World Hill Running Champs, Italy
Inverclyde AC Internationalist Andy Douglas continued his remarkable run of top ten finishes at global championships, placing ninth in the idyllic Italian mountains.
Andy completed the course in 57:32 and that was a significant placing to ensure the GB team ended the competition on fifth place.
Andy has made a real impact now at the World Champs for the past three years. Back in 2014, he was just outside the top 20 but since then has finished sixth in 2015, 11th in 2016 and now ninth in 2017. Andy has also had top ten finishes in the Europeans over that period. An amazingly consistent record at the most competitive end of athletics.
Inverclyde AC Internationalist Andy Douglas continued his remarkable run of top ten finishes at global championships, placing ninth in the idyllic Italian mountains.
Andy completed the course in 57:32 and that was a significant placing to ensure the GB team ended the competition on fifth place.
Andy has made a real impact now at the World Champs for the past three years. Back in 2014, he was just outside the top 20 but since then has finished sixth in 2015, 11th in 2016 and now ninth in 2017. Andy has also had top ten finishes in the Europeans over that period. An amazingly consistent record at the most competitive end of athletics.
Scottish Men's Track and Field League Match 2 - 11th June, Glasgow
Inverclyde AC contested the second match of the Scottish Athletic League at a very wet Crownpoint stadium in Glasgow.
Scott McCluckie once again set the standard for his team mates to follow when he made it two wins out of two over the 400m hurdles. Scott had a steady start and got into his stride pattern at the half way mark as he moved clear of the field, with a very strong home straight he crossed the line victorious in a new best dipping under the 60 second barrier for the first time and add his name to the very few local athletes to dip this standard.
Equally impressive was Mark Magee in the second string 400m hurdles, Mark was dominant from hurdle three as he ran clear negotiating the remaining hurdles to ensure IAC had their second two out of two in the opening event.
Mark Holliman who is putting together some fine performances over the 400m flat race was another athlete who made it two wins in two matches. Mark was challenged on the back straight before injecting pace around the final bend which saw him pull clear and head toward the finish to claim maximum points in a very fast time.
In the field events the weather was causing problems to the jumpers, not so the best local long and triple jumper in Robert Graham. Robert was one of the few athletes to manage the wind and rain launching himself along the runway before catapulting himself well over the 6m mark to add to his impressive jumps score in previous matches. With a change of dry clothing Robert headed back onto the runway for the triple jump, using all his experiences his hop, skip jump was efficient enough to add to his tally as a major points scorer for the team.
Adam Hay fresh from his Scottish Schools successes was always in contention in the 800m, as his more experienced competitors raised the pace Adam was determined to keep in contact and was edged out of the top places, however he will build on the experiences for the remaining events this summer.
From a young Adam to the Masters champion Gary McKendrick who contested the 1500m. A strong supporter of the younger athletes Gary was in no mood to allow them to dictate the race and relied on all his maturity to shadow their every move before claiming some fine scalps at the finish.
The 5,000m trio of John Bell, Sean Gaffney and David Tamburini made up part of the very large field that was soon spread along the track as the race progressed. John experiencing his first taste of track competition was within the leading pack using his road and cross country talents to tackle the country's top 5,000m athletes. In the final few laps John was into his endurance reserves as he crossed the line ahead of his team mates to add his part to the team scoring. With Sean and David having their own personal battle for bragging rights, it was Sean who was successful on the day to add to his portfolio of endurance victories
Inverclyde AC contested the second match of the Scottish Athletic League at a very wet Crownpoint stadium in Glasgow.
Scott McCluckie once again set the standard for his team mates to follow when he made it two wins out of two over the 400m hurdles. Scott had a steady start and got into his stride pattern at the half way mark as he moved clear of the field, with a very strong home straight he crossed the line victorious in a new best dipping under the 60 second barrier for the first time and add his name to the very few local athletes to dip this standard.
Equally impressive was Mark Magee in the second string 400m hurdles, Mark was dominant from hurdle three as he ran clear negotiating the remaining hurdles to ensure IAC had their second two out of two in the opening event.
Mark Holliman who is putting together some fine performances over the 400m flat race was another athlete who made it two wins in two matches. Mark was challenged on the back straight before injecting pace around the final bend which saw him pull clear and head toward the finish to claim maximum points in a very fast time.
In the field events the weather was causing problems to the jumpers, not so the best local long and triple jumper in Robert Graham. Robert was one of the few athletes to manage the wind and rain launching himself along the runway before catapulting himself well over the 6m mark to add to his impressive jumps score in previous matches. With a change of dry clothing Robert headed back onto the runway for the triple jump, using all his experiences his hop, skip jump was efficient enough to add to his tally as a major points scorer for the team.
Adam Hay fresh from his Scottish Schools successes was always in contention in the 800m, as his more experienced competitors raised the pace Adam was determined to keep in contact and was edged out of the top places, however he will build on the experiences for the remaining events this summer.
From a young Adam to the Masters champion Gary McKendrick who contested the 1500m. A strong supporter of the younger athletes Gary was in no mood to allow them to dictate the race and relied on all his maturity to shadow their every move before claiming some fine scalps at the finish.
The 5,000m trio of John Bell, Sean Gaffney and David Tamburini made up part of the very large field that was soon spread along the track as the race progressed. John experiencing his first taste of track competition was within the leading pack using his road and cross country talents to tackle the country's top 5,000m athletes. In the final few laps John was into his endurance reserves as he crossed the line ahead of his team mates to add his part to the team scoring. With Sean and David having their own personal battle for bragging rights, it was Sean who was successful on the day to add to his portfolio of endurance victories
West District T&F Champs, 12/13th May - Kilmarnock
Inverclyde AC had their most successful West District track and field championship with no fewer than 18 podium finishes and countless personal best.
Ayrshire Athletic Arena was the venue for the second biggest national championship on the calendar contested over two days with two very different weather conditions.
In the under 17 girls 800m IAC had two of the hottest favourites of the day with Nuala McCheyne and Zoe Renfrew commanding the race soon after the gun. Nuala decided to dictate with Zoe tucked in behind as the team mates pace caused the field to separate. Going through the bell first and second place was on as the girls pulled clear, a burst of pace from Nuala saw her open a small gap to Zoe which she held to cross the line first claiming her first district outdoor title and a very pleased Zoe joining her on the podium.
800m is always a strong event with Inverclyde through the differing age groups. In the under 13 boys Harris Morrison ran a tactical race before moving into a medal position with 200m to go in his race approaching the home straight the vocal support carried Harris through to silver and a huge chunk removed from his previous best. Adam Hay at under 17 emulated Harris's silver. After a steady first 300m the race got going with Adam a prominent force at the front group. A serious injection of pace at 250m brought the race to a fierce competitive level as three athletes battled for the medal places with Adam claiming a fine second.
In the senior men's race the popular Callum Hunter was out to mirror his fine display over 1500m the night before as he ran well to win bronze. Now contesting his favoured distance over two laps. No tactical racing with the senior race as the pace was electric from the start and some fine racing witnessed by the spectators. Through the bell Callum increased his speed as he challenged the lead, in the home straight and approaching the finish line Callum held form well to cross the line winning silver in a new lifetime best.
Shelby Morrison was her ever present self on the podium winning another district medal over 1500m. Now contesting the under 20 age group Shelby's race was mixed with the senior race which caused more challenges for the seniors as Shelby ran a fine race to claim silver adding to the middle distance squad's total.
After the middle distance successes the sprinters were not to be outdone as they to claimed bragging rights in all age groups. In the under 13 200m, Edward Docherty claimed his first district title with a strong home straight pulling him clear of his opposition to win gold. Edward followed this with a bronze in the 100m, a successful weekend and a solid foundation to build on for the young sprinter. Ciaran Hogg was another young athlete to make a double trip to the podium. Contesting the under 15 200m, Ciaran negotiated his heat before using his huge stride to make ground in the home straight bringing him across the finish for bronze. Ciaran then returned to run the longer sprint over 300m. Another good start saw him get up to pace and work hard round the final bend before holding his position to win a more satisfying silver in a sub 40 second run.
At under 17 the 200m was a successful hunting distance with both Scott Hannaway and Georgia Morrison making their respective finals. Always a sprinting force to be reckoned with Scott produced a fine bend before hitting the home straight moving into top gear saw him gain advantage over the chasing pack. With a blanket finish requiring a photo to decide Scott was awarded bronze.
With her first outing in a district final Georgia produced her steady bend before hitting the home straight where her technical work was an advantage as she eased the last 50m to cross the line third claiming her first medal at district level. Georgia then emulated Ciaran over 300m qualifying for the final. A full out attack at the start of the longer sprint was profitable before her flowing style over the last 100m brought her across the line with the top finishers, again the photo finish was required to separate the medalist with Georgia getting bronze.
Drew McIntyre continued on his road to full competition mode over 100m. In the under 20 men's race a fine start had Drew in medal contention like previous sprint races photo finish was brought in to decide Drew was second in one of the fastest times of the day.
Scott McCluckie tackled 400m hurdles for the first time at championship level. Despite being rather rough round the edges of his technique Scott was quick and strong enough to negotiate the 10 hurdles bringing him home to win silver in a very fast race.
Young Aidan McGarragle had a busy day contesting sprints and long jump the later being his most successful event. Aidan had a number of jumps into a very wet sand pit and it was his final attempt which brought him ahead of the others. A solid connection on the take off board launched over over his competitors and into bronze medal position.
Inverclyde AC had their most successful West District track and field championship with no fewer than 18 podium finishes and countless personal best.
Ayrshire Athletic Arena was the venue for the second biggest national championship on the calendar contested over two days with two very different weather conditions.
In the under 17 girls 800m IAC had two of the hottest favourites of the day with Nuala McCheyne and Zoe Renfrew commanding the race soon after the gun. Nuala decided to dictate with Zoe tucked in behind as the team mates pace caused the field to separate. Going through the bell first and second place was on as the girls pulled clear, a burst of pace from Nuala saw her open a small gap to Zoe which she held to cross the line first claiming her first district outdoor title and a very pleased Zoe joining her on the podium.
800m is always a strong event with Inverclyde through the differing age groups. In the under 13 boys Harris Morrison ran a tactical race before moving into a medal position with 200m to go in his race approaching the home straight the vocal support carried Harris through to silver and a huge chunk removed from his previous best. Adam Hay at under 17 emulated Harris's silver. After a steady first 300m the race got going with Adam a prominent force at the front group. A serious injection of pace at 250m brought the race to a fierce competitive level as three athletes battled for the medal places with Adam claiming a fine second.
In the senior men's race the popular Callum Hunter was out to mirror his fine display over 1500m the night before as he ran well to win bronze. Now contesting his favoured distance over two laps. No tactical racing with the senior race as the pace was electric from the start and some fine racing witnessed by the spectators. Through the bell Callum increased his speed as he challenged the lead, in the home straight and approaching the finish line Callum held form well to cross the line winning silver in a new lifetime best.
Shelby Morrison was her ever present self on the podium winning another district medal over 1500m. Now contesting the under 20 age group Shelby's race was mixed with the senior race which caused more challenges for the seniors as Shelby ran a fine race to claim silver adding to the middle distance squad's total.
After the middle distance successes the sprinters were not to be outdone as they to claimed bragging rights in all age groups. In the under 13 200m, Edward Docherty claimed his first district title with a strong home straight pulling him clear of his opposition to win gold. Edward followed this with a bronze in the 100m, a successful weekend and a solid foundation to build on for the young sprinter. Ciaran Hogg was another young athlete to make a double trip to the podium. Contesting the under 15 200m, Ciaran negotiated his heat before using his huge stride to make ground in the home straight bringing him across the finish for bronze. Ciaran then returned to run the longer sprint over 300m. Another good start saw him get up to pace and work hard round the final bend before holding his position to win a more satisfying silver in a sub 40 second run.
At under 17 the 200m was a successful hunting distance with both Scott Hannaway and Georgia Morrison making their respective finals. Always a sprinting force to be reckoned with Scott produced a fine bend before hitting the home straight moving into top gear saw him gain advantage over the chasing pack. With a blanket finish requiring a photo to decide Scott was awarded bronze.
With her first outing in a district final Georgia produced her steady bend before hitting the home straight where her technical work was an advantage as she eased the last 50m to cross the line third claiming her first medal at district level. Georgia then emulated Ciaran over 300m qualifying for the final. A full out attack at the start of the longer sprint was profitable before her flowing style over the last 100m brought her across the line with the top finishers, again the photo finish was required to separate the medalist with Georgia getting bronze.
Drew McIntyre continued on his road to full competition mode over 100m. In the under 20 men's race a fine start had Drew in medal contention like previous sprint races photo finish was brought in to decide Drew was second in one of the fastest times of the day.
Scott McCluckie tackled 400m hurdles for the first time at championship level. Despite being rather rough round the edges of his technique Scott was quick and strong enough to negotiate the 10 hurdles bringing him home to win silver in a very fast race.
Young Aidan McGarragle had a busy day contesting sprints and long jump the later being his most successful event. Aidan had a number of jumps into a very wet sand pit and it was his final attempt which brought him ahead of the others. A solid connection on the take off board launched over over his competitors and into bronze medal position.
Scottish Track and Field League Match 1, 6th May - Aberdeen
Inverclyde AC made a winning start to the Scottish Men's League in Aberdeen with a number of athletes claiming top position on their events.
Mark Magee got the ball rolling with an excellent series of high jumps. Mark who focused his lifestyle over the winter months launched himself over a new best height to get the feel good factor within his team mates. Mark then followed this up a short time later with a victory in the 400m hurdles. Joining Mark in winning, Scott McCluckie used a tactical approach to his 400m hurdles as he strode down the back straight before settling into his stride pattern and moving through the field. Approaching the last hurdle Scott injected pace which saw him pull clear of the opposition to claim victory in the first event on the track.
Drew McIntyre put his marker for the season down in the 100m with a sub 11 second run to record the fastest 100m run of the day. Drew exploded from his blocks accelerating into top gear as he passed the 30m mark clear of the chasing athletes, he then held his form through the finish line to stop the clock in the 10 second frame.
Callum Hunter (pictured) did the 800m, 1500m double claiming fine victories in both. First up in the 800m, Callum hit the front with the athletes shadowing his every move as the bell sounded for the last lap Callum increased his pace creating a small gap which he held until the back straight, with over 200m to go Callum put the accelerator down pulling impressively clear to gain his first victory of the day.
In the 1,500m Callum's challengers clearly didn't learn from his dominant 800m and let him dictate the pace over the first few laps, despite a brief challenge to his lead Callum again hit the back straight and burst to life running clear to record an impressive victory and the double on the day.
Robert Graham was the day's top jumper, firstly on the long jump where Robert used his experience to hit his run up well and he propelled himself well over the 6m mark to claim massive points for the local club. In the triple jump, commonly known as the hop, skip, jump Robert nailed the three phases as only he can before a massive jump into the sand witnessed another IAC athlete at the top of the podium with a jump just shy of 14m.
In the 400m flat race Inverclyde had high hopes with Mark Holliman and Andrew Hunter the athletes elected to contest the long sprint. First up Mark hit the front soon after the start and was ahead with 250m to go. A strong showing round the final bend and a relaxed last 100m carried Mark through the line first in his first match representing the club.
Andrew famed for his 400m strategies caused confusion among his opposition by holding back over the first half of the race before having the confidence to increase pace on the last bend and as others tired Andrew stalked them down on the home straight emulating Mark crossing the line first with another fine display of tactical running.
Ryan Neilson continued his improvement over the sprints with anew best over the 100m before finding extra speed and strength on the home straight of the 200m which saw him awarded with his first sub 24 second run.
At the end of the day the 4 x 100m relay quartet of Drew McIntyre, Ryan Neilson, Craig Eaglesham and Mark Magee lived up to their billing with secure change overs ensuring top points at the end of the day.
The final event 4 x 400m relay saw Inverclyde put out their strongest team for some time. Mark Holliman set off on leg one and despite some strange tactics from the opposition Mark held his nerve before running clear on the home straight before handing over to Scott McCluckie on leg two. Scott pushed on the lead at the 200m mark before increasing the distance between the chasing pack. Shaun Tonner moved up in distance to contest the 400m and ran a powerful leg to add to the already big lead held by the team. Andrew Hunter was giving the responsibility of the anchor leg and enjoyed the relaxed run round knowing victory was assured.
Thanks go to the club officials Gerry Gaffney, Andy McIntyre and Matthew Thomson for officiating and team management.
Inverclyde AC made a winning start to the Scottish Men's League in Aberdeen with a number of athletes claiming top position on their events.
Mark Magee got the ball rolling with an excellent series of high jumps. Mark who focused his lifestyle over the winter months launched himself over a new best height to get the feel good factor within his team mates. Mark then followed this up a short time later with a victory in the 400m hurdles. Joining Mark in winning, Scott McCluckie used a tactical approach to his 400m hurdles as he strode down the back straight before settling into his stride pattern and moving through the field. Approaching the last hurdle Scott injected pace which saw him pull clear of the opposition to claim victory in the first event on the track.
Drew McIntyre put his marker for the season down in the 100m with a sub 11 second run to record the fastest 100m run of the day. Drew exploded from his blocks accelerating into top gear as he passed the 30m mark clear of the chasing athletes, he then held his form through the finish line to stop the clock in the 10 second frame.
Callum Hunter (pictured) did the 800m, 1500m double claiming fine victories in both. First up in the 800m, Callum hit the front with the athletes shadowing his every move as the bell sounded for the last lap Callum increased his pace creating a small gap which he held until the back straight, with over 200m to go Callum put the accelerator down pulling impressively clear to gain his first victory of the day.
In the 1,500m Callum's challengers clearly didn't learn from his dominant 800m and let him dictate the pace over the first few laps, despite a brief challenge to his lead Callum again hit the back straight and burst to life running clear to record an impressive victory and the double on the day.
Robert Graham was the day's top jumper, firstly on the long jump where Robert used his experience to hit his run up well and he propelled himself well over the 6m mark to claim massive points for the local club. In the triple jump, commonly known as the hop, skip, jump Robert nailed the three phases as only he can before a massive jump into the sand witnessed another IAC athlete at the top of the podium with a jump just shy of 14m.
In the 400m flat race Inverclyde had high hopes with Mark Holliman and Andrew Hunter the athletes elected to contest the long sprint. First up Mark hit the front soon after the start and was ahead with 250m to go. A strong showing round the final bend and a relaxed last 100m carried Mark through the line first in his first match representing the club.
Andrew famed for his 400m strategies caused confusion among his opposition by holding back over the first half of the race before having the confidence to increase pace on the last bend and as others tired Andrew stalked them down on the home straight emulating Mark crossing the line first with another fine display of tactical running.
Ryan Neilson continued his improvement over the sprints with anew best over the 100m before finding extra speed and strength on the home straight of the 200m which saw him awarded with his first sub 24 second run.
At the end of the day the 4 x 100m relay quartet of Drew McIntyre, Ryan Neilson, Craig Eaglesham and Mark Magee lived up to their billing with secure change overs ensuring top points at the end of the day.
The final event 4 x 400m relay saw Inverclyde put out their strongest team for some time. Mark Holliman set off on leg one and despite some strange tactics from the opposition Mark held his nerve before running clear on the home straight before handing over to Scott McCluckie on leg two. Scott pushed on the lead at the 200m mark before increasing the distance between the chasing pack. Shaun Tonner moved up in distance to contest the 400m and ran a powerful leg to add to the already big lead held by the team. Andrew Hunter was giving the responsibility of the anchor leg and enjoyed the relaxed run round knowing victory was assured.
Thanks go to the club officials Gerry Gaffney, Andy McIntyre and Matthew Thomson for officiating and team management.