Making history with Fife AC

The Fife AC women represented Scotland at the AAA's/English Road Relay Championships at Sutton Coldfield, the first ever Scottish female team to appear at this elite event. Rising to the occasion, Fife achieved a top twenty place in the women's 6-stage championship race, the blue riband event of road running in the UK.
GB junior international Halina Rees opened for the club coming home in 22nd place timed at 17 minutes 50 seconds for the undulating 3 mile circuit. Jennifer Kibble's 18.49 held 24th place while Helen Sharpe brought the club up to 14th with a fast 17 minutes 28 seconds. Amie McKimmie improved further to 12th (18.46) before over-40 veteran Kirsti Sharratt placed 18th (19.41). Alison McGill anchored the team home in worsening conditions in 19 minutes 30 seconds to secure 20th place, ahead of chasing Shaftesbury Barnet.
Aldershot Farnham and District retained their title boosted by a 16 minutes 02 seconds clocking by Scottish Commonwealth 1500m silver medallist Stephanie Twell bringing the south of England club into the lead at the halfway stage. Lily Partridge, who led Dundee Hawkhill to the Scottish Cross-Country Relay title three years ago, matched Twell's time of 16.02 on leg five leaving Georgie Bruinvel (16.36) an untroubled run to victory over the anchor stage.
The Fife AC team were delighted at having achieved their aim of a top-20 finish. Helena Rees thought it was a worthwhile experience for the team. "I am glad we made the trip down to Birmingham, the race was a good experience and the course was tough. I hope to go back next year, I can't wait to go back fitter and faster next time, hoping for single figures."
Kirsti Sharratt continued: "It was a privilege to be asked to join the team. The race was tough, with a tactical course and a brutal final hill. We all felt the responsibility of being part of a team, and the sense of achievement was heightened by the prestige of the race - there were so many exceptionally fast runners."
Amie McKimmie and Jennifer Kibble took up the theme of the tough course. "The race was hilly with a slight head wind," said Amie. "The competition was tough but we were prepared." Jennifer continued, "I am glad we made the trip down to Birmingham, it was a good experience and the course was tough. We were so excited to finish in the top 20, better than we expected. We hope to go back next year, it was a great event!"
Helen Sharpe said, "I was quite nervous going into it. I caught the bus with Bristol & West who kept telling me I had the right colours but the wrong team! When I took over from Jen, I was feeling good and I was pretty pleased with my time of 17:28, 8th fastest on my leg."
Fife AC Team Manager Ron Morrison commented: "I'm delighted by the overall performance of the team in their first attempt over what is a very difficult and technical course against the best in Britain. Racing against the great English clubs was an inspiration for the athletes who are looking forward to improving the performance in next year's race for which they have already qualified."

Fife AC senior women at the 6-stage road relays (left-to-right) - Helen Sharpe, Helena Rees, Kirsti Sharratt, Ron Morrison, Amie McKimmie, Jennifer Kibble, Alison McGill.