Road runners come up trumps

On Saturday, four runners took part in the Hoka Highland Fling, the 53 mile Ultra Marathon now celebrating its 10th year.

The race starts in Milngavie and ends in Tyndrum, taking in 7,500ft of ascent along the way — not for the faint hearted.

First Bella home was Tommy O’Connell (9hrs 3mins) followed by Stuart Mathieson 33 minutes later.

Hamish Barbour and Vicki Williams completed the numbers for the club.

A ‘cracking day out’ was the consensus, and the Bella support was out in force too — a dozen club members travelled to the highlands to lend support and cheer on the purple vests.

While they were taking the high road, 13 Bellas travelled south to London to compete in the largest ever Virgin Money London Marathon.

In contrast to the sunshine at Loch Lomond it was a pretty dreich day, but perfect for fast times and the runners didn’t disappoint.

Eight club members achieved personal bests, including first home Andy Campell (2:45:00); club coach Graeme Paterson (2.49:58); Mary Senior (3:28;37) and Louise Gray (4:16:04).

The event was also supported by many Bellas, plus friends and family - including wee Finlay, two-year-old son of Russell Whittington (2:45:14).