A late re-arranging of shifts at work afforded me the opportunity to take part in this race, the 2nd of 4 in the ‘Tour of Clydeside’ series of races.
Everyone congregated at the large bicycle monument/sculpture/hingy across from Clydebank Shopping centre for the out-and-back 4.8 mile ‘canter’ along the canalside. The race started on the narrow path, but the overcrowding quickly thinned out and, as it was a field of only 52 runners, everybody quickly found their positions.
Having discussed with the Jones’ before the race who I should be setting my sights on, I identified the male (Garscube) and lady (Clydesdale) mentioned, and tucked in behind them both. After only a minute or so I realized the lady runner wasn’t moving as fast as I hoped to be going, so I changed my attention to the Garscube runner who was already putting a bit of distance between us. I caught him after a quick 20 second burst, and that’s where I stayed for the best part of the remainder of the race. Pretty much glued to his shoulder until the last half-mile we both made a move to overtake the first lady who had been about 40m ahead for the entire race. In the process of doing this we also managed to catch another gent, and with the finishing line in sight I conjured up a bit of pace and finished comfortably ahead of each of them in a time of 30:24. Thanks to John Weir for coming along to support us, and many thanks to the organizers for putting on a great wee friendly event where all the runners stood about congratulating all the finishers.
1st male – David Gardner – Kirkintilloch Olympians – 27:08
1st lady – Katie White – Garscube Harriers – 30:30
Maryhill…
12th – Gordon Curran – 30:24
27th – Stephen Jones – 32:38
34th – Caroline Jones – 34:42
Full results can be downloaded here.
the bike hingy….
