The Hamilton Harriers Running Club held their annual 5K Christmas Handicap on Saturday 5th December in Bothwell, followed by prize giving ceremony in the Pitz Soccer Academy in Hamilton. Once again the event was well supported, with over 20 members running the race and many more Harriers and family and friends turning out to cheer the runners around the 5K loop. The handicap was won by David Kelly who ran a strong race to finish in 22 minutes 03 seconds, taking over one full minute off his PB. David finished 19 seconds ahead of Peter Middleton, who held valiantly on to second place. Neil Robbins, who finished third in a time of 17 minutes 35 seconds, clocked the fastest time of the day.
 
During the prize giving ceremony, awards were presented to the winners of the Grand Prix League Series, the 5K Handicap Series, the monthly 5K Handicap races, the Endeavour prizes and the various Club organised races throughout the year. 2009 prize winners were:
 
Male Grand Prix League Series  -  Jim Breen.
Female Grand Prix League Series - Claire Purdie.
Overall 5K Handicap Series - Winner: Davie Dawson, 2nd: David Hay, 3rd: Lynne Kelly.
Sealed 10K Handicap - Winner: Mark Bryson, 2nd: David Hay , 3rd : Neil Robbins
Half Marathon Handicap - Monique Duffy
Christmas 5K Handicap - David Kelly
Christmas 5K Fastest Time - Neil Robbins
Christmas 5K Nominated Time - Dave Adams Jnr
Male Endeavour Award 2009 - Roy Foot.
Female Endeavour Award 2009 - Veronica O'Neill. 
Monthly 5K Handicap Winners : February - Michael Maxton, March - Lynne Kelly, April - Tee, May - Amanda Lang, June - Monique Duffy, July - Grant McKenna, August - Grant McKenna, September - Tom Steel, October - Lynn Knox, November - Neil Robbins.
 
A special thank you to Warburtons who donated a selection of fruit loaves for all participants of the 5K handicap race and this year's prizewinners.