I cycled along the canal from work to the Bishopbriggs Sports Centre for the 4 mile (actually 6.65km) out and back along the canal. Thought I might be on my own, but upon arriving at the sports centre I saw John Weir, so it was great to have him for company for the race, even got a wee joke out of him. Brain Watson also ran, turning up a few minutes before the start.
The race is a low key affair, £2 entry, and a simple route along the canal, a loop around Possil marsh and back. A good number of club runners from Springburn and Kirkintilloch were there, making up a field of 83 in total.
I set off way too fast, and after 1km, slowed down, I blame the thrill of flat running going to my head, Despite being on the tow path I never felt crammed and settled in to a pace which I could maintain. The loop around the marsh was a bit slippy from recent rain and seemed to go on for a long time, before getting back to the tow path for the run to the finish line, which was a line scrapped in the dirt on the canal path.
At about 500m before the finish I saw Mick, who was there with Tricia, supporting, which was another real boost.
I really enjoyed the race, it is not what I would normally do, it had a nice friendly feel to it, and hence I might try more of these local flat races.
Race winner: Chris Greenham 23:23,
1st female Clare Gemmell (Springburn) 28:53
Maryhill Runners
Brain Watson, 11th, 25:06
John Weir, 18th, 26:16
Duncan Riddell, 29th, 28:03
