Very much a ‘factual’ report than a ‘personal’ report, the 27th running of the Manor Water Hill Race was blessed with fine weather after a somewhat soggy race in 2018, and drew an impressive field of 72. The first half was very soft underfoot due to recent rain but out on the hill the going was much firmer. Runner reports of the conditions were mixed though!
The winner, and first local from Lamancha, was Mark Shankey of HBT in a time of 1:12:42, some 3 minutes clear of second placed Jacob Dobson of Kinross RR. In third was Oleg Chepelin, also of HBT, in 1:17:02.
In the womens race it was a Carnethy 1-2-3 with Nicola Duncan coming home first in 1:35:19 and 14th overall. Michelle Hetherington was second, and first V50, with Tracy Ballinger in third at 1:46:35, 3 minutes behind Michelle.
Worthy of a mention too is Colin Donnelly of Cambuslang who ran in 6th overall, and first V60 ahead of all V40s and V50s in a time of 1:22:26.
In the Juniors race Sam McKinnon of Gala Harriers finished in a time of 53:28, with Beth Urquhart of Moray Road Runners finishing the Younger Juniors race in 30:53.
A personal thanks goes out to all helpers, landowners, and the support of the local farmers and Manor Sheepdog trials committee for making it another successful race.
Chris Henty
Results