RECENT new recruit Barry McLaughlin blazed yet another new trail for jogging group Ron's Runners when he entered the Nice to Cannes Marathon recently.

In only his second marathon Barry was delighted to slice eight minutes from his previous time, clocking a most satisfactory three hrs 42 minutes and 23 seconds.

From a field of more than 6600 runners Barry did well to finish in the top third being the 1810th. to cross the finish line. The winner timed 02:10:43 and the last finisher came home with 06:09:23. Dubbed The Marathon of the Alps the start is at the promenade des Anglais in Nice and musicians are scattered throughout the course to inspire the runners to finish on the Boulevard de la Cosette in Cannes.

Another jogger sporting a big smile was Carrol Finlay had a pleasant surprise when the “Trossachs’ race series” results were finally calculated.

Taking the results of the different races involved and the ages of competitors into account Carrol was awarded seventh place from a total of the 55 runners who completed three nominated events.

Last weekend with the Eglinton Park run cancelled for safety reasons some members cast their eyes over other venues and five ladies travelled to Ayr and enter the 5k at Rozelle Park. Leading the 5 home Fiona Wyper had to look lively, to hold off a late challenge from clubmate Pamela Porteous, when finishing with 26 mins 10 secs to Pamela’s 26:14.

Fiona finished as fifth lady over the line and Pamela, who also claimed a new best time for the race came 6th. Ann Hay 32 :11 only just continued her recent dominance over Fiona’s mum Margaret Craig 32:12 before an excellent time from Ann’s sister Mary Huggan saw her home with 33:39. Rozelle Park will soon host the Ayrshire Cross Country Championships.

Luckily Sylvia Mulholland and Sandra Hunter had already chosen Tollcross Park Glasgow as their Saturday jaunt where Sylvia timed 23:43 and Sandra finished with 42:09. Neil McMullen easing down for an approaching marathon, visited Springburn Park and recorded 20:57 which was enough to boast a new course best time.