WITH the weather again dominating the scheduled running events members of Ron's Runners have had a barren start to the year but Pamela Porteous having discovered the delights of rough tough cross country races was again in action last weekend.

Travelling to Jackton, Pamela entered the East Kilbride cross country competition - a relatively new addition to the winter lists.

Billed as an old style “true” cross country race run over rough untamed country unlike most other modern courses which normally take place in well maintained areas such as Irvine’s Beach Park, the event is no place for the more timid competitor.

Adding to Pamela’s woes, the runners had not only to contend with the underfoot surface but the race started at the peak of last week’s snowfall. However, casting aside mounting despair Pamela attacked the route and the weather with gusto, coming home in a respectable finishing time of 31 mins and 12 secs over the 6.3k distance. Perhaps because of the weather or the route's fearsome reputation, only 16 ladies took part..

Neil McMullen had help in his effort to complete the Aberdeen Ultra Run in March when midweek he was joined on a longer run along part of the River Ayr Way by club mates Sylvia Mulholland and Matthew Young, both of whom have also completed ultra distance events.

Starting at Fisherman's Bridge, the trio ran just a little over 13 miles to finish in Failford, supported by Sandra Hunter keeping contact at intervals along the route.

The local Eglinton Park 5k went ahead this weekend and the club had a total of 14 members lining up amongst the large field of 163 runners - all of whom were glad to see the event re-start after recent cancellations.

Andy Stewart lead the group home with 20:23, ahead of Neil McMullen 21:10 and young James Chalmers 22:29. Fiona Wyper’s 23:47 was a more true reflection of form and was also good enough for third. lady, while Jennifer Shaw with 24:47 and Pamela Porteous 24:58 reversed last week’s finishing order at Ayr.