Dumfries Running Club athletes have competed in a number of races over the last few weeks

Four Dumfries Running Club members headed to Newcastle for the 43rd Great North Run on Sunday September 8.

Malc Isherwood, Hamish MacDonald, Jamie Cottrell and Kirsty Templeton were among the 60,000 runners on the start line for the UK’s biggest half marathon.

There was fantastic support along the route, with spectators offering runners shouts of encouragement, sweets, ice poles and even beer.

Runners started off in the centre of Newcastle before crossing the Tyne Bridge to Gateshead and winding their way to the finish line at South Shields – the weather making it a less than perfect day for a trip to the seaside but the rain helped cool all the runners.

Wearing his novel polka dot running kit Malc Isherwood was spotted on live TV and had an excellent run in 114.31 minutes which at 11,442nd placed him in the first quarter of the field.

Kirsty was excited but also nervous about running with 60,000 other runners. Heavy rain meant she was soaked through before she even crossed the line. Several hilly flyovers and the weather made it tough going. Her aim ideally, was to do it in 2.10 but also just wanted to beat her previous best of 2.16. In the end she did it in 2.13.49 which she was happy with. She found the sheer number of participants were not always easy to run in but the crowds lining every inch of the route were just fantastic.

Hamish Macdonald has run this race regularly and he was delighted to finish in 2 hours 15. Jamie Cottrell really enjoyed the experience of this run and all the support of the crowds but he found the route a bit challenging in areas. He finished in 2 hours 29 and thought the whole event overall was a fantastic experience

Carlisle 5k series

On Tuesday, September 11, eight club members travelled