Rainy Day Women

8 MAY2011

Grey skies and steady rain couldn't dampen the enthusiasm of the huge field - there were 12,000 entries - that gathered for today's Ignis Asset Management Womens 10K. The rain relented for the 10.00am start but some the 'down the field' runners were caught in late down pours.

In the race three Kenyans Linet Masai, Grace Momanyi and Julia Mumbi were joined in a pack of four by Emma Pallant (Aldershot Farnham & District) and this quartet led in the early stages. However Masai moved ahead around halfway and by 7K had established a solid lead. Her fluent and seemingly effortless performance impressed the thousands who lined the route and cheered her home in a time of 32:11. Momanyi (32:56) was second and Mumbi (33:43) third.

First home runner was Megan Crawford (St Andrews University) in 36:25 while Garscube Harrier Lesley Chisholm (37:00) had a good scrap throughout with Fiona Thompson (Central AC) for 8th place with the Glasgow athlete finishing 2 seconds ahead at the line.

Behind the elite international performers and fast club runners came thousands of 'part-time' athletes who thrived on the great support of spectators all along the route before finishing in style on Mosspark Boulevard. Overnight rain meant that runners tended to stick to the paths in Pollok Park and avoided the grass verges so it was tight in places. However the rousting support of Radio Clyde djs, pipers and drum bands maintained the runners' spirits and generated a fantastic atmosphere.

Family and friends played their part too. There were lots of banners of support and rousing cheers for mums and partners which added to the emotion of the occasion.

All in all a great renewal of one of Scotland's top sporting events. Please add your thoughts on the race by commenting below.

Check your time at scottishrunningguide.com results page.