This years Dunoon Ultra Marathon proved once again to be popular with Greenock Glenpark Harriers, with 6 runners tackling the full ultra and another 12 taking part in the relay. Now in it’s third year, the hilly course provides a great opportunity for Harriers to stay local and try out their first ultra marathon event.

The course starts in the idyllic Benmore Botanical Gardens and heads briefly south towards Pucks Glen where the runners head off road an onto tricky paths and stairs through the valley. The route then heads north towards the first relay changeover point at Glenbraner, passing the highest point of the course en route for the stunning views back down Loch Eck. The second stretch of the race takes the runner back down the western edge of Loch Eck and back into the relay changeover in Benmore. The final stretch climbs back up hill along the forestry roads at Glenkin before returning downhill into Dunoon. The familiar final half mile along the promenade culminates in the finish line on Dunoon Pier.

There were 4 ultra marathon virgins taking part this year, 2 of which had never even ran a marathon before. There were another 2 returning Harriers looking to enjoy the better weather on the day than the previous year! Steven Watson was the first harrier home in just over the 5 1/2 hour mark. This was a great ultra debut for Steven who had never even ran the marathon distance before. Stephen Hanley was not far behind, who similarly had never done anything like this sort of distance in the past.

George McCallum and Sue Hewitson were not far behind on their ultra marathon debuts. The group had trained under the tutelage of now ultra veteran Stuart Austin, who had taken them over to Benmore the previous month on a scouting mission, a test run that greatly benefited them on the day. Stuart was unable to beat his time from the previous year, but hasn’t been put off entering more ultra events in the near future.Terri was narrowly missed out on beating her time from last year, but still a superb effort on very little training.

The 4 relay teams faired very well on the day, with all runners enjoying the pleasant conditions. The first team back finished in 4th overall place, thanks to Robert Adams setting a good pace round the longest of the 3 legs to start. Silke Loehndorf and Eileen Stevenson made up the team of 3. Robert had the best time for the first leg out of all the Harriers, with Silke having the fastest second leg and Sandra Campbell having the fastest final leg.

A big thanks has to go to all those that attended on the day to provide support for the runners. Also to Thomas Loehendorf for his fantastic photos!

Results:
Ultra:
Steven Watson 5.30.14, Stephen Hanley 5.34.50, George McCallum 5.46.17, Sue Hewitson 5.49.58, Stuart Austin 5.53.15, Terri Wall 6.39.50

Relay:
Team 1: Robert Adams (2.18.34), Silke Loehndorf (1.27.11), Eileen Stevenson (1.47.27) – Total 5.33.02
Team 2: Kirsten Arthur (2.35.48), Fiona Cushnaghan (1.31.20), Viki Smith (1.34.09) –
Total 5.41.06
Team 3: Susie Gillies (2.41.03), Susan Clark (1.33.14), Lorna Coyle (1.30.14) –
Total 5.44.15
Team 4: Graeme Crawford (2.44.48) Wenda Crawford (1.49.12) Sandra Campbell (1.28.38)- Total 6.02.13

It was a great team performance from our junior Harriers at an exposed Irvine Beach Park in the West District cross country championships. Luckily  the worst of storm Callum had passed over the west coast of Scotland, leaving the youngsters only having to deal with a deluge of rain.

The race itself consisted of three legs over a hilly 2.4km course contested by an athlete from each of the Under 13, 15 and 17 age categories.

It was both the younger first leg runners from Glenpark who produced the standout performances of the day as  Ava Beaton and Ben Campbell ran perfectly paced races to finish 12^th in the under 13 age group.

Following them in the 2^nd stage were Jude Dolan who kept the boys in contention, while Abbie Tosh in her first cross country race delivered an outstanding debut.

On the anchor leg team captains’ Mhairi Moore and Alan Mollins rounded off an excellent day for the Orangefield club, placing their teams in higher positions than expected.

Results:

Junior Boys: 16^th: Ben Campbell 10.03, Jude Dolan 10.12,   Alan Mollins 9.14.

Junior Girls: 38^th: Ava Beaton 11.03, Abbie Tosh 12.20, Mhairi Moore 13.40.

**Harry & Ruby McGill took part in the British Cross Challenge in Cardiff whilst on holiday in Wales.

In two top quality fields; Harry finished 22^nd in the under 17 men’s 5.56km race taking 19.10 minutes and Ruby placed 20^th in the under 15 girls 3.2km race in a time of 13.27 minutes

There were 33 senior members of the club taking part in the 10k and half marathon at this year’s Great Scottish Run last Sunday. The ever popular event is on of the main gals on the seasons calendar, with many runners setting their sights on running PBs and qualifying times for other races.

19 Harriers took part in the half marathon. Stephen Trainer got himself among the elite athletes on the start line and set off with his eyes firmly on a strong race. He was first Harrier home in 13th overall and within the top 10 for the Scottish half marathon championships. His time of 68.33 was just outside of his PB, but puts him in a good position for his goal at the upcoming Frankfurt marathon.

Chris Mooney followed in 72.18, seeing him improving his half marathon pb significantly. An excellent race for Chris which sees him post a qualifying time for the London marathon next year. Andy White was 3rd back in 77.55 with Daniel Doherty next in 80.13. Mick McLoone was 2nd v55,  Robert Dolan ran a great race just over the 85 minute mark, and John Stevenson was not far behind having flown through the night from China just prior to the race!

Marianne McKay was first lady home in just under 1.48, with Terry Wall not far behind. Eileen Stevenson ran a great PB in just over the 2 hour mark, with her training paying off in recent months. Elsewhere in the half marathon there was an excellent PB for Brian McCluskey in just over 86 minutes, finishing narrowly ahead of Gordon Hepburn and Paul Beaton. Steven Watson warmed up for this weekends ultra with a solid run in just under 93mins.

Earlier in the day, 14 senior harriers took part in the 10k, but they were outstaged on the day by the one junior competitor. Harry McGill stole the show yet again as he took part in his first big 10k race. Having ran the junior race the previous day, finishing 3rd, he broke the 34 minute mark for the 10k. He even managed to sneak onto the TV finishing ahead of the first female runner!

Kirsty Ormond was first home for the ladies in a great new PB of 43.48, showing that her recent spell of training has been paying off. Claire Monaghan continued her great form running just under the 46 minute mark for a big PB! Marian Monk was not far behind in 3rd who battled through illness on the day to still run a good time.

Debbie McKenzie had her first outing in a harriers vest and ran a PB to boot, finishing in 49.09. First of many as a Harrier we hope! Malcolm McLean weaved his way to just over 43 minutes having started well back from the start line. Ian Hanley, raising a great amount for charity on the day, ran in just over 50 minutes.

There was a great turnout for the junior races on the Saturday. As mentioned, Harry McGill finished 3rd in the main junior race. There was a great chance for the juniors to meet Laura Muir at the race, as she started the race and presented the prizes.

Results:
10k: Harry McGill 33.56, Malcolm McLean 43.09, Kirsty Ormond 43.48, Claire Monaghan 45.43, Marian Monk 45.55, Debbie McKenzie 49.09, Ian Hanley 50.17, Sharon Black 50.51, Viki Smith 51.52, Lynsey Mooney 52.18, Gill Gilmour 56.48, John Carruthers 57.01, Claire Melville 62.55, Wenda Crawford 62.56, David Black 66.52
Half Marathon: Stephen Trainer 68.33, Chris Mooney 72.18, Andrew White 77.55, Daniel Doherty 80.13, Mick McLoone 82.13, Robert Dolan 85.06, John Stevenson 85.47, Brian McCluskey 86.12, Gordon Hepburn 87.18, Paul Beaton 87.56, David Roberts 90.53, Steven Watson 92.46, Stewart Anderson 98.09, Marianne McKay 1.47.51, Terry Wall 1.48.05, William Laing 1.52.53, Fiona Cushnaghan 1.54.03, Eileen Stevenson 2.02.10, Kevin Gill 2.27.33

Annual subscriptions are now due and the amount payable will remain unchanged from last year. As always there will be an early bird discount for all fees paid on or before 31st October only. The rates are as follows:

Adults £50 or £45 early bird
Juniors £50 or £45 early bird
Second Junior (sibling) £30 or £25 early bird
Family £100 or £95 early bird

Greenock Glenpark Harriers are delighted to confirm that 4 of our members have qualified for the 2018 GB&I  International XC at Swansea in November. Chris Mooney, Paul Monaghan, Steven Campbell and Andrew White will all make the trip south and pull on an international vest in Wales.

The annual  trial race took place on the 15th September around Tollcross Park with 5 Harriers hoping to stake a claim on of the 3 automatic places up for grabs in each age category. The starting pace set out quickly with Paul Monaghan and Chris Mooney tucking in behind the leading three runners and Stevie Campbell not far behind. Moving into the final lap the trio of Mooney, Monaghan and Campbell were looking in prime position to take automatic places. Further back Mick Mcloone, still struggling with a virus, was battling for position in the v55 category and Graham McGrattan in the v60 category. Chris Mooney was the first harrier home in 4th overall which was good enough to earn his first Scottish vest in the v35 team. Despite dropping back a bit in the 3rd lap Paul Monaghan finished strong to clinch 2nd spot in the v45 category ensuring automatic selection. Stevie Campbell’s recent training efforts paid dividends finishing just behind Paul ensuring his selection for the v40 team taking the final automatic place. Unfortunately, Mick and Graham finished just outside the automatic places and will have to wait to see if they make up the remaining selectors spots.

Vets champ Andy White unfortunately suffered a virus in the lead up to the trial race and was unable to compete. He did however receive news during the week that he has made up one of the selectors spots in the v50 category and takes his first Scottish vest. This is great recognition of his consistency and form over these past few years.

Results:
4th Chris Mooney (25:06) v35q
9th Paul Monaghan (26:08) v45q
10th Steven Campbell (26:20) v40q
34th Mick McLoone (28:47)
41st Graham McGrattan (30:38)

Other Andrew White v50q

The 2018/19 Greenock Glenpark Harriers got off to a flying start yesterday on the Esplanade. The traditional 4k season opener was once again very well attended with 52 Harriers tackling the short course. Ultimately, it was one of the most dramatic starts to a season you’ll ever see!

A strong westerly wind meant that the runners had to judge the pace in the first half of the race, which takes them westbound along the Esplanade towards the Battery Park. After turning in the park, the runners got the benefit of the wind behind them for the sprint back to the finish line.

Entering the Battery Park, the men’s race was extremely tight. With defending senior champion Chris Mooney leading a pack of 6 which included last year’s winner Steven Campbell and junior champion Harry McGill. As the leaders approached the Esplanade, Chris and Harry had broken free from the pack and prepared for a sprint finish. Young Harry had paced with Chris the whole way, and with 400m to go he made a dash for the line and took his first senior race win at only 15 years old.

Sandra Campbell is entering her second season as a Harrier, having shown some form in the tail end of last season, she lead the ladies race going into the half way stage. However, not to be outdone by her older brother, Ruby McGill was hot on her tails. Coming out of the Battery Park, Ruby grabbed the lead an was able to hold on for a sensational victory! This marks the first time in club history that both senior race titles have been taken by junior athletes on the same day. And they’ve done it with a combined age of 28… Hopefully there are the first titles in a successful season for both.

The senior men’s race was littered with great performing juniors. Another 2 managed to get into the top ten with great runs from Alan Mollins and Ryan Brown. Last years winner Steven Campbell was knocked into 5th place this year, even though he ran just about the same time. However it was good enough for first v40 by just edging out Andy White. It was good to see former club champion Shaun Lyon return to racing with his third place finish, and Daniel Doherty shaved a good chunk off of last years time to take 4th.

Stephen Hanley sneaked into the top 10 with a course PB from him of just under the 15 minute mark, just edging out Paul Beaton. Ewan Ferguson narrowly missed out on a top 10 finish, but it was another good run from one of the clubs juniors. He finished ahead of a large pack of seniors that included the returning Andy McCall and a great run from George McCallum. Richard Davidson took the v50 prize by just edging out Danny McLaughlin and Graham McGrattan (first v60).

Other junior males included Jude Dolan and Cameron Patton who had great races as well. Elsewhere in the men’s race there was a first outing in a harriers vest for David Black. The parkrun regular recently joined the club with his wife Sharon who was also running in the race.

Sandra Campbell’s runner up finish was a 30 second PB from last years race. Claire Monaghan was not far behind in third place as she continues her good form. The ladies race also included a host of juniors who acquitted themselves well, with Abbie Tosh being the fastest behind Ruby in just under the 20 minute mark.

The race was sponsored by the Dolan family, and we wish to extend a huge thank you to them for their generosity and help on the day. Also, a big thank you to the whole host of volunteers who made the event run smoothly.

Results: Harry McGill 13.08 (J), Chris Mooney 13.12, Shaun Lyon 13.25, Daniel Doherty 13.28, Steven Campbell 13.34, Andrew White 13.37, Allan Mollins 14.10 (J), Andrew Osborne 14.26, Ryan Brown 14.35 (U20), Stephen Hanley 14.57, Paul Beaton 15.07, Ewan Ferguson 15.07 (J), Chris Watson 15.13, Robert Dolan 15.17, George McCallum 15.22, Andrew McCall 15.22, Ross Neilson 15.26, Richard Davidson 15.30, Brian McCluskey 15.32, Danny McLaughlin 15.35, Graham McGrattan 15.49, Malcolm McLean 16.04, David Ness 16.34, Jude Dolan 16.54 (J), Matthew Young 17.03, Cameron Patton 17.05 (J), Steven Smith 17.10, Callum Gorey 17.12 (guest), Mick Dunn 17.14, Ruby McGill 17.17 (J), Robin McAuslan 17.20, Stephen Reid 17.25, Sandra Campbell 17.31, James McFadden 17.32, Claire Monaghan 17.41, Ian Hanley 18.36, Lorna Coyle 18.41, Kenny Scott 18.56, Marianne McKay 18.59, Lyndsey Mooney 19.11, Lisa Boonsanong 19.53, Abbie Tosh 19.58 (J), Sharon Black 20.31, Olivia Trainer 21.12 (J), John Carruthers 21.15, Mhairi Moore 21.47 (J), Nicola Gillespie 22.26, Kevin Gill 19.56, Charlotte McKay 24.50, David Black 25.19, David Carruthers 25.20

For the first time in Greenock Glenpark Harriers long history, two juniors took top spots in the Men’s and Women’s races in the Harriers club championship. Siblings Harry and Ruby McGill, outpaced their senior team-mates to win the Harriers opening race of the 2018-19 season over 4km on the Esplanade. …. Full race report to follow

JG Cameron Road Race Results (22/9/18) 

1km: Douglas Campbell 3.44, Connor McCrorey 3.52, Sophie McGinty 3.52, Maria McCabe 3.53, Cameron Beck 4.04, Erin McEleny 4.07, Leah Knox 4.10, Summer Taggart 4.11, Ruari Trainer 4.28, Luke McNally 4.31, Ashlin Monaghan 4.37, Aimee McEleny 4.40, Edwin Docherty 4.49, Beth Docherty 4.54, Jamie Gallacher 5.16, Zak Gallacher 6.17, Elsie Doherty 6.21, Connie Dolan 7.30

2km: Ben Campbell 7.35, Katie Johnson 7.40, David Docherty 7.50, Ava Beaton 8.04