ALTHOUGH not the magnetic draw it once had on the club, for members of Irvine’s jogging and running club Ron's Runners the Great Scottish Run is still a landmark event which attracts many to the starting line.

For those attempting the half marathon distance for the first time especially, the larger number of runners, the stewards and the organisation not forgetting the large cheering support all help to make an enjoyable experience.

First race of the day however was the 10k and three members took part with Hugh Hood after many races and some cracking results this year opted for the 6.24 miles recording an impressive 50mins 36 secs. Training buddies and pals Dayle Burnside and Alison Elliot ran together to finish with 74:36 with Dayle thanking Alison for keeping her going through a bad spell.

Three members tackled the half Marathon distance for the first time with James Chalmers returning an exceptional time of 1hr 34 mins and 29 secs running in memory of his dad. Also her first half marathon and double her longest distance of just a few weeks ago Nicola Garry got round in 2:11:15 aided by her experienced pal Rachel Wood.

An emotional ending for Michelle Burns saw a time of 2:32:36 - a great result for someone who only two years ago cherished an ambition merely to run three miles with a stop and now delighted to claim no stops throughout the whole 13 miles.

Vowing at first she would never enter again, by the time she arrived home her entry for next year was mailed.

An emotional ending too for John Owens capping a year of running for 'Davys Run' and facing a TV interview at the end. John’s total mileage over the year, all for charity, is over 1000 including two marathons, seven half marathons 12 10k’s and River Ayr Way relay.

John also runs for Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland and Help For Heroes hidden wounds programme, which deal with potential suicide individuals. His giving page remains open at virginmoneygiving.com/DavysRun.

To John’s delight not only was he welcomed in the charity hospitality tent his club mates too were able to join in at the end.

John now plans a well deserved wee recovery period having been close to his best ever time when clocking 1:42.

Andy Stewart was first home recording a pleasing 1:30:55, while Gail Steven was rewarded with 1:51:12 proudly claiming top spot for the ladies followed by delighted Jennifer Cowell 1:51:40. one of only 2 to set a new personal best. Mark Garton ran well for 1:46:37 and felt good over the whole race while William Goggans claimed a new personal best of 1:47:54 10 mins better than previous and Gordon Burns finished happy with his 1:49:13.

Satisfied with his performance, Robert Wylie posted 1:52:10 Brian Darroch 1:52:51 Derek Chisholm 1:54:54. Angela Stroyan got separated from Karen Morrison soon after the start but the pair linked up again with half a mile to run and with Angela urging a flagging Karen along both finished hand in hand being credited with a solid 2:01:19.

Ian Short was next with 2:03:50 and Gillian Dunwoodie after a running year she would rather forget finished strongly and happy with 2:09:21. Next back, in her usual exuberant way, an injury inhibited below par time of 2:14:13 by Rachel Cox did nothing to dampen her spirits.

Graeme Shaw improved this year recording 2:21:39. Another member sacrificing her own race Helen Marshall finished with 2:36:53 while ensuring a friend safely completed her first half marathon.

Despite rain wind and cold all those who ran spoke warmly of the many club members watching from the side cheering them all home adding how much it was appreciated. As per past years a celebration of the day was enjoyed on the Monday night in Lawthorn farm Indian Restaurant as thanks for use of facilities during summer Sunday training sessions.

Never afraid to follow his own path on the same day David Ridout again tackled the Glencoe half marathon and over a hard and gruelling course where in parts water was above ankle depth David did well being delighted his time of 2:33:25 placed him in the top half of the field being 128th from 276 finishers. Despite the horrendous conditions David enjoyed his day.

The local park run attracted 14 to the start line with James Chalmers flush with confidence after Glasgow led the club home clocking 19:51 and finishing second with Andy Stewart 20:37 in 4th position then John Owens 20:56. Following John Fiona Wyper 23:33 with her pal Jennifer Cowell 23:48 for third and fourth in the ladies race. Pamala Porteous timed 23:25 ahead of Rachel Wood 26:56. A welcome back to the race Ian Walterston recorded a satisfactory 27:05 There then followed a string of ladies with Gillian Dunwoodie 27:38 then Margaret Craig 30:42 and Lynn Shearer 30:43 despite a long run the day before. Mary Huggan 32:34 this time finished ahead of sister Ann 33:18 before whom Rachel Cox as a steward posted 32:39.

Flying the club colours at Greenock Parkrun, Neil McMullen finished in 21.28 and finishing first in age category Sylvia Mulholland was pleased to finish in 22.17.

Ron's Runners welcome all runners to join training sessions at 6pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Asda end of the Mall. On Sundays training now begins at the Big Idea bridge and reverts to a start time of 10:00 hrs. Run safely with company in brightly lit areas and wear reflective clothing Be bright be seen at night. Running with company can greatly enhance your enjoyment.