Cowal Highland Gathering 5k Top five places = Harriers Takeover!
Seven Glenpark Harriers made their way over to Dunoon on the opening day of the Cowal Highland Gathering. The 5k on the Thursday evening kicks off a weekend of events culminating on the games day on the Sunday. The route heads out along the shoreline heading towards Innellan, with the turning point being close to the Quarry on Bullwood Road and then a punishing effort back to the start/finish line.
Glenpark men dominated the top positions, with President Andy McCall going out hard, taking an impressive early lead and extending it further on the way back to win the race in 16:13, an outstanding run and his second fastest time over the distance. Stuart Greenway and Wes Pattison matched each other stride for stride on the out and battling back along the West Bay, Stuart edging Wes by just one second to finish 2nd in 16:43, Wes securing 3rd place in 16:44.
Run of the night belongs to the ever improving 17 year old Lewis McCrae, who had his eye on going under 17 mins for the first time. With sheer determination and focus Lewis powered his way round the course to finish 4th in 16:55, achieving the sub 17 and a 10 second PB. A phenomenal run, with a lot more to come from Lewis. Daniel Doherty with a solid effort was the next Harrier over the line in 17:18, 5th place and taking the 1st V40 prize.
The Glenpark ladies were represented by Charlotte McKay and Alison Smart, both enjoying return visits to this event. Charlotte had a fantastic run, making her way round the course in 30:54, bagging an impressive course PB by 14 seconds. Alison ran well and maintained a consistent pace as she eyed the finish back in Dunoon. Alison crossed the line in 33:01, a great time given the fact she has been managing an ankle injury recently.
A nice touch at the end of the race saw first finisher Andy McCall accompany the final runner over the line. Andy ran out to cover the last half mile or so with local runner Anne Keenan, with race organisers, fellow runners and spectators applauding the pair over the line. A brilliant night in Dunoon as always for everyone involved. The stunning Argyle scenery, the party atmosphere in the town with the sounds of bagpipes, the funfair and street performances creating a unique back drop to the race. Definitely one to put in your racing plans for next year.
Results: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/w2Du2CWqxKh2aaam/
Thanks to Daniel Doherty for this report!