Sunday 10th November 2024 – A grey and soggy morning saw 19 Harriers make the short trip up the M8 to Paisley Road West for the hilly terrors of Bellahouston Park and the annual Jimmy Irvine Bella 10k, hosted by Bellahouston Road Runners. The course was redesigned in 2018 is now a challenging two and a half loop round and through the park, taking in Mosspark Boulevard before heading onto a much feared, leg-burning hill climb runners have to tackle three times. The race is a highlight of the 10k season with a great atmosphere, and one of the best downhill finishing stretches to be found anywhere, if your legs have anything left!
The Harriers men’s representation must have received a battle plan before the start, with three men hitting the same 10th position in respective ages categories. Daniel Doherty took the race by the scruff of the neck in the early stage to come home in 34th position overall from 595 runners (10th V40) with a time of 37:16 – great to see Daniel back in form after his recent marathon mishap. Moving up an age category, Stephen Harrison finished just behind 2nd Harrier home William Taylor in 66th (16th v40) who just fell short of his sub 40 goal with 40:44. Unable to hold onto William’s early pace, Stephen was third harrier home and the second age category 10th position of the day, 81st overall (10th v50). Stepping into another decade, Robin McAuslan completed the 10th spots with at great time of 46:20 (10th V60) and delighted to be going well under the 47 minute mark.
We also saw strong runs from Aaron McCrone who went off matching William’s pace in the first half of the race, but then struggled to keep the sub 4min 1k’s going in the second half, and battling out a tough 42:04. Stuart Austin put in a magnificent effort to come home in 43:20, with Alex Paterson making up the seven strong Harriers male contingent with a time just outside the hour mark in 1.00.54 on the day.
Once again, Harriers ladies outnumbered the men and in the ladies race, Evie Harrison continues to impress as she transitions up into Senior Racing, over the line as first female Harrier in a brilliant 17th position overall (12th age cat), with a time of 44:04 – Evie was actually a little disappointed with her time as she’s been aiming at a sub 43 goal, but this was still a great effort on her second attempt at this tough course. Next lady for the Harriers was Melissa Wilson, well under the 48 minute mark in a time of 47:16, followed by Lynne Harrison. Lynne had a goal of 48 minutes targeted today and put in a massive effort down the finishing descent to get over the line in 47:58. This was the second best age category run for the Harriers on the day (more on that in a moment…!), matching her 2023 placing with 5th v50 secured.
Nathalie Smith continues to demonstrate why training matters, her efforts paying off with another run under the 50 minute mark, cheered through the finish funnel on a time of 49:28. The next four ladies all ran well to get home under 60 minutes, Liz Heywood also painfully close to the 50 minute barrier with 50:41, Rebecca McCluckie putting in a strong 53:10, Summer Taggart in 55:00, and a great run from Helen Crawford with 58:24. Angeline Austin (1.05:32), Doris Heron (1.06.25), and Alison Smart (1.11.16) completed the race for Greenock Glenpark…
…except, that is, for Charlotte McKay! As mentioned earlier, we had a better age category performance on the day than Lynne’s run, as for the second week in a row Charlotte put in a fabulous effort in 1:02:09 which easily secured 1st v70, over 5 minutes ahead of her nearest rival. Brilliant stuff once again from Charlotte – looks like this is shaping up to be a golden season for her!
A massive thank you to Bellahouston Road Runners for a fantastic day, brilliantly organised… and particularly the invite back to the school for coffee, sandwiches and cake! (Photos from Bellahouston RR’s Facebook.)
