ANOTHER packed programme of events saw Ron's runners recruits head across the country.

Four members travelled to Inverness with three running the Loch Ness Marathon and one completing the 10k.

Running her first marathon after keeping her entry secret, Gemma Davidson completed the course in an impressive 4h 23m.28. Helen Marshall was also running the marathon, with this one her second, and finished in 4.30.26.

Rachel Cox, nursing an injury, completed the course in 5.07.21. Lisa Miller recovering from last week’s triathlon finished the 10k in a very impressive 56.46.

Andy McNaughton travelled to run the Trossachs 10k on Saturday, September 23, reporting that the well signed and marshalled route took runners safely round the forest tracks and paths between the outskirts of Aberfoyle and the foothills of Ben Lomond in the great forest of Loch Ard. Throughout the forest there are many lochs and lochans from the mighty Loch Chon and Loch Ard to the picturesque Lochan A’Chleannain and the tiny Clansmore Loch. There is an abundance of wildlife in the forest including Red and Roe Deer, Capercaillie and Red Squirrels.

The route is not too hilly but the first half mile or so out the village is a steady incline where the pace needs to be held back not to bring on any early strains before feeling suitably warmed up to attack the many small gradients ahead. Andy who has been bothered with a hamstring injury was delighted with a finish time of 54m 49s.

Not content to rest after completing last week’s River Ayr Way ultra-marathon, Neil McMullen travelled to Nottingham for a weekend of running. Firstly, completing the Saturday morning Parkrun in Nottingham Forest finishing in 23.09 before taking on Sundays main event, the Robin Hood half marathon and completing the race in 1h.52.16. Neil was pleased that despite struggling with sore feet, he managed to place at around 1,400 from a field of over 6,000.

Meanwhile one of his ultra-running club pals Sylvia Mulholland continued her training for the fourth of five Ultra events she plans to finish this year by running from Drymen to Balmaha and back, requiring crossing the Conic Hill twice for a total of some 15.5 tough miles. Keeping Sylvia company this week was new mum Fiona Wyper, fast regaining her best form and completing her longest non-stop run so far. As always Sandra Hunter stood in as back up driver.

There was a charity run to raise Sepsis awareness held in Eglinton Park on Sunday. Five club runners completed the course complete with muddy puddles and marsh lead by James Chalmers finishing overall fourth in an excellent time of 22.32.

Fiona Wyper was the first lady to complete the course in a fantastic time of 23.53. Also completing the course, Hugh Hood finished behind Fiona, Willie Goggans really enjoyed the muddy wet run finishing in 30.28 and David Ridout volunteered to be the tail runner in both the kids 2.5k and the 5k event.

The local park 5k still attracted a surprising number of entries despite the following day brining the Great Glasgow event but only three males on the start line with Andy Stewart first home 20:35 followed by James McGill 22:53 and Ian Walterston, after a few months absence, happy to record 28:10. Acting as a pace maker, Sylvia Mulholland posted 24:08 followed by Pamela Porteous 25:23 Jennifer Shaw 25:27 Fiona Wyper 25:42 and Ruth McLaughlan 26:25 and Helen Marshall 29:29.

Running pals Sandra Murphy 30:44 and Margaret Craig 30:45 ran together next over the line was Anita Mackie 31:56 with Mary Huggan completing the club’s runners timing 32:23. James Chalmers took the time out to rest but did his stint as steward before his first try over the half marathon.

Rons Runners meet at 6pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and both nights will now begin at the Asda end of the Mall.

All runners of any ability from beginners up welcome to join in and enjoy training with others of like ability.

With the approach of darker nights run in well-lit busy public places and for added safety run with company.