Latest news with #GreenockGlenparkHarriers
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Glenpark runners clock up impressive times in Edinburgh, Kintyre and Dumbarton
NINE athletes represented Greenock Glenpark Harriers in the Edinburgh Marathon Festival on Sunday – while another five travelled to the other side of the country to compete in the Mull of Kintyre 10K and half marathon. In the Edinburgh half-marathon, Greg Luke finished in 1:46.27 – a good time for conditions which were a long way from ideal for running. Rachael McDaid, who seems to be racing every other week, smashed it in 2:19.10, a whopping 25-minute PB over the distance, while June Rattray crossed the line in a solid 2:35.09, another great performance on a tough day. Rachael McDaid (Image: GGH) Over the full length marathon distance, Mary Robinson, in her first run over 26 miles and after an honest appraisal of an 'inconsistent' training block, finished in just over six hours, with Hanna Docherty, also on her marathon debut, coming in not far behind. Allison Baird ticked another endurance event off her list in 5:24.38, while Rebecca Laird McCluckie reaped the benefits of a laser focus in her training when she crossed the line in 4:23.08. (Image: GGH) Graeme Percival set out aiming to complete the race inside three hours, though the weather conditions meant he was unsure whether he'd meet his goal; his race went perfectly, battling against the wind for the last 10-12km, but unfortunately he was caught out with the race distance of 42.52km and crossed the line in an official time of three hours and three seconds. Those three seconds may pray on his mind for a while, but Graeme should still be delighted by his achievement in recording a 12-minute PB on his previous, and only other, marathon to date. Cheryl Thomas deserves a mention for making the difficult decision to retire due to an issue with her knee at around half the race distance – a sensible decision that should ensure a return to running sooner rather than later – while Olivia Devine competed the Harriers contingent by taking part in the relay race. Meanwhile, five Harriers made the journey to Kintyre for the 20th anniversary of the 'MOK Run' festival, with Robin McAuslan making a return appearance in the 10K race; he finished in 47.04, in difficult winds, and was third in the men's V60 class. Gerard Robertson and Bob Dolan ran in the Mull of Kintyre 10K. (Image: GGH) He was joined over the 10K distance by Gerard Robertson, who had a fine run to cross the line in 52/52, while Lorna McMillan was the fourth V60 female in a time of 1:01.54. The MOK half-marathon is run over a tough course that includes sand dunes on a golf course, a 1.5 mile 'out and back' on the beach and some 30mph winds for good measure – all ingredients that keep Harrier Robert Dolan returning year after year. This year Bob put in another strong run, finishing in 1:43.17 and fourth V50 male. Clare Leung finished just in side the two-hour mark, recording a time of 1:59.15 as she continues to improve on the back of consistent training in a variety of disciplines. Closer to home, GGH is always well represented in the annual Babcock 10K series, with a contingent of 14 Harriers travelling to Dumbarton for the second of this year's three races. The Dumbarton 10K is always a favourite with GGH runners. (Image: GGH) The timekeeping blunders that beset the opening race in the series, the Shettleston 10K on Glasgow Green, weren't repeated to the same degree in Dumbarton, though there were still some issues with numbers and corresponding times that will hopefully have been ironed out at the final race of the series, in Helensburgh this Thursday night. Leading the club home in 26th place was Neil Lafferty in 34.42, using the race as part of his training block, followed by Andrew Osborne, who continued his comeback by finishing 51st in 37.08. They were followed by Donald Shaw (38.21), Stephen Harrison (39.21) and Colin McKnight (39.50), while David Thomson finished in 42.47 after making the trip from Stirling and despite feeling under the weather. Fine weather graced the second event in this year's Babcock 10K Series. (Image: GGH) Sean and Fiona McFarlane were next home in 44.32 and 47.34 respectively – both great runs on a warm evening in the sunshine – while Natalie Smith continued her run of strong performances over shorter distances, finishing 35 seconds inside the 50-minute mark. Next home was ladies' captain Lynne Harrison in 51.53, followed by the incredible Charlotte McKay, whose time of 1:00.35 shaved 24 seconds off her 10km PB and keeps her well on course for a sub-60 minute time. Doris Heron finished in 1:02.36 and Sharon Doherty continued her comeback in 1:15.20, while Alison Smart made a sensible move with her unpredictable asthma and got herself safely back to the start line in one piece.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Six Greenock athletes reflect on their runs in record-breaking London Marathon
Six Greenock athletes reflect on their runs in record-breaking London Marathon This year's London Marathon saw more finishers than any other marathon in history. (Image: Supplied) SIX Greenock Glenpark Harriers took part in the record-breaking TCS London Marathon. The event saw more finishers than any other marathon in history. The Harriers joined the likes of Eilish McColgan and Olympic triathlete Alex Yee, both making their marathon debuts. (Image: Supplied) Stephen Hanley, the sole Harrier in the field with prior marathon experience, completed the race in 3 hours, 21 minutes, and 24 seconds. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement He commented: "My wee boy Ben had an absolute ball. While I was running, he found a huge bit of empty grass outside Big Ben to chase pigeons. "Getting the pram back on the Tube afterwards was like marathon number two though!" (Image: Supplied) After a challenging training period amidst parenthood, he pushed through the heat from mile 16 to the finish line. Ricky Long used the marathon as preparation for an upcoming Ironman event. After an interrupted training block, he aimed to enjoy the day while getting the miles in. He said: "My favourite part was enjoying the whole weekend with minimal pressure. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement (Image: Supplied) "I walked the final 1km with my phone in hand, drinking up the atmosphere, happily saying goodbye to a PB on the official time." He completed the race in 4 hours, 6 minutes, and 57 seconds. Jill Turner, who received the sole club place, ran the marathon alongside her best friend and fellow Harrier Eilidh Black. (Image: Supplied) She said: "I was dreading the part of the course where we doubled back on ourselves and down Embankment as I'd heard it is monotonous, but it ended up being one of my favourite parts. "The whole run I spent in complete awe at all the different landmarks and sights." ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Both women, supported by the crowd's motivation, completed the marathon, with Jill finishing in 4 hours, 54 minutes, and 52 seconds, and Eilidh in 4 hours, 51 minutes, and 50 seconds. Alison Robertson, supported by her family and a video message from Joe Wicks, completed the marathon in 4 hours, 51 minutes, and 36 seconds. (Image: Supplied) She adapted her plan due to the weather and made good use of water, ice, and shower stations. Alison said: "Saturday morning was spent at the Expo collecting my bib and taking in the atmosphere created by thousands of potential marathoners. "The nerves and excitement were real." ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Ryan McMonagle, who began his running journey late last year, completed his first marathon in 5 hours, 23 minutes, and 3 seconds. Despite facing cramp towards the end, he showed determination to finish the race.
