Willow Bowl – 15th February 2025
As always Greenock Glenpark Harrier’s Willow Bowl, the club’s most eagerly anticipated, and, some might say, toughest, race of the year was held in typically balmy February conditions. The handicap committee had done their usual sterling job, and a look at the pre-race predictions had suggested that there were going to be some tasty battles as runners vied for position around the Greenock Cut, which once again provided an excellent backdrop for the day’s racing for the 49 runners who laced their gutties upon the day.
GGH’s newest Boyband- Vestlife.
After a relatively flat start, runners turn left up the Stony Rd before descending towards the Cornalees visitor centre. After a slight detour onto the nature trail and continuing to follow the Greenock Cut Viaduct they then tackle the five and a bit miles around the cut back towards Overton into a biting easterly wind. The race was once again sponsored by club legend Dick Hodelet. Many thanks for your continued support.
The conceding handicap format, sees runners set off in groups at different times depending on projected finish time. The runner with the lowest overall aggregate time, first across the line wins the prestigious Willow Bowl. First home and winner this year was Michael McLoone Snr with a scratch run of 51:45 and a cumulative total of 1:19:15, taking the win ahead of the improving and consistent John Hampsey by 21 seconds. Third in the handicap race was Ashley Anderson, who is having a superb season, finishing in 1:20:14. Finishing 4th overall in the handicap race was William Taylor in 1:20:48, a great run from William which saw him take the honours in the 1st V40 to cross the line, and take home the Tommy Knight Trophy. Such was the great job that the handicap committee did a further 8 runners finished within 60 seconds of William including Melissa Wilson, Andy McCall, Sean McFarlane, Micky Dunn and Lewis McCrae, recent winner of the Harris Cup.
In the men’s race, hopes of a close battle were anticipated with five runners, Dylan Crawford, Neil Lafferty, Andy McCall, John Logan, and Lewis McCrae all starting off scratch. Dylan set out with the bit between his teeth and led the group up the strength sapping Stony Road with Lewis not far behind, followed by Neil, Andy and John, who was feeling the effects of his recent Ultra Marathon, just behind. By the time the group were past the farm they had come back together, and McCall made his move followed by McCrae, Lafferty and Crawford. McCall went from strength to strength into the wind and led the group home, 50 seconds ahead of McCrae and 1 minute ahead of Lafferty to complete the top 3 and win this club race for the third time, although rolling back the years to his last victory over this course since 2009. This victory was all the more remarkable as it is a recent race record on this course beating the previous best, held by Stephen Trainer of 43:23, by 2 seconds
Other notable runs and the men’s ranks came from Chris ‘The Podcast’ Mooney, Stephen Hanley, preparing for London, in 52:31, Matthew Deegan, glad of a break from the Port hills, with a 30 sec PB in 52: 50. Sean MacFarlane, must’ve heard there was a Hyrox up the Cut, had another fantastic run finishing in 59:17 closely followed by Rich ‘Professor Squazz’ Jow and Eric Lindsay, again finding some consistency. Personal bests were also recorded, among others by David Thomson and Stephen Harrison.
The women’s race was won by Club Champion Jill Cox, who continues to strive to find her best form, in a time of 51:44. She was followed home by Ashley Anderson as she continues to put in excellent performances in both club races and the XC calendar, in 57:44. Completing the podium for the ladies was Melissa Wilson in a time of 58:50, guaranteeing an automatic PB as a first timer as well as a Strava 10km PB included. Especially hard earned on a tough course on a tough day. Jennifer Rooney just recovering from some time in hospital has set herself a goal; being determined to race all club races this year managed her run carefully and successfully achieved her aim. Debbie McKenzie continues to put in consistent performances and Rebecca Laird McCluckie ran the Cut for the first time in completing the race. As a recent recruit to the Harriers family, it certainly won’t be her last. As a late entry Yvonne Prager, chose to set off first as she was not included in the handicap aspect of the race, and stayed in front the whole way round. Charlotte McKay also continues to defy her years and achieved a 2-minute PB for the race.
Handicap
- 1st Michael McLoone 1.19.15
- 2nd John Hampsey 1.19.36
- 3rd Ashley Anderson 1.20.14
Ladies
- 1st Jill Cox 51.44
- 2nd Ashley Anderson 57.44
- 3rd Melissa Wilson 58.50
Gents
- 1st Andrew McCall 43.21
- 2nd Lewis McCrae 44.18
- 3rd Neil Lafferty 44.39
The winner of the coveted Tommy Knight Trophy is: WILLIAM TAYLOR
As always our races are organised with the safety and well being of our members at the forefront of our mind and we would like to thank our wonderful volunteers and first aiders for allowing us to ensure we are able to achieve this. Thanks to Peter Wilson for the excellent photographs of the runners, capturing some brilliant moments of pain.
The best wee running club in the west has runners of all abilities and the weekly sessions are a welcoming and structured way to take your running journey to the next level. Get in touch at greenockglenparkharriers@gmail.com to find out more. The club operate a 4 week trial where new members can come and see what all the fuss is about.
Our next club race is the longest in the club year, the Docherty Cup, which takes place on Cloch Road and is a test of stamina over 10 miles. The Docherty Cup will be held on Saturday 5th April 2025. This weekend sees the National Cross Country take place in Falkirk and we wish all our runners the best of luck.
