THE Beith Harriers New Year Road Race is an historic race which has been held for more than 50 years.

This year’s race, which was organised by Ron’s Runners, was well supported by athletes from Irvine Running Club with the benign conditions helping runners as they completed the four loops of the course which was just under five miles. Steven Daye, who has recently re-joined the club, ran a fine race contesting the lead for the first two laps and running strongly throughout finishing in third place in a time of 25:51.

Next home was Colin Whitby who also had an excellent run finishing fifth in 26:31 with Paul Lafferty not far behind in seventh place in 26:57. Alan Douglas (28:24), Graeme MacFarlane (29:35), Scott Brown (30:08), Jim Sneddon (31:01), Mike Flinn (33:52) and Ian McManus (48:44) completed the Irvine contingent in a race which is an excellent way to bring in the New Year.

Edinburgh Great Winter Run

Paul Lafferty continued his fine run of form with an excellent 14th place in a field of many thousands at the Great Winter Run in Edinburgh. His time of 17:53 was an excellent effort on a tough course at Holyrood Park which included an ascent of Arthur’s Seat.

Club Championship

The 2016 club championship was recently awarded with David Millar scooping the Senior Men’s prize and Jennie Jackson winning the Senior Female award.

In the veteran categories, Liz McGarry won the female vets prize with Jim Sneddon (V40), John Surgenor (M50) and Mike Flinn (M60) taking the men’s prizes.