WITH all the activity and events attended recently by members of Irvine’s running and jogging group Ron's Runners it would seem the dull dreary winter months have been left far behind and once again members have been breaking new ground at events.

Four members travelled to Alloa and these included two ladies having their first attempt at the half marathon distance.

Both girls completed the arduous route and should be content with their time and with experience the times achieved should be cut in future.

Both also felt the effects of the climb about the 11-mile mark used much of their reserves and slowed them considerably for the final run in. Rachel Wood hoping for around the 2 hours 10 min mark surpassed all expectations and extremely happy finishing in 2 hours and 44 secs, while Gemma Davidson, knowing she had gone through a dip in form, finished with 2:07:50 but reported great support from the crowd and thought the event well organised.

For the men, Andy Stewart had a great return taking 1:29:01 and was also happy with the time especially so early in the season and at 51 can still show the younger runners how to race.

James McGill too did well, coming home with a satisfactory 1:37:27.though again both felt the effects of the hard hill.

Midweek, taking advantage of the good weather, Sylvia Mulholland, Lynda Bryceland and Neil McMullen, again with Sandra Hunter as back up driver, ran over 14 miles of the West Highland Way - this time from Rowardennan to Beinglas which is the third leg of the upcoming Hokka relay Neil was also in action at the Glasgow Keys great local run 5k, where despite his long runs recently he finished in 7th. position, albeit from a small field, with a personal best for the distance of 19:56 with an even paced race.

Despite being the holiday week-end there was still 13 members at the local Park 5k where in Andy Stewart’s absence it was Neil McMullen who had the honour of showing the others the way home, returning 20.58.

For the ladies Fiona Wyper was first over the line when finishing second timing 23:40 followed by her pal Jenifer Shaw third with 24:27 - ahead of Andy McNaughton 24:52.

William Goggans had the satisfaction of a new personal best of2 5:52 then Sylvia Mulholland taking it easy before the London Marathon ran 26:49 then, having run from her Kilmarnock home run back again to clock up a 25-mile distance. Rachel Wood 27:19 - recovering from her first Half Marathon - was next home then Carol Rome 27:19 headed Lynn Shearer 29:02 William Cameron 30:55 and Margaret Craig 31:07.

Astrud Gibson, in her first appearance for some time posted had a satisfactory return, timing 31:51 with Karena Moore-Miller as “tail runner” finished with 43:12.

As well as Karena James Chalmers Andy Davidson and Anne hay were also stewards

With the advent of summer time Tuesday’s route start and finish within Eglinton Park but Thursdays remain at the Mall, both nights being at 6pm.

Runners of all abilities welcome to join in any session. For club details contact jogalong2010a’hotmail.com.