Harrier Round Up- November 2024

It’s been a busy month for many of our members. As well as the many races already covered in fuller reports here are some of the other places and races that have been visited by our membership. As always we rely on you to let us know where you are running to help us share your achievements with everyone. We love to hear about your adventures from the longest, to the shortest runs as well as unusual or unique places you find yourself. Don’t forget to follow our social media to keep up to date with our latest news and tune into the GGH Pod wherever you get your Podcasts.

As always if you feel like you want to find out more about joining the best little running club in the west then please get in touch via our social media or by emailing greenockglenparkharriers@googlemail.com . En Avant

Crinan Canal parkrun

Lorna Mitchell had what we believe to be a first. Lorna paid a visit to Crinan Canal parkrun on Saturday 9th November and was not only first female finisher but also first overall finisher. Running in her 266th parkrun,(with a further 55 volunteer credits) in her 67th location and finishing in a time of 21.40 Lorna came home first in the world famous weekly free timed 5km that is not a race. However first place is first place and as far as we are aware it is the first time a Glenpark female has placed overall first at a parkrun. Congratulations Lorna, a fine run in ,what by all accounts is, a lovely location.

Decathlon Run Days 5k at Pollock Park.

It started with a gentle drizzle, but under the shelter of Pollock Park’s beautiful woodlands, the atmosphere was perfect. The first kilometer challenged runners with a steady uphill, setting a strong tone for the McLaughlin/Killeen family, running together for the very first time. Three generations—Danny (the O.G. Harrier and Granda), Mum Lana, and sisters Mila and Leia—decided to stay together as a family unit. By the 3k mark, Leia, like a greyhound eager for speed, sprinted ahead with Granda by her side, finishing her first-ever 5k at an impressive 32:20. Mila chose to stick with Mum, both finishing strong and proud at 33:20. It was a race not just about the run, but about a family milestone, making this 5k unforgettable. Also running was Jill Turner who set out at a conservative pace before picking up as she progressed into her run. A solid run on what seems like a good day out. Jill then set off to Bellahouston Park to cheer on the plethora of Harriers who were running the Jimmy Irvine on the same day.

Bellahouston Park Half Marathon

Campbell McFarlane completed the Bellahouston Park Half Marathon on Sunday 17th November 2024. This race is part of the Up and Running series of races and saw runners complete 4 5km loops of the park with a wee bit extra added on each lap for those completing the half marathon distance. Campbell has been putting in the miles and was last spotted getting dropped off in Greenock to run to Wemyss Bay (via the long way) because, “Why not!” Whatever he has been doing has clearly paid dividends as his time 1:54:35 saw him run a PB on the day and also come home as 2nd V60. A fabulous performance Campbell.

Campbell enjoying his PB

Conwy Half Marathon

Liz Gemmel who races second claim in the Harriers’ colours recently ran closer to home in the Conwy Half Marathon completing the course in 1 hour 44 minutes in another consistent run over the half distance following her good performance at the Great Scottish run.

Scottish University XC Championships

Ruby McGill(Glasgow University) completed the course in 37.39 placing overall in 19th running a brilliant race and part of the team winning overall silver medal. While Dylan Crawford running for Stirling University (30.03) ran a strong race and narrowly missed being third counter for the silver winning team by just one second, finishing in 25th place.

Glasgow MoRun

This years Glasgow Mini Mo run 2k had 4 young harriers toeing the start line. Looking to defend his title from last year Elijah Taylor set off in the lead and never looked back. With his trademark sprint finish he kicked towards the finish almost passing the lead bike in a time of 7:16. Next harrier home was the battle of the Fulton twins…with Sam prevailing even losing a shoe and carrying it to the line ( 9:31 and 6th place) Not far behind was Jamie only 9 seconds behind his brother with another cracking run ( 9:40 and 7th place ) Last harrier home but certainly not least Lucy MacFarlane possibly taking some inspiration from Mum and Dads superb efforts recently. Lucy finished 15th and ran faster than any of her Junior parkrun times ( 10:26 ) All the kids received their moustache medals, headbands and plenty of sweets.

Somehow the day after Storm Bert the Glasgow MoRun was good to go and no snow in sight. William clearly didn’t think this event would go ahead and decided to go a run up Corlick Hill to play in the snow the day before. The 5k started 5 mins after the 10k and soon become a problem with congestion for the faster runners. Dodging and weaving through the 10k and some of half marathon runners William settled into a rhythm after a fast start, finishing with his fastest 5k this year 19:37 and 6th overall. Also running was Philip Melvin who finished in a great time of 26:44.

Also running on the day were Sean McFarlane, Fiona McFarlane and Kevin Begley. Sean and Fiona had strong runs on the back of their recent Frankfurt Marathon training with Sean bagging an impressive 14 minute PB and Kevin narrowly missing out on a new PB.

Philidelphia Marathon

Dynamic husband and wife duo Heather and Neil Lafferty headed stateside to race in the recent Philidelphia Marathon. Heather having recently ran a superb PB at the Great Scottish Run Half Marathon and Neil just four weeks ago with a super performance at the Frankfurt Marathon. Both headed to America with their own race plans and supporting each other to two excellent runs on a hilly, windy course. Heather has been training well and still finding time to coach the juniors and crossed the line in a fantastic time of 3.57.22 and in the process mashing the iconic sub 4 hour threshold and setting a new marathon PB in the process. Neil with some tough races in his legs changed strategy from Frankfurt and went out hard and set about hanging on for dear life. Neil had another strong showing at the marathon distance crossing the line in 2.38.54, nipping under 2.40 and  bagging 1st V45 in the process.

Newton Road Runners 10k

Two Harriers made the trip to Cambuslang for the annual Newton Road Runners 10k. David Thomson and Stephen Hanley have attended each year, and have seen the event grow year on year. The race is an out and back along the Clyde Walkway from Newton heading west towards Glasgow city. A flat and fast 10k and a great opportunity for a late season PB. If you’re fit that is, or don’t have a marathon in your legs. 

That was the case for David following his Amsterdam marathon PB, and was happy to run a safe 45 mins. Stephen ran 39 minutes dead, and was reasonably happy given it was off the back of 10 days without running through illness. 

There was other local representation with NRR runner David Murray and Greenock parkrun regular Stephanie McCann running. Hopefully we can attract a bigger crowd of GGH next year. Newton are a club with a similar ethos to GGH and the race offers a PB opportunity, but also a good day out with free socks, free empire biscuit and then food, drinks and raffle in the pub after!