Latest news with #AllanGlen
Glasgow Times
10-08-2025
- General
- Glasgow Times
13 nostalgic photos of Glasgow's lost 'high school of science'
Allan Glen's School was the bright idea of a man who valued education and wanted his legacy to be a place that would give young people a secure future. Allan is buried in the Southern Necropolis in the Gorbals. The cemetery's heritage guide reveals that Allan was born the son of George and Marion in 1772 and the family farmed the lands of East Cowglen and Maudlans near Pollokshaws. In 1810, after serving an apprenticeship to a carpenter, Allan set up a business as a builder. He was one of the first members of the Unitarian Church, which was established in 1808, the heritage guide explains. The school's new teaching laboratory in 1964 (Image: Newsquest) 'Unitarians attached great value to education and Allan Glen reflected this in the foundation of his school,' it says. 'When he died in 1850, at the age of 78, he left money for two charity schools, one for boys and one for girls. 'They were to be non-sectarian and industrial, meaning they should provide a general basic education as well as the skills on which future trades might be built.' Unfortunately, there was not enough money for the girls' school, but the boys' school was built on ground Allan owned at the corner of North Hanover Street and Cathedral Street in Townhead. The school opened in 1853 and became Glasgow's foremost science and engineering secondary, with boys having to sit an entrance examination to get in. It forged close ties with Anderson College, which became Strathclyde University, and developed as a centre of excellence for science and technical education, often referred to as the "High School of Science". It charged nominal fees for those who could afford it, but provided bursaries, including clothing for those unable to meet the cost, and free classes for those showed ability but could not afford to pay. During its centenary in 1953, this photo of 'Mr AA Smith' delivering an engineering lesson was taken. Science class in 1953 (Image: Newsquest) Twenty years later, in 1973, it merged with City Public School at its Montrose Street campus and in 1989, Allan Glen's closed for good. The original buildings on Cathedral Street were demolished in the 1960s - here, in 1964, our photographers captured men on an outside wall during the works. Workmen during demolition of Allan Glen's School (Image: Newsquest) The name lives on in Allan Glen's Rugby Football Club, which plays on pitches which opened in Bishopbriggs in 1923. BA Robertson in 1980 (Image: Newsquest) Former pupils include musician BA Robertson; Whisky Galore actor Duncan Macrae; artist and sculptor George Wyllie; Sir James McNeill, managing director of John Brown and Co and designer of the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth; and Lord Alexander Todd, a Nobel Prize-winning chemist, whose love of the subject was sparked in childhood. (Image: Newsquest) His work laid the foundations for research to establish DNA's general formula. (Image: Newsquest) This photos shows two young pupils, Julian Marks and Jas Munn, in the science class, in 1953. (Image: Newsquest) Clay models were the topic on the go in pottery class at Allan Glen's in January 1953. Reciting poetry in the English class (Image: Newsquest) A young pupil recites poetry in the English class. (Image: Newsquest) Schoolboys and former pupils of Allan Glen's School get some help carrying a boat they made in 1952. (Image: Newsquest) One of the school's most famous pupils was architect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh. He attended Allan Glen's from 1880, when he was 12, until around 1883, when he left to begin his training as an architect at Anderson College. (Image: Newsquest) A few years ago, Allan Glen's Membership Secretary Mike McCreery came into possession of the oldest known school photograph, dated as having been taken in 1880, which had notes attached to it which suggest that a young Charles Rennie Mackintosh was present in the photograph. The University of Dundee's Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification (CAHID) conducted a facial recognition comparison study to try and identify a young Charles Rennie Mackintosh within the school photo. While the results were not conclusive, many people believe this is a young Mackintosh. (Image: Newsquest) It wasn't just scientists and engineers that were produced by Allan Glen's School. Hollywood star Dirk Bogarde (born Derek Niven van den Bogaerde) who was famous for films such as The Blue Lamp and Doctor in the House, attended the school in the mid-1930s. At the time, the English-born actor was living with a well-to-do aunt and uncle in Bishopbriggs and he admits in his autobiography it was not the happiest time of his life.
The Herald Scotland
19-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
City of Glasgow College graduates highlight proud legacy of innovation
Set against the stunning backdrop of Glasgow Cathedral, today's ceremony celebrates the achievements of students graduating from courses spanning Marine Engineering, Marine Electro-Technology, Marine Operations and Nautical Science. Many have completed a Merchant Navy Cadetship and will now progress into roles at sea or onshore – from Deck Officer to Officer of the Watch, and Chief Mate to Marine Engineer. These students have not only gained high-level technical qualifications; they have benefited from an educational experience shaped by cutting-edge facilities, exceptional teaching, and close industry collaboration. They now leave College not only as graduates, but as future leaders of one of the UK's most vital sectors. As we mark the achievements of today's graduates, we do so in a year of special significance for City of Glasgow College. 2025 marks the 15th anniversary of the College's formation - a bold merger that brought together several legacy institutions to create Scotland's largest college and a global leader in maritime and technological education. But the College's roots stretch far deeper than the past 15 years. Its work builds on a distinguished heritage shaped by institutions such as the Glasgow College of Nautical Studies, each with strong traditions of equipping students with the skills to power industry, drive innovation, and navigate the world. Even further back, the College honours the legacy of Allan Glen's Institute, founded in 1853 on the very site where the City Campus now stands. Established to provide education for the sons of working-class Glaswegians, Allan Glen's helped fuel Scotland's industrial rise - and shaped generations of scientific and engineering talent. Among its most famous former students is Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the celebrated architect and designer. That same pioneering spirit lives on today in the College's Maritime Centre of Excellence and world-class STEM facilities across both campuses. City of Glasgow College is proud to train some 40% of the UK's Merchant Navy Officers and to deliver programmes that are helping to solve real-world challenges – from shipbuilding and sustainability to digital innovation and clean energy. (Image: City of Glasgow College's Riverside Campus, located on the site of the old Nautical College) In 2025, City of Glasgow College reaffirmed its leadership in maritime education by installing a new suite of state-of-the-art shipping bridge simulators - the most advanced and largest of their kind in Europe. This technology allows students to train in hyper-realistic scenarios, replicating conditions across the globe - from busy international ports to open-ocean storms and polar environments. These simulators join other exceptional facilities, including Scotland's first 360-degree ship simulation suite and one of the UK's most advanced working ship engines. These investments ensure that students gain hands-on experience in highly controlled, realistic environments - developing the practical skills, decision-making, and confidence they need to thrive in safety-critical roles. City of Glasgow College's strength lies in its commitment to preparing students for the industries they will shape. The College works closely with leading employers and the world's leading shipping companies - to ensure that its courses are aligned to the most in-demand skills. From industry placements and live projects to guest lectures and commercial training environments, students are immersed in real-world contexts. That's why employers consistently describe City graduates as 'work ready' - equipped not only with technical know-how but the adaptability and professionalism to contribute from day one. The College's Riverside Campus, located on the site of the old Nautical College, is a hub of innovation in maritime education. It also offers Scotland's first women-only engineering and construction classes and is one of only a handful of institutions in the UK capable of training students to Chief Engineer and Master Mariner level. (Image: City of Glasgow College graduates) Meanwhile, City Campus on Cathedral Street features a vast triple-height library, enterprise centre, rooftop gardens, and Scholar's fine dining restaurant, providing students with a rich and inspiring environment in which to study, collaborate and thrive. City of Glasgow College's impact reaches far beyond its campuses. Recently, the College was formally presented with the Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher & Further Education - the highest national honour available to a UK college or university. This award recognised the College's transformational research into the dangers of oxygen depletion in enclosed shipboard spaces, a critical issue in the maritime industry. This research is already saving lives across the world's oceans and has influenced new international safety practices. (Image: City of Glasgow College graduates) Part of the UK Honours system, the Queen's Anniversary Prizes are awarded every two years for work judged to be of exceptional quality and benefit to wider society. The award underscores City of Glasgow College's role not just in education, but in shaping policy, improving safety, and supporting global industry. The College's commitment to sectoral leadership is also reflected in the work of Principal Paul Little, who is the outgoing Chair of the UK Shipbuilding Skills Taskforce. At London International Shipping Week, he launched the landmark report 'A Step Change for UK Shipbuilding Skills' — a blueprint for delivering the National Shipbuilding Strategy Refresh and ensuring the UK remains competitive in global maritime markets. This forward-thinking approach ensures that students today are not only job-ready, but future-ready. Today's graduates join a proud tradition of City of Glasgow College alumni who have gone on to forge exceptional careers across the maritime, STEM, and built environment sectors. Graduation day is a celebration of personal resilience, professional ambition, and shared achievement. It is also a time to look forward — to the journeys still to come, the challenges still to meet, and the innovations still to lead. As they set out into the world, City of Glasgow College's 2025 graduates do so with world-class training, global recognition, and the full confidence of an institution committed to their success. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2025 HIGHER NATIONAL CERTIFICATE MARINE ENGINEERING Calum Allport Connor Benning Archie Burke Ryan Callaghan Kai Collin Harry Coupar Zak Crombie Erin Skye English Connor Kyle Jamie MacIver MacDonald Lee MacLeod Mohamed Hussam Mbayed Ryan Patrick McCann Sean Alexander McConnell Scott Murray Benjamin Sharples HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA MARINE ENGINEERING Omar Almutairi Abdullah Alshaiji Mohammad Alzayed Anthony Amedro John Blackburn Kyle Bridges Martin Lachlan Campbell Megan Connolly Kerr Dougan Jack Duncan Thea Dunn Robert Fletcher James Foot Robert Alexander Forrest Marc Gazem Tyler Gillies Thomas Robert Haddon MacKenzie Haggerty James Heaney Rory Kennedy Euan Knox Fraser Lochrie MacGilp Calum Neil MacMillan Neil MacMillan Gary Nicolson Johnny Nicolson Alastair Pike Michael Leonard Poleson Scott Purves William Richardson Calum John Ross Gary Scott Kayden Ray Charlie Stewart Gavin Watt HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA MARINE ELECTRO-TECHNOLOGY Jay Galloway Ciaran Gunn Benjamin Long Fergus Alexander MacIntyre Finlay MacKinnon Drew Morrison Gabriel Mundie Tom Quirk Willis Tyler Singleton Kevin Grant Smith Peter Stirling Benjamin Ryan Taylor Jordan Wylie PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AWARD MARINE MANAGEMENT Christopher Busuttil Jacob Cameron Mitchell Ferguson David Fleming John Laing Alexander John MacInnes Liam MacKinnon Ross Morrison Christopher Reekie Akib Khalid Aziz Sabri Rory Sinclair Oliver Williamson HIGHER NATIONAL CERTIFICATE NAUTICAL SCIENCE Thomas Richard Bodley-Scott Adam Duncan Matthew Greenwood Marcus Hudson Leo Jackson Finn Thomas Jobson Jigme Jones Oliver Lockley Ailig MacDonald Christopher MacNeil Ross Robert Manson Ruaridh McCuish Oliver John Rogers Rowan Salter Zoe Fraser Speirs HIGHER NATIONAL CERTIFICATE NAUTICAL SCIENCE (EXPERIENCED SEAFARERS ROUTE) Sajjad Abbas Balamurali Krishna Adnala Chirag Sanjay Ahire Ajesh Appakunhi Oluwole Sunday Awe Devison Antony Baskar Shivdeep Bawa Bartwal Vicky Singh Beer Singh Sumit Bhuin Mukesh Chauhan Lara Clabburn Omkar Vijay Hankare Adnaan Mohsin Khan Joni Kumar Parveen Kumar Pradeep Singh Kushwaha Abhijeet Vilas Mahajan Ajinkya Mane Mohammed Kaif Talib Moula Zeeshan Mullaji Tejas Naidu Himanshu Vijay Naik Raneesh Nambithour Tejwinder Singh Nijjer Sairaj Pandagale Aashay Sanjay Paradkar Yogendra Kumar Parassar Tinto Rose Poothakuzhiyil Mathai Andrew Anthony Raj Arun Ramachandran Abhey Kumar Rana Susil Kumar Sahoo Mohammed Zaid Shaikh Hem Shankar Apoorv Mani Sharma Ayush Sharma Mukesh Shukla Amit Pratap Singh Birbahadur Singh Sonu Singh Sonukumar Singh Mujahid Kasam Solkar Hiteshkumar Rajeshkumar Waghela Amar Deep Yadav ADVANCED DIPLOMA NAUTICAL SCIENCE Zain Ul Abdeen Abdeein Muhammad Sharjeel Ahmed Mr Aryan Arun Bhardwaj Parth Sanjay Bhosale Pratik Parmeshwar Bidve Manav Ranjeet Singh Bisht Arnav Chauhan Badal Dayaram Kannojiya Shreyash Prashant Dedge Karlvarshon Delson Rajdeep Dey Venkata Chandra Sekhar Rao Dodla Viveksagar Dummu Om Vinod Gami Sahil Santosh Gawade Jashanpreet Singh Gill John Santhosh John Britto Musaif Mubin Karjikar Abdur Khan Azlan Khan Nitin Kumar Sahaya Abishek Lustin Gunalan Manivelu Deep Hrishikesh Mhatre Shikhar Munikumar Arjun Nalumakkal Manoj Avishkar Raju Palmate Ayush Patel Sani Patel Sarthak Sandip Pawar Joel Dhishon Wilfred Pereira Jeyasathiyaventhan Petchimuthu Abhinav Saini Pratham Pundalika Salian Omkar Chirag Shah Sakib Hasnain Shaikh Daksh Dinesh Shinde Ronik Rajendra Solanki Milan Tandel Dhanush Toppanahalli Suresh Najeeb Ullah Raj Umrao Sujal Verma Muhammad Zuhair HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA NAUTICAL SCIENCE Rory Campbell Joseph Ronald Ayles Aaran Ben Brierley Bernard Griffiths Benjamin Heagren Darren Jefferd Ewen MacLeod George Penketh-King Patryk Sawczuk PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AWARD MARINE OPERATIONS John Brogan Ryan Campbell Louie Donnelly Jake Gifford Calum Graham Douglas Neil Hodgson Hugo Bruce Hoevelmann Regina Huttunen Devin Jeffers Rebecca Lewer Finn Patrick MacDonald Alanna MacKenzie Harry Manning Elle McCue Alice McDonald Calum Finlay McGarvey David Robertson William Sabet CHIEF MATE/MASTER INC ADVANCED DIPLOMA NAUTICAL SCIENCE Joe Alenstien Fdo Anto Fernando Jesuraj Antonysamy Ravi Kant Baghel Sumesh Bishnoi Lincoln Cardoz Ajay Carvalho Avinash Chand Sabith Chellath Kottiyodan Nitin Cheruvalappil Puthiyedath Rylan Joseph Cordeiro Mr Divyanshu Shaikh Mohsin Elahi Gaffar Anshu Johnson Sinto Jose Xavier Berdin Joseph Derick Fayyaz Ali Juvale Shishir Kanaujia Jensher Kanjiraparambil Joy Akshay Khare Shalabh Kishore Arun Kollarath George Sarin Krishnan Mario Lopes Manish Mehar Singh Mahal Agnel Maria Benedict Arafath Mohammed Prasanna Mohite Agnel Sharan Fernando Nicholas Fernando Ashish Omprakash Pal Saurabh Shashikumar Paliwal Akarshan Prashar Sumit Punj Dnyaneshwar Namdeo Ransing Sudeep Rastogi Tusharendra Sharma Ajay Singh Shaurya Deep Singh Deepak Singh Ritesh Kumar Singh Don Prabath Lakmal Wickramasekara Chandan Yadav Himanshu Yadav Jay Kumar Lolarakh Yadav CHIEF MATE/MASTER INC HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA NAUTICAL SCIENCE Iain Bainbridge Miebi Clement Dylan James Coolahan Lewis Currie Jay Gibson Abdurrashid Ibrahim Atul Joshi Patrick Kane Sean Jarrad Knight Harry MacArthur David James MacLean Calum MacPhee James McIntyre Fionn McKee Joao Da Cruz Munto Opeyemi Damilola Ojutiku Jeremiah Olajumoke Brandon Shaun Fredrick Payne Alan Risk Robert Stanger John Leslie Sutherland Oliver Walton-Sales PRIZES Best Practical Marine Engineer Tyler Gillies Best Progress Award Engineering/ETO Benjamin Long Best Progress Award in Nautical Science Om Vinod Gami Faculty Recognition Award Engineering James Heaney Faculty Recognition Award Nautical Studies Bernard Griffiths Clyde Marine Training Award Deck Cadet of the Year Regina Huttunen Clyde Marine Training Award Engineering Cadet of the Year Mitchell, Ferguson Merchant Navy Association Glasgow Prize Scott Murray Betsy Miller Award Rebecca Lewer The Salvesen Trust Prize Willis Tyler Singleton Northern Lighthouse Board Prize – Engineering Cadet of the Year Christopher Busuttil Northern Lighthouse Board Prize – Deck Cadet of the Year John Brogan This article was brought to you in association with City of Glasgow College
The Sun
06-05-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
UK Open Pool Championship 2025 LIVE RESULTS: Barry Hearn, Andy Goldstein and champ Capito play on day one
ALL eyes will be on Telford as the UK Open Pool Championship is back - and some huge names are kickstarting their tournament TODAY! Barry Hearn OBE is set to break the record as the oldest pro player when he takes on Mickey Krause. British television icon Andy Goldstein will also be in action this afternoon against Ramazan Akdag. While reigning champion Robbie Capito begins his title defence with a tough Kevin Lannoye test. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Follow ALL the action from the Telford International Centre with our live blog below... 2 minutes ago By Allan Glen Can he do it again? Robbie Capito was brilliant in the tournament last year, overcoming a tricky Miesko Fortunski to win 13-10 in the final. Robbie will be aiming to retain his crown as players compete for a £150,000 prize fund and an increased top prize of £30,000. 6 minutes ago By Allan Glen How to watch the UK Open Pool Championship 2025 Here's all you need to know: The entire UK Open Pool Championship 2025 will be broadcast LIVE exclusively on WNT TV. However, fans in the UK can watch the final two days on Sky Sports. Fans can also head to WNT to live stream the tournament. Alternatively, our live blog will be covering the UK Open Pool Championship from start to finish. 9 minutes ago By Allan Glen Welcome to the Sun's UK Open Pool live blog Thanks for following us. We'll keep you updated here with all the latest news and best reaction as the Championship returns to Telford for its fourth edition. This year it features a stellar 256-player field, including the top 128 professionals from the World Nineball Tour, with Robbie Capito, pictured below, as the reigning champion.
The Sun
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Capital Summertime Ball 2025 UPDATES: How to get pre-sale tickets as Mariah Carey announced for Wembley Stadium gig
CAPITAL's Summertime Ball returns to Wembley Stadium on June 15 with fans able to access pre-sale tickets tomorrow. The line-up for the event is currently being announced live on air on Capital Breakfast. Mariah Carey, Busted Vs McFly, Dasha, Jessie J and Benson Boone are already confirmed for the show with more stars to follow. Capital listeners who are logged into the Global Player app will have exclusive pre-sale access to tickets from 9am tomorrow. 10 minutes ago By Allan Glen Here's the line-up so far .. It's another veritable pop feast this year for the Capital Summertime Ball. Mariah Carey Busted Vs McFly Benson Boone Jessie J Dasha KSI Lola Young Reneé Rapp Zara Larsson 20 minutes ago By Allan Glen More acts to be announced Each year, the line-up is announced gradually on Capital, building the excitement for music fans across the UK. You can follow us here for all the latest updates. 25 minutes ago By Allan Glen Pop legend announced for show Pop legend Mariah Carey, 55, needs little introduction ... she's as famous for her diva antics as her music. Mariah reportedly likes to have a tea service for eight people available in her dressing room — and insists that only Poland Springs water be used for the tea. But for drinking water, she likes another brand: "Please note that 16-oz. plastic bottles of Evian are the only acceptable bottles of water for the dressing rooms," reads the backstage rider to one of her tour contracts. She sparked concern recently with her "slurred speech" during the iHeartRadio Awards, with fans insisting "there is something wrong!". Mariah Carey sparks concern with 'slurred speech' during iHeartRadio Awards as fans insist 'there is something wrong!' 37 minutes ago By Allan Glen Also in the 2025 line-up – Jessie J Jessie recently appeared on stage at a very crowded Ronnie Scott's to perform comeback track No Secrets. 'I love that I'm nervous,' Jessie told The Sun. 'It means I still give a fk.' As we revealed last month, Jessie is preparing to release new music and during the top secret playback in London – packed with top music industry watchers – she teased her sixth album as well as unveiling No Secrets, out this month. 47 minutes ago By Allan Glen Already confirmed – Busted Vs McFly We'll bring you a run-down of all the artists confirmed for the event. First up is Busted VsMcFly, the noughties bands who go mic-to-mic against each other. Their appearance at the Summertime Ball is part of a nationwide tour. James Bourne, who is in Busted, pictured below, with Charlie Simpson and Matt Willis, said: 'The whole tour is to find out who's a better band. Fans can decide. 'They can come and support their band and they might change their mind. It's going to be a fight to the death.' 52 minutes ago By Allan Glen Expect it to sell out Tickets to Capital's Summertime Ball go on general sale on Wednesday 30th April at 9am. Last year was a sell-out event with Becky Hill, Raye and Sabrina Carpenter, pictured below, taking to the stage. 56 minutes ago By Allan Glen Those who served ... In previous years, big names in music have performed at Capital's Summertime Ball with Barclaycard, including the likes of Kylie Minogue, pictured below, Niall Horan, Jonas Brothers and more. 59 minutes ago By Allan Glen Welcome to the Sun's Capital Summertime Ball 2025 live blog Thanks for following us. We'll bring you all the latest information on the event as it happens.
The Sun
27-04-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
London Marathon 2025 LIVE: More than 56,000 look to cross the line as Kipchoge and Yee fall short to Sawe's superb run
THE London Marathon is back for another year, as over 56,000 people run the 26.2-mile circuit. In the early race, Marcel Hug surged to victory for his seventh title in London in the elite wheelchair race as fellow Swiss Catherine Debrunner displayed equal dominance in the women's race - replicating last year's result. Ethiopia's Tigst Assefa lunged away from the chasing pack to break the women's-only world record, as Brit Paula Radcliffe's women's course record, achieved with male pacemakers, will remain for least another year. Sabastian Sawe was able to outlast a STACKED field, including four-time champion Eliud Kipchoge and two-time Olympic gold medalist Alex Yee, to win the elite men's race and make good on the promise hailed on him. In the mass participation race, over 56,000 are racing the London Marathon, with the race setting history as the most entered marathon in history. Former Chelsea captain John Terry is running in the London Marathon in 2025, with other ex-footballers Jack Wilshere and Leonardo Bonucci also running. Follow our live blog below... Today, 08:24 By Allan Glen Prime Minister wishes luck to Southport victim's dads running today's marathon Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has sent a message of support to two fathers whose daughters were killed in the Southport attack as they prepare to run the London Marathon. Sergio Aguiar and David Stancombe entered the race to raise money for projects set up in their daughters' memory. Alice Aguiar, nine, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Bebe King, six, were killed last July while they attended a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop. Mr Aguiar told BBC Breakfast it was "good" to have received a message from the PM. "We want to say thank you for all the support," he said. Bebe's parents, Lauren and Ben King, will both be cheering on from the sidelines as Mr Aguiar and Mr Stancombe run the 26.2 mile route. Today, 08:17 By Allan Glen Last year's winners Kenyan runner Alexander Mutiso Munyao, pictured below, took home the top spot in the men's elite race in 2024, beating long-distance legend Kenenisa Bekele who came in second. Catherine Debrunner and Marcel Hug took the top spots in the women's and men's elite wheelchair races respectively, while Peres Jepchirchir won the elite women's category with a new women's only world record. Today, 08:13 By Allan Glen Key facts about the big race – the route There is a chance to see the sights of the capital on the traditional 26.2-mile course from Greenwich Park, below, to the Mall via Tower Bridge. By Allan Glen Welcome to the Sun's London Marathon 2025 live blog Thanks for joining us. We'll keep you updated throughout the day with all the latest news and developments. The women's race gets underway in just under an hour (9.05am) with the men's following at 9.35am. With London's temperatures forecast to rise into the 20s, the conditions could prove challenging for many even over a route that is mostly flat. Spare a thought for the costumed competitors – not ideal weather for those dressed as microwaves or monkeys.
