32,000 runners took to the streets of Glasgow for the 2025 edition of the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run. A recent storm meant the junior events were cancelled on Saturday, but the weather cleared just in time for Sunday’s 10k and Half Marathon races, offering cool and clear conditions, albeit with some windy stretches.
Our athletes had trained hard under the guidance of club coaches. A special shoutout goes to coach Alan O’Rourke, who tailored training sessions specifically for this event and masterminded the Harriers takeover, with nearly 200 GGH runners, family, and friends in attendance. Alan works tirelessly behind the scenes, planning sessions, providing individual coaching plans, organising buses, coordinating times and meeting points (and everything in between). From everyone at GGH, thank you, Alan. And thank you to Simon Hutton for organising the post-race food and celebration at St Luke’s, who once again hosted us brilliantly.
Now, back to the race…
With refurbishment works underway at George Square, the start line was moved further up St Vincent Street, giving runners a fast 400m downhill start, a welcome change to the course.
In the morning’s 10k event, 51 Harriers lined up at this iconic race. The men’s race was won by Scottish Champion Scott Stirling, who stormed around the course in 30:14, a phenomenal time given the conditions. The women’s race was won by Victoria Park’s Jill Cherry in 35:40.
Leading the Harriers out from the gun was club champion Dylan Crawford, targeting a big PB (Personal Best). It wasn’t to be Dylan’s day, but the signs are there for another breakthrough performance soon. Andy McCall took the reins and crossed the line first for the club, finishing 40th overall. Jill Cox, a star performer in recent years, delivered another top result, second Harrier home, first in her age group, and well inside the top 10 women, despite an injury-plagued season.
Stephen Hanley, Malcolm MacLean, and Duncan Anderson all ran superbly to finish under 40 minutes, with MacLean earning a big PB, just reward for his consistent training. Your 2025 Newcomer of the Year, Aaron Fullarton also smashed his previous best time continuing his rich vein of form.
Perhaps the run of the day came from young Evie Harrison, who stormed to yet another PB, taking a huge chunk off her previous best and finishing 7th in her age group with a sub-41 time. She was backed up by University and club teammate, Ruby McGill, who also took a sizeable chunk off her PB, finishing in exactly 43 minutes.
Newlyweds Melissa and Mark Magee took part in the 10k together. Rachel Hardy, finding her form, smashed out a PB, as did training partner Rachael McDaid, who took a massive 8 minutes off her previous best. David Williamson was another delighted runner, shaving a minute off his PB and celebrating with family afterwards.
It was fantastic to see Jennifer Hanley back in action, completing her first 10k in three years and her first since becoming a mother. We hope to see Jennifer back in club colours soon. Sharon Black and Lana Killeen both recorded their second-fastest 10k times and were thrilled with their performances.
Despite a lengthy injury layoff, Aidan Coyle’s steady comeback was rewarded with a PB of over two minutes. Aidan is one of many athletes coached by local runner John Bell, who himself ran a brilliant race, finishing 5th overall. John oversaw five GGH athletes across the distances, including Cheryl Thomas, Rebecca McCluckie, Clare Leung, and Steven Smith (see Half Marathon section).
Rounding off the Harriers’ 10k runners was the evergreen Eddie Devine, who completed the distance in 90 minutes and finished 2nd in his age group.
Later in the day, it was over to the Half Marathon runners…
The overall race was won by Shettleston Harriers’ Jamie Burn (64:44) and Gala Harriers’ Katie Rourke (76:49). Shaun Lyon continues his comeback, finding real fitness and finishing as first Harrier in 49th place (74:37), his quickest time over the distance in a couple of years.
Husband and wife duo, Helen and Stuart, ran the half together. Helen, following a coaching plan from son Dylan and excellent pacing from Stuart, Helen smashed her PB with both taking over four minutes off their previous bests.
The biggest improvement of the day came from Andrew McKenzie, who took a whopping 18 minutes off his previous half marathon time as he prepared for Velencia Marathon in December. A stunning result that shows what consistent, dedicated training with GGH can achieve.
On her comeback from injury, Cheryl Thomas was delighted to take a big chunk off her Great North Run time from just a few weeks ago. Steven Smith also recorded a new PB, both under the guidance of coach John Bell and just rewards for their hard work.
Colin McKnight, who’s enjoyed consistent training and racing in recent years, smashed his previous best by five minutes. Lewis Khan, another athlete in strong form, recorded an impressive time of 76:49.
Other notable performances included Graham McGrattan (3rd in his age category), Charlotte Mackay (6th in hers), and Doris Heron, who completed her first half marathon. It was great to see Alan Henderson back in club colours, his fitness continues to improve week by week. After racing the Masters Cross Country less than 24 hours earlier, Stevie Campbell ran an outstanding half marathon, dipping under 80 minutes.
Now, one race is tough. Two races over two days? Really tough. But one athlete who loves a challenge went even further, competing in BOTH the 10k and Half Marathon. Junior coach, William Taylor, ran a strong 10k in 41:02, quickly changed race numbers, dashed to the bag drop, and climbed the dreaded St Vincent Street hill to start the Half. He set off feeling good but began to struggle with two miles to go – no wonder. Still, he finished in a respectable 1:37, completing over 19 miles of racing and more than 20 miles of running around the city.
Image by Gary Bradley
On Friday night, the club celebrated alongside local athletes at the Inverclyde Sports Personality Awards in Greenock Town Hall. Among the winners were our very own superstars Simon Okiti (Senior Sports Personality winner) and Jill Aikman, who took home the ‘Adult Volunteer of the Year’ award. Jill has worked tirelessly since joining the club, establishing a strength class, coaching, and continuing to improve her own performances. Fast forward to Sunday, and Jill smashed her half marathon PB, enjoying double celebrations with the group. Well done on a very successful weekend Jill.
Final Mention – Our Absolute Beginners Graduates
A special shoutout to our amazing ‘Absolute Beginners’ group graduates, new members who only started walking/running with the club a few months ago. On Sunday, Julie Morrison, Leona Donnelly, Kerry Clenaghan, Claudia Walker, Jenna Lee, Janette Simpson, and Robyn Morton all completed the 10k with their Greenock Glenpark Harriers friends. We are all incredibly proud of your achievements.
With over 100 members completing both races, it demonstrated the strength and depth of our amazing club. Runners, friends and family enjoyed the celebrations after the events at St Lukes in Glasgow, with special thanks to Simon Hutton for organising this.
If you’re inspired by any of these runners and results, get in touch to see how you can get involved with the best club in the country.
10k Results
- Andrew McCall, 00:34:40
- Jill Cox, 00:37:44
- Stephen Hanley, 00:38:29
- Malcolm Maclean, 00:39:42 (PB)
- Duncan Anderson, 00:39:52
- Aaron Fullarton, 00:40:55 (PB)
- Evie Harrison, 00:40:59 (PB)
- William Taylor, 00:41:02
- Rabie Gohar, 00:41:08
- Stephen Harrison, 00:41:36
- Ruby McGill, 00:43:00 (PB)
- Ashley Anderson , 00:44:27
- Greg Luke, 00:44:55
- Robin Mcauslan, 00:45:41
- David Williamson, 00:45:42
- Gerry Gallacher, 00:46:10
- Ross Morrison, 00:46:11
- Melissa Magee, 00:47:12
- Jennifer Rooney, 00:47:51
- Lynne Harrison, 00:48:22 (PB)
- Aidan Coyle, 00:49:08 (PB)
- Lisa Boonsanong, 00:50:29
- Deborah Mckenzie, 00:53:43
- Sarah Jane Whalen, 00:57:33
- Sharon Black, 00:57:35
- Phil Melvin, 00:57:37
- Kirsten Robin, 00:58:35
- Rachel Hardy, 00:58:42 (PB)
- Rachael McDaid, 00:58:42 (PB)
- Maureen Doherty, 00:59:18
- Lesley Mckerral, 00:59:49
- Alli Baird, 00:59:58
- Leona Donnelly, 01:00:41
- Mark Magee, 01:00:45
- Erin Mceleny, 01:01:00
- Lana Killeen, 01:04:57
- Claudia Walker, 01:05:52
- Kerry Clenaghan, 01:06:59
- Angela Hill, 01:07:54
- Alison Smart, 01:08:34
- Jenna Lee, 01:09:34 (PB)
- Margaret Bryce, 01:10:44
- Gill Gilmour, 01:11:19
- Hanna Docherty, 01:11:34
- Julie Morrison, 01:14:28
- Robyn Morton, 01:17:15
- Lorna Maclean, 01:17:20
- Claire Melville, 01:18:15
- Janette Simpson, 01:18:16
- Edward Devine, 01:30:00
- Dylan Crawford, DNF
Half Marathon Results
- Shaun Lyon, 01:14:37
- Lewis Khan, 01:16:49 (PB)
- Oliver Reilly, 01:19:21
- Steven Campbell, 01:19:48
- Alan Henderson, 01:20:31
- Andrew Osborne, 01:23:31
- Christopher Watson, 01:26:57
- Sam Mcvicar, 01:29:24
- Owen Atkinson, 01:30:18
- Andrew Mckenzie, 01:31:21 (PB)
- Colin Mcknight, 01:32:17 (PB)
- Stewart Anderson, 01:34:03
- William Taylor , 01:37:03
- Graham Mcgrattan, 01:37:19
- Daniel Solloway, 01:37:40
- Eric Lindsay, 01:37:42
- John Stevenson, 01:39:09
- Steven Smith, 01:39:11 (PB)
- Ross Neilson, 01:39:22
- Stephen Campbell, 01:40:20
- Gordon Robertson, 01:41:40
- Jill Aikman, 01:43:11 (PB)
- Alan Roxburgh, 01:43:18
- Stephen Reid, 01:44:36
- Fiona Macfarlane, 01:44:47
- Elizabeth Gemmell, 01:46:24
- Viki Smith, 01:46:52 (PB)
- Harrison Broad, 01:48:01
- Sean Macfarlane, 01:48:22
- Paul Stewart, 01:49:03
- Clare Leung, 01:51:50
- Sarah Wilson, 01:51:59
- Rebecca Laird, 01:52:15
- Stuart Crawford, 01:53:38 (PB)
- Helen Crawford, 01:53:38 (PB)
- Cheryl Thomas, 01:53:55
- Liza Brydon, 01:54:05
- Terri Wall, 01:55:46
- Alan Robertson, 01:56:33
- Rachel Surgener, 01:57:12
- Ced M Chesterman, 01:58:11
- Alison Robertson, 01:59:36
- Campbell Macfarlane, 01:59:39
- Marianne McKay, 02:04:49
- David McDiarmid, 02:06:38
- Steven Laing, 02:12:47
- James Doherty, 02:14:40
- June Rattray, 02:17:56
- Lorna Macmillan, 02:18:09
- Doris Heron, 02:31:57 (PB)
- Jay Dunning, 02:33:16
- Charlotte McKay, 02:40:41
- John Green, 02:50:39