Gatehouse Gala Fun Runs
Re-printed from Summer 2013 edition of Gatehouse News
30 YEARS OF FUN RUNS
The annual "Roon the Watter" Fun Run, which is one of the highlights of the Gatehouse Gala celebrations, will take place this year for the 30th time. This popular event has been conceived and organised since 1984 by Gerard Macnamara, until recently known as "Mac the Joiner" and, since retirement, now known affectionately as just "Mac". But after 30 years the 2013 event will be Mac's last as the principal organiser. It is testament to the esteem in which Mac is held that a regular team of helpers turn out every year to organise entries in many different categories, to man the "watering holes", direct runners and traffic, record finishing positions and times and numerous other "extra bits and pieces" that need to be arranged in an event of this stature.
Much of this help has for many years been coordinated by Mac's daughter Gayle Little. Some of Mac's proudest moments include the two occasions that his son John has won the race and last year Gayle won the ladies race.
The event has also been regularly sponsored by local businesses, particularly Roger-sons and Spar. The four hotels in the town contribute meal vouchers for the winners and drinks for all competitors around the course.
But the time has come for new blood, and maybe we might even see Mac having the luxury of being able to take part in his own event. He is very proud that entry to this well-organised event has been kept at £3 for many years, and even this years' entry fee of £5 is far cheaper than most other 10km / 6 mile races.
The traditional route, well known to all, takes runners from outside the Community Centre, up Dromore Road for 2½ miles, across the Fleet at Nether Rusko and back to Gatehouse down the eastern side of the valley.
In the late 1990s, Mac, ever one to promote an active interest in sport for all youngsters, introduced the now familiar 2km "round the cape" race primarily aimed at children, but open to all who feel that 6 miles is too far. The picture shows Mac on his traditional "perch" on the wall at the Community Centre. From here his recognition of many of "his runners", aided by the entry lists resting on his knee, help him to provide a very professionally delivered commentary at the finishing line.
One year Steve Ovett actually entered the race but was prevented from taking part by an urgent family commitment. Many holidaymakers target their visit to Gatehouse specifically to take part in the race. There has even been a winner of the ladies race who came from Hong Kong. Gatehouse is definitely "on the map"!
It is also worth noting that it may well be a "fun" run but it also attracts some very capable runners with the course record being under 31 minutes for the 6 mile race. Gatehouse owes a great deal to Mac and his family for the single-minded pursuit of developing and maintaining this iconic event which we sincerely hope will be continued by the Galloway Harriers running club. It will be a hard act to follow !
Well done Mac.