Super Vets Show the Way as Ex Scotland Internationalist Richard Gough Joins in the Glasgow parkrun

5 SEP2009

Although numbers were down at Saturday's Glasgow parkrun, with Sunday's Great Scottish Run keeping many regular parkrunners away, there were still some 119 participants in the popular Pollok Park event. Among those taking place were former Scottish International Footballer Richard Gough, BBC personality Bryan Burnett and Scottish Sun Editor David Dinsmore.

Gough was one of 30 first timers in the cool Glasgow drizzle, ideal weather for running in, as demonstrated by a total of 31 runners achieving new PBs, and overall winner Jeff Farquhar crossing the line in an impressive 16:46, a spectacular age graded performance of 87.97%.

In his fourth appearance, Super Vet Jeff Farquhar (VM50-54) of Pitreavie AAC won, for the second time, in 16:46. Patrick Duffy (VM50-54) representing Greenock Glenpark Harriers took second by 43 seconds recording 17:29, whilst Glasgow University youngster Bryan McLelland (SM20-24) placed third in a time of 17:33.

In her first race since her recent 50th birthday, Marie McChord (Kirkintilloch Olympians) celebrated by winning the Women's Race, for the first time, in 21:35. McChord beat her younger club mate Ada Stewart (VW45-49) by 59 seconds, with Motherwell's, even younger, Clare Barr (VW40-44) placing third in a time of 22:49.

Speaking exclusively to SCOTTISH RUNNING GUIDE, San Diego based, Richard Gough (47), who finished in 21:39, said: "This was my first parkrun. I ran round with a friend and I really enjoyed it. I'd recommend it to anyone." Women's Race winner, Marie McChord enthused "It's a great event. It's free and it's a brilliant way for people of all abilities to take up racing without any of the pressures of other events."