TROON TORTOISES RUN THE COURSE DU PRUNEAU

AT SAINT ETIENNE DE FOUGERES

(report by Niall McPherson)

On Sunday 12th October, as part of the exchange between Troon Tortoises and the Stade Villeneuvois Athlétisme, now in its 5th year, a group of runners and walkers from Troon met up with their French partners in the little village of Saint Étienne de Fougères, near our twin town Villeneuve-sur-Lot, to take part in the various events on offer: a 20 K run, a 10.2 K run, and a 10.2 K walk. There was also a children’s race to involve the next generation of athletes.

The road races were started some ten years ago by a previous Mayor of Saint Étienne, himself a keen runner, who had taken part in the New York Marathon. The event is sponsored by local businesses, particularly the Coufidou prune factory at Sainte Livrade, which donates samples of its product for each participant.  The course is practically level, and winds through fields of plum trees and sunflowers, past pleasant farms and villas, with tantalizing views from a variety of angles of the church which marks the beginning and end of the race.

Ewen Walker finished the half marathon well up the field, while Tortoises President George Malone memorably ran the course in his kilt, and finished in style, accompanied by Max Barland on his bicycle. Niall MacPherson ran the 10 K as his first race since a foot injury forced him to stop training two years ago. Sheila Walker and Jenifer MacPherson took the 10 K walk at a steady pace and were happy not to come in last. Although they were lapped by some of the half-marathoners as they went round for the second time, there were plenty of runners (and some walkers) behind them at the finish.

The races were followed by a lunch of home-made soup, sandwiches and fruit served in the village hall, where the many cups and prizes were presented. George was given a souvenir trophy to take back to the Tortoises, which later caused a stir at the airport security check. He was eventually allowed to take it through, after his laundry had been subjected to prolonged scrutiny, somewhat to his embarrassment.

The Troon group was hosted for the weekend by members of the Stade Villeneuvois Athlétisme and of the Twinning Commitee. On Sunday night they were invited to the home of  Athletics President Pierre Lassignardie, along with their hosts, and other members of both organizations, including Ken Napier, President of the Twinning Committee, with his wife Sue, for a wonderful meal served by Pierre and Nicole, to round off a terrific weekend.

We look forward to welcoming our French friends back to Scotland next year, either for the Troon 10 K, or for another of the many road races in this area.

Race Times:

Ewen Walker 20K: 1hr 32mins 58secs (-23rd out of a field of 69 and 9th in his age category, French V2M )

George Malone 20K: 2hrs 8mins 13secs (67th out of a field of 69 and 22nd in his age category, French V2M)

Niall MacPherson 10.2K: 54mins 2secs (115th out of a field of 151 and 10th in his age category, French V3M)