With Des and Jenny’s dulcet tones diverting attention from the mountain like shadow of St Vincent Street in the distance and trying their best to make everyone forget about the ridiculously early start time over 40 intrepid Greenock Glenpark Harriers, representing the friendliest running club around, toed the line of the Great Scottish Run 10km. With the first of the buses leaving at 7am it was a tired group who set off through the streets of Glasgow.
Jamie Burns of Shettleston Harriers secured first place with the only sub 30 minute time of the day, followed by club mate Taha Ghafari and Ross Good Of Giffnock AC. In the women’s race Kirtsy Walker of Edinburgh AC came home ahead of the pack in a time of 33.55. The top three was completed by Saoitse McNulty of Giffnock AC and Joanna Robertson of Aberdeen AC.
As usual, in no small part due to the efforts of coach Alan O’Rourke, the streets of Glasgow were awash with the famous Glenpark colours, despite the early start. In the women’s race Jill Cox once again showed her prowess on the national stage as she came home in 39.21, securing 6th place overall and 1st V45. Another excellent performance from Jill despite being under physio instructions to take it easy. Next two runners home were Evie Harrison and Summer Taggart. These two U20 runners have been pushing each other all year and both finished in the top 20 of their age group with Evie 5th in the U20 category and a 2 minute PB and Summer with a sizeable chunk off her previous best also. Close behind and completing a strong showing from the club in this age category was Erin McEleny. These three performances bode well for the future of the club as these young athletes continue to push each other. Keeping it in the Harrison family, mum Lynne finished 2nd in her age category and just 2 seconds ahead of Liz Heywood, who has reaped the benefit of a consistent block of training and smashed the elusive sub 50 barrier with a time of 48.26. Other PBs were recorded by Ali Baird(56.25) on the back of her Ultra training. Doris Heron (65.37), who will be disappointed that after forgetting to start her watch that Strava doesn’t agree with her achievement and Margaret Bryce (70.17) who lopped an impressive 12 minutes of her time from last year at the GSR.
Some of our newer members experienced their first outing in GGH colours and had great runs. Lauren Boyce (51.52) Lorna McMillan (59.32) Rachel McDaid(66.16) and Hanna Docherty(73.05). It was also good to see Claire Melville, Sue Baker, June Anne McKnight, Lynsey McLaughlin and Lesley McKerral back racing. Lesley has been a member for a while but this was her first time racing in the famous vest and was especially significant as it was her first race since donating a kidney towards the end of last year. Amazing . Also making a welcome return after some long term injuries was Angela Nelson. Good to see her back doing what she loves. Some other notable runs came from Elaine Medinelli breaking the hour, along with Sharon Black continuing her consistent running and Sarah Jane Whalen. Kit manager supremo Wenda Crawford ran with her better half Graham, it’s amazing what you need to do to get a day off the DIY in the Crawford household. Lana Kileen put her recent training to work and looked comfortable throughout in her first mass participation event with Lynne Fulton emulating the kids’ efforts on Saturday. Angela Hill, Lorna Maclean and Mary McCabe completed an excellent day out for the GGH women with such an excellent turn out yet again.
In the men’s race Lewis Kahn was first Harrier home in 36.08 in 38th place, a fine performance by any standard and a fine PB run. Next home was ‘Mr Consistency’ Malcolm MacLean. Malcolm was surprised to discover a 10km Pb of 40.19 as he crossed the finish line and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him dip under 40 minutes in the near future. Malcolm was closely followed by Colin McKnight who after a strong year was delighted to record his 2nd fastest ever 10km. The top 5 GGH finishers were completed by Greg Luke and Robin McAuslan who came 6th in his age category and was delighted to have improved on his recent 10km efforts. Gerry Gallacher, Ross Morrison, William Laing and Alex Patterson(who struggled through after suffering a weeks holiday the week previous) tuned up nicely for the upcoming Cross Country season and should surely now be stick ons for the impending nationals. Other notable runs among the gents was a 2 minute PB for Gerard Robertson(52.35) and Gordy Hepburn(58.14) making a comeback to racing and pacing his wife in the process, and new member Philip Melvin in a great time of 51.39. Simon Hutton had a fine run and his timely finish ensured that he could double up his role as liaison with St Lukes for the all important post race purvy. Also a special note for father and daughter duo Harry and Jill Turner who ran together finishing with an identical time. (70.35)
Huge congratulations to the inspiration that is Eddie Devine as he came first in his age category in a fabulous time of 83.06. Eddie truly is an inspiration to all within the club whether at training or at our local Parkrun or at our club races. Chapeau Eddie. Also a special note for father and daughter duo Harry and Jill Turner who ran together finishing with an identical time. (70.35)
Lewis Khan(36.08), Jill Cox(39.21), Malcolm Maclean(40.19), Colin Mcknight(40.36), Evie Harrison(43.18), Greg Luke(44.01), Robin Mcauslan(45.50), Summer Taggart(48.08), Lynne Harrison(48.24), Liz Heywood(48.26), Gerry Gallacher(48.57), Ross Morrison(50.41), Philip Melvin(51.39), Lauren Boyce(51.52), William Laing(52.06), Erin Mceleny(52.24), Gerard Robertson(52.35), Sharon Black(55.37), Alli Baird(56.25), Elaine Medinelli(57.33), Gordy Hepburn(58.14), Sarah Jane Whalen(59.12), Lorna Macmillan(59.32), Lesley Mckerral(60.39), Alex Paterson(61.22), Graeme Crawford(63.17), Wenda Crawford(63.18), Lynsey Mclaughlin(63.40), Sue Baker(64.13), Mary McCabe(65.26), Lana Killeen(64.59), Doris Heron(65.37), Rachael McDaid(66.05), Angela Hill(67.55), June Anne Mcknight(68.07), Margaret Bryce(70.17), Harry Turner(70.35), Jill Turner(70.35), Lynne Fulton(71.56), Hanna Docherty(73.05), Claire Melville(74.21), Simon Hutton(74.22), Lorna Maclean(80.06), Edward Devine(83.06), Angela Naeson(83.41)
Huge thanks to Alan O’Rourke once again for all the hard work an effort into getting our athletes race ready and organising a brilliant day out in the city. The Harriers enjoy food and refreshments in the local St Luke’s who looked after us all.
I’ve included as many Harriers as I could find in the race results. If you find your name to be missing from the list just get in touch and we will get you added. In total 44 Harriers are recorded on the results with 16 male and 28 female runners.
