West District cross country Championships – Kilmarnock , 8^th December 2018

Greenock Glenpark’s junior Harriers went into the District cross country championships with high expectations and they didn’t disappoint.  They left with four young athletes – Ava Beaton, Katie Johnson, Harris Morrison, and Harry McGill – all making automatic selection for the West District team for the prestigious Inter-District cross country competition in January. High finishes by Alan Mollins and Ben Campbell have also put themselves in contention for one of the coveted places.

In the first race there was an unfortunate error by the race stewards, causing the under 13s girls, distance to be cut from two miles to just one. But Greenock girls Ava Beaton and Katie Johnson, who were always in the top 10 throughout the race, weren’t caught out by the earlier than expected sprint finish, reacted well to cross the line in 6^th and 9^th respectively.

Next up were the u13 boys, with Harris Morrison immediately going with the leading pack, and Ben Campbell using different tactics – holding back from the early fast pace. As the large pack started to break up and spread out, Harris was able to keep with the leaders and hold on for the final 12^th automatic qualifying place. Ben meanwhile was pulling in places throughout getting to 16^th. David Docherty in his first year,  and has been gaining in experience in every race, ran a well-judged race to come through well.

The under 15 girls were well represented, and the group continues to progress well in their short time together. In the tough conditions they top girl was Ruby McGill, another who prefers the steady approach, went from 30^th midway through the first of the 2 laps, to 18^th, just outside the qualifiers. Abbie Tosh, Emma Aitken, Alyshia Singleton and Olivia Trainer all ran well on the first lap, but tired in the latter stages, but this was expected as they are only starting to gain the required endurance as they step up to the longer distances. The girls took a well-deserved 7^th place in the team competition.

Jude Dolan ran well in his first year in the u15s, producing another consistent performance.

Under 17 boy Harry McGill had mixed emotions; being frustrated at finishing 4^th just a few seconds outside the medals, but delighted to make the District team. Alan Mollins training had been disrupted with a heavy cold in the week leading up, but he put that aside to grind out 15^th place finish.  Ewan Ferguson also recovering from illness, always steps up a level when racing, again this was no exception with his efforts earning the team a 4^th place finish.

RESULTS:

1600m: Ava Beaton 5.03, Katie Johnson 5.08

3200m: Harris Morrison 12.58, Ben Campbell 13.15, David Docherty 14.51

4000m: Jude Dolan 18.18,  Ruby McGill 18.35, Abbie Tosh 22.03, Emma Aitken 23.47, Alyshia Singleton 24.37,  Olivia Trainer 24.59.

5500m: Harry McGill 20.13, Alan Mollins 21.38,  Ewan Ferguson 23.41

Here are a few race reports from the last two months or so. We are always on the look out for race reports so don’t be shy in publicising your achievements!

Frankfurt Marathon

Stephen Trainer and Mick McLoone headed to Germany in October for the Frankfurt Marathon. This marathon was Stephen’s target this year and had a good stretch of training in him. On the day Stephen was going well, and on for low 2.20 until about 30k. Sadly, it wasn’t quite to be for him, as the solo run and headwind took it’s toll on his legs. Still, Stephen finished under the 2.30 mark in  2.29.58. It wasn’t what he wanted, but it’s another marathon experience in the bag. The club are all looking forward to seeing Stephen back competing in the coming cross country events. Mick McLoone also found it a tough run, but was reasonably happy with another sub 3 hour marathon with a time of 2.59.24.

Jimmy Irvine 10k

Bellahouston Road Runners’ annual 10k race took place on Sunday 11th November in Bellahouston Park. This race is ever popular with our Harriers and this year was no exception, with 19 Harriers making the trip to Glasgow. The race route has changed over the last few years to adapt to new guidelines from the City Council, and after last year’s route proved slightly more difficult for the runners, it was adapted again this year. The race started at the top of the hill in the park and consisted of 2 1/2 laps of the park, finishing at the bottom of the hill near the sports centre. It was an overall downhill course, but still required 2 hairpin bends and 2 climbs up the main hill.

The weather was bitterly cold and a fair downpour greeted the runners at the start line. After the remembrance day silence at the start, the runners were eager to get going just to get some warmth! The cold weather didn’t stop our first female finisher from getting a new 10k PB, Kirsty Ormond cashing in on her good recent training with a time of 43.12. Donna Campbell and Lorna Coyle were next home for the ladies in 46.20 and 47.24 respectively, with Viki Smith and Lynsey Mooney also running.

There was medal success in the age categories on the mens side, with Graham McGrattan claiming first v60 in 42.19. Chris Watson was the first Harrier home, holding off the fast finishing Gordon Hepburn. There was only 6 seconds separating the 2, with both running low 38 minute times which is excellent considering the conditions on the day. Also under 40 minutes was Stephen Hanley and Steven Watson, with Hanley just about holding off the typically fast finishing negative splitter Watson. George McCallum posted a good time of 41.15 in his first race back since competing in the Dunoon Ultra last in October.

Elsewhere in the mens race there were good times from Stephen Reid, Kenny Scoot and particularly from James Campbell. James has featured recently in our reports for running great at the club’s Colin Shields Race, and he continued that here by breaking the 51 minute barrier. There was support on the route from Harriers, and the photo show just how poor a day it was to be standing outside cheers the runners on!

Results:
Chris Watson 38.17, Gordon Hepburn 38.23, Stephen Hanley 39.24, Steven Watson 39.37, George McCallum 41.15, Graham McGrattan 42.19, David Ness 43.01, Kirsty Ormond 43.12, Malcolm McLean 43.12, Stephen Reid 44.27, Robin McAuslan 46.13, Donna Campbell 46.20, Lorna Coyle 47.24, Kenny Scott 48.27, James Campbell 50.52, Boyd MacKenzie 52.01, Viki Smith 53.13, Lynsey Mooney 54.54, John Carruthers 55.34

Glen Ogle Ultra

Only one Glenpark Harrier travelled to Killin to complete in this years race on the 3rd of November. Fiona Cushnaghan decided to do it as it fell on her birthday! The race starts and finishes in the lovely village of Killin, it is a lovely scenic route, however on the day the weather was mostly heavy rain and gale force winds! Fiona was pleased to complete it in 6hrs 32 mins. This was Fiona’s 7th ultra! Fiona would like to thank the other runners and stewards who were very friendly on what was a bleak day.

Kilbarchan Relays

The ever popular George Cummins Road Relays took place in early October. There was the usual great turnout from the club there, on what was a busy weekend for racing. The mens A Team had a youthful look about it, with Chris Mooney vastly increasing the average age of the group! He set off first and set a great target for the young guns to follow. Ryan Brown, Alan Mollins and Harry McGill all ran well, with Harry putting in another strong run over the short distance following on from his club race win a few weeks before. Chris’s time of 13.38 was over a minute faster than the previous year and was good for 24th overall on the day.

The ladies were worst affected by racing elsewhere, but Marian Monk was able to field a vets team in which she, Claire Monaghan and Nathalie Smith all ran well. Marian took a whopping 40 seconds off of her time from last year. However there was not to be a repeat of the Callum Hawkins stalking from the previous year…

The mens B team fought hard and each runner finished within a remarkable 12 seconds of each other! Chris Watson lead out the C team and put in the best run of the group (which would have also seen him within that 12 second gap in the B team!).

The top vets team from the club saw Robert Dolan set off in the first leg, and he ran a stormer to get round in 15.42. Alan O’Rourke, Ross Neilson and Danny McLaughlin helped them to 7th vets team overall. The next team were also made up from vets runners, and a late entry saw Paul Monaghan in this group running a cracking 14.46! The rest of the team were very consistent in the low 18 minute range, with Robin McAuslan and Stephen Reid improving from last year. Mick Dunn put up a trong showing in the fourth leg of the final team, with one of the fastest v60 run of the day.

It is worth highlighting the remarkable improvement of the juniors at this race compared to last year. Harry McGill 14.05 (14.53 last year), Ewan Ferguson 15.53 (16.20 last year), Ryan Brown 15.39 (17.02 last year) and Alan Mollins 15.00 (16.34 last year). The future is bright!

Results:
Ladies A: Marian Monk 18.15, Claire Monaghan 19.07, Nathalie Smith 24.45
Mens: A: Chris Mooney 13.38, Ryan Brown 15.39, Alan Mollins 15.00, Harry McGill 14.05
B: Paul Beaton 15.53, Sean Marshall 15.44, Ewan Ferguson 15.53, Gordon Hepburn 15.56
C: Chris Watson 15.56, John Stevenson 16.12, Malcolm McLean 17.34, Duncan Anderson 16.52
D (vets): Robert Dolan 15.42, Danny McLaughlin 17.05, Ross Neilson 16.52, Alan O’Rourke 18.45
E (vets): Steven Smith 18.09, Robin McAuslan 18.20, Paul Monaghan 14.46, Stephen Reid 18.13
F: Ian Hanley 20.01, Frank McMahon 20.11, Kenny Scott 20.38, Mick Dunn 18.44

Neil McCover Half Marathon

Not content with putting in the 3rd fastest time for the club at the Kilbarchan Relays the day before, Paul Monaghan went out and ran a 76 minute half marathon the next day. This was good for first v40 and 2nd overall place at the event in Kirkintilloch. His exact time was 1.16.25, well done Paul!

Loch Ness Marathon

Lucas Bezian ventured north for the second year in a row to take part in the Loch Ness Marathon. He completed the race in 4.44.35, taking over 24 minutes off of his time from the previous year! Great running Lucas!

Erskine Bridge Buster 10k

Who fancies an early start on a Sunday morning, in winter, to go run over the Erskine Bridge, twice!? Not me that’s for sure, but 12 other Greenock Glenpark Harriers fancied it! A great turnout for the event which is becoming more popular each year.

It is a tough route with, as you can image, a great deal of climb involved, and a fair share of wind! It is hard to judge times compared to a regular 10k event. A sub 40 run would see you make it into the top 5! Kirsty Ormond was first Harrier home (and 4th overall)  closely followed by Donna Campbell (6th overall). Lorna Coyle was clear in third (1st v50) with Cheryl Thomas and Fiona MacFarlane (3rd v40) following on behind. Graeme Crawford was the first male runner back for the club. It was also good to see Erskine natives David and Emma Benstead out running the course as well.

Results: Kirsty Ormond 45.01, Donna Campbell 45.38, Lorna Coyle 47.37, Cheryl Thomas 48.28, Fiona MacFarlane 48.55, Graeme Crawford 53.52, Debbie McKenzie 54.30, John Carruthers 55.58, David Benstead 57.18, Grace Campbell 58.14, Emma Benstead 61.41, Wenda Crawford 61.41

3k on the Green

The 3k race in Glasgow Green on the last Friday of each month is getting increasingly popular with Glenpark Harriers who work in the city. Nicola Stevenson is becoming a regular, having appeared in all 3 in this period. She also showed remarkable consistency to finish all 3 within a 10 second timeframe, with her best coming in October in 12.58. Her family joined her for the August edition, with John and Eileen trying the event for the first time.

A good group of harriers ladies joined Nicola in October, with Cheryl Thomas, Lorna Coyle and Lorna Coyle all trying the event out. It is a very popular race, with the small £2 entry going to charity each month. It was even popular just last week on what was described by the run director as a “particularly horrible day” (or slightly stronger words to that effect). Stephen Hanley took 42 second off of his previous time, and 15 seconds off of his PB with a run of 10.31 with which he even surprised himself!

Results:
August: John Stevenson 10.34, Stephen Hanley 11.13, Nicola Stevenson 13.07, Eileen Stevenson 14.50
October: Nicola Stevenson 12.58, Cheryl Thomas 13.18, Lorna Coyle 13.28, Fiona MacFarlane 13.49
November: Stephen Hanley 10.31, Nicola Stevenson 13.03

There were some impressive running in Round #2 in the Harriers Tower Hill cross country league. Each of the 19 athletes completed 7 repetitions around the Gourock park, over distances varying from 400m to 1600m. The aim of the league is to prepare the juniors for the National XC championships in February , by putting them through a number of tough training sessions and time trials over the winter months.

This years Renfrewshire Cross Country Championships were held at Shanks Park in Johnstone on Sunday. Kilbarchan AAC were this year’s host and set up an undulating 2k loop around the park. The senior ladies took on 3 laps whilst the men tackled 4 laps of the course.

Stephen Trainer made his return to the cross country scene after his recent marathon efforts. Stephen sat in 2nd position for the first 3 laps but was hampered by a groin niggle in the last lap. However he did well to hold on to 3rd spot behind Ross Gray of IAC and the winner and olympic athlete Derek Hawkins of Kilbarchan.

The harriers were able to post 3 men in the top 10 positions, with Chris Mooney in 8th and just holding off the returning Shaun Lyon in 9th. These high positions helped the men’s team to finish in 2nd overall position behind IAC. Steven Campbell, Paul Monaghan and Andrew White rounded off the 6 counters for Glenpark. Steven was 2nd V40 and Andrew White picked up a V50 gold. Some great performances from the vets that represented the club so well in Swansea last week, and all looking stronger for the experience.

Sean Marshall’s run of just under 32 minutes was one of the other highlights from the men’s team. Another was Danny McLaughlin’s well paced run, picking off plenty of athletes as he fought through the field. Frank McMahon picked up 3rd place in the v60 category.

Ladies captain Marian Monk lead the ladies team home in just under 28 minutes. Claire Monaghan and Sandra Campbell followed not far behind to round out the top 3 counters, but it wasn’t quite enough to get them into the medals. It was another fine showing from Marian, Claire and Sandra, who have all performed well over the cross country events so far. Lorna Coyle was able to pick up a bronze medal in the V50 category. There were also good runs from Cheryl Thomas and Debbie McKenzie. The ladies race was won by Catriona MacDonald of Bellahouston Road Runners, defending her title from last year’s race at Tower Hill in Gourock.

There was great support on the day from harriers who travelled to cheer the team in. Thanks to the Smiths and Marianne McKay for some cracking photos. Speaking of photos, the club now has an Instagram page for all to follow.

Results:
Mens 8k: Stephen Trainer 27.42 (3rd), Chris Mooney 28.51, Shaun Lyon 28.56, Steven Campbell 29.59 (2nd v40), Paul Monaghan 30.25, Andrew White 30.31 (1st v50), Sean Marshall 31.55, Paul Beaton 32.50, John Stevenson 33.16, Danny McLaughlin 33.42, Robert Dolan 33.54, Stephen Hanley 34.56, Alan O’Rourke 37.37, Frank McMahon 39.05 (3rd v60), Kevin Gill 42.03
Womans 6k: Marian Monk 27.58, Claire Monaghan 28.48, Sandra Campbell 29.00, Cheryl Thomas 29.27, Lorna Coyle 30.39 (3rd v50), Fiona MacFarlane 30.47, Lynsey Mooney 32.06, Debbie McKenzie 32.15, Eileen Stevenson 33.53

Renfrewshire cross country championships at Shanks Park Johnstone – 25^th November 2018

18 of the Greenock Glenpark Harriers young athletes made the short journey to Johnstone for the County cross Country Championships and were rewarded with a brace of team medals, and a number of top ten places.

Douglas Campbell led his team mates’ home in 13^th place, as the Harriers youngest athletes got the days racing under way as they competed over two ½ mile laps of the undulating parkland course.  He was backed up by Leo Beaton, Cameron Beck, Conner McCrorey, and Matthew Ross who all followed closely behind. Unfortunately for the boys, they fell one place short of team bronze.

The under 11 girls made up for the disappointment by going one place better. Sophie McGinty put in a gutsy display, and as always she was willing to go with the fast pace of the leaders. She suffered a little in the closing stages, dropping back to 8^th. But behind her Summer Taggert and Brooke Taylor came storming through in the last lap picking off just enough places to snatch Bronze. The trio were ably supported by Erin McEleny and Ashlin Monaghan.

Ben Campbell is his short spell back training with the club is coming on leaps and bounds, and again put in a strong showing to finish 6^th in the under 13s 2mile race. David Docherty in his first year in the age group ran well for a top 20 finish. Such is the good form of Ava Beaton this season, she felt disappointed with her 4^th place in the girls event. But nonetheless there was plenty to be pleased about particularly the way she came through strongly in the second half of the race.

The under 15s girls hard work in training paid off with a surprise team medal. Close grouping by Abbie Tosh, Emma Aitken and Olivia Trainer earned them Bronze.

Run of the day came from Shaun Wiseman; the hilly course suiting the youngster as he pulled in place after place to close down on the leaders to finish 4^th, with Jude Dolan producing a steady performance behind him.

Results:

Under 11s: Douglas Campbell 8.26, Leo Beaton 8.40, Cameron Beck 8.46, Conner McCrorey 9.06, Matthew Ross 11.17; Sophie McGinty 8.51, Summer Taggert 10.03, Brooke Taylor 10.11, Erin McEleny 10.23, Ashlin Monaghan 11.14.

Under 13s: Ben Campbell 11.49, David Docherty 13.14, Ava Beaton 12.54.

Under 15s: Shaun Wiseman 16.07, Jude Dolan 17.28, Abbie Tosh 19.52, Emma Aitken 20.30, Olivia Trainer 21.50.

Four of Greenock Glenpark Harriers were among the large Scottish contingent who made the long journey to Liverpool’s Sefton Park for the prestigious UK Cross Challenge series.

Harris Morrison in a superb club debut, and Ruby McGill both ran well in the earlier under 13 boy’s and under 15 girls 3km races. Setting the standard for the older boys.

Harry McGill went with the leading pack in the stampede at the start of the under 17’s 5.5km cross country event. Over two laps he held on well to finish 31st in the high quality field. Not far behind came Alan Mollins placing well among the Scots.

All four young athletes gained valuable race experience in coping with the frantic starts of these big events – there were 1000 competing in the junior races alone, which was then followed by the European trials for Britain’s Senior Men & Women teams – an experience which will serve them well in their athletic careers.

Also competing was local women Chloe Simpson finish 25th in the Under 23 women’s European 8.1km trial race.

Results: (3km) Harris Morrison 11.58; Ruby McGill 12.37;  (5.5km) Harry McGill 18.18, Alan Mollins 19.20; (8.1km) Chloe Simpson 31.57.

A total of five Harriers made the long bus journey down to Swansea at the weekend following their inclusion in the Scotland squad to face the other home nations at the British and Irish Masters International Cross Country.

The club were amongst the best represented of the five nations with athletes selected in each of the male age categories ranging from 35 to 60. The trio of Steven Campbell (v40), Paul Monaghan (v45) and Mick McLoone (v55) had featured regularly in the past few years. Current Club Champion Chris Mooney and vets Champion Andrew White would get to wear the national vest for the first time.

The event was held at Singleton Park in Swansea, the same venue that regularly hosts the Welsh National Cross Country Championships. The runners would do four laps of the undulating course at Singleton Park running a total of 8k.  The field was packed with the UK and Irelands top masters athletes. The Scottish teams faced strong English and Irish teams meaning they were likely fighting it out between the remaining nations for bronze medals.

It was ideal conditions as each of the races got underway with Andrew and Michael first up in the V50 and V55 races, each keen to take one of the top counting places in their team. The start as predicted was frantic with Andrew and Mick both positioning themselves in the top half of the race. By the 2^nd lap Andrew, managed to pick off a few of his teammates and was leading the Scottish contingent. He continued to finish strong finishing in overall 17^th position and 1^st counter for the V50 team in a time of 29:06. After a very fast start Mick McLoone managed to hold onto his position to be first home for the Scottish V55 team in 30:31 and 10^th overall in his age category.

Next up was Mooney, Campbell and Monaghan represented in the mens V35 – 50 race. In the V35 category Chris started strong and packed well with the his Scottish team mates. On the third lap he managed to move himself into a counting position by moving into 4^th place. He finished in 27:24 which was good enough for 18^th (v35) and 38^th in the 90 man field.  Steven and Paul formed part of two very strong age categories and had to be at their best to earn a chance of a medal. Steven finished in 28:54 which earned a team bronze medal. Despite an early fall Paul recovered well in the V45 category to finish in 30:16, although just fell short of a team medal position.

The runners would like to thank Greenock Glenpark Harriers for their support in making the trip to Swansea. A special mention also to ex Greenock man Christopher Devine representing the V40 category and finished 35^th in 27:11. Greenock can be proud of their representation at this national event and their performances will put them in contention for inclusion in future squads.

Results – British  and Irish Masters International Cross Country (Singleton Park, Swansea)

Race 2 – V50 – V59

17^th Andrew White (29:06)

41^st Michael McLoone (30:31)

Race 3 – V35 – V49

38^th Chris Mooney (27:24)

73^rd Steven Campbell (28:54)

84^th Paul Monaghan (30:16)