Saturday 3nd May 2026 – Dunoon, West Bay Pavilion
Greenock Glenpark Harriers made the familiar journey across the Clyde to Dunoon for the annual Willie Jukes Race, which serves as a lasting tribute to the life and legacy of Willie Jukes, a man who was, in every sense, a true Glenpark Harrier. The race (and following social event) is always a highlight of the club calendar, and this year’s edition carried a notable shift in tradition, being the first time the Jukes family was not involved in the organisation or hosting of the post-race gathering. Despite their absence, the Harriers once again turned out in force, determined to uphold the high standards and amazing atmosphere that Willie and his family fostered for over two decades since his passing.
The weather wasn’t as kind as last year with a distinct chill in the air prior to the race start, but this made for some perfect conditions and excellent racing on the day. Another high turnout of over 60 runners took on the out and back five mile course, and as a non-conceding handicap race, everything was to play for at the gun.
- HANDICAP RACE:
As ever, the handicap committee did a sterling job of evening the playing field, with only seconds separating the top two finishers. Once the results were tallied, Lorna Macmillan edged the race from Kirsten Robin, her time of 23:07 just two seconds ahead of Kirsten. Lisa Boonsanong was third in the HC and Paul Monaghan’s fine form carried over here, with HC/25:06 enough for a fourth tie with Lynne Harrison.
- LADIES RACE:
Once again there was no challenging Ladies Champion Jill Cox, her time of 30:55 well clear of Ashley Anderson in 2nd (34:37). Evie Harrison had a day to forget in a race that is fast becoming a bogey event for the U20 runner, but she still had enough in the tank for third place in 37:19, just ahead of mum Lynne Harrison who’s time of 37:36 marked an impressive PB on the course. It was great to see Marian Monk racing again and her fifth place of 37:59 could be a marker for a strong return to club running. Fiona Macfarlane (38:26), Lisa Boonsanong (38:29), Heather Lafferty (38:36), Roslyn Paterson (39:22) and Jill Turner (39:22) all had impressive runs to get under the 40 minute mark. Jennifer Rooney (41:18) was another comeback runner with a great showing, finishing ahead of Natalie McKnight (42:33) and Kirsten Robin (42:39).
- MENS RACE:
With the London Marathon still heavy in his legs there was no Neil Lafferty lining up for this one, which meant the battle for top spot was wide open, several runners being in with a shout. Stephen Trainer had something to prove going into the race, his effort in the previous year curtailed in the last 500 metres by breathing difficulties when leading the race; the in form Paul Monaghan an outside shout given his recent performances and John Hampsey continuing to improve. However, it was Dee Waka who took on the early pace and built a significant lead at the turn which the rest of the field struggled to match. As the kilometres ticked down the youngster began to pull away and finished well ahead in 1st place, his time of 26:14 well ahead of 2nd placed finisher Stephen Trainer (27:14) and Paul Monaghan (28:06) in third, an oustanding run from Dee which blows the club championship wide open as we head into the business end of the club season.
John Hampsey and Daniel Doherty had a decent tussle for fourth and fifth spot, with Hampsey just edging it with his time of 28:25 ahead of Doherty by just 7 seconds. Oliver Reilly (29:21) and Steven Campbell (29:28) were the other Greenock men to go under 30 minutes on the day. The following pack of Stephen Hanley (31:12), Michael McLoone (31:30), Andrew McKenzie (31:35), Stephen Harrison (32:00) and Colin McKnight (32:16) split the difference of just 60 seconds between them from 8th to 12th, chasing each other down until the final kilometre.
There were great runs from Owen Atkinson (32:36) as he battles back to fitness after a long injury, Stephen Reid (35:23) showing that his training is really paying off, and Fergus McClafferty (34:44) doing well to get the sub 35. Special mention to Danny McLaughlin, another runner dealing with difficult injury problems but still managing a creditable sub 40 (39:19).
A special thank you to all the volunteers both before and after the race, and Sinbads for hosting the social.
Next up: The Terror of the Chisholm Mile, Tuesday 26th May
Photo Credit – many thanks to David Duncan for photos and drone footage!
