THE Strathaven Run with the Wind Half Marathon took place on Sunday with Irvine athlete, Paul Lafferty, taking to the start line.

The race is so called as it takes place in and around the Whitelees Windfarm and conditions for this challenging event were perfect with the cold but dry weather and light breeze perfect for distance running.

The 13.1 mile course is a tough one with some challenging uphill sections as well as some significant downhill segments but it proved to be a successful appearance for the Irvine runner with Paul earning a fine eighth place finish in a time of 1 hour 20 minutes and 53 seconds in the race, which was won by John Sharp of Inverclyde in an excellent time of 1 hour 12 minutes and 31 seconds. Paul was using the race as part of his preparation for his return to the London Marathon following a successful debut in 2017 and he will be joined in London by a number of other Irvine runners.

There was a good turnout of Irvine runners at the local Eglinton Parkrun with Jim Sneddon first of the contingent to cross the line in a time of 21 mins 45 secs, followed by Mike Flinn (23:39), Susan Rhodes (24:08), John Surgenor (24:09), Martyn Hendry (25:28) and Lesley Whitelaw (35:06).