

8                    Nick Jobson (Blaydon H) 2.26.25

9                    Don Ritchie (AAAC) 2.26.35 1^st Vet

10                Mick Walsh (Eire) 2.27.54

11                1^st Team: England; 2^nd Team: Scotland; 3^rd Eire; 4^th N. Ireland.

2400 entered the race but only 1313 actually ran.

1^st Woman: Lynda Bain (AAAC) 2.41.41

2^nd Margaret Baillie (Fife) 3.00.57

3^rd Morag Taggart (Pitreavie) 3.10.02

Lynda made a rapid start to defend her Scottish title. She took three minutes off Leslie Watson’s Scottish Native record. This was Lynda’s seventh PB in ten marathon outings. After representing GB in the 1984 Kosice Marathon in Czechoslovakia, she went on to improve to an excellent 2.33.37 (another Scottish record) when seventh in the 1985 London Marathon. Sadly injuries prevented further progress.

My diary states: “Dull, overcast day, bit of a breeze, drizzle sometimes. Off fastish up the prom but the pace slowed into the wind and a big pack of 18 stayed together to 10 miles (very slow 55 minutes). Pushed up the hills from Garthdee and six got away. Hung on along the North Deeside Road but after Milltimber Bridge, the rest escaped on the South Deeside Road. Lost a struggle with Colin Brown and then had to fight hard to keep clear of Noel McEntaggart. Could have been worse. Respectable at least.”   Up front, George Reynolds (originally from Kinloch Rannoch) and Charlie Haskett (from Dundee) were leading at 20 miles when they heard the fateful patter of large English feet, as Mark Burnhope, a 24 year-old from Wolverhampton, loomed alongside and before long moved away for victory. George just managed to hold on to second place at the Beach Boulevard – and was rewarded with a gold medal in the Scottish Marathon Championship, which was reserved for Scots only on this occasion.

1985    15^th September: City of Aberdeen Milk Marathon

1                    David Catlow (England) 2.22.54

2                    Colin Youngson (Scotland) 2.23.58

3                    Mick Woods (Eire / Rest of Europe) 2.25.24

4                    Dic Evans (Wales) 2.26.11

5                    Richard Tough (England) 2.27.19

6                    Doug Cowie (Scotland) 2.27.59

7                    Alan Jeffries (1^st Vet – Wales)

8                    Eddy Lee (Wales)

9                    Paul Wheeler (England) 2.29.53

10                Robin Thomas (Hunters Bogtrotters) 2.33.57

1 England; 2 Wales 3 Europe 4 Scotland

1st Woman: Ann Curtis (Livingston) 2.55.55

2^nd Teresa Kidd (Dublin) 3.01.09

3^rd Janine Robertson (AAAC) 3.01.57

English-born Dr Ann Curtis raced away with the Scottish Women’s Marathon title. First native Scot was Janine Robertson, who won a trip to New York in what was only her second marathon.

My diary states: “Blustery day. Union Street, then Holburn. Pushed it a bit because slow (26.45 at five). Four got away into the prom headwind. After the Bridge of Don, right for a bit then left up an undulating country road, heading for Dyce. DC moved away at 19 miles. Overtook RT, and stuck 80 yards behind Dave until 23 miles but then ran out of steam and sagged to the finish. A good try on an awkward day and a tougher course.”

 

1986    25^th May: City of Aberdeen Milk Marathon

1                    Ray Maule (England) 2.22.52

2                    Neil Featherby (England) 2.23.53

3                    Kevin Best (England) 2.24.58

4                    Colin Youngson (Scotland) 2.27.55

5                    Allan Adams (Scotland) 2.29.10 1^st Vet

6                    Alan Rich (England) 2.32.22

7                    Peter Wilson (Aberdeen AAC) 2.32.45

8                    Doug Cowie (Scotland) 2.34.37

9                    Don Ritchie (Scotland) 2.36.53

10                Brian Howie (ESH) 2.41.25

1 England; 2 Scotland.

248 finished a difficult course on a very windy day.

1^st Woman: Stephanie Quirk (Isle of Man) 2.58.57

2^nd Janine Robertson (AAAC) 3.16.15

3^rd Morag Taggart (Pitreavie) 3.21.26

Stephanie Quirk, a 29 year-old physiotherapist, won the Scottish title, knocking nine minutes of her previous best. She was based in Kendal and enjoyed some success as a fell runner. She finished well clear of Janine Robertson and Morag Taggart, who pocketed her third championship bronze in four years.

Ray Maule, a 32 year-old planning engineer who ran for Coventry Godiva Harriers, made his move at 21 miles. Neil Featherby from Norfolk was next; and then Kevin Best, a fireman based at RAF Buchan. Colin Youngson, who had won the Dundee Marathon only four weeks previously, was dropped at seventeen miles and struggled towards the end. Allan Adams, a late replacement in the Scottish team for Dave Clark, finished very strongly to claim the veteran prize.

 

1987    24^th May: City of Aberdeen Milk Marathon

1                    Ian Corrin (England) 2.27.42

2                    Colin Youngson (Aberdeen AAC) 2.29.21

3                    Rob Hall (Scotland) 2.29.54

4                    Jim Goldring (England) 2.30.08

5                    Garry Webb (England) 2.30.15

6                    Doug Cowie (Scotland) 2.30.49

7                    Mick McGeoch (Wales) 2.30.54

8                    Arwel Lewis (Wales) 2.30.59

9                    Richard Bullen (Wales) 2.31.00

10                Bobby Ronald (Scotland) 2.31.09

11                Don Ritchie (Scotland) 2.34.27 1^st Vet

12                1 England; 2 Scotland; 3 Wales.

296 started.

 

1^st Woman: Carol-Ann Gray (EAC) 3.17.12

2^nd Margaret Oliver (AAAC) 3.17.27

3^rd Sheila Cluley (Forfar) 3.19.49

There was no shortage of drama in this race. Welsh athlete Sue Graham had built up a big lead when she keeled over at the 22 mile point and had to be rushed to hospital with exhaustion. 23 year-old Carol-Anne Gray just managed to overhaul Margaret Oliver to win the Scottish title by fourteen seconds.

My diary states: “Easy enough start. Four drifted away – Ian Corrin and Dave Jenkin from England, Mick McGeoch and myself. After the Bridge of Don there were fifteen miles of headwind and hills – a hopeless course. DJ pushed it on downhills and got away at 18 miles. IC passed us both by 21. Tired but plodded on. Caught DJ at 23 (he dropped out at 25!) Struggled in. A poor time but could be worse – beat the so-called Scottish team! (I had won the Lochaber Marathon four weeks earlier and had not been selected for Aberdeen.) Finally completed my 50^th race of marathon distance or longer, without dropping out yet.”

Afterwards, I told the press: “Considering the quality of the athletes taking part today, the finishing times are ridiculously slow, and although it is fair to say that the wind was very strong in places, really the blame lies mainly with the course. Unless the route is changed and we are not asked to run on cobbled streets, the times will remain poor.” Ian Corrin, a 33 year-old Liverpudlian, agreed, saying that: “That last mile is the hardest I have had to endure. It really was terrible.”

 

1988    22^nd May: City of Aberdeen Milk Marathon

1                    Hammy Cox (Scotland) 2.21.15

2                    Frank Harper (Scotland) 2.22.20

3                    Alan Robson (ESH) 2.25.03

4                    Dave Jenkin (England) 2.25.55

5                    Doug Cowie (Scotland) 2.26.21

6                    Owen Lewis (Wales) 2.26.40

7                    Jim Goldring (England) 2.27.03

8                    Tegid Roberts (Wales) 2.27.18

9                    Arwel Lewis (Wales) 2.27.20

10                Colin Youngson (Scotland) 2.28.38 1^st Vet

11                Don Ritchie 2.29.50

More than 400 ran.

1^st Team: Scotland; 2 Wales; 3 England.

1^st Woman: Eileen Masson (Kilbarchan) 2.47.23

2^nd Sue Graham (Wales) 3.01.38

3^rd Margaret Stafford (AAAC) 3.10.01

This time, Sue Graham ran well all the way to the finish but had to be content with second as Eileen Masson stormed home for an impressive victory in the Scottish Women’s Marathon Championship.

The Press and Journal reported: “The police garage mechanic who put the brakes on England’s seven-year domination of the Aberdeen Milk Marathon has his sights on new horizons. For Hammy Cox, the 30 year-old Greenock Glenpark Harrier, is hungry for a British cap. Said Cox, ‘On the whole, Aberdeen is a much tougher course than Glasgow. The second half of the race is really difficult.’”

By twelve miles, Hammy and Frank Harper from Pitreavie had dropped Dave Jenkin. They reached halfway in 69.20 and at 14 miles outpaced Owen Lewis. Then Cox moved away at 18 miles to a clear victory over his hard-training team-mate. Alan Robson paced himself well to be the first club runner home in third. Jenkin made up for dropping out the previous year, before Buckie’s Doug Cowie, an RAF runner, wrapped up the international team honours with a strong finish in fifth place.

1989    28^th May: City of Aberdeen Milk Marathon

1                    Ian Bloomfield (England) 2.22.30

2                    Terry Mitchell (Scotland) 2.24.53

3                    Mick McGeoch (Wales) 2.25.57

4                    Nigel Barlow (England) 2.26.09

5                    Rob Hall (Scotland) 2.29.35

6                    Arwel Lewis (Wales) 2.30.51

7                    Colin Youngson (Scotland) 2.31.23 1^st Vet

8                    David Bond (England) 2.32.24

9                    Eric Williams (England) 2.33.16

10                Charlie McIntyre (Fraserburgh) 2.40.46

11                Don Ritchie 2.41.42

1^st Team: England 13 points; 2^nd Team: Scotland 14 points; 3^rd Wales.

1^st Woman: Liz Hughes (Wales) 2.54.24

2^nd Margaret Stafford (AAAC) 3.06.36

3^rd Linda Trahan (Inverurie) 3.14.42

Liz Hughes, a 32 year-old university geography research officer, won Scottish gold in a time that knocked 12 minutes off her previous best, set when winning the Welsh title on her marathon debut at Bridgend in 1987. Margaret Stafford set a PB in winning a silver medal, while Linda Trahan took twenty minutes off her previous best, set just four weeks earlier at Lochaber.

Russell Smith reported in the P and J: “Ian Bloomfield said of the blustery conditions: ‘It was tough, bloody tough.’ The 36 year-old Chester-le-Street local government officer dominated the race, leading for nineteen miles. This was his third marathon in ten weeks. Previously he had finished sixth in New Delhi and had won the Belfast event. St Andrews chef Terry Mitchell raised a faint hope that the Scots might win the team prize when he took a brave second place. However England scraped home by one point. Don Ritchie, the man who confounded everyone with a new John o’ Groats-Land’s End record in early April, returned to competitive action.”

Ian Bloomfield became Scottish Marathon Champion; Terry Mitchell claimed silver; and Mick McGeoch (the most cheerful Welshman ever) won bronze.

1990: City of Aberdeen Milk Marathon

1                    Chris Tall (England) 2.23.32

2                    Stan Markley (England) 2.24.53

3                    Brian McEvoy (England) 2.25.46

4                    Charlie McIntyre (Scotland) 2.26.50

5                    Dic Evans (Wales) 2.27.46 1^st Vet

6                    Paul Smith (Wales) 2.28.11

7                    Don Ritchie (Scotland) 2.31.00

8                    Raymond Hubbard (Scottish Marathon Club) 2.31.31

9                    Jonathan Hooper (Wales) 2.32.04

10                D. Cowie (Scotland) 2.32.55

(Dropped out for the first time ever at 20 miles – Colin Youngson (Scotland)

1^st Team: England; 2 Wales; 3 Scotland.

1^st Woman: Liz Hughes (Wales) 2.49.47

2^nd Diana Jermieson (AAAC) 3.25.08

3^rd Joan Molloy (AAAC) 3.33.27

Liz Hughes successfully defended her Scottish title with another personal best time, while local runners Diana Jermieson and Joan Molloy took home the silver and bronze awards. The first three won the medals in the Scottish Marathon Championship.

The P and J reported: “30 year-old Chris Tall from Aldershot raced home as a powerful team of English runners dominated the eleventh Aberdeen Marathon. Tall’s victory was his fifth successive marathon win and his first race in Scotland.” (The three Englishman were awarded gold, silver and bronze in the Scottish Marathon Championship.) “Top Scot was Charlie McIntyre from Sandhaven who completed what he considered one of his proudest days by running for Scotland in Aberdeen and finishing a creditable fourth.”

This was to be the final Aberdeen Marathon, a well-organised and challenging event not only for local runners but also for many visitors. The Home International series brought good class runners from all over Britain; many fine performances were produced; and competitors enjoyed excellent hospitality, mainly funded by the generous main sponsors: Aberdeen City Council and especially the Aberdeen and District Milk Marketing board. Happy memories!

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