Colin Shields 2026

Saturday 31st October 2026

With the weather on its best behaviour and ideal conditions for racing, Greenock Glenpark Harriers headed to the Port Glasgow Industrial Estate for the second club race of the 2026 season, the Colin Shields 4.5 Miler. With the new route now firmly established on the club calendar, the double-loop course winds its way through the factory estates and along the cycle path before tackling the much-feared climb up Barrs Brae, a section guaranteed to test even the strongest runners.

The race reverted to a more traditional time trial format, with randomly grouped competitors setting off in threes every thirty seconds. This creates plenty of overtaking opportunities throughout the race, adding an extra layer of excitement as runners chase down those ahead while trying to hold off the pack behind.

In contrast to previous years, the weather could hardly have been better for running. Dry conditions, light winds and mild temperatures provided a perfect afternoon for both runners and volunteers, allowing everyone to enjoy the challenge of the course and some excellent racing… and so it proved in both the ladies and gents races, with both course records smashed. Jill Cox took 30 secs off her own record in the ladies race, finishing in 28m37s, while Dee Waka took the men’s record from Stephen Trainer, running the course for the first time in 23:46. On a further encouraging note, this was the highest ever turnout from the ladies at the Colin Shields, the previous best being 27 – this Saturday’s race saw 29 ladies on the start.

MENS RACE – As stated there was no doubting the winner this year, as Dee Waka continues to dominate the men’s club season. With club champion Stephen Trainer still out with injury, second placed Andy McCall had it all to do to challenge the Rothesay youngster and managed a very respectable sub 25 minute run, the only other runner to do so on the day with 24m56s. Paul Monaghan had a brilliant run for third place in 26m06s, with Graeme Percival (27m02s) and club captain Daniel Doherty (27m12) also going well. In 6th with 27m39s Steven Campbell continues his fine form of late and there were sub 30 runs from Kev Craig (27m47s), John Hampsey (27m58s), Michael McLoone (28m42s), Owen Atkinson (29m29s), Matthew Deegan (29m38), and Gordy Hepburn (29m54s).

LADIES RACE – Jill Cox retained her crown once again this year with a superb effort ahead of a tie for second place between Ashley Anderson and Evie Harrison, both 31m41s – a very strong run from Ashley who has been training particularly well over the summer. Jennifer Rooney was less than thirty seconds back in 32m10s, just ahead of the returning former champion Sue Hewitson (32m19s). Ladies captain Lynne Harrison took 1st FV50 in 5th overall with 35m09s, just pipping Viki Smith (36m). Lisa Boonsanong (37m30s), Cheryl Thomas (37m37s) and Ladies Vice captain Jill Turner (39m12s) closed out the ladies top ten.