March 5th, 2012

The 6^th running of Ronhill Cambuslang Harriers “Down by the River” 10k and 3k races brought out a record number of runners, loads of PB’s and a new 10k course record set by RHC’s Scottish Internationalist Stuart Gibson, which was previously held by Team GB marathon internationalist Martin Williams.

Run mostly along the River Clyde walkway, this flat, fast and traffic free race was re-scheduled from it’s previous Xmas date due to continued adverse weather conditions, and is now  likely to become a must race for those wishing to obtain those early spring PB’s.

The 3k race, mostly contested by younger athletes, was won by Under 17 Ross Stephen from the host club, in a time of 9m52s, followed home by his club mate Dean McMurran (9m59s) and Law & District’s Luke Goss (10m21s). Under 13 Niamh Brown was first female home in a time of 11m13s.

The sun was shining brightly as over 100 runners lined up for the start of the 10k, ranging from the elite to the novice, all with their own targets in mind. Fresh from their medal winning exploits at the Scottish cross country championships, host club Ronhill Cambuslang’s senior runners were quickly to the fore, with Stuart Gibson carving out an early lead from David Munro and Martin McLaughlin, with Masters internationalists Robert Gilroy, Stevie Wylie and Jamie Reid starting more steadily. Shaun Lyon and David Henderson, both from Greenock Glenpark, were doing their best to split up the RHC runners.

Taking advantage of the excellent racing conditions, Stuart Gibson continued to increase his lead, eventually breaking the course record by 7 seconds to win in 31m18s. Robert Gilroy (32m36s) and Stevie Wylie(32m38s) both came through strongly to make it an RHC 1-2-3 to win the team prize from Greenock Glenpark and Bellahouston Road Runners.

Alan Ramage secured 1^st M40 (35m23s), Dave Thom 1^st M50 (36m19s) and John Kay 1^st M60 (58m05s).

Meanwhile, Claire McCracken of Bellahouston Harriers was a well deserved winner of the ladies race, in an excellent winning time of 38m26s, over 30 seconds clear of Jacqui Thomson of City of Glasgow in 38m58s, with Claire Wharton of Bellahouston Road Runners taking 3^rd place in 40m58s.

The Ladies team prize went to Motherwell AC, who packed well throughout to finish ahead of Bellahouston Road Runners.

Joanne Clark (Motherwell AC) secured 1^st F35 (41m11s), Pauline Hannan (Dumbarton AAC) 1^st F45 (43m09s) and Mae McIsaac (Motherwell AC) 1^st F55 (45m56s).