On Sunday 20th September, I was the sole Harrier running the Cumbernauld 10k. With Broadwood Stadium being only a stones throw from my flat, I was able to avoid dashing around trying to find kit, get warmed up and arrive at the start line on time, such is the norm with me! I arrived in plenty time and was able to take in some of the kids fun runs that were taking place as part of the event, and catch up with a few faces.
This years race took place on a nice calm, overcast day, perfect conditions for running. As my home town race, the route winds round some notable nostalgic hotspots for me. The race starts and ends on the Broadwood Stadium pitch, where my (lack of) football skills were honed at a young age. From here, you head out towards one of Cumbernaulds most iconic landmarks, the Irn Bru factory, and loop round the scenic Broadwood loch, venue for some of my favourite underage drinking memories.
The route is very flat, with a decent downhill between kilometres 4 & 5. I ran this race last year during a period where I was running pretty strongly, so I had hopes of getting as close as possible to last years time. Bizarrely, I managed to run both my 5k split and my finish in the exact same time as last year! Gutted I couldn’t kick on a bit more at the end and shade even a second or two off, but if you’re standing still then at least you’re not going backwards. It’s the quickest I have ran 10k since this race last year as well, and only the 2nd time I have went under 43 minutes this year.
Would definitely recommend this event to all. Starting and finishing in a busy stadium is a good touch, the route is flat and fast with the roads completely shut from traffic, chip timing and a decent goodie bag/medal at the end.
1st Male – Robert Gilroy (Ronhill Cambuslang Harriers) – 31.29
1st Female – Lindsey Currie (Dumbarton AAC) – 39.40
80th – Scott Coulter (Maryhill Harriers) – 42.52
550 finishers.
