THIS week saw a variety of events entered for members of Irvine running and jogging club Ron's Runners.

On Saturday, Sharon Crombie and Lisa Miller travelled to Allerthorpe Park near York to compete in the Sundowner Triathlons.

Sharon chose the sprint event, which combines a 750m swim, 20k cycle and a 5k run.

Finishing in a time of 1:46:18, Sharon was delighted to find out she had taken 25 minutes off her time from last year.

Lisa entered the middle distance event known as a half Ironman. This event combines a 1.9km swim, a 90km cycle and a half marathon run to finish and Lisa completed the triathlon in a time of 6:22:53. Both ladies had an amazing day with their family and friends cheering them on.

Closer to home on the same day, the River Ayr Way 40 miles ultra-marathon attracted a large number of club runners.

This long distance race from Glenbuck to Ayr covers all kinds of terrain from tarmac roads to muddy trails and affords some stunning views of the Ayrshire countryside from along the river banks.

The race can be completed by individuals or by relay teams of three and this year the club had four individuals and four teams taking part.

Relay changeover points are at Sorn (17 miles) and Annbank (31 miles), leaving a final leg of nine miles into Ayr.

With months of training and preparation behind them, the runners gathered at the start and the changeover points. The weather was kind and the runners made great progress from Glenbuck, especially the relay teams, who took some of the second leg runners by surprise at Annbank. Mud, hills and wrong turns may have slowed the pace a little, but did not deter them.

Games of cat and mouse with other runners helped the miles fly by and the sight of Dam Park brought a welcome end to a gruelling 40-mile race.

Completing the full River Ayr Way Challenge distance and finishing fifth lady overall was Sylvia Mulholland in 7hr 01.52, an impressive 42 minutes faster than last year. Neil McMullen also improved on last year, this time, finishing in 8hrs 42.29 Running mates Hazel Anderson and Anita Mackie - in their first ultra distance race - crossed the line together in a creditable 9hrs 19.18.

In the River Ayr Way relay event, the Ron's Runners club teams took two of the top three places and all four teams finished in the top 10.

In second place were Ron's Ayrshire Stooges, third place – Triple the Trouble. In sixth place were Two Fast And One Furious, and eighth place – Sisters With Blisters.

Providing vital support the Ron's Runners recruits were: Sandra Hunter, Sharon Watters and Dayle Burnside. A remarkable day for all involved.

At this week’s local Parkrun, 11 members of the club lined up at the start of the weekly timed 5k run.

On a beautiful morning in the park, James Chalmers again took the honour of being first club member over the line, this week timing 20:16.

Next to finish was Andrew Stewart 20:30 followed by James McGill 22:57. Fiona Wyper was first lady home for the club in 23:08, followed by Pamela Porteous 25:16, Gillian Dunwoodie 28:53, Carol Rome 28:56, Lynn Shearer 29:45, Graeme Shaw 31:17, Sandra Murphy 31:18 and Mary Huggan 32:20. Volunteering this week were Margaret Craig and Carrol Finlay.

Members and those wishing to join in should note that as from October 3, both Tuesday and Thursday meetings will start and finish from the escalators in the Rivergate Mall with the time remaining at 6pm.

With darker evenings approaching fast, please wear reflective clothing, run safely and run with company.