AFTER the exciting flurry of races available it has been a rather quite week for members of running and jogging group Ron's Runners but behind the scenes final preparations for their trail race was put in place and everything arranged.

Taking advantage of the quiet period did not mean an easy week for ultra-distance runner Sylvia Mulholland who has volunteered to be “tail runner” in the club’s race.

Having run the Strathclyde Park 5k last week-end with Neil McMullen the duo then went on to run from the park through to New Lanark Heritage centre - first onto Maudslie Bridge proceeding to Rosebank.

A link up there with trusted back up driver Sandra Hunter afforded a five-minute stop to re-fuel before continuing to the finish via Crossford totalling almost 18.5 miles over 3 hrs and 19 minutes. Neil’s time for the Park 5k was 22:21 while Sylvia eased round with 23:06.

On the Wednesday Sylvia was out again running this time with Angela Reid a fellow ultra-runner and member of North Ayrshire club where the chosen route was over part of the West Highland Way. With Sandra busy elsewhere and having no back up driver the pair run an out and back route from Rowandennen to Inversnaid and back, this time covering 16 miles in just under three hours with both girls enjoying a very nice run.

The less experienced runners met on Saturday morning with the expressed aim of going over the 5k route race hoping that being familiar with the course will ease their fears of entering what for many will be there first race.

For two of those, a wrong turn on the club training night led to a much longer distance ran on the Thursday when instead of the usual three or four miles they ultimately ran over six miles non-stop.

Knowing they can easily run the distance should give the two an added boost to confidence when lining up on race night for their first race in the club’s colours.

At the local Park 5k, Andy Stewart 20:13 led the club home on a cold windy morning with April showers adding to discomfort followed by Neil McMullen 21:55 then Hugh Hood 23:17. Sylvia Mulholland was again in action and was the first lady back recording 23:22 ahead of Jennifer Shaw 23:50. A cautious run by James McGill - back after injury - saw a welcome time of 24:18 just ahead of another with need for caution soon-to-be-mum Fiona Wyper 25:40.

Ultra-run training Paul McCallum recorded an easy 25:53 then came William Goggans with 27:10 and Graeme Shaw 28:01. Fiona’s mum - showing signs of her better form- was next back, crossing the line with 29:20 followed by Eric Pearson 30:27 following whom smiling as ever Astrud Gibson 31:53 ahead of sisters Ann Hay 32:49 and Mary Huggan 33:04. Stewards this week were John Owens, Carol Rome and Neil Kyle.

Normal training sessions are on Tuesday and Thursdays at 6pm and routes start and finish at the Asda end of the Mall.

Distance covered depends on pace but sessions last around the hour mark. In dark nights run with company and run safely runners of all abilities are welcome to come along and join, in dark nights running with company adds greatly to personal safety.