On Saturday 4th May, Greenock Glenpark Harriers had another fantastic away day as they travelled to Dunoon for the annual Willie Jukes road races. Again it was an impressive turnout with 49 seniors competing over the 5 mile route to Inellan and back. Eleven youngsters also ran the one mile race along the West Bay promenade, all preceded by 100m sprint heats for the youngest of the Harriers.
The Harriers would like to give their thanks to Jukes family for their continued support of the race. We would also like to thank the Riverside Swim and Health Centre for use of their changing facilities, Sinbads for post-race refreshments, William Laing for sponsoring the race (Art by William at http://www.wlaingart.co.uk ) and finally thanks to all the volunteers, runners, and Handicap Committee for putting on another successful event.
The runners set off in perfect conditions and very soon it was clear it would be a battle between Dylan Crawford and Neil Lafferty, as the pair had broken away early from the rest of the field. Dylan, full of confidence after winning the Docherty Cup 10mile race 4 weeks earlier, held off several challenges from Neil to break clear, before he put in a decisive surge of his own in the final 800m to secure the win by 7 seconds. Last year’s winner Stuart Greenway, coming back from injury, had to settle for 3rd.
Jill Cox is in inspiring form at the moment, having recently led the club to Silver in the National Road Relay championships, and winning National gold at the “Night of the 10ks”, meriting her a finalist spot in the Local Sports Awards – was again dominant, taking the win from Evie Harrison. Young Evie who continues to progress, kept the more experienced runners at bay as she went on to record a 5km PB within the 5 miler – an outstanding run from the U17 athlete. Cheryl Thomas took 3rd place with another fine performance, and great to see our podcast host with her running mojo back. Debbie McKenzie with a PB and Lynne Harrison, in 4th and 5th not far behind in a tight women’s race.
In the Handicap competition victory went to Kenny Scott . His recent warm weather training clearly paying off for Kenny with a well-deserved win. Just behind was Colin McKnight who has been putting in some superb races over the last year, with Club Treasurer Yvonne Prager in 3rd with an excellent run.
A special mention goes to club stalwart Eddie Devine, who recently turned 80. Eddie ran an incredible race with a sprint finish of a 30-year old !
Other performances of note were by; Alan O’Rourke only a week after his incredible accomplishment at the Highland Fling 53 mile trail race; Sharon Black running a strong race and one of her best for some time. Stephen Harrison – with a remarkable 2 min improvement. Daniel Doherty after a few weeks of illness right back at it, running his 2nd quickest time ever. June-Anne and Iona McKnight completing the course together. Other course bests recorded were by Owen Atkinson, youngster Lewis McCrae, Oliver Reilly – finally breaking 29 minutes, and Helen Crawford (a PB by almost 3 mins).
In the 1 mile Junior race, Lewis Scott was the pre-race favourite, and he didn’t disappoint, front running from the start he went on to take the win convincingly from Jonathon Lamont who also dipped under the 6 minute mark. First girl home, and just behind Jonathon was Summer Taggart who retained her title. She had struggled in training all week after a bad fall on the hurdles, but she bounced back bettering her winning time from last year by 38secs. Orla Trainer continued her good form after a solid winter season to take 2nd place.
The next 3 places were all closely contested by the under 11 girls, with Holly Stevely taking the honours from Mila Killeen and Isabell Lafferty. First of the under 11 boys was Isaac Robin who led home Joshua Atkinson – winner of the u11 heat of the 100m sprint.
1 mile result: Lewis Scott 5.42; Jonathon Lamont 5.56; Summer Taggart 6.01; Orla Trainer 6.28; Isaac Robin 6.40; Holly Stevely 6.46; Mila Killeen 6.56; Isabell Lafferty 7.03; Joshua Atkinson 7.22; James Mooney 7.26; Harry Mooney 8.30
