Tale of the tape – Run Kirkintilloch races come to a triumphant end

THE Neil McCover Memorial half marathon on October 7 marked end of this year’s Run Kirkintilloch series of road races.
By The Newsroom
Published 20th Oct 2012, 16:21 BST

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Totalling four races over different distances, entrants were faced with the challenge of completing the hilly 12.5k race in February, the flat 10k in June along the canal towpath, and the fast 5k at Broadwood in August, before completing the 13.1 miles of the McCover race.

This year 47 runners took up the challenge of the Series, although only 17 managed to complete all the races and qualify for the series prizes. Overall winner was Gerry Craig (Victoria Park/City of Glasgow AC) whose combined time of 3hr 41mins was more than 15 minutes ahead of John Gilhooly (Bellahouston Road Runners). Gerry had started the series well with 4th place in the 12.5k race, and with top fifteen finishes in the shorter races, he was well ahead with a time of 1hr 20min for the half marathon.

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In the female categories, Barbara Knox (Springburn Harriers) won the series prize, having shown steady form across all the distances. In second place was Kirkintilloch Olympian Maggie Hendry, also being the first over 50.

Each of the series winners received vouchers from sponsor Sweatshop. Series organiser, Robert Rogerson was pleased with the support for this new venture.

“It is a significant challenge to maintain fitness over 8 months of running and to compete at different distances. Gerry Craig and Barbara Knox are worthy winners this year.”

It is hoped that the series will be held again in 2013.

As the series of road races came to an end, the cross country season started last weekend. Four senior teams and the same number of junior teams from Kirkintilloch Olympians took part in the West District relays held at Kilmarnock.

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After the wet conditions of the past week, underfoot conditions were tricky and combined with a testing course, the local club was pleased with its performances. In particular, the men’s veteran team took the bronze medal, with Stephen Allan, Gary Mitchell, Derek Martin and Robert Watson beating opposition from across the region.

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