Craig's record run

Published 4 Nov 2009 14:00

Craig Ruddy produced a record-breaking run to win Inverclyde AC's Ferguson Cup 5.2 mile road race on Saturday. Ruddy took the lead from the start at Pennyfern and was only put under pressure early on by Kevin Kane.

As the race reached the turn at Holmston, Ruddy gradually extended his lead from Kane and the rest of the field to comfortably win the Ferguson Cup for the second year in a row. He set a new official course record time of 25.41.

Ruddy also holds the unofficial course record set last year at 25.21. Kevin Kane also comfortably held on to take a well deserved second place from Neil McLaughlin in third, who was 22 seconds faster than last year.

One of the most improved runners at the club, James McFadden took fourth place. Guest runner Andrew Osborne produced an excellent run to finish fifth overall and would definitely improve with a regular training schedule.

First veteran finisher was Robert Shaw in sixth place. After a recount, marathon man Tom Tracey produced the shock on Halloween Day to win the handicap event with an excellent run.

Excellent second in the handicap was George Hegarty, with Cameron Spence taking a well deserved third place. One other excellent run came from Damien Mallet, in eighth place, who was almost three minutes faster than last year.

Other decent runs came from John Smillie and David McKenzie and also the undisputed comeback king of Inverclyde - Terry Wilkie. It was also good to see Jude Boulton back racing after his injury. Thanks to Helen, Hugh and Billy for the timekeeping and George, Hugh, Jim and Mark at the turn, and the tea ladies Hazel, Rita, Helen and Josephine.

Finally the club thanks everyone else who came out to support, and to the excellent handicapper.

Results: Handicap times in brackets- 1, C Ruddy 25.41 (25.41); 2, K Kane 27.14 (25.45); 3, N McLaughlin 28.49 (24.44); 4, J McFadden 30.11 (25.06); 5, A Osborne 32.24 (25.54); 6, R Shaw 33.12 (24.39); 7, J Boulton 33.18 (27.02); 8, D Mallet 33.44 (25.06); 9, C Spence 34.05 (24.17); 10, T Wilkie 34.44 (24.56); 11, G Hegarty 34.58 (23.52); 12, D McKenzie 35.14 (24.24); 13, J Smillie 35.29 (25.00); 14, T Tracey 40.00 (23.42).

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This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 04 Nov 09

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