The fifth running of PH Racing Club's Tilli 10K took place on the fifth anniversary of 2018’s inaugural race and once again boasted an excellent line up. Race day was also blessed with good weather, unlike last year’s blizzard conditions!

With none of the previous male winners entered, one thing that was certain was that there would be a different name on the trophy. Two previous winners of the female race were running and Morag Millar of Central AC in particular may have been looking to add a second title.

The race is largely flat, along the Devon Way from Tillicoultry to Dollar and back, with a 1K loop at the Dollar end to avoid a dead turn. Speaking about the standard of runners entered, organisers commented: "Once again there was real depth to the race with 39 runners under 35 minutes and 138 breaking the 40 minute barrier, of whom 23 were female. We also had our largest number of finishers yet, with 593 runners completing the race."

The eventual winner of the men’s race was Robbie Ferguson of Kilbarchan AAC in a swift 30:36, though someway outside Jamie Crowe’s course record from 2019. Not far behind in 30:45 was Loch Ness Marathon champion, Moray Pryde of Lothian Running Club, who had held the halfway lead. The top three was completed by Central AC’s Calum Phillip, who ran 30:55 to get on the podium for the first time at this race.

In the women’s race, Ginie Barrand of Metro Aberdeen took the win in 33:27, almost two minutes clear of 2021 champion, and previous course record holder, Millar, who ran 35:14. Barrand’s chip time of 33:24 will stand as the new women’s course record. In third place was last year’s runner up, Jennifer Wetton, also of Central AC, in a much faster time this year of 35:36.

Fastest of the home club contingent was Paul Kieran who timed at 34:55 and picked up 3rd prize in a highly competitive M45 category. Close behind was club champion Aaron Bennet, who ran 35:13. Next home for the host club was Gayle Lindsay in a fantastic 37:31 to finish 6th female overall in the race. Her chip time of 37:27 also knocked a couple of seconds off the club’s female 10K record. Twin sister Katrina Lindsay also had an excellent run of 39:15 to finish inside the top 20. Other prize winners for the club were Ian Stewart (M65) and Ed Norton (M70) who picked up 2nd prizes in their age categories, running 39:43 and 43:05 respectively.

In total, there was over £2000 in prize money awarded so it’s certainly a race worth doing if for those at the sharp end, either overall, or within their age category. Full results can be found here.

A provisional date of 29 December has been suggested for the 2024 race, you can find out more at the PH Racing Club website.
 
Image: Gordon Donnachie