Unlike our ‘lazy’ counterparts who had opted for a lie-in for the slower, leisurely paced Half-Marathon, 5 Maryhill Harriers dragged themselves out of bed for the Great Scottish Runs 10k which started at 9:30am. George Square was in an almost carnival state as 7500 people prepared for the first race of the day. It started promptly, and everyone began the instant uphill slog that is St. Vincent Street. I think Caroline and I started in the front group, and Laura and Maggie in the following group. It wasn’t until I crossed Kingston Bridge that I caught Robert McLean – another Harrier I hadn’t seen for nearly a year, and who I had no idea would be running this race. Some small talk was exchanged between us both and I then made my apologies to Robert, explaining that I needed to save my breath for the race, and took off. Sorry Robert.
The first – much needed – water station was located on Scotland St. This was a godsend, as the usual pre-race nerves had the usual effect of leaving my mouth feeling like an Arabs sannie. A quick rinse and spit (dental reference for CJ there) and I was ready to get stuck in. Just round the corner from Scotland St was the 5k mark, and I passed this around 19:20. After this point, I moved steadily through the field and was passed by only 1 runner at Eglington Toll.
Coming through the arch at Glasgow Green, I was surprised to see the clock just turning to 38mins. The home straight, with the cheering crowds, was the perfect motivation for a heroic sprint to the line. Mrs Curran claimed that I ignored her cheers at this point – but I maintain I did flash her a smile/grimace as I legged it for the line.
38:32! So much better than I could have hoped for.
1st Male – 0:31:41 – Luke Traynor – Giffnock North AAC
1st Lady – 0:35:09 – Elspeth Curran – Kilbarchan AAC (8th Overall)
Harriers…..
54th – 38:32 – Gordon Curran
116th – 41:13 – Robert MacLean
283rd – 44:21 – Caroline Jones
1759th – 54:04 – Laura Muirhead
1835th – 54:25 – Margaret Peebles
