BURGH ATHLETES HIT THE STREETS

Published 27 May 2010 10:14 0 Comments

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HUNDREDS of runners turned out for the Helensburgh 10K road race on May 21.

At exactly 7.30pm race director Julia Henderson fired the gun to get the runners on their way in the first race of the Polaroid Eyewear four race series and Scotland's best and largest midweek road race.

Organised by Helensburgh Athletics Club and supported by local businesses, including Helensburgh Toyota and Honda, it was a very successful event.

This year major gas works in East King Street meant a very late change to the whole course.

After the usual loop around Colgrain, runners cut off East King Street up Henry Bell Street, along East Montrose Street and Argyll Street East, turning earlier than usual down at Cumberland Avenue and making their way back along the cherry blossom-lined Argyll Street West.

This was certainly a more scenic course, lined with plenty of enthusiastic spectators, though perhaps more undulating.

Although the plethora of excellent performances indicated it suited the runners needs.

Strathclyde Police were out in force this year to assist at major road crossings and to ensure the smooth running of the race.

Their support is very much appreciated.

There was a strong field at the front end of the race, with top Scottish athletes in both the mens and ladies races complemented by a breadth of runners from clubs across Scotland.

And there were also those running for personal fitness gains, charity causes and for fun.

In an exciting and competitive race Amanual Hagos, of Shettleston Harriers, once again won the men's race in 30.38 and Alison Docherty, of Central AC, won the women's race in 36.28.

HAAC runner Paul Thompson won the V50 category in 35.17, beating younger rivals to finish seventh overall.

Euan Crumley ran a massive personal best (PB) to finish in 37.46.

Another runner who appreciated the new course was Gail Thomas, who ran a well deserved PB of 48.44.

A number of HAAC's beginners group graduated in style by completing the 10k, following their intensive training programme, led yet again this year by Liz Bowden.

Full results can be found by following the link on the HAAC website at http://helensburghaac.co.uk/.

Next up in the Polaroid Eyewear Series is the Clydebank 10k tonight (May 27) starting from the Clydebank Play Drome.

This article appeared in Helensburgh Advertiser 27 May 10

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