Mhairi Inglis takes gold after two successive silvers at Highland Games

Aug 12 2010 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

ON what was a very successful weekend for Lothian Running Club athletes, Mhairi Inglis showed her liking for running on a red cinder track by landing a double at the Inverkeithing Highland Games.

Mhairi, who had twice taken silver in the previous weeks Montrose Games with second places in both the 800 metres and 1600 metres, exacted revenge on the two runners who beat her — her brother Robert and Tommy Ashby, Innerleithen.

Running from a start of 145 metres in the 800 metres handicap the 18-year-old sped around the 'Ballast Bank' red ash circuit before stopping the clock at 1 minute 51.79.

Owing to her success in the 800 metres, the handicapper penalised her 30 metres in the 1600 metres handicap.

The penalty proved no deterrent to the Glasgow Caledonian University student who held off all challengers including a late thrust from her brother Robert who from a start of only 60 metres saw him frustratingly fail by only a few strides to reel in his sister who snapped the winning tape in four minutes 10.90 seconds.

Jill Horsburgh made it three club runners in the prizes by finishing in sixth place.

In the all scratch Jim Fraser Memorial Mile Robert Inglis again finished runner up this time behind Ross Mathieson, Lasswade AC.

In the sprint events John McStewart, Armadale finished runner-up in his heat of the Open 90 metres handicap which qualified him to the final where he finished in sixth place.

Darren Thomson, Bathgate, picked up prizes in both the Open 200 metres and 400 metres handicaps finishing in third and fourth places respectively.

The club's youth runners were also among the prizes at the Fife venue, particularly in the 1600 metres handicap where victory went to 11-year-old Hannah Stewart, Blackburn, in 4 minutes 30.94 seconds.

She was followed over the line by Iain Horsburgh in second with Lauren Arbuckle in fourth.

In the youth's 200 metres Nicola Kellock won through to the final where she finished in fourth place.

There was further success the following day at the 159th Bridge of Allan Games, when on this occasion it was Lauren Arbuckle who took the plaudits with victory in the 13-15 years 800 metres handicap.

Hannah Stewart almost made it a club double but she had to settle for second place after being overhauled close home in the 400 metres 10-12 age category.

In the 13-15 400 metres Nicola Kellock was in the prizes in fifth place a position she also occupied in the final of the 200 metres.

Nicola was also awarded the female youth athlete of the day trophy.

Robert and Mhairi Inglis were once again in the prizes.

Mhairi was second in the 800 metres behind American athlete Natalie McKenzie while Robert filled the same position in the 3200 metres where victory went to Lachlan Oates, Shettleston AC.

The season continues this Sunday with the Perth Games on the South Inch.