1st January 2026
Bitterly cold, but otherwise decent running conditions greeted the intrepid runners heading out for Greenock Glenpark Harriers annual welcome to the New Year, the Lyle Run. Covering a mile distance from the railway bridge to the top of the Lyle Hill, the run is considered by many to be part of a local New Year’s ‘trilogy’ – head out at 9.30am for a 5k parkrun warmup, then take on the Lyle Run at 11am, and top the day off with a dip in the Clyde for the truly brave. The event has become more and more popular over the years, and this year the club had to limit entries to 150 runners, of which 137 managed to finish the race. Glenpark Committee members would like to give special thanks to our amazing organisers and volunteers who allowed this run to take place efficiently – but most of all safely.
The race is open to all, and there were representatives from many clubs across Scotland joining the Greenock Club. At the front of the field, pre-race favourite John Bell of Inverclyde Athletic Club took the win with an outstanding time of 5:54. Going under 6 minutes for a mile is milestone for many runners and to manage it on this course is exceptional; Bell finished over a minute ahead of the second placed runner. First Harrier home on the day was John Logan, improving on his previous time with a finish of 7:04 for third place overall. John Hampsey had a fine run for second Harrier in 7:22, followed by Vice Captain Daniel Doherty as third representative of the Greenock Club in 7:37.
In the ladies race, first over the line was Glenpark’s Evie Harrison, just behind Daniel Doherty with a brilliant run of 7:38, much faster than her previous best on this race – also putting her into the top ten finishers overall. Youngster Iona Quigley was second lady home with 8:34, followed by Ashley Anderson in 8:40, a great showing from the Greenock Ladies.
Notable performances from visiting clubs included David Mackintosh (Bellahouston Harriers) in second place with 7:03, Callum Vargesson (Aberdeen AAC) in 7:06, and Finlay Mitchell (Kilbarchan AAC) in 7:31.
While it was great to see everyone turn up and enjoy the race, the day was about more than times and positions. The Lyle Run is held with the goal of raising money for local charities, and this year the aim was to raise funds for Ardgowan Hospice in memory of our friend Juliane Neilson. Greenock Glenpark Harriers would like to thank everyone who ran, volunteered, donated or supported on the day. Over £2,000 has already been raised, and donations are still open.
Click HERE to visit the Just Giving Page.
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- Ashley Anderson
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- John Bell
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- Daniel Doherty
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- Evie Harrison
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- John Logan
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- John Hampsey