Bumper Bella Turnout

15 NOV2010

An unexpectedly large turnout on the day meant the start of the Achilles Heel Jimmy Irvine Bella 10k was delayed by 30 minutes. Saturday's event, organised to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Bellahouston Road Runners (and co-incidentally sponsors Achilles Heel), was run in bright autumn sunshine with Ronhill Cambuslang's Robert Gilroy first man home in 31:37, and Lindsay Morrison (Central AC) first woman in 37:36.

Robert Gilroy told scottishrunningguide.com: "I was pleased with that run. I've had injury problems recently and have cut back on my weekly mileage so it was good to win this new race." Robert was presented with the winner's trophy by Jimmy Irvine.

Bellahouston Road Runners chairman Robert McEwan apologised post-race for the delayed start but explained that around 400 people had turned up, twice the number anticipated: "It was great to see the level of interest in the new 10k event, also that post-race feedback about the course was very positive. A big thank you to Maddie Smillie, Nikki Milligan, Jackie McGuire and all the other volunteers who made today's event such a big success."

Jimmy Irvine was one of the founding members of Bellahouston Road Runners and as a competitive runner for more than 50 years is a well-known and much loved figure in the local running scene. Jimmy, now 75, completed the 10k in 51:49. He said after the race: "I'm very proud to be associated with this new event. The organisers did a great job and came up with an interesting course despite the fact that Bellahouston Park is relatively small. We got a smashing day too which was a bonus."

One man had a very busy day on Saturday; Chris Brotherston took part in the parkrun in Pollok Park (recording a time of 20:55), before running a respectable 41:55 in the Achilles Heel Jimmy Irvine Bella 10k. Chris then headed south towards Lanark for the Tinto Hill Race which he completed in 47:58.