Awoke a little apprehensive for the annual Glasgow women’s 10k. Firstly, because I had awoken a few times during the night to the sound of pouring rain and secondly, at almost 20 weeks pregnant I was scared about the toilet stop situation!!
Anyway, arrived to Bellahouston Park and, as if by magic, the sun came out just in time for the energetic mass warm-up of over 7000 women. I never fail to be blown away by the energy, emotion and good vibes at this race – just fab!
The ‘elite’ African runners were absent this time, allowing the local girls to take centre stage.
Took it nice and easy along the lovely leafy South Side streets. As always, locals were outside their houses to hand out water/treats to the runners. A piper at every kilometre marker must have awoken the residents – young and old – who were all out (or hanging out their tenement flat!) to cheer on the field. Just after the 5km mark you head into the lovely Pollok Park. Overall it’s a really nice and pretty flat course although at around the 7km mark you are faced with one of those infamous ‘Pollok Park Hills’! Just when your legs are tiring too… But once at the top it’s downhill to the 8km marker and then you know you’re nearly home.
Lovely to see fellow (also pregnant!) Maryhill Harrier Cat Nisbet smiling and cheering me on just as I came out of Pollok Park to head for the finish line. Thanks Cat and Allan!
Finished off in a time of 48.48 (and that’s including an ESSENTIAL toilet stop in Pollok Park about 8km!) so pretty chuffed. Nice to see a Kilbarchan girl win the race overall. 35 mins-ish. Well done
