There was a record turnout from the Harriers with 35 juniors competing over the one and two lap races around Ashton promenade, and despite the strong cold breeze making conditions far from ideal there were some outstanding performances from the youngsters.  Shaun Wiseman’s recent good form continued as he came from behind when trailing after the first lap to pass Ben Campbell in the closing stages to win the 2 lap race. The duo were followed across the line by David Docherty and Euan Johnson both dipping under 10 minutes for the 2.5km course. Leading girl and just 1 second outside the under 13s girls record was Ava Beaton, with Sophie McGinty returning to form claiming the runners-up spot, with Maria McCabe in 3^rd.

Over one lap it was the under 15 boys who led the way with Harris Morris setting a new course record with Jude Dolan in 2^nd. In the under 11s race Douglas Campbell went clear of Leo Beaton who just held off Cameron Crawford. Erin McEleny  was leading girl with a sub 5 minute run, a few seconds behind was Summer Taggart, with Leah Knox holding on for 3^rd.

1200m: Harris Morrison 4.05, Jude Dolan 4.20, Douglas Campbell 4.33, Leo Beaton 4.52, Cameron Crawford 4.53, Erin McEleny 4.59, Ruari Trainer 4.59, Connor McCrorey 5.01, Summer Taggart 5.02, Johnathon Lamont 5.03, Leah Knox 5.38, Mirren McConnell 5.42, Aimee McEleny 5.46, Isla Newsome 5.52, Ben Mullan 5.52, Beth Docherty 6.02, Grant Monroe 6.05, Matthew Ross 6.06, Stella McCabe 6.20, Jack Campbell 6.25, Nathan McDonald 7.24.

2500m: Shaun Wiseman 9.21, Ben Campbell 9.24, David Docherty 9.54, Euan Johnson 9.57, Ava Beaton 10.03, Sophie McGinty 10.53, Nathan Adams 11.07, Maria McCabe 11.31, Francesca McKay 11.47, Sophie Campbell 12.04, Emma Aitken 12.12, Olivia Trainer 12.14, Alex Wiseman 13.06, Abbigael Crawford 13.43.

Balloch to Clydebank Half Marathon

A hardy bunch of harriers headed across the water to take on this year’s Balloch to Clydebank Half Marathon. The bus journey over took a slight detour via Siberia but managed to get the runners to the start line at Loch Lomond Shores. It was there that they all thought the inevitable cancellation would come, as the roads through Clydebank were looking treacherous en route. However, the race went ahead as scheduled and the group of 18 had to wrap up warm and go for it!

The course itself was remarkably clear for the first 8 miles or so as it meandered along the River Leven and into Dumbarton. The cycle path through the town was also clear, but a moderate headwind was faced by the runners for long periods. However, upon the rise off of the cycle path and down into Bowling and Old Kilpatrick, there was some slushy surfaces to deal with. The pavement was abandoned by many as they battled along the roads to get to the finish line and the hope of some warmth!

Andrew White was first harrier home and smashed his PB in the process with a time of 75.34. Considering the conditions on the day, this was a great effort from our undisputed form runner at present. Other PBs included Paul Beaton who broke 85 minutes and Stephen Hanley who finally broke that 90 minute barrier and took over 5 minutes off of his PB. Oliver Reilly took almost 12 minutes off of his PB which shows just how great the harriers training has paid off.

Fiona MacFarlane ran a PB and broke the 1.50 barrier for the first time. It was also good to see Sue Hewitson back out racing and putting in a run very close to her PB too. Elsewhere there were great runs from John Stevenson, Gordy Hepburn and Stephen Reid. It was a tough shift for all, and fingers crossed we get a better day for it next year as it is certainly a potentially fast course.

Results: Andrew White 75.34, Paul Monaghan 81.06, John Stevenson 82.50, Paul Beaton 84.59, Robert Dolan 86.37, Gordon Hepburn 86.40, Stephen Hanley 88.13, Oliver Reilly 88.26, Sue Hewitson 94.20, Stephen Reid 98.18, George McCallum 99.06, Micky Dunn 99.33, Steven Smith 1.43.08, Matthew Young 1.50.01, Fiona MacFarlane 1.49.58, Viki Smith 1.53.49, Fiona Cushnaghan 1.58.30, James Campbell 2.03.09

Self Transcendence 50km Road Race

Andrew White decided that as a ‘wee warm up’ for London, he would take on the 50km race at this years Self Transcendence 50/100km event in Perth. The 50km race takes place around the North Inch Park in Perth City Centre, site of the parkrun for those familiar with the area. The loop is just under 1.5 miles, meaning that you just have to do 21 laps… Andy finished in third overall position for the race in an incredible time of just under 3 hours 15 (so that’s 20 consecutive sub 20 minute 5k’s for those curious). Andy was actually gaining on second place, which could have seen him take the Scottish gold medal for the event. However, it was Scottish silver for Andy with Italian Paulo Natali taking first overall and Cambuslang’s Kerry Liam Wilson in second taking first Scot. Andrew finished ahead of Inverclyde’s David Tamburini in fourth.

Results: Andrew White 3.14.51 https://uk.srichinmoyraces.org/node/2455/previous-results/2019#node-10887

3k on the Green

The 3k on the Green race had its biggest ever turnout on the last Friday in March. The race always provides a strong field for anyone looking to improve their speed over shorter races, or those that was something different for their lunch runs in Glasgow! It is held on the last Friday of every month at 12.30pm at the arch in Glasgow Green. Register on their website before attending as well. This month, Stephen Hanley was the sole harrier in attendance and he took 20 seconds off of his PB coming in at 10.11. A great time, but such is the field, it wasn’t good enough for a top 20 spot!

Tom Scott 10 Mile Race – Scottish National 10 Mile Championships

The annual Scottish 10 mile championships were held at the Tom Scott Road Races at Strathclyde Park a few weeks back. This was the perfect opportunity for Andrew White to continue to add to his considerable medal haul over the last few weeks. Andrew ran a superb time of 55.19 to claim first v50 and 3rd overall v40 on the day, blagging the Jackie Gourlay Shield for first v50. Robert Wilson Jnr was the only other harrier running, and he continued to show signs of a return to form after his great time at The Willow Bowl, running the 10 miles here in 62.33.

Results: Andrew White 55.19, Robert Wilson Jnr 62.33

Alloa Half Marathon

The Alloa half marathon provided an alternative spring half marathon to club runners, but held on the same day as the Tom Scott meant a tough choice for some. The route takes runners out of Alloa to the north towards Tillicutry, and then west towards Alva through the foothills of the Ochils. A scenic route, but not entirely flat!

George McCallum used this as a training run ahead of Manchester Marathon but got caught up in the ideal conditions and ran a very good solid time of just under 91 minutes. Alex Patterson ran this as his first half marathon and came in with a very respectable time of just under 1.55.

Results: George McCallum 90.50, Bernard Kangley 1.45.31, Alex Paterson 1.54.17, Heather Kangley 1.59.55

Glasgow University Aquathlon

The aquathlon consisted of a 750m swin and a 5km run. Boyd MacKenzie, Frank McMahon, David McCorkindale and Mik Harrington all made the trip to Bellahouston Park to compete in this years event, with david claiming first male vet and 14th overall.

Results: David McCorkindale 33.51, Frank McMahon 43.34, Mick Harrington 43.47, Boyd MacKenzie 44.14
http://www.whatsmytimeresults.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=17047&RId=171&EId=2

Inverclyde Sports Personality of the Year

And finally, t was great to see such a big turnout to support the club at this year’s Inverclyde Sports Personality of the Year awards at the Greenock Town Hall a few weeks back. The crowd were there to cheer on two of our bright young athletes in Harry McGill and Scott Hannaway who were both up for awards. Sadly, neither of them won on the night. However, the club itself was awarded with ‘Club of the Year’.

Saturday, 13 April 2019

The 6th and the longest Race in the Harriers Club Championships takes place this Saturday. The 10 mile senior road race takes in the the scenic coastal route from Gourock to Inverkip and back again. The Juniors run 1 loop or 2 loops of Ashton Promenade. *Please note the earlier start times

Junior & Senior Club Championship Races
11.45am: Under 11s – 1200 metres (1 lap of the promenade)
11.45am: U13s-U17s – 2400 metres (2 laps of promenade)
12.00pm: Seniors – 10 miles Conceding Handicap race (From
Gourock to Ardgowan estate roundabout & return)
*There may be a slight detour if road works at Lunderston Bay not complete.

Register at 1st Shelter on the Ashton promenade from 11.00am.

Thanks to our Race Sponsors – The Spinnaker Hotel. – After race refreshments at the Spinnaker at approx 1.30pm
Also thanks to Inverclyde Leisure who will provide changing and showers at Gourock Pool.

Wilson Trophy 1 mile Handicap, Ravenscraig stadium 21^st March 2019

Emma Aitken & Jude Dolan took the honours in Greenock Glenpark Harriers re-arranged Wilson Trophy Mile, as the pair won the Girls’ and Boys’ Handicap races under the floodlights at Ravenscraig stadium.

But it was almost a dream debut for new boy Grant Munro who was first away in the Boys’ conceding handicap, as he stayed in front for 1400 metres, alas it wasn’t to be, as he was swamped by the chasing pack in the closing stages. It was Jude Dolan who led the charge, striding past Grant with 200 metres remaining to win the Boys title, followed in by Leo Beaton, with  3^rd spot claimed by Cameron Crawford whose lunge over the line held off the fast finishing Shaun Wiseman.

The back markers and recording the quickest scratch times on the night were Ryan Brown and Harris Morrison who set off together. Ryan pushed the pace from the start and established a comfortable gap, but Harris responded strongly at the bell and closed Ryan’s lead to a few metres.

In the girls race Emma Aitken appropriately wearing the number 1on her vest was impressive as she cut through the early starters before finally hitting the front in the final lap to win by 30 metres. Francesca McKay was back her best form to take the runners-up spot with young Mirren McConnell holding on well for 3^rd.

Ruby McGill, Ava Beaton and Katie Johnson were the final group sent off, and the trio stayed together for the first of the 4 laps as they caught the early starters. But it was Ruby who made made the break and she steadily opened up a lead over her 2 team mates. They can all be happy with their nights work as all 3 smashed their PBs for the distance.

1 mile results: Ryan Brown 5.19, Harris Morrison 5.21, Shaun Wiseman 5.31, Jude Dolan 5.37, Ruby McGill 5.43, Ava Beaton 5.52, David Docherty 5.54, Katie Johnson 6.00, Euan Johnson 6.03, Emma Aitken 6.24, Leo Beaton 6.26, Abbie Tosh 6.29, Cameron Crawford 6.31, Cameron Beck 6.34, Erin McEleny 6.49, Ruari Trainer 6.51, Maria McCabe 6.53, Summer Taggart 6.56, Francesca McKay 7.02, Leah Knox  7.02, Oliver Jones 7.03, Sophie McGinty 7.11, Aimee McEleny 7.18, Olivia Trainer 7.18, Alex Wiseman 7.24, Mirren McConnell 7.37, Johnathon Lamont 7.37, Beth Docherty 7.48, Stella McCabe 8.13, Matthew Ross 8.15, Abbigael Crawford 8.18, Jacob McCabe 8.25, Murray Brown 8.30, Rob Mcnee 8.33, Finlay McCabe 8.47, Grant Munro 9.02, Zac Gallacher 9.13, Orla Trainer 9.16, Jamie Gallacher 9.43.

GGH Junior Training CANCELLED this morning at Battery Park (Sat 16th March) due to the weather.

The national cross country championships took place in Falkirk on Saturday, with the Harriers being well represented across all of the age groups. The seniors mens and womans races are now equal in distance with both being billed as 10k. The ladies were out first on the course and were the first ones to discover that the 10k wasn’t quite as billed, with an extra 700m thrown into the tough course!

The course has changed over the years, but as always the steep muddy hill leading to the forest section of the course was still there in all its glory, with runners tackling it three times during their race. Cheryl Thomas mastered this and all else that the course threw at her the best, returning home as first female harrier. Claire Monaghan paced her race well and picked off plenty of runners on the way as she finished not too far behind Cheryl. Marianne McKay was third back and was loving the hills as always, she even managed to stay on her feet this year! Lynsey Mooney wasn’t so fortunate, as she took a nasty stumble on the gravelly section of the course and sadly could not finish. Debbie McKenzie and Heather Lafferty did well at their first nationals as well.

The two under 20s races interjected the seniors races, with the course getting to its ultimate chewed up state for the men to tackle it. Although, even a bit of rain during their rain was not able to really result in a muddy course this year. Paul Monaghan was first to return home for the men with a run of just over 40 minutes, with Steven Campbell not far behind.

Paul Beaton and Neil Lafferty had a great battle for third spot, with Paul showing a little bit more experience on the cross country terrain to finish just ahead. It was a really good debut on the cross country for Neil, and a sign of things to come for both in the future. It was a similarly promising debut for Oliver Reilly, who ran cross country for the first time ever, and managed a very respectable finish.

Danny McLaughlin had a great run to put a few of the younger guns to shame! Bragging rights were deservedly his on the bus trip back home (although some dodged the bus to avoid the pelters!). Last weeks winner Kevin Gill was brought back down to earth, sadly no trophy on offer for 631st this week, but a great run nonetheless. Alan O’Rourke said he felt the benefit of the Monday night hill sessions he has been running for the past few months, closing the gap on those ahead of him compared to previous weeks results. Can’t get a better advert than that for our regular training sessions, so get yourself along! A big shout out to the support of the seniors and juniors who cheered everyone on as they flew past the club tent. Brilliant to see so many through with plenty of bobble hats on show.

The cross country season is now at a close but the racing never sleeps. A few big races coming up in the next month or two with the Balloch to Clydebank half marathon, Tom Scott 10 miler and of course the GGH Doherty Cup. Greenock parkrun celebrates it’s 250th event this Saturday and there will be pacers on the day, a great opportunity to get yourself a shiny new pb.

Results:
Womans ’10k’: Cheryl Thomas 53.17, Claire Monaghan 53.42, Marianne McKay 55.05, Debbie McKenzie 60.25, Heather Lafferty 64.42
Mens ’10k’: Paul Monaghan 40.27, Steven Campbell 41.17, Paul Beaton 43.13, Neil Lafferty 43.32, Danny McLaughlin 45.58, Oliver Reilly 46.55, Stephen Hanley 47.24, David Roberts 48.13, Alan O’Rourke 49.52, Scot Hill 52.35, Kevin Gill 53.45, Frank McMahon 54.33

It was an early start for the 15 young Greenock Glenpark Harriers on Saturday who were heading up to Falkirk to compete at the national cross country championships. The day started off with the sun beating down on Calendar Park and there was a buzz in the atmosphere with thousands of nervous and excited runners.

The first race of the day was for U13 girls, and included Katie Johnson and Ava Beaton. Both girls started off strong and gradually worked their way forward, throughout the race both girls managed to maintain a consistent pace which enabled them to get a great finishing position with Ava Beaton coming 18^th and Katie Johnson 42^nd.

The next race of the day involved the u13 boys Ben Campbell and David Docherty. Unlike the girls the boys were pushed to the back of the pack during the race but managed to gradually pick up the pace and earn a place much further up with Ben earning 20^th place and David securing 126^th from a field of almost 200.

One of the strongest team efforts of the day came from the U15 girls Abbie Tosh, Emma Aitken, Ruby McGill, Olivia Trainer and Francesca McKay who managed to come 9th overall. The leader for the GGH girls was Ruby who started off the race looking very comfortable, whilst Abbie and Emma kept each other company throughout the race up in till the end where Abbie just got ahead of Emma by a couple of seconds. Another strong performance was shown by Olivia Trainer and Francesca McKay, who managed to keep a consistent pace which participated in the team’s overall finishing position.

U15 boys Shaun and Alex Wiseman were in the second to last race of the day and considering it was first time competing in a national event, it was a great effort from the brothers. Shaun showed a great pace throughout the race but gradually increased it to be able to get a better time, not too far behind him was team mate Jude Dolan who kept fighting until the very end of the race. Alex worked extremely hard on his national debut by pushing on with determination throughout the 4km and ending off with a sprint finish.

The last race of the day was the U17 men’s 6km. For this race all three runners, Harry McGill, Ewan Ferguson and Alan Mollins put in a fantastic display. Harry quickly progressed into the leading pack (despite having a slip at the starting line) and managed to maintain this position throughout the race which enabled him to come home in 6^th place. Another who impressed was Alan who had managed to gain himself an impressive time and placing, despite only have coming back from a long term injury a couple of months ago. Ewan Ferguson also ran well and though he was injured throughout the race, he managed to keep going and fight through the pain which overall enabled him to come 79^th place.

Overall the juniors had shown strong performances and should be proud of themselves, and that it is all down to the hard work and dedication they have put into their training. Race Reporter – Mhairi Moore