Spring Roundup (2)

Bellahouston Half Marathon

The sun was actually shining for the Bellahouston Half Marathon on the 13th April as Campbell MacFarlane and David McDiarmid toed the start line in their latest endurance race. The course was 4 laps of the park with an added section for the half marathon runners. This is the 3rd time Campbell has ran this race and the starting position has changed every time, now having the added joy and pleasure of an uphill start this time round. This was David’s first time here and this news cemented anticipation and positivity. By the 4th lap the hill had taken its toll on a number of runners who were now walking up this section. Campbell particularly enjoyed the way it was split into laps and even managed a wee sprint to the finish line, finishing in 1.56.54 and 2nd in the V60 age category. David enjoyed the race also, despite the hills, and obtained his 5th half marathon PB in a row so massive congratulations to him with his 2.02.55 and 3rd place in the V60 category. Two great runs on a tough course on a warm day.

Beinn Dubh Hill Race

There was just the one Harrier at the Beinn Dubh hill race this year. Owen Atkinson came back to face his fears after suffering from horrific blisters the last time he attempted this race. The race starts near the Faerie Trail in Luss. It’s an out and back 6.5km route to Beinn Dubh with 620m ascent. Owen completed the course in 48 minutes and came in 38th place out of 99 runners. If you’re interested in any of the hill races check out the link below or speak to Andy McCall or Owen Atkinson.

https://www.scottishhillrunners.uk/Home.aspx

Night of the 10,000m

The much-anticipated outdoor season kicked off in style as Glenpark Harriers delivered a night to remember at the Scottish Athletics National 10,000m Championships in Glasgow. With three thrilling races and national medals on the line, it was an evening filled with grit, determination, and outstanding performances.
Race 1 saw pre-race favourite Jill Cox take to the track, tipped for success not just in her age category but among the very best in the field. Jill made her intentions clear from the start, taking charge in the early laps. Unfortunately, a niggling injury forced her to retire early. We wish Jill a speedy recovery.
An hour later, attention turned to race 2, with Glenpark’s Neil Lafferty and Andy McCall lining up for the 25-lap battle. The duo, known for their recent fierce contests, set out with a clear goal: to achieve personal best performances. They paced themselves alongside the 33-minute pacer, clocking 79 seconds per lap for the first 10 laps.

With near-perfect conditions at Crownpoint Stadium, the race intensified as laps 10–15 started to take their toll. Despite slight drops in pace, neither Neil nor Andy gave an inch, engaging in a gripping mental and physical battle. Every surge by Andy was met with a decisive response by Neil, who maintained the upper hand. With 800 meters to go, Neil delivered the decisive kick to hold off Cambuslang’s Stuart Gibson, while Andy pushed valiantly but fell just off the pace.

Neil’s excellent performance earned him a V45 Championship gold medal with a time of 33:26, setting the quickest 10,000m in the UK this year in the V45 category. Andy followed close behind, setting a new personal best of 33:34. To the surprise of many, Andy was also awarded a V35 silver championship medal, finishing behind Corstorphine AAC’s Mickey Breen. A great night of racing at Crownpoint on a Friday night and more National medals for the famous club.

Scottish University T&F Champs.

Glenpark Harrier Simon Okiti roared into his outdoor summer season with a fabulous hat trick of medals at the Scottish Students Sport University Track & Field Championship.

Simon made the trip north to Aberdeen with his Glasgow University teammates to contest the individual 200m. After cruising through the rounds to the final Simon would be tested against the

fastest students in Scotland.

With an explosive start, Simon had caught most of the athletes on his outside as he powered round the bend, as he approached the home straight, his challenge came from inside lanes.

With a new found aggression, Simon demonstarted his ability as he held onto his position as the leader and Simon ran clear of the field crossing the line to claim silver in an excellent 22 seconds.

Simon followed up his busy day by joining his teammates in the 4 x 100m relay, where his second leg flowing down the back straight pulled his team clear, which his teammates maintained to secure

Gold and a second visit to the podium.

With a short recovery period Simon was back in action anchoring Glasgoiw University 4 x 400m relay squad where despite receiving the baton a considerable distance behind the leader, Simon moved

into top gear and began closing the gap, as the home straight approached an excited crowd encouraged the athletes home, with a photograph required to seperate the two leaders Simon was awarded his second silver

of the day, making it a hat trick of visits to the podium.

Simon will now focus on the British University Championships in the coming weeks as he looks to build on these impressive performances.

Arran 10km

Michael McLoone Snr continues with a fine vein of form as he travelled to Arran for the Ormidale 10km race. He crossed the line in an amazing 4th place overall and 1st place in the V60 age category in a great time of 38.54.

Balmoral 10km

Lewis Khan travelled to the Cairngorms National Park to race in the Balmoral 10km finsihing in a time of 38.24.

Run Mhor Hidden Glen 10km

Aaron Fullarton and Rachel McDaid travelled to Balquidder in Perthshire to run the Hidden Glen 10km. Adverised as not your average 10km race. You trace the banks of Loch Doine and then run deep into Monachyle Glen. The race includes over 600ft of elevation over the race and both ran together finishing in 1.11.36.