Greenock Glenpark Harriers enjoyed a proud night at Greenock Town Hall on Friday 3 October as club members featured heavily among the finalists at the Inverclyde Sports Personality Awards.
The evening’s highlight came when 21‑year‑old sprinter Simon Okiti was named Senior Sports Personality of the Year after a breakout season that saw him establish regional dominance across the 60m, 100m, 200m and 400m and notch a historic sprint hat‑trick of sub‑11, sub‑22 and sub‑50 performances. Coached by Kenny Morrison and balancing Sport and Exercise Science studies at the University of Glasgow, Simon’s national finals appearances and relay golds for Scottish student teams underlined an exceptional year on track.
Also shortlisted in the senior category was marathoner Oliver Reilly, whose three‑year pursuit of the six World Marathon Majors captured the judges’ attention. Oliver’s journey from a virtual completion of the 2020 London Marathon through successive PBs in Chicago, Berlin and Tokyo and a determined performance in New York, despite injury, provided an example of endurance, resilience and commitment to long‑distance running.
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- Simon Okiti
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- Erin McEleny
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- Jill Aikman
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- Alan O’Rourke
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- Oliver Reilly & Simon Okiti
The club celebrated further success in the volunteer categories when Jill Aikman took home the Adult Volunteer of the Year award. Jill’s quiet, tireless contribution, more than 500 volunteer hours in a year, delivering coaching from under‑11s to adult women, leading women‑only strength sessions, mentoring new volunteers and building inclusive activities such as open‑water swims, was singled out for the positive change she has created across the club and wider community. A special mention is due to Chris Curley, organiser of the Port Glasgow 10k, who was also recognised in the same category. An event much loved by the Harriers.
Coach of the Year finalist Alan O’Rourke represented the club’s coaching strength, his decade of service reflected in popular structured sessions, relaxed beginner runs and tailored training plans that help runners progress from first steps to marathon and ultra distances.
Young volunteer finalist Erin McEleny received recognition for remarkable consistency at Battery Park Junior Parkrun, giving up Sundays to time-keep, barcode scan and cheer on young athletes since 2016.
Greenock Glenpark Harriers were also proud finalists for Impact Club of the Year, a nod to the club’s expanding reach and work since becoming a registered charity. With nearly 100 juniors and over 260 adult members, free beginner sessions, women‑only strength programmes, coach development and targeted support for vulnerable members and families, the club’s community focus and efforts to reduce barriers to participation were on full display to the awards panel.
Congratulations to Simon Okiti, Jill Aikman, and all of this year’s finalists and winners. Their achievements reflect the values at the heart of Greenock Glenpark Harriers, dedication, teamwork, and inclusive leadership. The club takes huge pride in their success.
Full details for the awards and winners can be found here: www.inverclydesportspersonality.co.uk
Thanks to Gary Bradley (GBR Photography) for the images.