Published: Thursday, 4th February, 2010 11:43am

Tough gig for runners

Print | Email

THE runners from Helensburgh Athletics Club found it tough during the Scottish Athletics 4K Cross-Country Championships.

This event favours younger, track runners doing their winter strength work, rather than the veteran Harriers who much prefer a traditional, farmland route of something like three times the distance.

These short course championships are therefore a test of speed rather than stamina.

Conditions on the parkland course in Bellahouston Park also played in favour of the swift rather than the strong - the frosted ground and cold, sunny day being far less testing than last year's mudlark in the rain.

Helensburgh Athletic Club's Paul Thompson and Jan Fellowes had both run last year and their times were over a minute quicker this time.

Paul placed 46th in the highly competitive mens field of just over 100, claiming fourth veterans spot with his time of 13 minutes 22 seconds.

Club mate Robin Steacy clocked 15:48 for 84th place.

An equally competitive womens field numbered a disappointing 33 with Jan clocking 18:20 to finish fourth veteran.

The respective titles went to Irish internationalist Dan Mulhare (11:15) and Kilbarchan AC's Elspeth Curran, pictured (13:21).