Saturday 10th January 2026 – Coves Reservoir, Greenock
Despite the cold weather and rain clearing, early course checking on the day put the race in serious danger of being postponed with long stretches of ice apparent in lots of areas. However, as the morning progressed the temperature rose enough to clear the track and 55 harriers headed to the start line for four hilly loops around the reservoir, following the new course which debuted in 2025.
Handicap Race – A non conceding handicap is always an exciting prospect and today’s race was no exception. There was no clear favourite from the lineup but some excellent running from the evergreen Fergus McClafferty (HC 26:34) saw him edge out Andrew McKenzie (HC 26:55) in second, and Aidan Coyle (HC 27:02) in third place. Steven Campbell (HC 27:30) had an outstanding run on the day, placing 4th in the HC and finishing high up the field in the men’s race, and he was followed by John Hampsey (HC 27:45).
First in the ladies handicap race was ultra expert Viki Smith (HC 28:07), just taking it from Lynne Harrison (HC 28:19). Strong running from ladies champion Jill Cox put her into HC 3rd with (HC 28:58), Jill’s run also taking first place in the senior ladies event. Melissa Magee (HC 28:58) and Ashley Anderson (HC 29:11) took 4th and 5th respectively. Melissa Magee had an outstanding race to finish just under 40 minutes with (39:58)
Senior Ladies Race: Ladies champion Jill Cox is showing some fine race form once again and was well ahead of 2nd placed Evie Harrison (35:31) with her time of (33:58), great to see Jill hitting some form as the season progresses. Evie’s run was pb on the day, and good enough to keep her ahead of the in-form Ashley Anderson in 3rd with (36:41), Ashley’s recent efforts in training really starting to come good on race day. Melissa Magee ran well for 4th, her time of (39:58) the last female runner to dip under the 40min marker. Despite starting marathon training, Jill Aikman (40:20) had a good race for 5th lady and 1st V50 from a competitive group with Lynne Harrison (40:49) and Viki Smith (41:07).
Senior Men’s Race: No surprises in the men’s race with the in-form Stephen Trainer once again taking the pace to the pack. Stephen went off hard from the start, and despite taking a diversion to avoid a canine challenger early on, his time of (28:29) not quite a course record but putting his finish well ahead of Andy McCall in 2nd (29:07). John Logan had a great run with 30:26, just edging a battle with Steven Campbell. Steven is hitting some fine form in training and brought that into the race, his time of 31:00 easily enough to take the V50 1st. John Hampsey finished just ahead of Daniel Doherty for 5th.
There were some great individual battles in the top twenty – Oliver Reilly went off ahead of the pack with Daniel Doherty, John Hampsey, Mick McLoone Jnr and Stevie Campbell, but the pack gradually pulled him back toward the final lap. New boy Dee Waka put up a brave fight and actually held on to second place for the early stages, but fell back as the pace took hold. Stephen Hanley had a good run to stay ahead of Michael McLoone and Duncan Anderson. William Taylor and Gavin Morrison were the other runners beating the sub 35 minute threshold.
Junior Race
The Course Check
A special point worth noting – during the course check in the morning Club President Alison King and Stephen Trainer went to the assistance of an individual who was suffering a mental health crisis, and prevented a tragedy by taking the time to talk, listen and get in touch with the appropriate support services. It’s an important reminder that “first aid” isn’t always about bandages; sometimes, it’s about the willingness to stop and connect – they stepped in, stayed present, and literally saved a man’s life.
Mental Health Support: The Anchor Greenock
Special Thanks to our Race Sponsor: WB Smith Trees and Turf Ltd (Andy Smith)
