The Colin Shields race is a tribute to Glenpark stalwart and past President of the Scottish Amateur Athletic Association. Colin’s publication “Whatever the Weather”, a centenary history of the Scottish Cross Country Union, was befitting the conditions for today’s race.
With a record turnout, 75 Glenparkers braved the rain and brisk Easterly winds to run the 4.5 miles course.
The race follows the route from the traffic lights at the top of Dunlop Street, down through Barrs Cottage, over the pedestrian bridge at Branchton and up past Inverclyde Royal Hospital. Runners then turn left at the wee shop at the bottom of Hilltop, past the cemetery, down Cumberland Road and back over the bridge to the start.
Prior to the race, the Handicap Committee split the field up into three groups. The slower runners were set off together at 2 o’clock, followed by two runners every 15 seconds from the medium then the fastest group runners. Each two runners were also of differing ability, with the faster chasing and quickly catching the slower runner of the group in front.
The First Group Set Off at 2pm
This approach allows runners of all abilities to feel the excitement of a race, with lots of overtaking manoeuvres and opportunities to latch onto runners of similar ability. It also ensures that there is a much smaller interval from the first to last runner at the end of the race.
Thanks to a magnificent job by all the marshals, everything went very smoothly.
The stretch down Cumberland Road however, with cars parked on the pavement and wheelie bins strewn along the route was particularly challenging. Everyone was reminded to remain alert and safety conscious.
It should be mentioned that Ladies’ Captain Marian was to be spotted on Hilltop Road prior to the race, sweeping up leaves. That’s dedication for you!
Once the ‘Wacky Races’ were over, John Stevenson announced the results and time-trial positions at a fabulous tea and coffee banquet in the clubhouse (cakes and buns courtesy of our Coach and Social-Convener-Extraordinaire, Alan O’Rourke).
Womens Race
There is no doubt that the standard of running in the Woman’s team is showing significant promise.
Jill Knowles who continued her winning ways was followed in closely by Sue Hewitson. Third was Liz Gemmell in her debut run for the club. Ruby McGill, who finished fourth continues to push the Seniors. Next in was Club Champion Marian Monk, followed by new member Jennifer Telford who finished just two seconds ahead of Lorna Mitchell.
A special mention goes to Ashley Anderson who had another great run and to Cheryl Thomas with a one second PB. Rhonda White made a welcome return, having last run the Colin Shields in 2015. Finally, Fiona McFarlane had a very impressive run considering she’s just back from an all-inclusive holiday in Dubai.
Ladies Captain Marian Presents Winner’s Trophy to Jill Knowles
Top 3 Ladies
1st Jill Knowles 29.49
2nd Sue Hewitson 31.08
3rd Liz Gemmell 31.25
Men’s Race
Paul Monaghan crossed the line more than two minutes ahead of the rest of the fast pack with what appeared to be an easy victory. The actual result came as a bit of a surprise to everyone except the top 3 finishers themselves.
Following on from his tremendous run at the National Relays, Andy McCall worked his way through the field to finish in third place. Stuart Greenway ran his best race of the season so far to finish just 2 seconds behind the overall winner, Neil Lafferty.
Dylan Crawford ran his heart out to finish just 3 seconds behind Andy McCall, followed by Paul and Andy Osbourne. A special mention goes to Chris Mooney who continues to improve, finishing 18 seconds ahead of Oliver Reilly. They finished in 9th and 10th positions respectively.
Next in, all with times less than 29 minutes were Shaun Wiseman, Michael McLoone, Stephen Hanley and Steven Campbell.
In total there were 48 starters for the Men, an excellent turnout. Hopefully we’ll see a few again at the upcoming club and cross-country races.
Finally (author’s prerogative), Campbell Cromar got back every scalp that got him on the run-in on the Esplanade a few weeks ago. The vest with the target on the back is now in the bin.
Neil Lafferty Wins the Men’s Trophy with a Narrow Two Second Margin
Top 3 Men
1st Neil Lafferty 25.10
2nd Stuart Greenway 25.12
3rd Andrew McCall 25:49
Results: Neil Lafferty 25:10, Stuart Greenway 25:12, Andrew McCall 25:49, Dylan Crawford 25:52, Paul Monaghan 25:55, Andrew Osborne 26:09, Daniel Doherty 27:02, Kevin Craig 27:20, Chris Mooney 27:35, Oliver Reilly 27:53, Shaun Wiseman 28:32, Michael McLoone 28:33, Stephen Hanley 28:47, Steven Campbell 28:57, Steven Watson 29:29, Jill Knowles 29:49, Paul McAulay 30:01, Campbell Cromar 30:26, Robert Dolan 30:33, Stephen Harrison 30:35, Matthew Deegan 30:51, Eric Lindsay 30:52, William Taylor 31:05, Sue Hewitson 31:08, Graham McGrattan 31:10, Liz Gemmell 31:25, Colin McKnight 31:31, Danny McLaughlan 31:32, Graeme Boyce 31:35, Ruby McGill 31:36, Craig Hyslop 31:56, Greig Turner 32:15, Marian Monk 32:25, David Roberts 32:51, Michael Dunn 33:12, Matthew Young 33:46, Jennifer Telford (guest) 33:50, Lorna Mitchell 33:52, Ashley Anderson 34:07, Fiona McFarlane 34:10, Stephen Reid 34:21, Kevin O’Donoghue 34:25, Derek Mitchell 34:52, Donna Campbell 35:14, Mark Sullivan 35:16, Rhonda White 35:49, Jim Cuffe 36:02, Sean Macfarlane 36:07, Lisa Boonsanong 36:19, Paul Dillon 36:25, Kevin Begley 36:26, Debbie Mckenzie 36:53, Cheryl Thomas 36:54, Marianne McKay 36:55, Jennifer Rooney 37:09, Lynne Harrison 37:55, Claire Monaghan 38:07, Stephen Fulton 38:16, Yvonne Prager 41:04, James Campbell 41:22, David McDiarmid 41:46, Jennifer Hanley 41:58, Gerry Gillespie 42:09, Aidan Coyle 42:10, Kevin Gill 43:05, Lynsey McLaughlin 45:00, Frank McMahon 45:44, Mary Robinson 46:08, Charlotte McKay 46:39, Grace Campbell 46:42, Gill Gilmour 46:54, June Anne McKnight 47:13, Margaret Bryce 53:35, Eddie Devine 53:35