GREENOCK Glenpark Harriers had their best feet forward as 44 members represented Inverclyde with distinction in the AJ Bell 2024 Great Scottish Run 10k.
It was a long day for the Harriers who made the trip up to Glasgow, with the first busload of entrants leaving Greenock at 7am - but that didn't stop them pounding the streets of the city centre in impressive fashion.
Jamie Burns of Shettleston Harriers secured first place with the only sub 30 minute time of the day, followed by club mate Taha Ghafari and Ross Good Of Giffnock AC.
In the women’s race Kirsty Walker of Edinburgh AC came home ahead of the pack, while the top three was completed by Saoitse McNulty of Giffnock AC and Joanna Robertson of Aberdeen AC.
As usual, in no small part due to the efforts of coach Alan O’Rourke, the streets of Glasgow were awash with the famous Glenpark colours despite the early start.
In the women’s race Jill Cox once again showed her prowess on the national stage as she came home in sixth place overall and first in her age category - a particuarly impressive show given that she was under instructions to take it easy!
The next two Glenpark ladies home were Evie Harrison and Summer Taggart.
Keeping it in the Harrison family, mum Lynne finished second in her age category, just two seconds ahead of Liz Heywood, who has reaped the benefit of a consistent block of training and smashed the elusive sub 50-minute barrier.
Other PBs were recorded by Ali Baird on the back of her ultra training, Doris Heron, who will be disappointed after forgetting to start her watch that Strava doesn’t agree with her achievement, and Margaret Bryce, who lopped an impressive 12 minutes off her time from last year.
Some of the club's newer members experienced their first outing in GGH colours and had great runs, while also making a welcome return after some long term injuries was Angela Nelson.
Other notable runs came from Elaine Medinelli, breaking the hour mark, along with Sharon Black, continuing her consistent running, and Sarah Jane Whalen.
Lana Kileen put her recent training to work and looked comfortable throughout in her first mass participation event, with Lynne Fulton emulating the kids' efforts on Saturday.
Angela Hill, Lorna Maclean and Mary McCabe completed an excellent day out for the GGH women with such an excellent turn out yet again.
In the men’s race Lewis Kahn was the first Harrier home in 38th place, a fine performance by any standard and a fine personal best run.
Next home was Malcolm MacLean, who was was surprised to discover a personal best time as he crossed the finish line - and it wouldn't be a surprise to see him dip under the 40-minute mark in the near future.
He was closely followed by Colin McKnight who, after a strong year, was delighted to record his second fastest ever 10km run.
The top five Harriers finishers were completed by Greg Luke and Robin McAuslan, with Robin coming sixth in his age category and delighted to have improved on his recent 10km efforts.
Gerry Gallacher, Ross Morrison, William Laing and Alex Patterson tuned up nicely for the upcoming cross-country season and should surely now be stick ons for the impending nationals.
Other notable runs among the gents included a two minute personal best for Gerard Robertson, and a strong showing on his comeback to racing for Gordy Hepburn.
A special mention should go to father and daughter duo Harry and Jill Turner, who ran together finishing with an identical time.
But many members were left inspired by Eddie Devine as he came first in his age category.
He truly is an inspiration to all within the club whether at training or at local Parkruns or at club races.
The full list of Glenpark runners, and their finishing times, is as follows.
Lewis Khan (36.08), Jill Cox (39.21), Malcolm Maclean (40.19), Colin McKnight (40.36), Evie Harrison (43.18), Greg Luke (44.01), Robin Mcausland (45.50), Summer Taggart (48.08), Lynne Harrison (48.24), Liz Heywood (48.26), Gerry Gallacher (48.57), Ross Morrison (50.41), Philip Melvin (51.39), Lauren Boyce (51.52), William Laing (52.06), Erin McEleny (52.24), Gerard Robertson (52.35), Sharon Black (55.37), Alli Baird (56.25), Elaine Medinelli (57.33), Gordy Hepburn (58.14), Sarah Jane Whalen (59.12), Lorna Macmillan (59.32), Lesley Mckerral (60.39), Alex Paterson (61.22), Graeme Crawford (63.17), Wenda Crawford (63.18), Lynsey Mclaughlin (63.40), Sue Baker (64.13), Mary McCabe (65.26), Lana Killeen (64.59), Doris Heron (65.37), Rachael McDaid (66.05), Angela Hill (67.55), June Anne McKnight (68.07), Margaret Bryce (70.17), Harry Turner (70.35), Jill Turner (70.35), Lynne Fulton (71.56), Hanna Docherty (73.05), Claire Melville (74.21), Simon Hutton (74.22), Lorna Maclean (80.06), Edward Devine (83.06), Angela Naeson (83.41).
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here