Ultra Gold for Neil / June Running Update

Glen Lyon Ultra – Saturday 6th June

This challenging 50km (31-mile) “figure-of-eight” ultramarathon starts and finishes at the Loch Lyon Dam, offering a rugged, logistics-friendly loop through some of Scotland’s most pristine wilderness. The race kicks off with an immediate loop around Loch Lyon, with about six river crossings in the first 8 miles – feet will stay wet for the whole race! Runners tackle tackle the main climb over the pass into the remote Glen Lochay before looping back to Glen Lyon. The course is 85% off-road and highly technical with frequent trip hazards. A brief middle section on tarmac offers a temporary break for the ankles, but a total elevation of 3,500ft make it not a race for the faint hearted.

The lineup saw two Harriers make the start line, husband and wife due Neil and Heather Lafferty both taking on the challenge. Neil has been putting in some great performances over this season and this could be be a contender for his highest achievement yet, after a brilliant performance at the London Marathon just over a month ago. Neil took the field on early, setting a tough pace and hitting all the checkpoints in first place. Despite the second place runner closing the gap a little toward the final section, Neil finished in gold medal position, completing the 50k in just over 4 hours, with 4:00:33, a comfortable ten minutes ahead of the next finisher.

Heather has also been training hard for the race, and put in a formidable shift to finish as 11th female, in 5:55:02, 38th overall from a field of 65 runners.

Well done to both – a well deserved rest awaits!

Kilmarnock Roon The Toon 10k – Sunday 7th June

Steven Campbell put on a great show in this one, his time of 37:03 putting him in 3rd place v50 category. Other harriers present on the day were Gerry Gallacher (44:58) and Sarah Jane Whalen (55:43). Sorry couldn’t find any photos of the troops for this one!

Palacerigg 10k Trail Race – Sunday 7th June

The Palacerigg Trail 10K takes place in Palacerigg Country Park, Cumbernauld, following an undulating route through the park’s varied landscapes. The course passes through Forrest Wood and Glencryan, combining single track trails with forest paths to create a scenic off road running experience. William Taylor represented Greenock Glenpark Harriers here, completing the course in 11th place with a time of 43:13 also putting him in 2nd V40 category.

Bishopton 10k – Saturday 13th June

The race is held on quiet country roads and paths around Bishopton on an out and back, quite undulating route, starting and finishing at Bishopton Community Centre with the 10k being 2 laps of the 5k route. The 2.5k is on a relatively flat course and the sole Harrier competing was Jennifer Rooney, 4th overall and 1st female with a time of 44:19 – continuing her impressive return to fitness and racing!