Those walking or cycling along the canal towpath last Thursday night could be forgiven for wondering what was happening if the came across Tommy the Clown dressed up as he ran from Kirkintilloch to Cadder and then back via the Stables Restaurant. Tommy Armstrong was the last but most colourful of the 273 runners participating in the annual Kirkintilloch 10k race.

Although Tommy took nearly a hour and a half to complete the 6.2miles, it was all in a worthy cause as he raised money for charity at each race he runs. At the other end of the field, Alistair Morrison took just over 32mins to complete the course, taking first prize ahead of local athlete, Conor McNulty.

The record number of more than 270 runners set off in warm evening sunshine from Northbank Avenue before turning on the canal towpath at Townhead Bridge. Within the first 1k, the runners became spread out, with those out to enjoy the experience appreciating the support and encouragement from the small groups of well-wishers along the way. By the half way point before Cadder bridge, there were a number of tussles for the prize winning positions. Behind the front two, Keith Haining (Kilmarnock Harriers) was battling with Alexander Roberston (Hamilton) for the top place in the veteran category, whilst Brian Mackie (Springburn) and Jorge Chacon-Clark (Kilbarchan) sparred for 5th and 6th places.

The first member of the organising club, Kirkintilloch Olympians was Alistair Allan (7th) who successfully kept Alex Chalmers (Springburn) and Paul Thompson (Helensburgh) behind him. Alistair’s position and those of Colin McNair and Gary Mitchell meant that the Olympians took the men’s team prize, ahead of local rivals Springburn Harriers.

In the female categories, age proved to be no barriers to fast running, with all of the top places being won by veteran runners. Hazel Dean (Central AC) put in a strong finish to completed the course in under 40mins, ahead of Michelle Hetherington (Helensburgh) and Erica Christie (Bellahouston), with Erica taking the first vet prize. The depth of Central’s runners meant that with Polly Harrison (6th female) and Janet Waterhouse (5th female), the club won the team competition. Ann-Marie Mccaffrey was the first Kirkintilloch runner to finish, taking the third vet 35 prize.

There were two special prizes, courtesy of the Stables Restaurant for the first male and female local finisher not attached to an athletics club. Competition for these  categories was strong, with David McHugh (30th) and Sheila Traynor (142nd) won these prizes.

For most runners, they were more concerned about enjoying the race. With the warm temperature this was more difficult, and most runners were pleased to see the water station at the Stables for the second time as they ran back towards the finish. Despite this, there were a number of personal best times set, and most runners managed to put in a sprint for the finish line. With the support of Sweatshop, Glasgow, each runner left with a goody bag containing a hand held water bottle as well as water, fruit and biscuit.

Well done to all the participants. Hopefully many of you will be inspired to set new targets and race again this summer.

The full list of prize winners is:
Male                                                    Female
1st        Alistair Morrison                           1st            Hazel Dean
2nd       Conor McNulty                             2nd            Michelle Hetherington
3rd      Alexander Robertson                   3rd            Janet Waterhouse
4th        Brian Mackie                                4th            Heather McIntosh
5th        Jorge Chacon-Clark                   5th            Marina McCallum      

Male vet 40-49                                Female vet 35-44
1st        Keith Haining                          1st            Anne Murray
2nd       Colin McNair                           2nd         Polly Harrison
3rd        Derek Breen                           3rd            Annmarie McCaffrey

Male vet 50-59                                Female vet 45-54
1st        Paul Thompson                  1st            Erica Christie
2nd            Michael McCartney      2nd            Marie McChord
3rd        Hugh Laverty                     3rd            Kathryn Scott

Male Vet 60+                                      Female vet 55+
1st            Stewart McCrae            1st            Elizabeth Leishman

Local unattached male                 Local unattached female
1st        David McHugh                  1st            Sheila Traynor

The full results for the Olympians were: