Athletics round-up: Falkirk Vics in action at 'Flat n Fast' 5k road race, Lorna Brown aces BMAF Championship

Falkirk Vics’ Lorna Brown (Photo: Bobby Gavin/Scottish Athletics)

The first ‘Flat n Fast’ 5k road race took place last Friday night at the West Lothian Cycle Circuit, Linlithgow, with a number of Falkirk Victoria Harriers in action.

Each graded race saw athletes over the age of 16 from numerous Scottish clubs take five laps round the circuit. The conditions were excellent, with barely any wind and an almost rain free evening.

Falkirk Vics had six participants with several gaining new personal bests. In the first race, Niamh Brown crossed the line in 19:39, while in the second race, Olivia Vareille was the first Vics ace across the line in 18:04, quickly followed by Fiona Matheson in 18:26 and the youngest female participant Isabella Ogg in 19:00.

The last race of the evening saw eight athletes finish in sub 15 minutes. Falkirk Vics’ Luke Culliton, the youngest male participant on the night, stormed across the line in 15:16, while fellow Vics star, Euan Martin, finished in an impressive 15:56. Both athletes and spectators agreed the venue was excellent and look forward to this being an annual event.

Vics' Luke Culliton (Stock photo: Scott Louden)

Meanwhile, Falkirk Vics veteran Lorna Brown recently returned from the BMAF championship weekend with both a gold and silver medal haul. The federation, for athletes over the age of 35, covers the whole of the UK and Northern Ireland, providing events in track and field and cross country.

Brown picked up a gold medal for the Women’s 50 Shot Putt event, throwing the 3k weight 10.50m, just 10cm off her personal best. Her discus throw of 25.86m brought her in second to win silver, just 47cm behind gold medallist Sue Lawrence from Eastern Masters Athletic Club.