Roon the Toon 10k

THE second edition of the Roon the Toon 10k in Kilmarnock proved to be a popular one for Irvine Running Club recruits with a large number participating.

The route, which starts and finishes at the Ayrshire Athletics Area, goes through the south of Kilmarnock town centre before heading into scenic countryside near to Caprington Castle before returning along the one way system and the pedestrian area the town centre before heading back to the Arena. A large field of more than 1200 runners took to the start line and first home for Irvine was Billy Richardson who was in eleventh place in a time of 35 minutes 29 seconds, with Paul Lafferty one place and 8 seconds behind in what was a close duel.

Next to finish was Graeme MacFarlane (40:25) followed by Jim Sneddon (43:16), John Surgenor (45:17), Mike Flinn (46:55), Colin Patterson (48:52), Sharlene MacGilvray (53:28), Karen Figgins (53:56) and Robert Nicol (61:32). The race was won by Stuart Gibson of Cambuslang Harriers in a time of 31 minutes and 39 seconds.

Lochalsh Dirty 30 Ultra Marathon

The recent Lochalsh Dirty 30 Ultra Marathon was a challenging entry into the ultra distance running scene for Irvine’s Liz MacGregor.

Not only was the 30-mile course the wettest event since 2010 but it also included a 3600 feet mountain ascent.

The race featured a mixture of terrain with some good running at the start then from mile four the route started to climb through some forest then down along the coast towards Eilean Donan Castle. Some undulating road running was then followed at mile 20 by the mountain climb and after a downhill section, before long a further climb.

Although a tough baptism in ultra-endurance racing, Liz recorded an excellent time of 8hrs 2mins and the experience was made more memorable by the breathtaking scenery and camaraderie of fellow runners in what was a very well-organised event.

Giffnock North 10k

The Giffnock North 10k took place last Thursday on a rainy evening in and around Rouken Glen Park on the south side of Glasgow.

The race is notorious for its long hilly first half with the second half containing an easier downhill section.

Paul Lafferty continued his prolific season with a fine 12th placing in a time of 35:54 seconds with the race being won by Iain Reid of Cambuslang Harriers in a time of 33:30.