Clydebank 26/06/24
On a warm June evening, nine Glenpark Harriers joined athletes from across Scotland descending on Clydebank Business Park, the concrete jungle where PB’s are made of, for the Scottish Vets 5k. This year saw a change being made to the flat and fast 3.5 lap course, the introduction of a straighter and faster finish section. Despite the heat in the air, the fast course and a lack of wind meant speedy times were there for the taking… and the runners showed up well for the club with several category 1st places recorded.
In the ladies race, Jill Cox was the first harrier back with a strong run in 18:16, taking 3rd place lady overall and 1st in the ladies v45 category – yet another podium placing for Jill! Sharon Doherty ran brilliantly and finished with a well-deserved PB of 30:03, setting her up nicely to go under 30 mins in the near future; Sharon was 5th in the ladies V50. Following closely behind Sharon was Charlotte MacKay in 30:14 – once again showing the training is paying off by finishing 1st in her V70 age category. Charlotte is continuing to show that she is one of the top female vets in the country. Next in for the ladies was the ever-smiling Doris Heron, her time of 30:59 coming within 10 seconds of her PB to take 2nd in V65. No doubt that with the commitment Doris is making to her training, that the PB will come soon!
The men’s race saw a trio of Glenparker’s go under 17 minutes, all within 13 seconds of each other. President Andy McCall started fast to lead the boys home with a solid run of 16:41, securing a top 10 position overall with 9th place and 3rd in his v35 age category. Pushing Andy along and finishing very close behind in 16:46 was Stuart Greenway, 4th in the v35. It’s great to see Stuart heading back to fitness and form following a period of injury. Daniel Doherty was the 3rd harrier back in a time of 16:54, picking up a few places in the final lap to finish in 15th place overall and 7th in the V40 group. The recent form of Owen Atkinson promised something special, and Owen didn’t disappoint as he smashed his PB by over 30 seconds finishing in an impressive 17:40, clocking 2nd in the v45 category. Stevie Campbell continued to focus on working his way back to form, crossing the line in 18:02 – 1st in the V50 group, and using his experience to hold off a chasing pack of athletes including Jill Cox.
A top evening of racing overall for Glenpark at this event, which continues to be one of the highlights of the summer racing calendar. The camaraderie and support between the GGH athletes adding to the atmosphere, with the occasional “mon eh Glenpark” echoing around the estate. Scottish Vets have confirmed that athletes 18+ can enter as an open race, so one for the diary next year for those looking to experience this event and have a great chance to run a 5k PB.
