AJ Bell Great Scottish Run: Glenpark Harriers juniors shine

And six junior Inverclyde runners stole the show with some brilliant performances.

Kicking off the AJ Bell Great Scottish run weekend, Saturday saw six junior Greenock Glenpark Harriers runners take part in both the junior and mini races. 

Greenock Glenpark Harriers were well represented at the Great Scottish Run (Image: Billy Knox) The Inverclyde youngsters showed up well winning multiple awards (Image: Billy Knox)

First up were the 9-11 years age group, which saw most of the group dazzle as they made their way round the course.

The race saw both Sam and Jamie Fulton, as well as Lucy McFarlane take part in their first race proudly sporting Greenock Glenpark Harriers colours.

All three did their club proud over the 2.5k course, as did Mila Killeen and Isabel Lafferty, who was quickest Harrier on the day, and placed 10th in the standings in her race category.

(Image: Billy Knox) The Juniors represented their club with distinction (Image: Billy Knox)

Next up on the Saturday would be the minis race over a shorter 1.5k course. Leia Killeen put in a strong effort and after brilliantly turning on the jets with little over 100m to go, she would claim third place and a spot on the podium in a fantastic time of just 7:22. 

Day two of the weekend, on the Sunday, saw the 10 kilometre and half marathon events take place, which again saw a strong presence from the Harriers' younger athletes.

Erin McEleny, Summer Taggart and Evie Harrison all represented the club in the Under 20 age group and ran fantastic times.
Summer Taggart completed the course in double quick time (Image: Billy Knox)(Image: Billy Knox)A special mention must go to Evie who just missed out on a podium spot after finishing in fifth place in the under 20 female category.

Finally in the half marathon event Lewis McRae ran an outstanding race to finish 5th Under 20 (4th under 20 male) and Abbigael Crawford and Olivia Trainer took time out of their busy university schedules to complete the distance too.

Olivia Trainer with her prizes (Image: Billy Knox) Lewis McRae registered a stunning time (Image: Billy Knox)

A club spokesperson added "Our busy Junior section train hard all throughout the year and if you would like your child to get involved then please contact us at greenockglenparkharriers@gmail.com and one of our team will be only to pleased to help."

Finishing times for the young GGH runners were as follows.

Age 9-11 2.5k run: Isabel 12:35; Mila Killeen 13:53; Sam Fulton 13:57; Jamie Fulton 14:33; Lucy McFarlane 16:03.

Under 20s 10k: Erin McEleny 52:24; Summer Taggart 48:08; Evie Harrison 43:18.

Half marathon: Lewis MCrae 1:20:27 Olivia Trainer 1:58:35; Abbigael Crawford 2:26:50.