LASSWADE ATHLETIC CLUB

Temporary Suspension of Training Sessions

All club training sessions will be suspended until Monday 20^th April

Over the past few weeks Lasswade Athletics Club have been following guidelines set out by Scottish Athletics and the Government in response to the Coronavirus Outbreak.  Our number one priority has always been the health and safety of our athletes, volunteers, members and their families. In light of the recent escalation in Health and Safety measures we have come to the unfortunate decision that training sessions will have to undergo a temporary suspension.

This decision also reflects that of our governing body Scottish Athletics:

“scottishathletics recommend that all formal club/group training sessions be cancelled for the time being but the situation will be monitored and reviewed on a week-by-week basis and until the recommendations on social contact are better understood.”

The initial suspension period has been set to run over the Easter Holidays, with training currently timetabled to resume on Monday 20^th April. This will be the minimum period of suspension. We very much hope to be able to resume on the given date, however this will be dependent on the situation at that time.

Over the period of suspension our Facebook Page will continue to provide updates and information as we get it. Ahead of Monday 20^th April emails will be sent providing up to date information.

This is obviously a massive blow for everyone at the club, athletes, coaches, volunteers and supporters and something no-one wanted or could have seen coming.

In the intervening period we hope that everyone keeps safe, healthy and follows the Health Guidelines that seem to be coming out on a daily basis. The best place for up to date club information is our facebook page: LasswadeAC1981. It would be a good idea for all members to check in on this page so we can reach as many people as possible throughout the year.

A further statement will be issued regarding the payment of club subs, via standing order, over the period of suspension, and the best way to cover this. In the meantime we realise that, in addition to the health impacts of the virus, there will be tremendous financial implications for a number of families. A previous document had been drafted dealing with this issue in the event we continued with training, allowing for the temporary exemption of payments for those affected along with other measures. This will be something we look into on return but, in the intervening period, if you are affected please feel free to cancel your standing order payment for April 1^st. This will in no way affect your membership or ability to return to training when the sessions resume.

Emails have been sent out with the above information. If you have not received an email it is important that you contact Craig at lasswadeathletic@gmail.com so that your details can be added.

Current List of Events / Competitions Affected:  Summer 2020 T&F Fixtures

The 39th installment of Lasswade Athletics Annual Ten Mile Road Race proved to be one of the toughest in its history as weather conditions came close to preventing the race going ahead last Sunday. Overnight and morning downpours had left two sections of the course under almost a foot of water and impassable to most vehicles. In the end though the race did go ahead, much to the credit of the runners, marshals and officials who took part. And what a race it was.

Prior to the start of the race, runners and officials observed a minutes silence inmemory of Kenny Marshal. This was the first Road Race since we lost Kenny and it was a fine tribute to a fine man who had contributed so much to both athletics and the community.

The course was in such a state that you would  have expected times to go out of the window, however that did not happen. From the start Corstorphine AAC runner Michael Crawley and Lasswade AC runner Christian Graham set a blistering pace, pulling away from the field, pushing each other on every step of the way. This was all the more remarkable given that at just 19 years old Christian was one of the youngest to have run this race.  All the way through Roslin Glen and past Auchendinny the two raced on neck and neck, however in the closing miles Michael managed to establish a decent lead. Despite a spirited finish from Christian he could not close the gap as the pair made their way through the most treacherous sections of the course, with Michael negotiating the final challenges to come home winner. 

The winning time of of just 53m & 48s, over 3 mins faster than last year’s race, was remarkable given the conditions. Finishing just 21 seconds, and first in the Under 20 age group as well as first Lasswade runner home, Christian Graham can be more than proud of his debut in the race. Another top performance came from Telfer Gray. Like Christian, Telfer is another young runner with a bright future. The U20 Central AC athlete couldn’t hold the pace of the front two but was strong throughout and finished 3rd in a time of 59 min 05 seconds. Last year’s winner Adam Gray returned again for this year’s race and produced another fine run finishing in 4th place. 

Winner of this years Female Race was unattached athlete Catriona Probert who ran a strong race throughout. After establishing a lead over the rest of the women in the field, she finished  in another great time of 70.17. The win also secured top spot in the Masters and Midlothian Prize categories for Catriona. Second place went to Dundee Hawkhill Harriers runner Gemma Dolan in a time of 71.05, with Edinburgh AC’s Lyndsey Fraser not far behind in third. 

In an update to the Winners of the Female Team Event the eventual winners were Musselburgh and District Athletics Club.  The original results had missed out 2 of the Musselburgh Teams runners. After revising the results the team of Suzanne Beattie, Sarah Burrell and Fiona Watson came out winners by 26 points. Edinburgh Running Network,  finished second with Zorana Tasovac, Alison Rowe and Elizabeth Welsh scoring the points need. Penicuik Harriers claimed back to back wins in the Men’s Team event with last years winner Adam Gray joined by both John Gibbs and Ceadach Morton in the top ten. Second place went to Edinburgh with Gala Harriers in 3rd and Lasswade in 4th.

PRIZEWINNERS

1st Male:  Michael Crawley,  Corstorphine AAC

1st Female:  Catriona Probert,  unattached

1st Midlothian Female:  Catriona Probert,  unattached

1st Masters Female:  Catriona Probert,  unattached

1st Masters Male:  Gary Trewartha,  Gala Harriers

1st JogScotland Runner:  Angus Baxter,  unattached

1st Midlothian Male: Christian Graham,  Lasswade AC

1st Lasswade Male: Christian Graham,  Lasswade AC

1st Lasswade Female: Julia Cunningham

On the day though everyone who competed, from first to last, was a winner. Pushing themselves to the extreme and carrying on until the end when most would have given up. A special mention should also go out to the volunteers who turned out in force to support the event and ensure that, despite the conditions, the event went ahead as well as it did. 

The Race will return again on Sunday 7th March 2021. We hope to see as many people back as possible. Thanks for your support, effort and enthusiasm.

A full list of the winners, in each of the different categories, can be found at the following link:  LAC 10 Mile RoadRace Revised Results V1

Upcoming Events in the area:

Bluebell Trail Run, Dalkeith Country Park, Sunday 26th April:  Info at Bluebell 5k / 10k Trail Run

Penicuik Harriers 10K Road Race, Sunday 9th May:  Info at  Penicuik 10K

Balerno Rigg Race, Monday 25th May:  Info at   Rigg Race 2020

Thanks to Keith Kong for another set of great photos. To view more go the the club flickr page   Lasswade Road Race Photos