THE welcome habit of breaking personal bests picked up by members of Irvine Jogging Group Ron's Runners during the summer continues and Gail Steven was the member doing so this week when finishing the MoRun 10k in Glasgow with 49:33 and dipping under the 50 minute mark for the second time this year

The MoRun takes place in Glasgow Green area and harbours the idea that not all races should be about being first or fast, though that is also encouraged, but emphasises the simple enjoyment of running and friendliness, exhorting runners to introduce themselves to each other and shake hands as they line for the start. Many of those running join in the spirit by donning fancy dress for the event. Whither taken in fun or as a serious race the organisers’ wish of having every runner cheered to the line is largely fulfilled.

In another Glasgow Park 10k, Bellahouston on what was a wet dreary miserable afternoon Andrew Stewart finished with 41:43 to James McGill’s 43:08 and although well over the time they would normally expect both felt they had ran their best in the prevailing conditions The race is ran in memory of Jimmy Irvine a Bellahouston runner still held in high regard

Staying with Glasgow venues, in-form Neil McMullen this week recorded 20:25 in the Pollok Park 5k - his best time to date over that route. On the same day but closer to home Sylvia Mulholland while running in the Ayr 5k Park Run got the route slightly confused, meaning a longer distance, but still finished with 25:43 which was good enough to be first lady back and in 10th place overall.

The following day Sylvia, in company with Sandra Hunter and Catherine Elliot visited Falkirk taking part in the Kelpies 5K so called after the two 30 metre-high horse statues which the route passes.

Unusual for races this event starts at dusk and for added atmosphere runners run holding lighting “sticks”. In a fun race, which she judged to be slightly short of the full distance, Sylvia timed 20:59 Catherine managed 31:04 and Sandra 40:23.

More than just a tad further afield Brian Darroch took part in the New York Marathon - his second tilt at the event.

Following a year of indifferent form Brian had no high hopes of beating his previous finish time but merely wished to be able to complete the 26- mile course and enjoy the sights.

Whether he spent to long gazing at the Statue of Liberty or contemplating the Wall Street “Bull” Brian as expected finished with a slower time of around the five minute 30 minute mark but was delighted just to have taken part in the renowned event.

The high wind expected on Thursday night brought a late cancellation of the scheduled training.

Not that wind offers extra difficulty to runners, except for sometimes making breathing extremely hard or when battling head on into a gale, but the main danger exits from airborne debris some of which can have lethally sharp edges.

Adding to the danger driving rain impairs vision of both runner and driver alike. The aftermath of the same wind also brought the cancellation of the local Saturday Park 5k and again, rightly, on the grounds of safety first.

Club training starts and ends at the bottom of the Mall on both Tuesday and Thursdays, starting at 6pm. The Sunday venue is Eglinton Park for a 10am start.

Runners of all abilities and those just wishing to give running a try are welcomed at any training session. People can come along and run with company for extra enjoyment and added safety during dark winter months.

Further details are available from jogalong2010@hotmail.com.