Cornalees Hill Race 2024
A record field gathered for Greenock Glenpark Harriers annual Cornalees Hill race, with the numbers boosted as the local club played host to the Scottish Junior Hill Running Championships.
On a day of outstanding quality, no fewer than 5 course records were sent tumbling by talented youngsters, as the top hill runners from the Borders to the Highlands contested the medals.
The runners were set off in 3 waves with the Under 20s and Seniors away first for their 8km race to the summit cairn of Hillside Hill, followed 2 minutes later by the Under 17s covering 7km, then finally the Under 15s & 13s running 4km & 2km respectively.
First back were the under 13s, and in a nail biting finish with just a few seconds between the leaders, Strathearn’s Harris Turnbull and Emi Daunt from Edinburgh AC crossed the line first to set new course records for the 2km. There was delight too for the home club as Stella McCabe overcame strong challenges from her team-mates Orla, Mila and Isabel to take Bronze.
The under 15s soon followed making short work of the 4km, with Moorfoots Jack Foley taking the top spot, and Inverness athlete Anna Meek likewise in the girls’ race. Again it was another medal for Glenpark as Nuala Quigley claimed Bronze. Daniel Sharpe despite a bad fall ran well in his debut on the hills.
Giffnock North’s Alasdair MacLean was next to claim a course record in the U17s race. Daniel Masalskis gaining great experience in his longest race to date. Also in the 7km were Summer Taggart and Erin McEleny having their own personal battle with Summer overturning last year’s result to just hold off Erin.
The quality race of the day was undoubtably the 8km with the Countries top juniors competing, and all the top 4 going under the old course record as Lasswade’s Rowan Taylor came out on top. Gala harriers Isla Paterson set the final record of the day with a remarkable time dipping under 37 minutes. There was also big improvement from Evie Harrison as the local girl stepped up in distance.
The Glenpark Senior race saw the number of entrants match the 2022 record, with even more seniors taking to the hills. In the ladies race, it was success for Jill Aikman winning her first club competition, and looking impressive as she headed Lynne Harrison in 2nd. The win moves Jill into 5th place in the women’s championship. An increased number of ladies took part this year, with great runs from Lorna Michell, Marianne McKay, Helen Crawford and Debbie McKenzie making their way to the top of Hillside hill and back. The strength and depth in the ladies team on show again in this race, as it has been in many performances and medals in recent club and open races.
In the men’s race, Neil Lafferty took full advantage as Dylan Crawford pulled up injured to take the maximum points and strengthen his lead in the club Championship, doing so with a course PB. but with 2 races to go Dylan can still pull level. Owen Atkinson’s strength on the hills saw him push ahead of Daniel Doherty to claim his first 2nd place in a club race. Ross Paul made his Harriers race debut with a strong performance. An effort no doubt helped by his regular attendance at Coach Alan’s senior sessions. Stephen Hanley had a strong run, picking up places in the latter stages to finish in 4th place. Micky Dunn made a return to racing following his finishing 7th place in his age category in the Hyrox World Championships in Nice. The men’s race included many solid performances throughout the field, Eric Lindsay, Frank McMahon and Stephen Reid all putting in good performances. Shout out to Colin McKnight who took a tumble at 5k, picking up a hip injury in the process but still managing to get to the finish line, true harriers grit and determination on display from Colin.
As a curtain raiser to the main event the under 11s raced the 1km up to the Cut and back, with Elijah Taylor showing his potential, looking impressive as he dipped under 5minutes, and there was also a great debut from Faith Bradley, the youngest runner on the day.
A special thanks to all the volunteers out marshalling on the hill, timekeepers and 1st aiders and to our race sponsor Clydeview Motors for their continued support, and to Inverclyde Leisure and the staff at the Nelson street Sports Centre for use of changing Facilities.
