Great Scottish Run - 29/30th Sept, Glasgow
There were a great number of black and white vests on the streets of Glasgow during the Great Scottish Run, with medals aplenty for Inverclyde AC.
Prior to the popular half marathon, soon-to-be Inverclyde athlete, Adam Craig won the 10k in a scintillating sub-30-minute run, nearly two minutes ahead of second place. Craig, who clocked a time of 29:43, will be registered as an Inverclyde athlete as of November, so ran for his current club, Edinburgh AC and gives the senior men some real quality ahead of the winter season.
Speaking of new athletes, Sean Fontana had his first outing in an Inverclyde vest in the half marathon, finishing ninth overall, yet third in the Scottish championships, winning individual bronze. Due to also being ineligible for Inverclyde until October 1 (the day after the race), Fontana didn’t count towards the team competition – not that it would matter.
Behind Fontana was Inverclyde’s first counter, Craig Ruddy (pictured - photo credits from Bobby Gavin), finishing fifth Scot and 11th overall in 67:13. He was soon followed by John Bell in 68:48 who was seventh Scot and 14th overall, just behind teammate and Glenpark athlete, Stevie Trainer. The final counter would be another new face in Al Myers, finishing 31st in a time of 71:19. The efforts of the three would ensure team gold ahead of the much-fancied Shettleston Harriers and Edinburgh AC. Shettleston’s fastest runner also didn’t count towards the team as it was reported that Tsegai Twelde’s failure to wear a club vest (and instead, his sponsored vest) made him ineligible to be counted for the team.
Elsewhere, there were plenty of good results to look at. The best of the rest went to Jack Letson, who after the previous week’s display in the club trial finished 56th in a time of 73:36. Nicholas Gemmell would smash his half marathon personal best by five minutes, sneaking inside the top 100. Neil McLaughlin would have a great run just outside the top 100 in 78:25, closely followed by Jason Kane and Sean Gaffney who were separated by a few seconds and an old man. Julie Gordon would be the sole female involved, finishing in a very respectable 94:29.
Jon Hammerman would also finish in the top 100, just outside going under 75 minutes. His daughter Abi would make the podium in the junior run with a fantastic time just outside 10 minutes, being third in the girls category. She was followed by fellow juniors Tayven Adamson (10:06), Keir Arthur (10:44) and Orla McGeehan (11:33).
In a day of many successes, the confidence of Inverclyde runners only got better ahead of the relays season, where they often shine their brightest.
There were a great number of black and white vests on the streets of Glasgow during the Great Scottish Run, with medals aplenty for Inverclyde AC.
Prior to the popular half marathon, soon-to-be Inverclyde athlete, Adam Craig won the 10k in a scintillating sub-30-minute run, nearly two minutes ahead of second place. Craig, who clocked a time of 29:43, will be registered as an Inverclyde athlete as of November, so ran for his current club, Edinburgh AC and gives the senior men some real quality ahead of the winter season.
Speaking of new athletes, Sean Fontana had his first outing in an Inverclyde vest in the half marathon, finishing ninth overall, yet third in the Scottish championships, winning individual bronze. Due to also being ineligible for Inverclyde until October 1 (the day after the race), Fontana didn’t count towards the team competition – not that it would matter.
Behind Fontana was Inverclyde’s first counter, Craig Ruddy (pictured - photo credits from Bobby Gavin), finishing fifth Scot and 11th overall in 67:13. He was soon followed by John Bell in 68:48 who was seventh Scot and 14th overall, just behind teammate and Glenpark athlete, Stevie Trainer. The final counter would be another new face in Al Myers, finishing 31st in a time of 71:19. The efforts of the three would ensure team gold ahead of the much-fancied Shettleston Harriers and Edinburgh AC. Shettleston’s fastest runner also didn’t count towards the team as it was reported that Tsegai Twelde’s failure to wear a club vest (and instead, his sponsored vest) made him ineligible to be counted for the team.
Elsewhere, there were plenty of good results to look at. The best of the rest went to Jack Letson, who after the previous week’s display in the club trial finished 56th in a time of 73:36. Nicholas Gemmell would smash his half marathon personal best by five minutes, sneaking inside the top 100. Neil McLaughlin would have a great run just outside the top 100 in 78:25, closely followed by Jason Kane and Sean Gaffney who were separated by a few seconds and an old man. Julie Gordon would be the sole female involved, finishing in a very respectable 94:29.
Jon Hammerman would also finish in the top 100, just outside going under 75 minutes. His daughter Abi would make the podium in the junior run with a fantastic time just outside 10 minutes, being third in the girls category. She was followed by fellow juniors Tayven Adamson (10:06), Keir Arthur (10:44) and Orla McGeehan (11:33).
In a day of many successes, the confidence of Inverclyde runners only got better ahead of the relays season, where they often shine their brightest.
Ferguson Cup - Sat 29th Sept, Greenock
The start of the winter season commenced with Inverclyde AC’s club trial with Ross Gray taking this year’s Ferguson Cup over the 5k course.
This year’s winner would be Ross Gray who had a close battle with young Cameron Watson, taking the title in 16.11, 11 seconds ahead of Watson in second. Third place went to new addition, Jack Letson, who had a comfortable gap in front and behind him finishing in 16.41.
Behind Letson was a contingent of four runners, with Mark Pollard coming out on top as Jon Hammerman and David Tamburini would cross the line at the same time – with the latter two just over 17 minutes. Callum Hunter ran impressively too, finishing seven seconds. Jason Kane would finish afterwards who also had a great run in eighth.
There was also a concealed handicap in the race, with – to the surprise of no one – the man who determines the handicaps, Tom Tracey, storming the competition. We all expect him to be handicap champion by the end of the season, undefeated. If you wish to have a chance of winning, slip Tom £20 in a brown envelope.
Elsewhere in the handicap section, Jon Hammerman finished nearly a minute behind ahead of Thomas Jamieson in third. Just outside the top three was Andy McIntyre, who, just a year ago, was an athlete’s dad and coaching assistant. Now taking up running as a hobby, he looked strong clocking a time of exactly 25 minutes.
Elsewhere, Neil McLaughlin had a strong run in ninth in 17.23 and young Dylan Crawford had one of his first outings as a senior athlete, finishing just over 18 minutes.
The trials determine what team athletes will be in for the first relay of the season, the Houston Relays, in the first week of October. With a great chance of a win in Houston, making the A team will be important to those frontrunners in the club trial.
The start of the winter season commenced with Inverclyde AC’s club trial with Ross Gray taking this year’s Ferguson Cup over the 5k course.
This year’s winner would be Ross Gray who had a close battle with young Cameron Watson, taking the title in 16.11, 11 seconds ahead of Watson in second. Third place went to new addition, Jack Letson, who had a comfortable gap in front and behind him finishing in 16.41.
Behind Letson was a contingent of four runners, with Mark Pollard coming out on top as Jon Hammerman and David Tamburini would cross the line at the same time – with the latter two just over 17 minutes. Callum Hunter ran impressively too, finishing seven seconds. Jason Kane would finish afterwards who also had a great run in eighth.
There was also a concealed handicap in the race, with – to the surprise of no one – the man who determines the handicaps, Tom Tracey, storming the competition. We all expect him to be handicap champion by the end of the season, undefeated. If you wish to have a chance of winning, slip Tom £20 in a brown envelope.
Elsewhere in the handicap section, Jon Hammerman finished nearly a minute behind ahead of Thomas Jamieson in third. Just outside the top three was Andy McIntyre, who, just a year ago, was an athlete’s dad and coaching assistant. Now taking up running as a hobby, he looked strong clocking a time of exactly 25 minutes.
Elsewhere, Neil McLaughlin had a strong run in ninth in 17.23 and young Dylan Crawford had one of his first outings as a senior athlete, finishing just over 18 minutes.
The trials determine what team athletes will be in for the first relay of the season, the Houston Relays, in the first week of October. With a great chance of a win in Houston, making the A team will be important to those frontrunners in the club trial.
Scottish Masters Track and Field Champs
THREE of Inverclyde’s most experienced racers found success at the Scottish Masters’ Championships, picking up four medals between them.
The event, hosted for runners of the age of 35 and upwards, saw Chris Barlas (pictured) come home with two silvers in the 800m and 1500m. After a long spell out of the sport, Chris found new season’s bests in both events, the fastest he has been since his return just over a year ago. Even more impressive, his double medal win comes two months after heart surgery.
Chris’ slightly elder teammates would find similar enjoyment. In the Vet 45 category, Nicholas Gemmell would debut over the same races, having ran every event from 5k to marathon beforehand. He would post a time of 2.20 in the 800m, just two seconds outside the medals. However, the 1500m was Nicholas’ race, squeezing out two close competitors to snatch the silver with a fast finish.
Last but not least, was another medal for David Tamburini in the Vet 40 category. Now as one of the oldest runners in his category which usually puts you at a disadvantage, David is still picking up medals on a consistent basis, eating some of his younger opponents for breakfast. In the 1500m, he would miss out on the gold in a fast finish between four competitors but would finish just two seconds away from the gold, gaining a bronze in the process.
Another successful day at the races for the black and white shows that runners of all ages are standing on the podium representing Inverclyde AC.
THREE of Inverclyde’s most experienced racers found success at the Scottish Masters’ Championships, picking up four medals between them.
The event, hosted for runners of the age of 35 and upwards, saw Chris Barlas (pictured) come home with two silvers in the 800m and 1500m. After a long spell out of the sport, Chris found new season’s bests in both events, the fastest he has been since his return just over a year ago. Even more impressive, his double medal win comes two months after heart surgery.
Chris’ slightly elder teammates would find similar enjoyment. In the Vet 45 category, Nicholas Gemmell would debut over the same races, having ran every event from 5k to marathon beforehand. He would post a time of 2.20 in the 800m, just two seconds outside the medals. However, the 1500m was Nicholas’ race, squeezing out two close competitors to snatch the silver with a fast finish.
Last but not least, was another medal for David Tamburini in the Vet 40 category. Now as one of the oldest runners in his category which usually puts you at a disadvantage, David is still picking up medals on a consistent basis, eating some of his younger opponents for breakfast. In the 1500m, he would miss out on the gold in a fast finish between four competitors but would finish just two seconds away from the gold, gaining a bronze in the process.
Another successful day at the races for the black and white shows that runners of all ages are standing on the podium representing Inverclyde AC.
Scottish Relay Champs
A YOUNG Inverclyde men’s team battled with one of the fastest sprint teams in the country, finishing second at the Scottish National Relay Championships at Grangemouth.
The team of Scott McCluckie, Scott Hannaway, Mark McLachlan and Mark Holliman faced four other teams, including the home side and favourites, Falkirk in the 4x400m relay. The team’s age ranged from 22 to 16. Despite this relative youth, they impressed throughout.
The top two teams led from the start, with McCluckie finishing equal with Falkirk on the first lap. Youngest member, Scott Hannaway, continued his form from this track season, staying in touch with the second leg runner. Despite still being behind, third leg Mark McLachlan kept the quartet in a touching distance.
However, that touching distance would soon vanish as Mark Holliman had the unenviable task of chasing British 4x400m relay runner, Grant Plenderleith. With 300m to go, the medals were sorted and despite a strong showing from all four runners, the gold was just a little too far away. Still, Inverclyde have once again shown that they are one of the leading teams in Scottish sprinting.
A YOUNG Inverclyde men’s team battled with one of the fastest sprint teams in the country, finishing second at the Scottish National Relay Championships at Grangemouth.
The team of Scott McCluckie, Scott Hannaway, Mark McLachlan and Mark Holliman faced four other teams, including the home side and favourites, Falkirk in the 4x400m relay. The team’s age ranged from 22 to 16. Despite this relative youth, they impressed throughout.
The top two teams led from the start, with McCluckie finishing equal with Falkirk on the first lap. Youngest member, Scott Hannaway, continued his form from this track season, staying in touch with the second leg runner. Despite still being behind, third leg Mark McLachlan kept the quartet in a touching distance.
However, that touching distance would soon vanish as Mark Holliman had the unenviable task of chasing British 4x400m relay runner, Grant Plenderleith. With 300m to go, the medals were sorted and despite a strong showing from all four runners, the gold was just a little too far away. Still, Inverclyde have once again shown that they are one of the leading teams in Scottish sprinting.
Scottish Track and Field League Match 3, Grangemouth - Sun 24th June
Inverclyde’s Men’s League team produced their best performance of the season so far with a 3rd place finish at Grangemouth in the penultimate match of the season. Only Callum Hunter remained from the 7 athletes who made the trip up to Aberdeen earlier this month, as many of the club’s more recognisable athletes returned to the team.
The day started with a bang as 16 year-old Scott Brindley broke the club Long Jump record as well as the national U17 record to take the win with a PB of 7.18m. Scott broke the British U17 Heptathlon record earlier in the season, and in his first appearance for IAC he also recorded points in the High Jump.
In the first event on the track Scott McCluckie and Mark Magee produced solid runs in the 400m hurdles. Both Scott and Mark are regular high scorers for the club and they both delivered once more, with Scott taking points in the 200m and Javelin and Mark scoring in the High Jump and 110m hurdles.
After a strong start in the 800m, Adam Hay held on for 3rd place, with training partners Callum Hunter and Cameron Watson returning 2nd and 3rd places respectively in the 1500m races. After a tough few months with injury, it was good to see Gary McKendrick back competing as a guest in the 1500m.
Despite an injury scare after 60m, Drew McIntyre finished 3rd in his 100m, with promising U17 athlete Scott Hannaway taking 2nd in the B race on his first outing with the senior team. Scott stepped up into the A race in the 200m and can be happy with a 3rd place finish. There was also a 2nd place in the B string 200m from Mark Holliman, who had earlier finished 2nd in the 400m. Ciaran Hogg produced another strong run in the 400m on his maiden season with the senior team. Fellow U17 Lewis Greenway also looked strong on his first outing with the club in the guest 100m.
Not to be outdone by the sprinters, Mark Pollard’s distance group stepped up to the plate in the longer events. Jon Hammerman (pictured) was pipped to 2nd place in his first ever 3000m steeplechase and John Bell and Pete Tucker blew away the competition in the 5000m to add to the IAC points total. David Henderson and John Sharp finished ahead of most other club’s counting athletes in the 5000m, despite only running as guests for IAC.
This was one of IAC’s best performances in the field events, with Robert Todd producing a PB in his last jump to take points in the Triple Jump. Record-breaker Scott Brindley’s dad Paul also pulled on the black and white stripes for the first time and scored well in the Javelin, Shot and Discuss. Under Paul’s tutelage, injured sprinter Shaun Tonner also threw well in the Shot and Discus.
Going into the relays sitting in 3rd place, Inverclyde’s position was cemented with two 3rd place finishes. The 4x100m team of Scott Brindley, Scott McCluckie, Mark Holliman and Mark Magee missed out on 2nd by 0.02 seconds and the two Marks then doubled-up to join U17 athletes Ciaran Hogg and Scott Hannaway in the 4x400m, with the young team finishing comfortably in third.
After two matches in two weeks, the team will be looking forward to a two month break from league matches, with the final meet taking place in Kilmarnock at the end of August. Many thanks to the strong travelling IAC support, especially Club President Gerry Gaffney, Team Manager Matthew Thomson, Mark Stringer and George Newman for officiating on the day.
Inverclyde’s Men’s League team produced their best performance of the season so far with a 3rd place finish at Grangemouth in the penultimate match of the season. Only Callum Hunter remained from the 7 athletes who made the trip up to Aberdeen earlier this month, as many of the club’s more recognisable athletes returned to the team.
The day started with a bang as 16 year-old Scott Brindley broke the club Long Jump record as well as the national U17 record to take the win with a PB of 7.18m. Scott broke the British U17 Heptathlon record earlier in the season, and in his first appearance for IAC he also recorded points in the High Jump.
In the first event on the track Scott McCluckie and Mark Magee produced solid runs in the 400m hurdles. Both Scott and Mark are regular high scorers for the club and they both delivered once more, with Scott taking points in the 200m and Javelin and Mark scoring in the High Jump and 110m hurdles.
After a strong start in the 800m, Adam Hay held on for 3rd place, with training partners Callum Hunter and Cameron Watson returning 2nd and 3rd places respectively in the 1500m races. After a tough few months with injury, it was good to see Gary McKendrick back competing as a guest in the 1500m.
Despite an injury scare after 60m, Drew McIntyre finished 3rd in his 100m, with promising U17 athlete Scott Hannaway taking 2nd in the B race on his first outing with the senior team. Scott stepped up into the A race in the 200m and can be happy with a 3rd place finish. There was also a 2nd place in the B string 200m from Mark Holliman, who had earlier finished 2nd in the 400m. Ciaran Hogg produced another strong run in the 400m on his maiden season with the senior team. Fellow U17 Lewis Greenway also looked strong on his first outing with the club in the guest 100m.
Not to be outdone by the sprinters, Mark Pollard’s distance group stepped up to the plate in the longer events. Jon Hammerman (pictured) was pipped to 2nd place in his first ever 3000m steeplechase and John Bell and Pete Tucker blew away the competition in the 5000m to add to the IAC points total. David Henderson and John Sharp finished ahead of most other club’s counting athletes in the 5000m, despite only running as guests for IAC.
This was one of IAC’s best performances in the field events, with Robert Todd producing a PB in his last jump to take points in the Triple Jump. Record-breaker Scott Brindley’s dad Paul also pulled on the black and white stripes for the first time and scored well in the Javelin, Shot and Discuss. Under Paul’s tutelage, injured sprinter Shaun Tonner also threw well in the Shot and Discus.
Going into the relays sitting in 3rd place, Inverclyde’s position was cemented with two 3rd place finishes. The 4x100m team of Scott Brindley, Scott McCluckie, Mark Holliman and Mark Magee missed out on 2nd by 0.02 seconds and the two Marks then doubled-up to join U17 athletes Ciaran Hogg and Scott Hannaway in the 4x400m, with the young team finishing comfortably in third.
After two matches in two weeks, the team will be looking forward to a two month break from league matches, with the final meet taking place in Kilmarnock at the end of August. Many thanks to the strong travelling IAC support, especially Club President Gerry Gaffney, Team Manager Matthew Thomson, Mark Stringer and George Newman for officiating on the day.
Scottish Men's Track & Field League Match 2 - Aberdeen, Sunday 10th May
The Magnificent Seven did their best at staying in the promotion race for the Scottish Men’s League, finishing sixth in a strong effort from a depleted team.
With Inverclyde having their away fixture over three hours from home in Aberdeen, many members were not available for the overnight stay leaving a team of Matthew Thomson, Michael Houston, Callum Hunter, David Tamburini, Josh Law and newcomers Michael MacMillan and Peter Baldwin having to cover all the day’s events.
Matthew, returning to the track for the first time in over a year, would pick up points in the 100m and 200m, with Peter doing the same in the former, before picking up a niggle that saw him sidelined for the 200m. However, Peter would go on to pick up points in the Discus and the Shot Putt, which the team has struggled with in previous years.
Callum Hunter was in fine form over the shorter events, finishing second in his 800m heat and fourth in the unfancied 400m. New athlete, Michael McMillan from Stornoway, would compete in the same events as Callum, winning the B string 800m, before finishing second in his 400m – starting off his Inverclyde AC debut in fine form.
Veteran David Tamburini would finish fifth in the 1500m, alongside youngest athlete, Josh Law, who would finish third in his race, picking up more points.
Performance of the day would go to Michael Houston. After picking up early points in the high jump and long jump, he would take third in the 400m hurdles, before winning the 5000m in a tactical race. With an appearance in a relay too, his points total came to 40, attributing for other a quarter of the team’s points for the day.
With weary legs and little recovery, the 4x100m saw one sprinter, one thrower, and two distance runners finish fifth, narrowly missing fourth place. The 4x400m relay saw four distance runners after a long day struggle to seventh place, including a first leg run by Callum Hunter, who ran both relays.
Considering the abyss that the team were looking down prior to the event, sixth place, and not being far off third, there were many positives from the performance, with a bolstered squad ready and available for the next meet at the end of June. Thanks go to Gerry Gaffney and Mark Stringer for officiating on behalf of the club, and Gerry’s wife Jan and Ali Law for providing support for the team.
The Magnificent Seven did their best at staying in the promotion race for the Scottish Men’s League, finishing sixth in a strong effort from a depleted team.
With Inverclyde having their away fixture over three hours from home in Aberdeen, many members were not available for the overnight stay leaving a team of Matthew Thomson, Michael Houston, Callum Hunter, David Tamburini, Josh Law and newcomers Michael MacMillan and Peter Baldwin having to cover all the day’s events.
Matthew, returning to the track for the first time in over a year, would pick up points in the 100m and 200m, with Peter doing the same in the former, before picking up a niggle that saw him sidelined for the 200m. However, Peter would go on to pick up points in the Discus and the Shot Putt, which the team has struggled with in previous years.
Callum Hunter was in fine form over the shorter events, finishing second in his 800m heat and fourth in the unfancied 400m. New athlete, Michael McMillan from Stornoway, would compete in the same events as Callum, winning the B string 800m, before finishing second in his 400m – starting off his Inverclyde AC debut in fine form.
Veteran David Tamburini would finish fifth in the 1500m, alongside youngest athlete, Josh Law, who would finish third in his race, picking up more points.
Performance of the day would go to Michael Houston. After picking up early points in the high jump and long jump, he would take third in the 400m hurdles, before winning the 5000m in a tactical race. With an appearance in a relay too, his points total came to 40, attributing for other a quarter of the team’s points for the day.
With weary legs and little recovery, the 4x100m saw one sprinter, one thrower, and two distance runners finish fifth, narrowly missing fourth place. The 4x400m relay saw four distance runners after a long day struggle to seventh place, including a first leg run by Callum Hunter, who ran both relays.
Considering the abyss that the team were looking down prior to the event, sixth place, and not being far off third, there were many positives from the performance, with a bolstered squad ready and available for the next meet at the end of June. Thanks go to Gerry Gaffney and Mark Stringer for officiating on behalf of the club, and Gerry’s wife Jan and Ali Law for providing support for the team.
West District Track & Field Champs, Kilmarnock
Inverclyde continued a solid haul of medals at the West District Track and Field Championships.
Scott Hannaway would storm the 200m, winning gold, while narrowly missing out on a bronze in the 100m by 0.01 of a second.
Adam Hay would also pick up a bronze in the 800m final after a fast finish saw him break away in a pack of three, sealing a podium position.
Other 800m races would see similar success. Harris Morrison stormed to victory in the Under 13 race, winning by four seconds, receiving gold in the process. Lewis Hainey will also feel hard done by that he could not finish second in the Under 15 race, being pipped on the line. Ultimately, he still came home with the bronze.
Another 800m success came with Nuala McCheyne. Defending her title, she would fall short of last year’s performance, finishing third, despite struggling recently with an injury. Ben Nichol would finish a respectable fifth in the Under 17’s race.
Evie Semple would pick up two bronzes over the two-day event over the 400m and 200m, finishing behind Victoria Park’s Chloe Lambert and Airdrie Harriers’ Roisin Smith in both.
There was more success in the 400m, where Under 20 Mark McLachlan picked up a silver just before he would see his teammate Scott McCluckie win bronze in the senior men’s category, ahead of another teammate, Mark Magee, in fourth.
Ciaran Hogg would add another third to the club’s tally in the Under 17 men’s race in his first year at this age group.
The 300m races saw more success for the Morrison siblings as Georgia would pip third and fourth by a hair to take second. Leah Cameron also finished sixth in this race. Leah would also go on to finish fourth in the shot putt, not far off a medal. Also not far off in the shot putt for a medal, was Tayven Adamson, recording a personal best on his way to fifth. Edward Docherty would also finish fourth in the Under 15 boy’s 300m race.
The Under 13 boys’ 100m saw two of Inverclyde’s youngest sprinters compete. Aidan McGarrigle (pictured) would finish in the unwanted fourth position, while Sam McGarva would finish seventh in two pleasing performances from the duo. Aidan’s fortune did turn in the long jump, finishing in third, five centimetres off the eventual winner.
The 1500m saw success for distance runner and local pocket rocket, Ryan Gray. In a blanket finish for positions two to four, Ryan finished third, pipping his training partner, Cameron Watson by less than two tenths of a second. Ryan’s brother Ross would be in the unenviable position of fourth in the senior men’s race, posting his quickest time since 2016. Ben Nichol would also finish fourth in the Under 17 race.
In other sprint events, Harris Morrison would add to his medal tally from the day before, with a silver in the 200m. Edward Docherty, in his first year at Under 15’s would place sixth in the older category. Georgia Morrison would equal her younger brother’s performance finishing second too, 0.01 seconds ahead of third in a close finish.
If there was ever a way to show the talent coming through the ranks at Inverclyde AC, it could be summed up by the 15 medals won at the West Districts.
Inverclyde continued a solid haul of medals at the West District Track and Field Championships.
Scott Hannaway would storm the 200m, winning gold, while narrowly missing out on a bronze in the 100m by 0.01 of a second.
Adam Hay would also pick up a bronze in the 800m final after a fast finish saw him break away in a pack of three, sealing a podium position.
Other 800m races would see similar success. Harris Morrison stormed to victory in the Under 13 race, winning by four seconds, receiving gold in the process. Lewis Hainey will also feel hard done by that he could not finish second in the Under 15 race, being pipped on the line. Ultimately, he still came home with the bronze.
Another 800m success came with Nuala McCheyne. Defending her title, she would fall short of last year’s performance, finishing third, despite struggling recently with an injury. Ben Nichol would finish a respectable fifth in the Under 17’s race.
Evie Semple would pick up two bronzes over the two-day event over the 400m and 200m, finishing behind Victoria Park’s Chloe Lambert and Airdrie Harriers’ Roisin Smith in both.
There was more success in the 400m, where Under 20 Mark McLachlan picked up a silver just before he would see his teammate Scott McCluckie win bronze in the senior men’s category, ahead of another teammate, Mark Magee, in fourth.
Ciaran Hogg would add another third to the club’s tally in the Under 17 men’s race in his first year at this age group.
The 300m races saw more success for the Morrison siblings as Georgia would pip third and fourth by a hair to take second. Leah Cameron also finished sixth in this race. Leah would also go on to finish fourth in the shot putt, not far off a medal. Also not far off in the shot putt for a medal, was Tayven Adamson, recording a personal best on his way to fifth. Edward Docherty would also finish fourth in the Under 15 boy’s 300m race.
The Under 13 boys’ 100m saw two of Inverclyde’s youngest sprinters compete. Aidan McGarrigle (pictured) would finish in the unwanted fourth position, while Sam McGarva would finish seventh in two pleasing performances from the duo. Aidan’s fortune did turn in the long jump, finishing in third, five centimetres off the eventual winner.
The 1500m saw success for distance runner and local pocket rocket, Ryan Gray. In a blanket finish for positions two to four, Ryan finished third, pipping his training partner, Cameron Watson by less than two tenths of a second. Ryan’s brother Ross would be in the unenviable position of fourth in the senior men’s race, posting his quickest time since 2016. Ben Nichol would also finish fourth in the Under 17 race.
In other sprint events, Harris Morrison would add to his medal tally from the day before, with a silver in the 200m. Edward Docherty, in his first year at Under 15’s would place sixth in the older category. Georgia Morrison would equal her younger brother’s performance finishing second too, 0.01 seconds ahead of third in a close finish.
If there was ever a way to show the talent coming through the ranks at Inverclyde AC, it could be summed up by the 15 medals won at the West Districts.
Helensburgh 10k - Thu 10th May
Craig Ruddy kickstarted his summer season in fine fashion with a victory at the Helensburgh 10k.
The race, part of the Babcock 10k road race series, saw over 500 finishers compete on the other side of the Clyde and Ruddy would be the first to cross the line in a time of 32:06, nearly 30 seconds ahead of second place Mike Deason from Shettleston Harriers.
Ruddy would be joined in the top ten by two of his training partners. Pete Tucker would finish fifth ahead of Glenpark’s Chris Mooney in 33:22, while Jon Hammerman came in eighth in a time of 34:04.
There would be two more runs from Inverclyde runners as Jason Kane finished 32nd in a time of 36:03 and Nicholas Gemmell would finish not far behind in 42nd in 36:35, being the ninth Vet 40 home.
A week later, the second race of the series would take place in Dumbarton, with Ruddy again appearing on the podium in third place. Finding it tougher than the week before, Ruddy would finish behind Deason who again finished second, and his training partner Glenpark’s Stephen Trainer who won the race.
There were other performances worth noting as Pete Tucker would finish fourth in a time of 33:14 and Jon Hammerman narrowly missed the top 10 in a similar time to the week prior in 34:13. Nicholas Gemmell would also finish inside the top 50.
Athletes will be looking to finish on a strong note in the last race of the series on 27 May.
Craig Ruddy kickstarted his summer season in fine fashion with a victory at the Helensburgh 10k.
The race, part of the Babcock 10k road race series, saw over 500 finishers compete on the other side of the Clyde and Ruddy would be the first to cross the line in a time of 32:06, nearly 30 seconds ahead of second place Mike Deason from Shettleston Harriers.
Ruddy would be joined in the top ten by two of his training partners. Pete Tucker would finish fifth ahead of Glenpark’s Chris Mooney in 33:22, while Jon Hammerman came in eighth in a time of 34:04.
There would be two more runs from Inverclyde runners as Jason Kane finished 32nd in a time of 36:03 and Nicholas Gemmell would finish not far behind in 42nd in 36:35, being the ninth Vet 40 home.
A week later, the second race of the series would take place in Dumbarton, with Ruddy again appearing on the podium in third place. Finding it tougher than the week before, Ruddy would finish behind Deason who again finished second, and his training partner Glenpark’s Stephen Trainer who won the race.
There were other performances worth noting as Pete Tucker would finish fourth in a time of 33:14 and Jon Hammerman narrowly missed the top 10 in a similar time to the week prior in 34:13. Nicholas Gemmell would also finish inside the top 50.
Athletes will be looking to finish on a strong note in the last race of the series on 27 May.
Scottish Track and Field League Match 1 - Sat 5th May
Inverclyde’s men’s team started their track season strong as their roughshod squad battled to a third place in the first of four matches in the Scottish Athletics League.
Despite a squad depleted by the Scottish 5K championships from the night before and a number of younger athletes missing due to exam season, there was little optimism ahead of the day due to a lack of depth, but individual performances shone through to boost the team.
The day started off with versatile sprinters Scott McCluckie and Mark Magee running the 400m hurdles, finishing second and first in their respective races. Both would feature later in the day with McCluckie finishing seventh in the javelin, while Magee placed second in the 110m hurdles and fifth in the high jump. This was quickly followed by a good showing by young Adam Hay in the 800m, close to his personal best. The 100m saw decent third places for Drew McIntyre and Mark McLachlan.
In the jumps, Robert Graham excelled in the triple jump, finishing first by over half a metre and also finished third in the long jump, as did Mark McLachlan in the B section. McLachlan would also go in the 400m later in the day, finishing second in the 400m. Alongside him was youngster Ciaran Hogg in his first appearance in the league, pulling out a fantastic second spot in the B race.
The 1500m saw another debut, as Josh Law would finish second in the B race, posting a new personal best in the process. Michael Houston also returned to the track to finish fifth in the A race. The 5000m also saw a sub 16-minute effort from Pete Tucker, coming in in third place. McCluckie and Magee would also finish second in the 200m, before taking part in the 4x100 relay, where the team finished fourth.
Having narrowly snatched third from Lasswade and Law & District, Inverclyde started their campaign well and with many areas to improve on, they look forward to the next meet in Aberdeen next month.