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Athletics: Harriers hit the roads and the trails for endurance and distance races
FROM the Borders to Perthshire, runners from Greenock Glenpark Harriers have been hitting the roads, paths and trails at some of Scotland’s most challenging, and most beautiful, endurance events – and clocking up some impressive times in the process.
Here’s our round-up of the Harriers’ on-road and off-road efforts over recent weeks…
Jedburgh Three Peaks Challenge
Intrepid long distance specialist Viki Smith made yet another last minute decision to enter another test of endurance that most mortals spend months preparing for, in the shape of ultra number 35, just six weeks after Dunoon Ultra and a year of ailments and inconsistency and GP visits.
For the second year in a row Viki found herself at the start line of the Jedburgh Three Peaks Ultramarathon and Relay. On her second visit she had a cracking race, meeting lots of familiar faces who were either running or giving up their time to act as marshals.
Viki has labelled it as one of the toughest but beautiful courses - quite an endorsement from the ultra expert.
Viki Smith made a last-minute decision to enter the Jedburgh Three Peaks Challenge. (Image: Viki Smith) The weather gods were on her side, too, with uncharacteristic good weather for this time of year. As always, races like this rely on the support that you receive on the course, and Andrew seems to have this crewing lark down to a T.
It’s some race, starting in the centre of Jedburgh and heading out towards Melrose in an out-and-back course with the Eildons three peaks loop at about 18 miles; it’s got mud, trails and bit of road which on the way back felt tough and Viki couldn’t wait to get back on her natural habitat of the trails.
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There are four checkpoints, at three of which you can leave drop bags; Viki, of course, settled for two drop bags.
To sum up Jedburgh, you’ve got a YMCA warm up, swinging bridges, a Group Hug as a spot prize, which Viki won at CP2 and definitely lifted her spirits at that point (maybe something to consider for future club races?), a play park with dinosaurs and unicorns where you are made to climb up the climbing frame and down the super slick chute, cracking marshals, a fab goody bag with the best T-shirt, and the best soup and sourdough bread at the finish. What’s not to love?
Viki attests that it’s a toughie, and her quads were screaming on Sunday, but has laid down the challenge to maybe get some Harriers to take part next year. (There is also a relay option too which looks a lot of fun and could open the door for a fab day out.)
Glen Ogle Ultra
The Glen Ogle Ultra is seen as a cracking first ultra, and also, it would seem, a cracking last one. Two Harriers set out to prove that point at the Glen Ogle 33, and one Harrier set out to keep his 10 year streak going at his 'favourite' Ultra.
At 33-ish miles, through some stunning scenery on the outskirts of the Trossachs, runners are presented with a mixture of forest and cycle path with just a “few” hills in between.
Five Harriers stood on the start line, with Kev Craig, Greig Turner and Kyle Wilson very familiar with the course; Fiona Cushnaghan was lining up for her 10th, and in her words “last”, ultra, and Andy Smith, on his first time running an ultra, having supported Viki over so many years.
Andy Scott and Kyle Wilson ready for the Glen Ogle Ultra. (Image: Greenock Glenpark Harriers) The race started at 8am with Kev and Kyle up the front, pushing hard to stay in the lead group, and Greig, Fiona and Andy following on as they crossed over the impressive Falls of Dochart.
Kyle was hoping to better his previous winning time but was still feeling the niggles from the West Highland Way race in the summer, so opted not to push his luck and take it slightly easier.
Kev was happy to be out on his 10th consecutive Glen Ogle, having run the race every time since his first attempt in 2015; Greig and Andy were running happily along the way down the long viaduct towards Strathyre.
Fiona, in the last day of her 50s, had met an ultra newbie and had stuck with her new friend to pass the miles away, share her years of experience and chat her way to the finish.
Runners carry out a loop round to Balquhidder and then round to Strathyre before a long two-mile climb up into the forest on the Rob Roy Way and coming back onto the track back up the viaduct towards Killin. It is deceptively uphill despite what the battle-hardened ultra runner would have you believe.
Kyle managed to keep himself up front and came back into Killin in fifth pace with a decent time of three hours and 52 minutes, with Kev not too far behind in seventh in four hours and four minutes.
Greig was next back to Breadalbane Park, where runners are subjected to a final lap of the park to get to the finish, with Greig recording a PB of 5hr 24min.
Andy Scott nears the Glen Ogle Ultra finish line. (Image: Greenock Glenpark Harriers) Andy completed his first ultra in an impressive 6h46, and is already planning which one is next - though poor Viki, who had a wee bit of FOMO, will need to step up as support again.
Fiona had a great day out, coming over the line holding hands with her new pal Fay holding hands. Fiona claims that was her last ultra, though it’s distinctly possible that she might be talked into another.
Auchterarder 10k Chilli Trail
Lorna Mitchell traded 4km of Kirkcaldy’s finest muddy hills for 10km of Perthshire’s even finer, muddier hills and stream crossings at the Auchterarder 10km Chilli Trail.
On some weekends Lorna wouldn't leave the house for a wee 10km, much preferring the longer race challenges which she normally takes in her stride with her trademark beaming smile.
Lorna Mitchell completed the Auchterarder 10K Chilli Trail in 53 minutes and 21 seconds. (Image: Greenock Glenpark Harriers) But this challenging course, often referred to as a “spicy wee course”, features more than 800 feet of elevation, with most of the climb packed into the first 4km, with plenty to test Lorna and her fellow competitors.
The narrow paths on the course caused significant congestion at the start, making for a slower beginning, but Lorna managed to push through the pack, eventually finishing in 10th place out of 205 women and 6th out of 81 FV40 runners.
Lorna's time of 53:21 was a full 10 minutes slower than her 10k PB, highlighting just how tough the course was.
Despite the slower time, the event was described as fantastic – fun, friendly, and well-organized. It was also a nice opportunity to meet the Young Hearts Run Free podcast crew in person, with John Cassidy on MC duties and a quick chat with Stevie (Watt) boy adding to the fun atmosphere.
Lorna Mitchell tackling the 'spicy wee course' on the Auchterarder 10K Chilli Trail. (Image: Greenock Glenpark Harriers) Entries for next year’s race, set for November 1, 2025, are already open, but it’s worth noting that places are filling up fast, and Lorna highly recommends this race for anyone looking for a scenic and challenging trail run.
Supernova Forth Road Bridge 5km
Three Harriers made the journey east to take part in the Supernova Forth Road Bridge 5km, an event was described as a resounding success, with a total of 5,000 participants taking part in both the run and walk.
The race began promptly at 6pm, with a wave start system in place; participants were issued with head torches before being bussed from the Gyle Shopping Centre to the event start point.
The weather conditions were ideal for the evening, with no wind and pleasant temperatures, which contributed to ideal racing conditions, particularly for this time of the year.
Gerry Gallacher, Sarah Jane Whalen and Alison Smart represented the Harriers in the Supernova Forth Road Bridge 5km race. (Image: Greenock Glenpark Harriers) Gerry Gallacher decided to take a more relaxed approach during the race, opting to enjoy the atmosphere and capture some photos along the way, though he still finished in 162nd place in a decent time of 23:25, getting good value for the £35 entry fee.
Sarah Jane Whalen, also racing in Harrier colours, crossed the finish line in 27:03, securing 498th place, while Alison Smart also took part, finishing in 36:08 and securing position 1,987.
READ MORE: Full list of Greenock Glenpark Harriers finishers in 2024 Great Scottish Run
The race turned out to be more challenging than anticipated, but the spectacular atmosphere, combined with the stunning light display at the finish line, made the event a memorable experience for everyone involved.
Overall, it was an unforgettable evening, with excellent weather, a lively atmosphere, and the opportunity to capture some fantastic photos to remember the event.
Another race to consider for the future for those looking for something a wee bit different.
