Lap 4 of the annual Forth Valley College Campus Chase time trial took place on Wednesday 30 March at the Stirling Campus.
A total of 10 students, members of staff and invited guests took part this year and the fastest time was posted by Creative Industries Curriculum Manager Colin Gunning who clocked 1 minute 57 in his first attempt at the event. The fastest time ever, set in 2013 by Calum Ross a former HND Health, Fitness and Exercise student, sits at 1 minute and 44 seconds.
Karen Williams (46) an NC Administration student from Falkirk was the fastest female with an excellent time of 2 minutes 16 seconds, just four seconds outside the fastest time ever set in 2013 by HND Health, Fitness and Exercise student Sheryl Gallagher.
Both Colin and Karen were presented with a ‘Golden Guttie’ trophy for posting the fastest times of the day.
Colin said he was “honoured” to have won the Golden Guttie and Karen added: “It’s brilliant to have posted the fastest female time and it shows that us old folks still have a wee bit left in us. I would definitely recommend anyone to give this a go.”
Debbie Jackson from FVC’s Student Association who took the lead on organising the event, said: “Thanks to everyone who helped put on this great annual event. Colin and Karen ran very well to claim the top times, but everyone was a winner on the day.”
Steve Fleming, FVC’s Gym Assistant and chief starter and time-keeper on the day, said: “Well done to everyone who took part in this year’s Campus Chase they all did very well. Colin and Karen posted some great times and I would like to say a big well done to everyone who took part this year.”
The 600 metre course around the Stirling Campus sees participants running uphill, downhill and on the flat, on varying terrain such as pavement, grass, gravel and tarmac.
This year the event coincided with a Healthy Body Healthy Mind event organised by the Student Association as well as the annual barbeque – put on by the Stirling refectory’s fantastic Hospitality students and staff.
Lynne McClelland and Alan Buchan from the Student Association and Angela Muirhead FVC’s Student Liaison Officer kindly marshalled during the event. Also taking part this year were two soldiers from the 7/1 Engineering Regiment Steven O’Neill (2 minutes 8 seconds) and Craig Wordie (2 minute 22 seconds)
Inspired by the Great Court Run held at Trinity College, Cambridge which was immortalised in the film Chariots of Fire, the Campus Chase time trial has caught the imagination of racers and fun-runners alike as they pace themselves around the perimeter of the Stirling Campus building against the clock.
The top three males:
1st Colin Gunning - 1.57.46
2nd Derrie McAlpine - 1.58.39
3rd Stevie O’Neil - 2.08.56
The top three females:
1st Karen Williams - 2.16.97
2nd Melissa Lumsden - 2.34.25
3rd Kimberly Kelly - 2.50.97