KILMARNOCK Harriers welcomed a field of over 100 runners to the 25th running of the Ruby Young memorial road race on Sunday.

The event is held over a 5k course starting and finishing at the Kilmarnock Athletics arena and in a tight finish Irvine's club captain, Alex Allardyce, won in a time of 17.05 just 2s in front of the host club's Keith Haining. Paul Lafferty was delighted with his 6th place in a pb for the distance of 18.20 which was remarkable considering he also competed in the Eglinton Parkrun the day before finishing in 4th place in 19.15. Susan Rhodes also competed in the Ruby Young race finishing in 72nd place in 29.13.

The club were also again pleased to have a young runners team competing at the weekend, this time at the National Cross-Country Relay Championships.

The event is held annually at Cumbernauld Park which is regarded as one of the toughest xc courses in the country with its sharp inclines and soft underfoot conditions. The relay event is held over 3 legs of a 2.5k course with teams made up of under 13, under 15 and under 17 runners. Unfortunately Irvine had to use two under 13's Kerr Murray and Stewart Devlin on the first two legs with under 17 Lewis Rome taking the anchor leg. They recorded times of 12.50, 14.31 and 10.47 respectively and although they were well out of the medals all three will have gained from competing at this level.

This Sunday the two local clubs, Irvine RC and Ron's Runners, will again jointly host the Chick Forbes Trophy race which is held as a handicap over a 2mile course on the pathways round Irvine Moor. The race is based at Irvine Sports Club with a 12noon start, all runners welcome.