KIlmacolm Running Festival
A day of changeable weather greeted the Greenock Glenpark Harriers who made the short journey to Kilmacolm for the annual 10km and half marathon events. This year the half marathon was also the West District championship race adding a bit of extra spice to proceedings.
Stephen Trainer continued his return to racing and was first Harrier home and second overall with a time of 33.39. Oliver Reilly has been slowly finding his mojo and was 5th overall in 36.38. Eric Lindsay was next home in 44.08 closely followed by William Taylor in 44.45.
Fist home for the ladies was Lorna Mitchell in 44.40, claiming first in her age category. Lana Killeen rounded off the Harrier contingent in the 10km in 68.29.
We were delighted to see some of our Friday night Absolute Beginners taking on the challenge of the 10km distance and what an incredible sight to see the progress in their running and also the friendships that have been developed within these sessions. Well done to Jenna Lee, Claudia Walker, Claire McLoone, Julie Morrison and Leona Donnelly. We can’t wait to see what comes next in your running journey.
In the half marathon Neil Lafferty led the way with a great time of 65.12 closely followed by Andy McCall just 42 seconds behind. Andrew Osborne finished in 85.51, with John Stevenson performing superbly in a time of 90.30. Stephen Reid put a good block of training to great use with a great run in 1.45.55 with Nathalie Smith putting in another great performance this season of 1.49.45. Ricky Long continued his multi sport prep with a run of 1.52.52. As previously mentioned this event was the West District Half Championships and Neil’s performance on the day, good enough for a District silver medal in his age category.
Stirling The Podfather 10km
Four Harriers made the journey to Stirling for the Stirling Podfather 10km hosted by Central AC. Renowned for being a fast course Paul Monaghan led the team home in 35.37. Duncan Anderson followed in 38.15, while David Thomson took on pacer duties supporting Jill Turner to her first sub 50 10km and he judged it to perfrction with both crossing the line in 49.57. We;ll done to all.
Great North Run
One of the largest Half Marathons in the world, The Great North Run is as infamous for the welcome that the locals provide to visiting runners as it is for the biggest decision of the day; do you go over or under the Tyne Bridge. Notoriously difficult to gain entry 4 harriers made the journey to Newcastle. Jill Aikman made the journey South and had a great race finshing in 1.45.35 with really level splits across the 13.1 miles. Cheryl Thomas made a return to the longer distances after a few 10kms in the last few weeks and in her 5th GNR timed her finish to perfection, nipping home just the right side of the 2 hour mark. Campbell McFarlane and David McDiarmid also made the trip to the North East with Campbell finishing in 2.06.04 and David in 2.09.24