Keep on running

David Christie 1563 - 1563 • Published 29 May 2008 10:00

THE Helensburgh 10k celebrated its 21st anniversary but could have been mistaken for a new event.

Organised by Helensburgh Athletic Club, a change of route from previous years and an international flavour made the popular run distinctly different - yet entirely successful.

Numbers were slightly down on previous years, in part due to a clash with the final matches of the SPL, but this allowed organisers to bed the race into its new surroundings.

Eritrean entrants dominated the opening event in the Polaroid Eyewear 10K Series, taking all three podium positions.

Amanuel Hagos led his countrymen home in 29 minutes 41 secs, an inaugural record for the newly-designed course and the first sub-30 clocking in the Helensburgh event since 1997.

Tsegezab Teweldemichael edged out Tewoldeberhan Mengisteab by two seconds, and all three sported the colours of Shettleston Harriers who have taken the group under their wing.

Helensburgh AAC"s Michelle Hetherington made a brave attempt for a victory on home soil, leading the Womens race from the two Kilometre mark through to 8k.

But she could not hold off the challenge of Amy Craine, from Glasgow University Hares and Hounds. The New Yorker finished nine seconds clear in a time of 38.50.

Away from the commited runners were many heart warming stories including Carol Redfern, running her first 10k.

Carol ran to raise money for charity after her dad died from heart disease last year.

Full results from the race are featured in this week's Advertiser.

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This article appeared in Helensburgh Advertiser 29 May 08

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