THE quiet time for members of Irvine’s jogging and running group Ron's Runners continues as there are still few events organised locally and even those further afield have little appeal to entice members to travel.

One member who did find an event to his liking, however was Andy McNaughton who journeyed to Aberfoyle to enter the 7k trail race.

Starting and finishing at the David Marshal Lodge, the route leads runners to a total climb of 712 ft. The first 3k Andy thought steep enough but the next 2k to the highest point was steeper still but one over the top it was downhill all the way to the finish. After an initial steep downhill section a more gradual downwards slope allowed Andy a 2 lung bursting fast run back to the lodge.

Andy, who completed the route with a time of 45 mins and 5 secs hopes the experience will prove beneficial for the up-coming summer endurance races.

Behind the scenes, the committee have been finalising the club's 5k race at the Beach Park, which is again combined with the Ayrshire Harriers 5k Championship.

Following some comments last year that the race was held during the school holidays in September last year the club opted to hold the race on Wednesday the 19 April this year by which time there should be plenty of light at night allowing everybody to complete the route safely after the start at 7pm.

The race is limited to a maximum of 200 runners and entry is available now on Entry Central web page. Entries - if the race is not fully subscribed - will also be available on the night. The race is held under Scottish Athletics rules and is fully permitted by them. Unfortunately, and unknowingly for all, the same date was also chosen to hold The Kaim Hill race.

It was no surprise when on Saturday morning news filtered through that Eglinton 5k Park run was cancelled.

The deluge of rain overnight was just too much and again organisers took the only action they could as the safety of the runners must take priority over all other considerations.

For the club's Saturday morning group however there were no problems as the starting point agreed earlier in the week was 9.15am at the Big Idea bridge where a slightly smaller group enjoyed the morning’s run despite the conditions overhead.

Normal training sessions remain at the Asda end of the Mall on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6pm and runners of all abilities are welcome to join in. Beginners are especially welcome. Please note that after the start of summer time one night will moved to Eglinton Park.