WITH a almost a sigh of relief life, returned to almost normal routine for members of Irvine running and jogging group Rons Runner's with most though not all having shaken off the recent cold-come flu bug making a tentative re-start to training.

Most too with perhaps the exception of those planning an early spring ultra-run will feel no ill effects of the enforced lay off from training.

Resuming the club’s habit of travelling to events of special attraction, three made their way across to Edinburgh by public transport to join in the capitol’s Simplyhealth Great Edinburgh Winter run where Mo Farah was one of the main superstars taking part in an international cross country race.

As the race proceeded though it was a young Scot who stole the show, and the hearts, of most spectators when with a tremendous show of front running Callum Hawkins was just pipped on the line by a Kenya-born athlete representing the USA. Callum though can claim to be the first British runner to have beaten Mo, who finished seventh in a race in seven years.

Adding to the glamour was the attendance of Scotland’s Laura Muir who, having shattered the 5000m record indoors in midweek, competed again, running for Britain, in a mixed relay team and as last leg runner was first across the line.

Before the main events though there was a 5k race for the slightly less gifted runner in which Sylvia Mulholland timed 24:07 and Sandra Hunter 44:09. Sylvia was directed to the wrong starting band and spent most of the race, especially the first hard mile weaving in and out to pass much slower runners, adding massively to her time.

Lone male representative Neil McMullen finished with 21:00.

Starting in Holyrood Park the route travels up Queen's Drive around Arthur's Seat, passes the side of Dunsapie Loch and returns back towards Holyrood Park meaning the first mile is a hard-uphill struggle. All three hope to encourage others to join the memorable and enjoyable day next year.

A cross-border challenge proved irresistible for two members who having enjoy a different race at the same venue in late summer made a return to Keilder Forest Northumberland this time for a 10 mile trail race. Run on only some of a multitude of paths and tracks through the forest the course billed as suiting trail shoes proved extremely muddy and slippery on the day and was describe as very hard but enjoyable by both. Points along the trail include the River Tyne Kielder Castle Bakethin Weir and offers the spectacular views across Bakethin Nature reserve as you cross the Kielder viaduct. The first mile was muddy and slippery and the second mile which is more across long grass than track is hard going sapping runners’ stamina at an early stage then an unexpected hill at mile eight, after thinking all the hills are over, finally drains the last resources of even the fittest trail runner.

ndy McNaughton finished with 1 hr 37 mins and 50 secs while a steady run from David Ridout saw 1:47:15 times with which both men should feel happy.

At the Eglinton 5k this week Cameron Miller led the club home taking 19:09 for the 5k and setting a new personal best followed by Andrew Stewart with 20:29 then a great run from Neil Kyle saw 21:56 before Jennifer Shaw led the ladies back timing 25:23 just ahead of Fiona Wyper 25:32 with Paul McCallum close behind 25:35. Third lady home Pamela Porteous timed 25:44 then came Fiona’s mum Margaret Craig 31:06 then Mary Huggan posted 31:32. Sandra Hunter returned with 45:10 with Lynn Shearer in her role steward’s role as “tail runner” timed 45:51. Ruth McLaughlan also acted as a steward.

Rons runners welcome all runners of all abilities to their training sessions. Run with company and enjoy running more with added safety. Come along to the Asda end of the mall for 6pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, or contact jogalong2010@hotmail.com.