Latest news with #GREENOCKGlenparkHarriers
Yahoo
30-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Greenock Glenpark Harrier scoops up national long distance treble
A GREENOCK Glenpark Harriers runner sealed a hat-trick of national titles by showing his prowess on the big stage following a strong showing on the west coast. Greenock Glenpark Harrier Neil Lafferty made the trip to Ayr to race in the Scottish Athletics National Masters 5000m Championships, which was held at the state-of-the-art Riverside Sports Arena. Breezy conditions meant that Lafferty felt right at home as he went off hard from the gun. Race leader and eventual winner Dermot Cummins (Corstorphine ASC), however, was pushing very strongly ahead of the field, opening a commanding lead and winning the race and over-40s gold medal in a time of 15.22. That left Lafferty out in a solo effort for the majority of the race. And having run in the Singlehurst trail race the previous day, his legs were feeling that effort in the last couple of kilometres. Scott Macleod steadily gained ground and made a move with three laps to go as Lafferty couldn't quite hang on to his coat tails – however, he finished strongly on the final lap to secure the v45 gold medal in an excellent time of 16.06. Lafferty's performance completed a treble of National titles, winning gold in the 3,000m, 5,000m and now the 10,000m in the his category over the course of 2025. He also secured national silver in the 1500m and bronze in the recent national 10k road race championships.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Greenock runner achieves legend status' after conquering epic 185km race
A GREENOCK Glenpark Harriers runner says she's thrilled to have conquered a gruelling trail race on a Mediterranean island better known as one of Europe's busiest holiday destinations. Viki Smith completed the 185-kilometre Trail Menorca Camí de Cavalls, a full circuit around the island, in 34 hours and 51 minutes, finishing first in the event's V50 category. Recounting her experience, she said: "I am so absolutely chuffed with myself." The idea to participate in the race was sparked during a September 2024 holiday in Menorca. Viki got the idea whilst on holiday in Menorca last year (Image: Viki Smith) Viki and her partner, Andy, discovered the path outside their hotel and ran a 10-kilometre section. Curiosity led them to research the trail, where they discovered the race - seven solo distance races and one relay. Viki decided to take on the full 185-kilometre challenge. She said: "Me being me, I decided right there and then that if I'm doing it, I'm doing the 185k. I was absolutely clueless and had no clue of how hard it was going to be." After entering in January, Viki had 100 days to prepare. She acknowledged the challenge of the race, stating: "This race doesn't have the most elevation I've ever faced - approximately 3,500 metres - but the unforgiving terrain is unreal and I have never experienced anything like it." Viki admitted to overthinking during the race, particularly during a lightning storm and when running through residential areas. She said: "The night time definitely felt long and there were no other runners really about. "This part had a busy road section where there was not much of a pavement. "Passing cars were tooting away, which I would normally love, but again, my brain had me overthinking everything." Viki only had 100 days to prepare for the epic race (Image: Viki Smith) She also experienced physical challenges, noting blisters forming on her feet. Despite the challenges, Viki managed to keep going, buoyed by the thought of seeing her partner Andy and friend Dale at certain points. However, she hit a low point when she saw a sign indicating she still had 12.5 kilometres to go. She said: "I think we both could have cried, and for the first time I actually wished I had his running poles." She managed to complete the entire race in just under 35 hours (Image: Viki Smith) Despite those low points, Viki continued to push through and was delighted to finish the race inside 35 hours. Reflecting on her achievement, Ms Smith said: "Little old me got round this epic challenge in 34 hours 51 minutes and finished first V50 out of 13 who started the race. "I'm 100 per cent taking the 'legend' status given to all finishers. "I am so absolutely chuffed with myself."
