Over 300 in Helensburgh Half Marathon

Published 12 Aug 2010 09:30 0 Comments

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HUNDREDS of runners took to the streets of Helensburgh to take part in the half marathon, with Garscube Harriers coming out on top on the day.

Ben Melby secured first place while the Harriers took the top podium spot in the men’s team. There was also plenty of success for Helensburgh’s own runners.

While the afternoon was sunnier, the 9.30am start weather was cloudier and cooler, which provided ideal running conditions for the long distance runners. This resulted in a lot of personal best times.

Gail Broadhurst from Babcock started the race, and the runners then followed the Pace lead car, provided by Helensburgh Honda, from the pier area along through Rhu and Shandon before returning for a loop around Helensburgh for the 13.1 miles.

A lead group soon broke away from the pack and then it came down to one man, Ben Melby of Garscube Harriers, who went on to win with a gap of more than three-and-a-half minutes in a time of 1.12.6.

This race was also the West District half marathon championships so he also became West District champion.

In second place was the far travelled Andrew Joyce from Stornoway, finishing on 1.15.48, and third was Amanuel Zerezighi of Bellahouston Harriers who clocked in at 1.16.11. The first lady, and also West District champion, in a time of 1.24.42 was Leanne Hamilton of Kilbarchan AAC. Representation from Helensburgh AAC was depleted in the race, because most members kindly volunteered their services to marshall, in order to make the race the success it was.

Those who ran were mostly rewarded with excellent times. The first four Helensburgh runners to finish all recorded personal bests were Euan Crumley in 33rd, 1.24.17, Karl Giarch in 49th on 1.26.16, closely followed by Robin Steacy, who had misplaced his Helensburgh shirt and resorted to running in Irish colours in 53rd place, 1.26.41.

First Helensburgh woman, and 11th female, was Debbie Savage, in a new personal best of 1.37.01.

Other Helensburgh AAC runners included David Spy 1.42.38, Jenny Fitzgerald 1.43.21, and Sybil Kennedy 1.58.09. David now lives in Kintyre and Jenny in London so it was great to see them competing. There were 377 runners who finished the race, the winning men’s team was Garscube Harriers and the first ladies team was Bellahouston Road Runners.

The race also benefited from vans provided by Toyota and Garelochhead Support Services, and support from St Andrews Ambulance and Raynet as well as invaluable help from Helensburgh community police at the more tricky road junctions.

They were even able to use the refurbished swimming pool for registration, which will open to the public later this month. The ease of organising the race, sponsored by Babcock, was aided also by the event’s other sponsors-AGBarr, who provided the Strathmore Spring Water, and Run4it, who provided the Finishing Gantry and prizes.

Jim McInnes, the commentator for the race, was also a big help as he regularly gives his time.

This article appeared in Helensburgh Advertiser 05 Aug 10

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