LAST weekend saw members of Ron's Runners on their travels once more with Glasgow Parks being the most chosen destinations.

At Tollcross Park Matthew Young finished in fifth position with 20 minutes and 49 seconds, for which he credits a local fellow runner who advised he would encounter a total of 10 hills on the 2.5 lap course.

Forewarned, Matthew tried to hold some strength in reserve but in the latter stages his pace faltered, due perhaps to his recent heavy racing programme, and the hoped for fast finished failed to materialise. However the weather being cold and wet with sodden leaves underfoot also certainly did little to help.

Fiona Wyper and her mum joined by Fiona’s pal Jennifer chose Pollock Park for their 5k venture with Fiona being rewarded with 23:22 her best finish for that Park course. Jennifer Shaw also had an excellent time of 24:09 while mum Margaret Craig happily boasted 29:57.

The trio met Neil McMullen, who finished with 31:09. Neil also ran midweek when his time for Glasgow’s quay 5k was 20:17 to finish 8th. when also encountering some wet slippery leave covered descents on a breezy night but still managed one of his best times.

On the Sunday it was the Ruby Young 5k at Kilmarnock which drew the members’ attention with six making the short journey.

Jennifer Shaw was again to the fore being first home over the relatively flat but hard route finishing with 24:24. Rachel Cox also had a great run coming home in 26:14 followed by a rewarding 27:22 from Robert Wylie. Carrol Finlay was delighted to record 29:27 to set a new personal best 5k time taking over a minute from her previous best and for the first time breaking under the 30 minute barrier with Catherine Elliot 32:26 and Ron Cheyne given 32:40.

Jennifer persuaded her mum Lynda Shaw and her friend Adrienne McPherson to join in and, running together, both finished with 35:19. The event provides a happy, relaxed atmosphere and is an excellent event in which to enjoy relaxed racing.

The Park 5k drew 16 members and because of important races on the following day many simply ran round the course with the least effort made.

Finishing first for the club James McGill timed 20:36 followed by Andrew Stewart 21:15 Matthew Young 21:23 James Chalmers 21:34 and Neil McMullen23:51

Sylvia Mulholland another taking things easier led the ladies home in 24:20, followed by Rachel Wood 26:23 with Carol Rome 26:57 close behind.

As the previous week Fiona Wyper and Jennifer Shaw ran together both given the same time of 28:17, some minutes slower than normal.

Fiona’s mum Margaret Craig also ran with company to help returning Lynn Shearer round and on the line Margaret clocked 30:45 to Lynn’s 30:46.

A relaxed Hazel Anderson trotted round in 31:35 as did Paul McCallum 35:04 with Ann Hay 32:13 splitting the pair.

In her first Eglinton Park run for some time Sandra Hunter timed 44:27 to complete the club’s entry while this week Mary Huggan took her first stint as a race steward.

All runners should run in white colours or reflective jackets and keep to well-lit areas in the dark nights and for added safety run with company.

Runners of all ability are welcome to join the training sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays, at 6pm. at the Asda end of the mall.