Bill Elder 10km 10th August 2025
sponsored by
Patten and Prentice
Sunday 10th August 2025 saw the running of the new improved, bigger and better Bill Elder 10km Race sponsored by Patten and Prentice Solicitors. After months of planning the weather gods played nicely with a light easterly breeze providing some interest on the way back in. The race started at the Royal West of Scotland Amateur Boat Club and thanks to them for hosting us both before and after the race, for registration and the post race BBQ and social. The Bill Elder is the final race in Harriers club championship, which had already been won by last year’s joint champion Dylan Crawford. With a healthy number of visiting runners swelling the bustling start line anticipation grew as we got closer to the 11o’clock start time. Of the 231 athletes on the start line we also had 85 home runners ensuring a great representation on the famous (and best) vest in the west.
The course heads out along the Esplanade, passing race sponsor the Esplanade Cafe, and then as you head head East keeping the River Clyde on your left hand side, the spectacular Clyde Coastline resplendent as runners made their way towards Garvel Point where one of our awesome marshalls indicated the u-turn that saw the 5km marker and turning point. The race route is unrecognisable from just a few short years ago where some of the local shipyards were situated but there are reminders all along the route of Greenock’s industrial past.
Six Harriers made the start line at the Bill Elder also having completed the other 10 races this season. To have this many athletes manage this level of consistency throughout the year is an impressive feat of endurance especially given the differing nature, terrain and weather included along the way. Our hardy six were Graham McGrattan, Stephen Harrison, Robin McCauslan, William Taylor, Jennifer Rooney and Colin McKnight. Well done to all six and we wonder how many will make it next year.
Along the route we had the Killeen sisters providing support with lots of positive shout out and awesome signs, the tight bends crossing the old dry docks and an impromptu visit from the P.S. Waverley. Many of our runners got a wee welcome crowd boost as the passengers waited on the boat to berth. Our marshalls and runners then had a tricky period as the passengers boarded for their day heading ‘Doon the Watter’ on the worlds last sea going paddle steamer. However, as the boat was loaded and ready to launch those runners lucky enough to pass at this point were once again cheered by the departing crowds and a few blasts of the Waverley’s horn as the boat completed its’ guest appearance on the day.
As aforementioned the Bill Elder is the final race in the club race calendar and so there was the Glenpark Race within the race. The Bill Elder is a non conceding handicap race with the winner in normal times being announced on the day but with the added complication of the chip timing we had to ensure accuracy and so the result was delayed slightly, adding to the anticipation not only for the winner of the George McCallum Trophy but also the overall Handicap Championship which was going down to the wire again.
David McDiarmid was the overall winner of the George McCallum Trophy with a chip time of 53.41 and a handicap (22.30) time of 31.11. A great result for David on the day. Second home was John Stevenson in 41.15 and a handicap (10) time of 31.15. Followed by newly crowned overall handicap champion Sean McFarlane, 43.15 with a handicap (12) time also of 31.15. Chris Watson was just 1 second out of the top 3 in this hotly contested race. As always the handicap committee had the toughest of jobs and as usual they provided a tense and close contest with 15 runners within 1 minute of David in first place, 25 within 2 minutes and 48 within 3 minutes.
Jill Cox led the ladies home, followed by Sue Hewitson in second place and Evie Harrison concluding her excellent season in third. Ashley Anderson made a return from injury for fourth. Nathalie Smith had a great run in just a shade under 50 minutes. Lisa Boonsanong, Terry Wall and Jill Turner (PB) had a close battle while Cheryl Thomas coming back from injury, enjoyed not racing her race to a steady finish. Elaine Medinelli ran a PB as she looks towards the Loch Ness Marathon. Thanks to our band of tail runners, Ali Baird, Lynne Fulton, Kirsten Robin and Doris Heron for ensuring that in true Harrier fashion – no one gets left behind.
Lewis McCrae, having his breakthrough club race earlier in the year, signed off his season with another victory and a PB over the distance by some 50 seconds. A great end to his day after an early start milking the cows at home. Stephen Trainer continued his return to club racing with a fine second place in 33.51. Lewis Khan was third Harrier home with a great PB in 35.13. John Logan came home in just under 40 minutes closely followed by Stephen Hanley, Donald Shaw, Duncan Anderson, Stephen Cooke and Stephen Harrison. At tis point the chip timing was proving a godsend as the runners came thick and fast across the finishing line. Sam McVicar had a strong run in 42.50, while Sean McFarlane in 43.15, not only secured a 35 second PB but also his position at the top of the overall Handicap Championship table for the year. Sean has had a great year and continues to improve as he mixes his running training with functional fitness and Hyrox style competitions. David Williamson secured a 1min 40 second PB in 47.05. Aidan Coyle got back to racing after a number of niggles. David McDiarmid crossed the line in 53.41 and was the deserved winner of the George McCallum Trophy.
The Men’s race was won by some margin by Inverclyde athlete John Bell in an excellent time of 30.38. Second home representing Bellahouston Road Runners was Tony Connelly with another great time of 32.15. The podium on the day was rounded off by Crawford Smith of Garscube who also was the first U20 runner home (33.03) pipping first harrier Lewis McCrae to the podium spot and also the 1st U20 place.
Jill Cox led the women home with a super run of 38.54 and also the first Glenparker home. Alison Wood of Garscube was second in 42.29, followed by Rhona Fraser of Bellahouston Road Runners (42.25)
A special mention to some of our unattached runners who have been attending our Absolute Beginners group on a Friday evening at the Battery Park. Julie Morrison, Janette Simpson, Claudia Walker and Jenna Lee all completed the race and all at the club are delighted to see you bosom in your running journey. Our absolute Beginners group is open to all and meets at the middle gate of the Battery Park at 5.30pm every Friday evening. It’s not to late to get involved in a fabulous little running community.
Age Category Results
F U20
- Evie Harrison GGH 2. Rachel Surgener GGH
F40
- Jill Cox GGH 2. Rhona Fraser BRR 3. Sue Hewitson GGH
F50
- Marina McCallum KO 2. Lynne Harrison GGH 3. Nathalie Smith GGH
F60
- Pauline Henderson BH 2. Shirley Wielend BRR 3. Ada Stewart KO
F70
- Charlotte McKay GGH
M U20
- Crawford Smith GH 2. Lewis McCrae GGH 3. Andrew Shorts KAAC
M40
- Kenny Osborne BRR 2. Ross McHugh 3. Andrew Osborne GGH
M50
- David Tamburini IAC 2. Chris Hunter VP 3. Paul Monaghan GGH
M60
- Colin Holden DRC 2. Scott Elliott KO 3. IaIn Maclean CH
M70
- Micky Dunn GGH 2. James Ashe WERR 3. Bob Porteous SH
M80
1 Robin Scott KAAC
Thanks go to our main sponsors Patten and Prentice. Founded locally in 1872, Patten & Prentice are proudly celebrating 150 years of providing legal services to families and businesses in Inverclyde and beyond and we are delighted to welcome them as sponsor of the Bill Elder 10km Race.
We also would like to thank Marco at the Esplanade Cafe for providing the post race ice-cream and Aldi for helping with the post race snacks and water. as well as Peter McLaughlin and Lesley Dick and Tracey Howe for their photography on the day.
A huge thanks to our wonderful band of volunteers without whom we would not be able to race. You were your usual fabulous selves and helped with your encouragement and support along the way and thankfully no one got lost. Days like this have so much going on behind the scenes just to get to the start line and the committee and members would like to thank Alan O’Rourke for leading and ensuring the day went like clockwork. There is no rest for Alan however as he now turns his attention to the end of season Club prizegiving and social
Finally
As well as our very own Greenock Glenpark Harriers running on the day we also welcomed athletes from all over Scotland, and further afield representing Inverclyde AC, Bellahouston Road Runners, Garscube Harriers, Giffnock North AC, TG Kitzingen, Strathaven Striders, Kilbarchan AAC, Victoria Park AC, Hamilton Harriers, West End Road Runners, Dumfries Running Club, Springburn Harriers, Shettleston Harriers, Hillsborough and Rivelin Running Club, Helensburgh AAC, Kirkintilloch Olympians, Calderglen Harriers, Newton Road Runners, Ochil Hill Runners, Renfrew Road Runners, Dumbarton AAC, Glasgow South Road Runners, Bellahouston Harriers, Jog Scotland East Kilbride, Kilmacolm Unofficial Running Club, Penarth and Dinas Runners, Dumbarton Road Warriors, Barshaw Run Birds and also a special mention to our very own Absolute Beginners runners who completed the race today.
and
Next up is the JK Neave 100m Handicap Trophy on 28th August, the club prizegiving on the 6th of Septemberand all too soon the first Race of the new season, the JG Cameron 4km in September and then looking towards the club run/ social at the Great Scottish Run.
and
Fancy getting involved in the best wee running club in the West then get in touch via our socials or sending an email to greenockglenparkharriers@gmail.com. All of our sessions are tailored to be suitable for all abilities where our accredited coaches will support you to achieve your running goals in a supportive and friendly atmosphere.
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