In attendance at this year’s Festival were two of Giffnock’s Great Britain Internationals, Erin Wallace and Luke Traynor, many thanks to them for presenting prizes and giving encouragement to all the youngsters.
Primary School 1k Fun Runs
The winners in the 1k Fun Run were Katy Donnelly for Shawlands Primary in the girls, run and Calan Chong for Mearns Primary in the boys run.
To the Pond and & Beyond
In the 2.5k “To the Pond & Beyond” the Girls race was won by Hannah Ryding (St Ninians) in a time of 09.06 minutes. In second place, also from St Ninians, was Kate Paul in 10.03. Third place went to Miriam Gilbride (Mearns Castle) in 10.35.
The boy’s race was a much closer affair with Aaron McGillivray (St Ninians) finishing first in a time of 09.28, second was Matthew Donegan, (Lourdes Secondary) in 09.38. Third was Adam Chamberlain of Williamwood High School in 09.41.
Both boys and Girls team prizes went to St Ninians HS .
St NInians also won the £500 charity prize for the most finishers.
Girls Full Results
Boys Full Results
Giffnock North AC Rouken Glen 10k
To cool the runners off, the Rouken Glen 10k started in light rain, but fortunately didn’t last long.
First across the line was Iain Reid (V35) of Cambuslang Harriers, who is no stranger to this race, having won it three times now, his time 32.54. In second place was Jack Arnold (Sen) of Bellahouston Harriers in 33.18. Third was Andy Bonner (Sen) of Giffnock North AC in 34.58.
First lady to cross the line, for the second year in a row, was Ruth Fraser-Moodie of Springburn Harriers. Ruth finished in 25th place in a time of 39.10. Second was Skye Dick in 27th place, time 39.20. Third place went to Giffnock North athlete Jill Smylie in 39.29 in 30th place.
First over 50 man to finish was Ted Gourley (Giffnock North) in 13th place in a time of 37.52. First over 50 lady was Angel Carson (Bellahouston Harriers) who clocked a time of 46.44 .
In the under 20 category, Rhona Mowat was first lady to finish in 37th place in a time of 40.03. For the men Alastair McKenzie was first under 20 home in 45.29.
Congratulations to all finishers.
Many thanks to the Organising Committee, and all who officiated, marshalled, photographed and helped in any capacity. You all contributed to a very successful evening of racing for all ages and abilities. See you all next year.
More Photographs courtesy of Alan Stewart
Results can be found at https://www.stuweb.co.uk/race/1UG
Report and photographs to follow.
Report from Dudley Walker . All photos courtesy of Bobby Gavin
The rarely used Scotstoun Stadium held the second of two athletics events in a week on Friday 1st of June….following the Sprints Night on Wednesday it was the turn of the endurance athletes to stretch their legs and chase fast times!
The Middle Distance and Endurance athletes made the most of the warm weather,the superbly organised event and the wonderful spread of home baking to capture an enormous amount of PBs.
First up was Hannah Ryding making her debut over 3000m.She enjoyed the experience so well that she ran the second fastest time over that distance in Scotland this year in the under 15 age group…and 10th on the UK rankings.Ethan Carolan powered his way to a 9:18.16 personal best.
Also gaining PBs over the distance were Eva Chong,Lara Cassidy and Kieran Killen.
The 800s were well paced and pulled many of our athletes through to much improved times.The under 15 girls squad were all in fine form with all of them achieving either a SB or a PB.Abby Thomson,Zoe Flower,Ella McGregor,Kate Paul,Valencia Wright,Isla Scott all produced improved times with Nuala O’Donnell not far away with a season’s best.Most improved was Valencia on her GN debut with a 7 second PB…down to 2:18.99,
Not to be outdone the under 15 boys in the shape of Jacob,Harris,Reuben and Kian all came up trumps with quick times.Jacob getting ever closer to sub 2 with a time of 2:01.73.most improved was Kian McConville who reduced his 800m best by almost 10 seconds to 2:21.91.Eoghan O’Donnell improved to 2:8.44 with Lewis Mitchell getting close to a PB with a time of 2:11.55
Erin Wallace had her first outing this season over 800m and recorded 2:8.63 which takes her to 5th in the UK under 20 rankings.
Thanks to Dudley for the report
Well done to all the Middle Distance athletes and their coaches!More photos, videos and reports on GAA facebook and twitter feed.
This was the 1st GAA Outdoor Miler Meet of the season.
Entries have just opened for the 2nd one on 27th July.
Full Squad Of Giffnock U12s
Relay Team smiles from Leilani Spelman Ikedashi, Hannah Turnbull, Kirsty Adam & Emilia Hickey Fugaccia
And another smiling Team with Erin Mckay, Lucy Cree, Emily Williams & Cara Weir
A fantastic squad of our young athletes attended this Invitational Quad event hosted by Inverclyde AC at the Ravenscraig Stadium on Sunday the 3rd June. It was an excellent event from start to finish . As the main organiser Janice Hendrie noted ” it was Grassroots Athletics at its best”
Giffnock had a large contingent with 3 Boys Teams. 5 Girls Teams and a brilliant Team of 8 Year olds drawn form our Saturday RJT Session.
The sun was shining, the athletes shone and the Parents , Volunteers and Coaches were delighted with the efforts, performances and attitude of all our athletes. Outstanding! the teams sprinted over 75 m, did Long Jump and Turbo Javelin and then a 4x100m relay . Our team of 8 years olds did the same except for a 60m Sprint. It was a delight to watch , to participate in with all the Club Volunteers working together to make it a great event to be part of. Our very grateful thanks go to Janice Hendrie, Gerry and Jan Gaffney , Inverclyde AC volunteers and coaches and Janice’s troop of Young Leaders who were exceptional too. Thank you for a great day from all at Giffnock North. We are promising to look at hosting the next one.
Our Boys A Team drew with Kilbarchan for 1st Place
Our Girls A team was also first but just look at the Full results below to see the strength and depth over the day’s performances.
Max McHarg on the Podium
Nicole Proudfoot
The Murray to Max Exchange
Scottish Schools CE Report
by Craig Fotheringham
The Scottish Schools Combined Events Championships took place at Grangemouth on Saturday 2nd June 2018 with Max McHarg and Murray Fotheringham (both aged 14) ,our only first claim participants. Max and Murray were both Gold medallists last year at these Championships in the Under 14 (group D) and Under 15 (Group C) age categories but both were stepping up an age group this year – Max to Under 15 (Group C) where he remained one of the favourites and Murray to Under 17 (Group B) where he would have to do battle with some considerably older boys! Despite the forecast for cloud followed by heavy showers , the sun was splitting the sky at Grangemouth and the athletes had to seek shade whenever they were not competing.
Max started well with 2nd place in the Hurdles in a new PB of 12.33 seconds. His Long Jump is his weakest event and, slightly down on His PB , a leap of 4.80 Metres left him well behind the leaders down in 5th place overall. However, he then threw in 2 personal bests in the 200 Metres (23.71 seconds ) and 11.30 Metres in Shot Putt to win both events and jump into the overall lead. He tracked his closest rival in the final event before outsprinting him in the home straight for another event win in 2:15.16 and yet another PB. His overall score of 2820 gave him the Gold by a significant margin and the “Murray Cup” returned to Clarkston for another year after a brief 9 hour “holiday” in Grangemouth .
Murray meanwhile had started well with PB’s in both Shot Putt (9.64 Metres) and 100M Hurdles (15.51seconds), but still trailed significantly down in 9th place. His good events, however, were still to come and a huge 6 .82 Metres legal PB for second place in the Long Jump pushed him up to 4th place. A third place in the 200 metres with yet another PB in a time of 23.97 pushed him closer to the podium in terms of points but still 4th Overall. A blistering solo run in the 1500 meters saw him win the final event by over 20 seconds in a time of 4:30.27 which pushed him into Bronze medal position with a Giffnock Record Score of 3312 points.
Second Claim member Nicole Proudfoot was delighted to triumph in the Under 17 (Group B) Girls after a long injury lay off . She scored very consistently throughout the day and received great support from her coach John Birkett.
Also staged on Saturday, in an attempt to ease the congested program for next Friday and Saturday, were the Scottish Schools Hammer and Steeplechase events. Full Final results/times are not yet posted but 3 Giffnock girls attempted the steeplechase – a tortuous event! Jill Carswell and Helen Chong trailed behind Emma Chamberlain until the last lap where Emma’s valiant attempt faded with 400 to go and Helen and Gill both passed her with Helen winning the Bronze medal and an outside chance of a Scottish cap at SIAB next month.
History has a habit of repeating itself and in the Schools ”4 by 100” metre relays at Hutchie the day before , Max anchored his Hutchie Under 15 team to Gold whilst Murray ran last for his Glasgow Academy Over 17 Team bring them home in third place and a Bronze. In the 4 by 400 relay, Annabel Ballantyne and Eve Denholm running for Glasgow Academy brought home another Bronze. The next day at Grangemouth, in the midst of the Combined events competition, the Primary Schools relays took place. As this report is finalised I have not seen final results for either the Senior or Primary School relays but many Giffnock North athletes competed and may well have won medals or made the finals. I am aware Mearns Primary just missed the podium with a 4th place represented by Emily Watson, Eilidh Veitch, Tara Menon and Eilidh Hunter. Trying to keep track of Giffnock athletes when they are not wearing the Blue and Gold is almost impossible, so I am unable to provide a full commentary on the relays. Well done to all who competed and apologies for any omissions.
Grateful thanks to Craig for this report and photographs!! Welcome Development in Combined Events at the Club
Thursday 7th June 2018
All events still available, see details below:
PRIMARY SCHOOL FUN RUNS at 6.00pm and 6.15pm
TURN UP & RUN
SECONDARY SCHOOLRACES at 6.30pm & 6.45pm
Registration 5.15pm
Enter online only at https://www.entrycentral.com/TTPAB
Rouken Glen 10k at 7.30pm
Enter at https://www.entrycentral.com/Rouken-Glen-10k
Jenna Wrisberg
Rachel Callan in the Hurdles relay
Reuben Nairne
Photos Courtesy of Bobby Gavin
REPORT by Craig Fotheringham
There was a big turnout at the Glasgow Athletic Association Sprint Gala held at Scotstoun Stadium last night with roughly 2 dozen runners from Giffnock North. It was a nice evening for running but although the wind indicator believed there to be a generally insignificant headwind it was blustery enough to make PB’s a rarity.
Pride of place must go to Jenna Wrisberg who ran her first 100 Metres since a long injury layoff and won the elite Women’s race in 12.04 – fast enough to win a share of the prize pot! Whist Jenna was cashing in at the front, behind her the unfortunate Alyson Bell crashed to the ground 20 meters from the line and left a fair amount of skin on the track. She was smiling afterwards but our best wishes go out to her and we hope the damage is only superficial.
In the elite men’s race, Adam Clayton was 2nd in 11.05 and repeated the feat in the second round of 100’s later in the evening but in 11.07 this time.
In addition to Jenna’s victory there were heat wins for Jason Wu in 11.74 and Jake Vulcan in 13.21. Most could not improve in the second round of 100’s but Jason improved to 11.67 and Andy Moses from 11.84 to 11.72. Russell Lawson also shaved off another 0.05 seconds to win his second round heat in a PB of 11.81. Others to improve in the second round were Rachel Callan (13.75) and Jake Vulkan with a PB of 13.09. Runners to join the PB Club were Murray Fotheringham (12.04), Jacob Luc (12.51) and Emily Williams (15.69).
In between the two rounds of 100 Metres were the 300’s. There were PB’s for Matthew Forbes (37.44), Murray Fotheringham (37.72) and Ella McGregor (45.80) together with a Seasons Best for Freya Menzies of 41.82. Murray’s time also appears to be an Under 17 Club Record.
Whilst the track was in full swing, there were Long and High Jump competitions to keep the crowd occupied. As this report went to press, the results were noy yet finalises but there was some solid jumping from Lauren Agnew and a new PB for Reuben Nairne 6.41M.
The evening finale was a rarely seen end-to-end hurdle relay with Reuben and Murray teaming up with some good pals from the North to scoop the £100 prize.
A great evening was had by all and the cakes were magnificent. Many thanks to the organisers and the officials for making it all run so smoothly and well done to all that participated.
And many thanks to Craig for the full report . Link to Results below . More photos and reports on GAA facebook and Twitter
http://events.scottishathletics.org.uk/events/20322-17680-gaa-sprint-gala-1
Congratulations to Lynn McKenna and Rhona Mowat on their selection for Scotland for Hillrunning at the International Youth Cup in Italy next month . It was as a result of last weekends Ben Lomond races and Report on the exploits of all the Hill runners follows.
Report from Frank McKenna
Some excellent performances from young Giffnock athletes on a gloriously sunny day and a very demanding up and downhill course at the Ben Lomond junior hill races on Saturday 12th May.
First up was Calan Chong in the junior fun run. Unfortunately, there were no other entrants in this race, so Allie offered to accompany him round the course. Young Calan showed his mum a clean pair of heels and completed the 1.7 k course with 80 m climb in a very impressive time of 9 mins and 22 secs.
Next up was Eva Chong in the U15 girls race. Eva ran strongly in the 2.6 k course with 160 m of climb in 16 mins and 49 secs.
Finally, the combined U17 and U20 races with Lynn McKenna and Rhona Mowatt in the U20 category, Helen Chong in the U17 girls category and Christopher Watson -Sweeney in the U17 boys category. This was the qualification race for places in the Scottish age 16-17 team for the forthcoming WMRA Youth Cup to be held in Lanzada, Italy on the 16th of June.
This proved to be a very competitive race with the Giffnock athletes featuring prominently in the final placings. Lynn McKenna came second overall in the combined U20/17 race and secured the single automatic selection place for the Youth cup team, Rhona Mowat finished a strong third, Helen Chong, unfortunately lost a shoe during the race but still managed to come second in the U17 race just over a minute behind the winner. Christopher Watson – Sweeney also competed well in the U17 boys race against several older and experienced international runners.
Thanks to Frank McKenna for the photos and this Report on our Expanding Junior Hill running Team
Adam Clayton
Alessandro Schenini
Rachel Alexander
Congratulations to 3 of our athletes who have been included in teams for the Loughborough International this weekend.
Rachel Alexander (long jump) and Adam Clayton (200m) have been included in the Scotland team and Alessandro Schenini (long jump) has been given his first GB junior vest as part of the GB Juniors team.
This is the 60th Loughborough International and is contested between teams from Scotland, England, Wales, British Universities and GB Juniors. There are several guest athletes and there a number of established senior athletes competing such as Richard Kilty, Daryl Neita, Mark Dry, Allan Smith, Grant Plenderleith and Jemma Reekie to name a few.
For more info see loughboroughsport.com
Good luck to all three on Sunday .
Angelica Mayer, 100m U13 gold
Kosta del Kilmarnock – AKA West Districts Championships 12/13th May REPORT FROM Gerry Duggan & Sara Lang
Day1
Who would have thought the sun would have shone and it would have been dry?!
There were picnic rugs, deck chairs , sunburnt faces and 22 medals on display by the end of the day on Saturday.
13 gold medals, 6 silver and 3 bronze; each and every one fought for with determination and pride .
Its difficult to highlight any one performance or even all of them but suffice to say we had medals at every single age group and at almost every type of event. There were U13s who even got 2 medals ( Daniel Martin) . There were a plethora of Giffnock athletes competing against one another at times ..in particular the U20 M 100m final and 2 sets of High Jump were a Giffnock 1 and 2 ( U17 and Sen M).
Gold medals were won by;
Reuben Nairne 100m Hurdles
Daniel Martin 75m Hurdles and Shot Put
Nikolai Gajic 800m
Adam Clayton 100m
Jacob Luc 800m
Angelica Mayer 100m
Alyson Bell 100m
Nikki Manson Javelin
Alessandro Schenini Long Jump
Chris Mackay High Jump
Murray Fotheringham High Jump
Rachel Alexander Long Jump
Silver medals;
Orla Lang 800m
Catherine Palmer High Jump
Ryan Davie Long Jump
Ethan Dear High Jump
Sam Young High Jump
Rachel Callan Long Jump
Bronze Medals;
Kyle Maclean 100m
Matt Forbes 400m
Jennifer Dallas Shot Put
Day 2 – Who knew it could be sunny in Kilmarnock two days running?
The day started with hurdles. In the combined U17/u20/Senior Men combined final. Murray Fotheringham was the only u17 with a new pb of 59.98. Next was Freya Menzies winning the combined U20/Senior Woman final in 65.87, her first competition at this distance. And just to keep the hurdles medals rolling in, Rachel Callan just missed out on Gold by .04s in the U17 Womans 300mH, coming second with a time of 47.14, her second medal of the champs
The 200m was a busy event for Giffnock across all the age groups.
5 U13 girls competed – Angelica Mayer, Josie Reilly, Eilidh Veitch, Cartriona Bentley and Leah Rigley. Angelica, Josie, Catriona and Eilidh progressed to the semi finals. In the final Angelica was second (28.33) – an addition to her gold from the 100m yesterday – and Josie 7th (29.98) into a headwind off 9.2m/s! Brilliant performance all round. Ellis Nairne was the only U13 Boy and just missed the final finishing 9th fastest in the heats with 30.71s.
In the U15s Alyson Bell, Jenifer Torrance, Ella McGregor, Chloe Drummond and Rachel Morran all competed in girls event. Alyson made the final and tore up the track to win in 26.71. A double sprint gold. In the boys event, Jacob Luc and Michael Nolan competed. Unfortunately Michael was disqualified for running out of lane – windy day? – but Jacob won bronze in the final with 25.20s. A second medal for Jacob.
With no boys in the U17 200m, all focus was on the girls. Eve Denholm and Rachel Callan cruised through the heats before Eve secured gold in the final (26.84) and Rachel 7th (27.44). This was Rachel’s third final of the champs and the only one in which she didn’t medal. Well done both.
In the U20’s 200m Womans Final Holly Shearer secured Bronze (27.80) and in an exact repeat of the 100m result Adam Clayton won gold (22.32) and Kyle McLean Bronze (23.28).
Brilliant effort for all 200m competitors in such blustery conditions
The other track event on Day 2 was the 1500m. All age groups were run as straight finals. Kirsty Wylie was our only U13 girl finishing in a time of 5.45.80 and in the U13 Boys, Calan Chong (5.15.99) and James Wylie (5.54.36). Well done to our U13s. Our U15 girls made their mark through Zoe Flower securing a bronze (4.52.00) and Abbey Thomas (5.05.23) and Hannah Riding (5.08.81) not far behind in in 5th and 7th. The u17 Girls were next up. Jill Carswell (5.03.71) just missed out on bronze in 4th, with Francesca Davidson 5th and (5.04.54) and Helen Chong 8th (5.18.53). Nikolai Gajic just missed 800/1500m double gold coming 2nd in the u20 1500m in a tight battle all the way down the home straight (4.09.72). A close battle was expected in the U15 boys 1500m. Harris Paterson and Ross O’Brien were in a group of three that broke early from the pack. A great race saw Harris (4.24.74) winning silver and Ross (4.26.26) bronze. Reuben MacDonald, Hugh Shiels and Aaron McGilvery battled through to 6th, 9th and 10th places.
Giffnock had a great day in the field.
First to the throws. In the hammer U15 Imogen Maher (23.71m) just finished out of the medals with a consistent series of throws. Going one better, U17 Iris Williams was delighted to secure her first championship medal with a bronze, throwing 26.34m.
Our Javelin throwers didn’t want to miss the medal party and won a double gold. u13 Emily Watson won with 21.09m and U15 Jennifer Dallas won with 26.66m, her second medal of the champs. U13 Tara Menon also threw well with 9.57m. Jennifer rounded off her day with a 4rth place in the discuss with 20.73m.
In the jumps U17 Murray Fotheringham leapt his way to silver (6.86m) – his third medal of the champs – and Sam Young was 4rth (5.79) in the Long Jump. U13 Ellis Nairne was 1 place off a medal in the High Jump (1.26m).
So in total Giffnock North won 19 Golds, 11 silvers and 9 Bronze. Will done to all our medal winners and competitors.
Please please forgive us if there are errors or omissions in this report. It is produced by those who were officiating, coaching and/or parenting ( and sometimes all three!) and it’s so difficult to capture it all. Well done to all of you..not just the medal winners . There were many many pbs and lots of athletes who made finals all credit to them and their coaches.
Many thanks to Gerry and Sara for this report. We would echo their congratulations and also their request for budding journalists at out next club events & competitions!
Following some considerable difficulties and negotiations we have arranged the Club Champs for Sunday 23rd September . They will take place again at the Ayrshire Arena in Kilmarnock. Unfortunately, we were not able to secure our preferred date in Mid September due to the unavailability of Graded Officials who had conflicting duties at a range of other events locally and south of the border. We had also considered an earlier date but substantial clashes with other League matches and events ruled those options out. We realise that the weekend of 22/23rd is the September weekend but the only other options were to go to a later date when the the weather is even less likely to be favourable. Given the winter and spring we have endured we are in need of a chrystal ball regarding the weather. However , on the plus side Doleen Galbraith and Anne Stewart have been working hard to secure the club sufficient graded officials for our event to be licensed and consequently for results to be included in Power of Ten.
A sure fire way of avoiding the date difficulties in future would be if we can grow our own Officials to add to the solid and strong band we have already in Doleen Galbraith, Anne Stewart, Garry Paterson,Colin Saxby, Catriona Gourley, Carole Ford
If you think you could assist the club in this way please let us know
We need Technical Officials for Photo Finish etc as well as Track& Field Officials.
We would be really grateful if you could consider this and contact us . Who knows you could be at the next televised event. Please contact us if you could consider becoming an official. Its not a huge ask .There are courses taking place all the time.
We would like to express apologies to all our club members regarding the current situation in relation to club kit.
We realise, this is a massive inconvenience but for the time being, due to circumstances, outwith our control, we are limited in relation to our kit sales. Consequently, for a limited period, we will be ordering only essential items of kit – vests and hoodies.
This is a problem for the Club and not related at all to Migo Sports. If you have any queries it is crucial that you raise these with the club and not with Migo Sports. The problem is not an issue for Migo Sports who have continued to be really helpful to the Club.
As soon as we can arrange it, normal service will be resumed at Migo Sports. We can’t wait and neither can Michael at Migo Sports. In the interim you can purchase club vests and hoodies from Migo Sports.
If you have any additional queries, please raise with Lynda Scott at email address anthony.scott6@ntlworld.com or by mobile at 07756 927460.
Thanks Lynda
Freshly following the interest in the London Marathon and Mini Marathon here’s a new race option for you. Giffnock North is offering this opportunity for all secondary school pupils in East Ren and the South side of Glasgow to enjoy a run in Rouken Glen Park . On Thursday the 7th June 2018 ,we have our Giffnock Festival of Running with our popular 10k. This year we will be including our “Race to the Pond and Beyond.” as well as Primary Schools Fun Runs
The Race to the Pond and Beyond is a two and a half kilometre race in the Park and as it says round the pond.
This is a great chance for you to enter Teams from your school.
The Winning school – the one with the most finishers – will receive £500 for a Charity of the School’s choice .
You can raise your own sponsorship money on top of that as we know many schools have projects and charity challenges on the go at this time.
There will be prizes for the first 3 Individuals and first 3 Teams (4 to count) in the 2 Secondary Races. Everyone can enter .Race fee is £4.00. All welcome to join in.
GIRLS RACE at 6.30pm
BOYS RACE at 6.45pm
What do you need to do ? Get your entry in at the link below
Let us know of your current Charity challenges and we will can try and highlight them on our website too . We’re looking forward to a great night in the park.
We need you to identify the Sports Leaders, Sports Champions , Sports Ambassadors [it could be you] from your school and get them to spread the word.Could your school have the most finishers and win the main prize.
We need your entries in asap via Entry Central. www.entrycentral.com/TTPAB
More information from Dudley Walker email: dwalker_2000@hotmail.com & Mobile No 07954 406718
There will also be FUN RUNS for the Primary schools before the Race to the Pond . Details to follow.
A date for your diary – Sunday 23rd September 2018
The Club Track & Field Championships will be held at the Ayrshire Arena, Kilmarnock, KA1 3XF
Format will be the same as last year, open to all club members u11-Masters
All lot of organisation goes into this event, please make an effort to support it.
Online entry and more details will be available nearer the time.
Lynne Beattie on the right with Team mate Mel Coutts following their opening win against Grenada
No image of Alison as yet , one of her teammates in action
As well as Nikki Manson and David Smith representing Team Scotland in High Jump in the Gold Coast and Erin Wallace in the Mixed Relay Triathlon, we are also pleased to highlight the exploits of 2 other former Giffnock Athletes- namely Lynne Beattie in Beach Volleyball and – Alison Howie making yet another appearance in the Scottish women’s Hockey Team.
Both athletes trained under Dudley Walker in the Junior Endurance Squad, making their mark in medal winning XC Teams and on the Track.
Lynne, with her teammate, enjoyed a decisive win in their match today( along with a win for the Scottish Men’s Team too ) while Alison’s Team held Canada to a draw in their game today after a difficult match with New Zealand which sadly ended in defeat.
Well done to Lynne, an Olympian in the GB Volleyball Team at London 2012, and a previous guest and presenter at our Club 25th Anniversary Junior Awards Night.
Well done also to Alison for this current representative honour -one of many international selections she has gained in an illustrious career.
The Glasgow Pole Vault Grand Prix is an event which took place over 6 competitions throughout the indoor season at venues across the length and breadth of Scotland. These ranged from Aberdeen in the North to Pitreavie in the East and the Tollcross Vertical Jumps Centre and the Emirates Arena in the West. The competition is based on a league system where competitors are allocated handicaps before each meet. The handicap is calculated in relation to the difference between the National Record height of 5.65m and the athletes personal best. Therefore, the goal is for the athlete to continually improve on their personal best in order to be awarded the most points. This has led to intense competition over the season with over 30 athletes from 14 different clubs competing for top spot and bragging rights within the Scottish Pole Vault community, which includes dedicated pole vaulters as well as those involved in multi events.
The Trophy for the Glasgow Grand Prix Champion 2018 was awarded to Reuben Nairne of Giffnock North. Over the course of the Grand Prix, Reuben has improved from the 3.57m which saw him awarded the English U15 outdoor silver in August 2017 to an incredible 4.14m in only his first indoor season as an U17. This places him as the 7th best Scottish indoor U17 vaulter of all time and confidence is high as Reuben looks forward to the outdoor season; however he is looking forward to a well deserved break and has been currently attempting to eat his own body weight in Easter eggs!
Reuben Nairne
If the idea of running full pelt with a fibreglass pole in your hands to then launch yourself upside down and over a bar at a ridiculous height appeals to you then Glasgow Pole Vault School would be delighted to hear from you and maybe you could be the Grand Prix Champ in the future.
Thanks to GPVS and Helen Nairne for information, photos and report.
Photo courtesy of Bobby Gavin
Fresh from his exploits at the World Half Marathon Championships in Valencia, Luke Traynor wasted no time in getting back into domestic competition.
At the 56th Tom Scott Memorial Road Races, incorporating the West District and Scottish 10 mile Championships, Luke set a new course record of 47.59 seconds to take the title. He was 1.44 minutes ahead of second place runner Kenny Wilson of Moray Road Runners.
In the Round the Loch 6k event it was a Giffnock 1-2, with Andy Bonnar in first place in 20.36 and Andrew Clark second in 20.43. Ross O’Brien (21.05) was our third counter in 6th place, securing the team prize.
Congratulations from all at the club, an excellent days racing.
After two days of travel, Team Scotland finally arrived in Brisbane airport where it was somehow only 9am in the morning despite leaving at 9pm on Tuesday night from Glasgow. Although it was raining on arrival it was noticeably warmer than Scotland and within two minutes of leaving the airport I had already encountered my first (of many) Australian snakes. Upon arrival we quickly built our bikes and headed to the lagoon to begin the process of preparing for the games. I’ve felt so tired during an easy swim!! Little did I know that the full effect of jetlag would hit later on that day where I found myself falling asleep at 5pm.
Still easing my way into training, and waking up far too early (jet lag isn’t pretty), we were lucky enough to have the opportunity to meet Koala’s at breakfast with the Aboriginals (native Australians) performing a traditional dance. There were also snakes and baby alligators that were available to hold, although I opted for the Koala instead, for obvious reasons!
Since I’ve been here I’ve noticed that the Australian lifestyle is very different to home- even if the weather is familiar. Despite the sunny looking pictures there have been many torrential rain showers. Here I have seen people riding motorbikes with surfboards hanging off the back and beaches filled with surfers even though there are warning signs for sharks.
Life on camp is very chilled out, with everything being catered for and on site- physio, unlimited food, and even doctors and there are a few kangaroos which also stay in the resort.
With some Team Scotland athletes headed to the athletes village as early as the 25th of March, before others had even arrived, it definitely feels like the games are approaching fast and preparations for everyone seem to be going well!
Nikki Manson & David Smith On their way leaving Glasgow Airport
The Club is remarkably proud to have 2 athletes, David Smith and Nikki Manson at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in The Gold Coast.
It’s also quite remarkable that the 2 Athletes are both High Jumpers, both joined Giffnock at age 9,competing for the Club since then and both have been coached in High Jump by Ken Allan . So it’s safe to say that this has made history both for the club and for Scottish Athletics as a whole.
David Smith
Following a period of injury and lower performances, David moved coaches again in 2017 to work directly with Paul Harrison in Birmingham and work in partnership with Ken again.He has enjoyed a great period recently resulting in his Commonwealth Games honours. This, it should be noted, is David’s 2nd CG Selections as he also competed at Glasgow 2014.
Nikki Manson
Nikki, after graduating in Glasgow ,spent a year in the USA College System, gaining All American collegiate status on the way and setting substantial PBs before returning home in summer 2017 to rejoin her first High Jump Coach.
Both athletes hold the Scottish Indoor Native Record (David 2.26, Nikki 1.90) and Nikki’s 1.90 last month also set the Scottish Indoor National Record.
So it’s clearly an amazing moment for ‘Team Ken’ to see 2 long term squad athletes leaving for Gold Coast Australia 🇦🇺 to represent Team Scotland 🏴 at this years Commonwealth Games.
Nikki Manson and David Smith have been members of Ken’s High Jump Squad since they were young teenagers at Giffnock North AAC and they both still wear the vest today. As Ken states,
“They are a wonderful example of hard working , dedicated and high performing athletes, with impeccable standards of behaviour and perfect representation of themselves, their families, their Country and the squad itself. I am so pleased and proud of them and of what we have achieved together over the last 10 years or so.
Can’t wait to get over there and support them in person. 👍😃. ”
We wish Nikki and David all the best in Sunny Oz as they prepare for the Games . We’re sure they will continue to do themselves and their families proud. We recognise the substantial contribution that both families have made to supporting these athletes on their way to the top of their game, recognised in continuing further International selection and also the huge part coach Ken has played in this success.
We are looking forward to getting updates from Down Under as to how things are going with Nikki and David. They have more heights to soar at these Games.
More excitement for the club this weekend as we wish all the very best to Luke Traynor heading for Valencia to compete for GB at the World half Marathon Championships . All the best to Luke from all at Giffnock.
Harris Paterson, Ross O’Brien and Ethan Carolan with fellow Scottish U15 Boys XC Medallist Jacob Luc.
Emily Crusher
Zoe Flower
Charlotte McKenna
Abby Thomson
Kate Richardson
In featured photo we have Ethan Carolan, Harris Paterson and Ross O’Brien with fellow Scottish U15 Boys XC Medallist Jacob Luc. Jacob , was as Dudley points out,not able to do the schools event as he was racing at the SAIL Final in the Emirates wining in a PB and a very fast 800m time
Best wishes go to our 8 Athletes heading south for the Schools International XC
Congratulations to all who braved the Scottish Schools XC and worked hard to gain that selection
Zoe Flowers
Emily Crusher
Abby Thomson
Kate Richardson
Charlotte McKenna
Ethan Carolan
Ross O’Brien
Harris Paterson
Have a good time and a great Race from all at the Club.
Two of our U11 Girls Teams made it to the relay final – a great achievement in itself. In their heat the A girls were so fast that they broke the club record and the existing SAIL record but their efforts in the main competition must have been tiring as they were not able to match their fantastic time in the Relay Final, placing 2nd. Our A boys Team also qualified and were first past the post only to suffer the crushing disappointment of being disqualified for a lane infringement. Really bad luck for the boys after producing such an excellent effort to finish first, which we won’t forget and which showed real determination and resilience, especially in the way they coped with their disqualification.
In the main competition we had 2 Girls teams and our superb A team took the Gold medal with our Boys team taking a fantastic 2nd Place.
We want to highlight however the great efforts of the 32 ! the coaches and Team Managers salute you .A short report from two of the Girls follows . Thanks to Hannah and Maya
The SAIL : By Hannah Turnbull & Maya Johnson (U11s)
Today at the Emirates Arena lots of athletic clubs from all over Scotland came to compete in different events like: 4 x 200m relay, 600m, 60m, high jump, hurdles, long jump and lots more. Lots of people came out to support all the athletes and the atmosphere was amazing! Everyone was very supportive and enjoyed watching all the different events on offer. Hannah Sluman’s Dad Alan said “ I really enjoyed watching the Girls U17 800m race with Orla Lang winning it out of the park” Freya Scobie said she enjoyed competing against other teams. Alfie Bradley’s Mum said she enjoyed the boys high jump, and her most favourite was all the 200m relays. Hannah Turnbull’s Mum said she enjoyed supporting Giffnock North. Leilani’s Mum enjoyed the high jump. Maya’s mum said: “I enjoyed the superb sportsmanship from all the athletes. They are a credit to the club.
Maya said of her first SAIL competition : “ I loved doing the 200m relay, it was very exciting. We are very lucky to have all the coaches always helping us to do our best .”Everyone worked really hard and we are all proud to be part of Giffnock North.
Next it was the turn of the U13’s both the girls and boys A teams qualified for final and the boys B team also did well to qualify for the final. In the actual SAIL competition the girls had stiff competition in the form of Edinburgh, Ayr Seaforth and VP/Glasgow but they were confident they would finish within the top three and they did, finishing joint third with VP Glasgow behind the winners Ayr Seaforth and runners up Edinburgh. It was the same clubs in contention for the relay final although the finishing order this time was Edinburgh 1st, Ayr Seaforth 2nd and our girls A team finishing third albeit they ran half a second quicker when finishing fourth in the National relays.
The U13boys won the National relays but as they had one or two injuries nothing was guaranteed, nevertheless the A and B teams qualified for the final. We also had two U13 Boys in the actual SAIL so confidence was high and we were not to be disappointed the U13 boys A team performed very well and convincingly finished first in their age group competition. Unfortunately the weakened B team finished outside the medals albeit they had given their all. It was more or less the same in their relay final with the A team finishing first just ahead of Dundee Hawkhill and Airdrie who finished 3rd again the B team finished outside the medals.
Although the U15 girls didn’t make the SAIL final they were determined to do well in the relays and Iona Denholm, Ella McGregor, Niamh Smith & Alyson Bell ran extremely well and were rewarded with a Silver medal.
The U15 boys had two teams in the SAIL final and had high hopes of doing well, unfortunately a couple of members from of each of the teams had to pull out due to injury and so both teams more or less merged into the A to ensure the best result possible and their efforts paid off by finishing 3rd . The B team gave their best but unfortunately were outside the top three. Although both teams also made the relay final and gave it their best neither team managed to medal.
The under 17 women had two teams in the relays and both comfortably qualified for the final, job done. Next up it was the SAIL final itself, first up was Eve Denholm 3rd in the 60m with a PB. Orla Lang got an indoor PB winning the 800m, quickly followed by a gritty run by Sophie Inglis who finished 2nd in the 60mh but the girls were being matched all the way by the girls from Edinburgh. In the field events Emma Barbour did well finishing 2nd in the High Jump and Rachel Callan secured a PB of 4.98 finishing 2nd in long jump and then promptly won the 200m’s. After a fine run in the 200m relay Eva Blues ran a PB in the 300m finishing 3rd. Just two field events left and Iris Williams(shot) and Orla Lang (Triple jump) both did enough to ensure to ensure 1st place beating Edinburgh by one point.
After finishing 4th in the National relays the U17 Women’s A team were determined to make amends and ensure they picked up a medal in the SAIL final and they knew that our B team were equally determined as it was the A team got off to a great start and were never got winning their race with an improvement of over .5 of a second and although the B team gave their all they finished just out of the medals.
Despite a few injuries the U17 men made the final of the SAIL relays and although they gave it their best they finished just outside the medals. It was much the same in the actually SAIL match, although the lads managed to secure wins in the 800m by Eoghan O’Donnell , Long jump Murray Fotheringham and Sam Young in the High jump it took a real fighting sprint from all the lads including Adam Deverill & Ollie Maher to ensure they finished in the medals behind Edinburgh and Central.
A combination of brilliant individual performances, committed team spirit and sheer determination resulted in the U20 Men’s team securing gold and the U20 Women’s team bronze in the SAIL final.
The woman’s team of Amy Donaghy, Freya Menzies, Holly Shearer and Lauren Saxby got their just rewards for hard work across all the events, sharing joint third with Kilbarchan on 37 points. VP Glasgow were 2nd with 26 points and Falkirk first with 19 points. Stand out performer of the day was Lauren who not only set a PB in the shot putt and competed in three tough events, but showed real commitment to the team by hanging on to compete in the delayed hurdles event, even though she should have left earlier to start her job. Congratulations to Holly on securing her first national podium finish as a Giffnock athlete.
The men’s team of Scott Wylie, Chris MacKay, Ethan Dear, Kyle McLean and Calum Marney were in a dogfight with Dundee Hawkhill all afternoon. In the events Giffnock won, Dundee were second and in the events Giffnock didn’t win, Dundee did! It all came down to the final race of the day – the 400m. Giffnock had to finish no more than 2 place behind Dundee to secure gold. Dundee did cross the line first, but in a lactic-busting second lap, Kyle stormed through the field from last to third place and the gold was Giffnock’s. There were other magnificent performance across all the team: Ethan set a pb in the High Jump with 1.96; Chris MacKay equalled his personal best in the Long jump with 6.69 and Kyle equalled his 200m indoor personal best with 23.12.
This was the second gold of the day for the Men’s U20 team. Earlier in the day Chris MacKay, Amine Hifi, Scott Wylie and Kyle MacLean blew the rest of the field away in the 4x200m. Unfortunately we were unable to field an U20 Women’s team.
So ended another successful season for Giffnock North AC and the SAIL
CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOGRAPHS
It was a busy weekend in the Emirates arena for those athletes competing in the FPSG U13, 15 & 20 Age Group Championships on the 10 & 11 March. As expected we had a good turnout in the younger age groups and it was great to see that the numbers were match by some quality performance performances. Having said that the U20’s were also well represented, particularly in the jumps with a 1st for Chris McKay & 2nd for Ethan Dear in the under 20 men’s high jump. Reuben Nairne won a bronze in the U20 Pole vault and Alessandro Schenini secured a bronze in the U20 men’s long jump. Megan Busby won a Silver in the U20 women’s long jump. Two of our sprinters Andy Moses and Scott Wylie finished 3rd & 4th respectively in the u20 men’s 60m’s, both with a time of 7.28.
In the U15 girls sprints Alyson Bell won both the 60m, in a new club record time of 7.82 and the 200m in a time of 25.74. The distance athletes also did well with Harris Paterson winning the u15boys 1500m in 4.31.22 and Zoe Flower finished second in the u15 girls 1500m in 5.04.27. Jacob Luc and Isla Scott both won a bronze medals in their respective 800m events
Alyson Bell winning the 60m. Photo by Bobby Gavin.
In the under 13’s age group Angelica Mayer was fast off the mark winning the 60m in a time of 8.26 and then she won a silver in the 200m with a time of 27.65. The boys were not to be outdone and Josh Thielen-Mann won bronze in the U13boys 200m and a gold in the u13 boy’s Shot and Ryan Davie continued his good form winning a bronze the U13 boy’s high jump.
It was great to see that all these medal winners were ably backed up by many others who also performed well but were just outside the medals. Nevertheless it’s only a matter of time before some others achieve podium status.
England Athletics u15/u17 Combined Events
While most were competing at the Emirates, Murray Fotheringham was our only representative down at the England Athletics U15 / U17 Combined Events Championships in Sheffield, where he finished a very creditable 5th in his first year as an under 17, breaking club records for the 1,000m (2.44.47), High Jump (1.98) and Heptathlon points total (4477pts). In the process Murray improved his pbs in the 60m, 60m H , High Jump , 1000m and Heptathlon score.
All Giffnock North AC performances (Word file)
Report by Billy Glasgow
We have athletes competing at the Emirates in the Scottish Indoor Age Group Championships on Saturday and Sunday
Good Luck to Murray Fotheringham who journeys South this afternoon to participate in this weekend’s English Athletics Combined Events Competition.
Great to see both him and our Club getting a mention on The English Athletics Website preview along with some of our hard working coaches. Full item as below.
Under 17 Men
With last year’s medallists all now under 20, 4th placed Theo Adesina (Club: Thurrock Harriers, Coach: Karl Sumun) has his chance to mount the podium; with a 1m87 High Jump, a 13+m shot put and a Long Jump PB well over 6 metres, plus a 60m sprint time of 7.29, he is indeed a strong all-rounder. However, also entered are last year’s Under 15 silver medallist and outdoor Octathlon champion Ben Hillman (Club: Cardiff AAC, Coach: Fran Baker/Helen James), and Murray Fotheringham (Club: Giffnock North AAC, Coach: Dudley Walker / Simon Dear / Brian Donaldson) who was one place behind Ben both indoors and out and has already gained the Scottish silver medal. U17 heptathlon Gold medal winner at the Emirates stadium last month Scott Brindley (Club: North Ayrshire Athletic Club) is also entered. A good High and Long Jumper who recently came 5th in the individual championships, Rory Howorth (Club: Team Bath Athletic Club, Coach: Julie Alexander) was in the top 10 last year and is also in the mix.
We have 9 of our athletes selected for Scotland West and running at the Inter-Districts XC Championships in Loughborough.
Under15 Girls
Francesca Davidson
Kate Richardson
U17 Women
Clare Wallace
Charlotte McKenna
Rhona Mowat
U15 Boys
Ethan Carolan
Harris Paterson
U17 Men
Ben Shaw
Callum Young
And also several of the Seniors from the club including John O’Donnell, Coach with U11s Andy Munro,Parent helper and Sheila Lewis, Coach are hreading to Barcelona to do the City Marathon there.
All the best to all! Who have we missed ?
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- Francesca Daviodson & Kate Richardson
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- Ethan Carolan & Harris Paterson
PRESS RELEASE FROM CROY THOMSON
GIFFNOCK NORTH AC’s LUKE TRAYNOR SELECTED FOR GB WORLD HALF MARATHON TEAM ON 24 MARCH – NEVER MIND VA-VA-VOOM, HERE COMES VA-VA-VALENCIA!
Luke winning the recent Manchester Half Marathon
A WORLD HALF MARATHON CHAMPIONSHIP Great Britain call-up to compete in Spain this month, victory in a major city half marathon, GB cross country vests, stellar appearances in Europe and the USA, the respect of his international peers … Glaswegian Luke Traynor ticks all those boxes, but like all top athletes, he’d like more.
“The 2020 Olympics would be the ultimate, but right now I’m totally delighted with being selected for the GB World Half Marathon champs team in Spain on the 24th of this month,” said the Giffnock North AC distance stand-out, from his altitude training camp in Mammoth Lakes, California. “Injuries and illness have come at bad times for me in the past – I was out for months with a broken foot at one point – but I’m now racking up consistent, high quality training blocks and some decent results so maybe my fortunes are changing.”
“The Valencia course is relatively flat, a touch downhill and a bit twisty maybe, but with the calibre of athletes on the start line it promises to be super-fast – and that’s where I want to be. One of my team-mates will be a Rio Olympian, after all, and from a Glasgow club at that – Tsegai Tewelde of Shettleston Harriers.”
Traynor is well used to top-class competition, his speed and tactical awareness honed by years on the mercilessly competitive US collegiate circuit. As we speak, he is preparing alongside top US athletes such as Daniel Tapia, a seasoned two-hour 12 minute international marathoner.
When Traynor says, “high quality” it might mean the near 8,000 feet elevation of the Mammoth Lakes training base, where he was invited by coach Andrew Kastor, husband of 2004 Olympic bronze medallist Deena Kastor. But more likely the southside Glasgow man is referencing his course-record win last October in Manchester in 64 minutes 10 seconds, or the even faster performance in Barcelona, where he blitzed home as second Brit in a breathtaking 61 minutes 55 seconds – well inside the mark for GB selection for the World Champs in Valencia.
Will the southside Glasgow man get the break and the recognition merited by his efforts, which have seen him crowned previously as a national Under 20 cross country champion and Scottish 10k track champion? A race a couple of years ago saw him edged into bronze medal place over the country only by a couple of guys who have gone on to make serious names for themselves: Rio Olympians Calum Hawkins and Andy Butchart. Maybe Traynor could be the third element in a Scottish long-distance triple whammy, and add even more power to the nation’s emergence as an athletic powerhouse.
“I’m self-funded at the moment, which isn’t ideal, but I reckon the best way to remedy that and attract a sponsor is to keep producing the goods. I’m quoted by Calum Hawkins, which is good of him because he’s already an Olympian, and I’ve actually run faster than him recently on his home roads in Kilbarchan … sorry, Calum!”
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LUKE TRAYNOR MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS
GB Honours:
7th MARCH 2018 – Selected for GB World Half Marathon Team, Valencia, Spain 24.03.18
European Cross Country Championships, Hungary 2012: bronze team medal U20
European Cross Country Championships, France 2015: silver team medal U23
Recent Road Results
Manchester Half Marathon – winner in 64 minutes 10 seconds. Course Record.
Barcelona Half Marathon – 61 minutes 55 seconds. 3RD fastest Scot all time.
Holland 15k (Pfixx Solar Montferland Run) 43:44. 5th behind top African opposition.
Scottish Honours:
2017 Winner over 3k for Scotland at Manchester International track meet, defeating World Championship athletes.
2015 National CC Senior Championships, bronze behind Callum Hawkins and Andy Butchart.
2012 National U20 Cross Country Champion
2014 National 10k track champion
USA honours, representing University of Tulsa, Oklahoma:
• Arrived Tulsa August 2015. Regular opposition included multiple African athletes.
• Four-time All American
• USA Midwest Male Athlete of the Year 2016
• USA Midwest Cross Country Champion 2016
• Highest placed European athlete at NCAA XC championships 2016
PBs:
10k track: 29:10
5k track: 14:04
3k indoor: 8:14
Half Marathon: 61:55
Academic Career:
BSc in Environmental Management – Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow Scotland.
MA in Education – University of Tulsa, Oklahoma USA – qualifying summer ’17.
Luke Over XC in USA
Thansk to Croy and also to long term Coach Dudley Walker for this compilation of Luke’s Journey to a Senior GB Vest.And for the photos too. The entire Giffnock Athletics Club sends their best wishes to Luke in Valencia.
Alyson Bell
Under 15 Alyson Bell cruised through her 200m heat and semi-final in first place and followed that up with a 25.45 club record run in the final to take gold. Alyson, in blistering form, also came through the rounds of the 60m to win silver in another club record time of 7.89 seconds.
In the U20 men’s long jump Alessandro Schenini took gold, heading a Scots 1-2 with a jump of 7.07m, ahead of Henry Clarkson of Lasswade (7.05m)
Fellow under 20 Adam Clayton clocked 21.75 seconds in the 200m final to take silver. This was a club record and puts Adam seventh best on the all-time indoor list in that age-group.
Also flying the Giffnock flag were Reuben Nairne who was 8th in the under 17 Pole Vault and Nikolai Gajic who clocked 1.59.60 in his 800m heat.
Congratulations to all who made the trip down to Sheffield.
winning U13 Boys Team
Press interview following
Another smiling Team – Boys B team Bronze medalists
Following XC Success on Saturday, the Clubs sprint squads took to the track at the Connect Relays as part of the Muller Grand Prix at the Emirates and they did not disappoint
Report from Billy Glasgow
It was an exciting day at the Emirates Arena today for the seven 4x200m GNAC junior relay teams who qualified for their respective relay finals three weeks ago, particularly as the finals were part of the prestigious MULLER INDOOR GP IN GLASGOW
Up first were the U13Girls Angelica Mayer, Eilidh Veitch, Catriona Bentley & Josie Reilly (Leah Rigley) The girls got off to a great start and were always in contention. However, despite giving their all, they were just pipped for 3rd place behind VP/Glasgow, despite an improvement of over three seconds from their qualifying time, finishing in a time of 1.56.82.
The U13Boys were up next.We had two teams in this final with the A team of Finn Duncan Brooke, Euan Thomson, Frankie Bradley & Josh Thielan Mann and B team consisting of Scott McMillan, Elliot Baxter-Seabrook, Ben Hughes & Ryan Davie ( Daniel Martin & Josh McDowell). The A team took a demanding lead and won their race with a time of 1.56.04, less than a second off the current club record. Meanwhile the B team were not far behind them and they finished third just behind Inverclyde in a time of 2.01.82.Strength and depth in that squad.
The arena was buzzing as the excitement built, next up were the U15Girls Iona Denholm, Mary Rose Cairns, Niamh Smith & Ella McGregor( Olivia Dykes) At the end of the first lap it was pretty close and although the first two girls had done their utmost, by the second change, our girls were lying fourth. With Ella McGregor then giving chase, the VP/Glasgow B team dropped the baton.This seemed to also unsettle the Edinburgh AC Team, spurring Ella on. She took full advantage and managed to get back in contention in the back straight. As they raced on Ella edged in front of the Edinburgh AC athlete finishing a deserved third.It then transpired that the VP/Glasgow B team were disqualified ,our girls were promoted to second and were delighted to be going home with the Silver medals.
The U15Boys also had the advantage of two teams in the final, the A Team was made up of Jacob Luc(who was part of the winning U15Boys team at the National Cross country on the Saturday) , Max McHarg, Cameron McKerrow & Michael Foley & the B team consisted of Joshua Emanuelle, Gordon Wylie, Aiden Cunning & Ross Gourlay (Ben McCahill) The A team were justified favourites and quickly went into the lead, comfortably winning the race in a sub 1.46 time. The B team gave it their best but finished 5th despite their valiant efforts. Just as we were enjoying the success of the boys winning, it was announced that they had been disqualified – a disappointing shock for the athletes and the parents who cheered them on. However, is they are now looking forward to securing the Gold medal at the SAIL relays on the 17 March .
As our U17Men didn’t make the final, the last to run for Giffnock were the U17Women A team, consisting of Rachel Callan, Eve Denholm, Rosie McKay & Freya Cowan. It was a very close race from the start. With 4 clubs in contention at the first change, Eve Denholm managed to take the team into second place but there was still a long way to go. It was a hard and fast race and although the girls gave their best they just missed out on a third place to Dundee Hawkhill.
Thanks to Billy Glasgow for the report and Jackie Alexander, Coach and Team Manager ,U13Boys for the photos.
Grateful thanks also to our athletes who were part of the Kit carrying team at the Grand Priz
Freya Cowan, Rosie McKay and Rachel Callan straight from running in the Relays and Niamh McWilliams, Orla Lang, Donald MCLean, Abby Thomson, Jill Carswell, Iris Williams , Jennifer Dallas,Leila Hickey Fugaccia .
Reuben Nairn , Murray Fotheringham and Clark Marshall representing the GPVS [Glasgow Pole Vault School] on this occasion.
They did an outstanding job and nobly restrained their desires to get autographs etc from the elite athletes until the conclusion of the event.
U15Boys
U15 Girls
Report by Croy Thomson
FOUR TEAM golds, a team bronze and an individual bronze – an impressive haul and an occasion to treasure for Giffnock North’s junior cross country squads at the National Championships in Callendar Park, Falkirk.
In ideal sunny conditions, the Under 13 Girls struck the first blow with a superb team effort led home by Hannah Ryding in fourth. The U13 Boys didn’t fare so well with fifth but Reuben Macdonald ran a hard-fought 3.1k for fourth.
Next up over 4.1k were the U15 Girls, who defended their title in style. Kate Richardson was first home, ably backed by Francesca Davidson, Helen Chong, and Zoe Flower, with Abby Thomson and Jill Carswell in close attendance. Ethan Carolan spearheaded a golden U15 Boys’ performance, supported by Harris Paterson, Ross O’Brien and Jacob Luc.
Under 17s Charlotte McKenna, Clare Wallace and Rhona Mowat clinched the hat trick of girls’ titles over six hilly kilometres, before their male counterparts won a well-deserved bronze. Ben Shaw had to drop out with an ankle injury on an early downhill, but Calum Young stepped up and put his name on a great individual bronze – the club’s only individual honour of the day. Team-mates Jack Bell, Andrew Robertson and Kieran Killen packed well in for the medals.
The statisticians are still on the case, but we can safely say that this was one of the club’s most successful days on the country, and just reward for a hard winter’s work. Well done all the athletes who turned out and made themselves a full race richer. Thanks to all coaches, officials, tent wranglers, parents, pals and innocent bystanders who helped create another inspirational day.
And many thanks to Croy for filing his copy in between keeping an eye on a certain Six Nations match !We hope to add more photos soon
Advance Notice
More details very soon but we will be running our popular Holiday Athletics Camps for 2 weeks over the Spring break
Monday 2nd to Friday 6th April and Monday 9th to Friday 13th April at the Hutchesons’ School Track
Hours are from 10am to 1.00pm.
Young Coaches at the Camps
Learn from the Legends: Evening with Kim Collins & Churandy Martina
As part of the Muller Indoor Grand Prix weekend, the GAA is excited to announce that we are hosting an evening with Kim Collins and Churandy Martina!
Along with Glasgow Sport and British Athletics, we would like to invite members of the Glasgow Athletics community to come along to meet with Kim and Churandy, ask questions and learn about their sporting experiences from some of the best sprinters in the world.
Kim has a 9.93 100m personal best, was the 2003 IAAF 100m World Champion, and still running under 10s at 45 years old! Churandy has a 100m personal best of 9.91 and 200m of 19.81, he is the current European 200m Champion. Both athletes will be competing in Glasgow on Sunday.
The talk takes place on Friday evening, 23rd February, in the Emirates Arena (Level 5, Media Suite) starting at 18:30. We have limited spaces for this event so please email glasgowathleticsassociation@gmail.com for further information.
Looking for club kit?
We are holding a kit sale [Senior and Junior] on Monday 26th February from 7.00pm – 8.30pm at the GHA club house.
The sale will take place in the small bar at GHA, Braidholm Road, Giffnock, G46 6EB.
Includes:
Hoodies with new Phoenix logo
Bobble Hats
Morf scarves (similar to Buff)
There will also be a limited supply of shorts, crop tops, vests and second hand spikes.
If you ordered a hoodie at the January kit sale please come and collect your order at GHA.
BOYS A Team
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- Rosie McKay with Girls C Team
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- Niamh McWilliams with Boys B Team
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- Freya Cowan with Girls A Team
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- Rachel Callan with Girls B Team
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- Helen Nairne with Boys C Team
Boys Winning team from 2013 image1.png
Winning girls team from 2013
Clare Stevenson added ,”It’s such a pleasure having all these young athletes participating today. It’s a great introduction to these events and hopefully sets them up to stick in at athletics”
Thanks Judith, [Mum to Murray Ross] for the report and also to her and Grace Greene for the old Photos sourced from mobile phones of previous podium places which they were able to produce on the day!
Many thanks to Scottish Athletics and all the officials and Announcer Connor Henderson who kept the youngsters going with am impromptu DJ set and much dancing during the inevitable long wait for the results.It takes so many to run this event including our own Doleen Galbraith yet again putting these youngsters under starters orders.
We can have no complaints about a small delay for the locals when considering the long journey of all the Teams from far afield , the Hebrides ,from North and South Uist & Eriskay to the Super Teams .Link to the full results below.
http://events.scottishathletics.org.uk/events/20078-17573-fpsg-scottishathletics-indoor-u12-superteams
Photographs courtesy of Stuart MacDonald
Emirates Arena, Glasgow
High jumper Nikki Manson’s season just gets better and better. Jumping as a guest, she claim the National Indoor Record and Native Record with the first 1.90m clearance of her career. This will put her equal second in the UK rankings alongside Morgan Lake, with Katarina Johnson-Thompson heading the list. Congratulations to Nikki and her coach Ken Allan.
Two other Giffnock athletes were also on good form at the University Championships. Jenna Wrisberg raced to Gold in the 60m with a Championship Best Performance of 7.55. In the women’s long jump Rachel Alexander consolidated her return to form taking Gold with a leap of 5.81 metres .
Photographs courtesy of Bobby Gavin
Adam Clayton
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- Alyson Bell
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- Alyson Bell
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- Alessandro Schenini CPB in LONG JUMP
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- Reuben Nairne
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- Murray Fotheringham
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- Murray Fotheringham
Fantastic Gold & CBP for Alessandro Schenini in Long Jump
Double Gold for Alyson Bell in 60m &200m
Double Gold for Adam Clayton 60m & 200m
Double Gold for Reuben Nairne in Hurdles & Pole Vault
Tremendous Treble for Murray Fotheringham in High Jump,Long Jump & 800m
Report by Craig Fotheringham
There was a feeling of Déjà vu at the second day of the Scottish Schools Athletics Championships, sponsored by Rotary, with all our Gold Medal winners from yesterday appearing again today on top of the podium.
A new face on the podium was Alessandro Schenini who continued his great run of form with a superb series of jumps and a Gold Medal in the Over 16 Boys Long Jump with a new Championship Best Performance with 7.31 Metres.This is the 2nd for Alessandro.
Collecting their second Gold Medals for the Under 16 Boys were Reuben Nairne, making a welcome return to 60 Meter Hurdles and hard on his heels Murray Fotheringham with victory in the High Jump. Murray had a go at The Championship Record attempting 1.91 but just failed by the narrowest of margins. Also in the High Jump, Emma Barbour collected Silver in the Over 16 Girls with a height of 1.60M and Rachel Callan jumped in the Under 16 Girls competition.
Our Gold medal sprinters from yesterday then returned to collect their second Golds of the Championships – Adam Clayton winning the Over 16 Boys 60M in 7.05 and Alyson Bell the Under 16 Girls 60M in 7.91.
Also having a run in the hurdles were Sophie Inglis who made the Under 16 Girls final, Lauren Saxby, Iona Denholm and Grace Robertson. Other sprinters in action over 60 Meters were Max Mcharg who made the final of the Under 16 Boys, Andy Moses and Kyle McLean who both narrowly missed out on the final of the Over 16 Boys, Freya Cowan, Eve Donaghy and Niamh Smith.
Amine Hifi claimed 5th place in the Over 16 Boys 400M in a time of 51.44. Our Under 16 Girls 300 Meter runners were Eva Blues, Rosie McKay, Anna Young and Emma Gaston. Freya Menzies and Rhea Campbell ran in then the Over 16 Girls 300 with Rhea reaching the final. Adam Deverill claimed 5th in the Under 16 Boys 300M.
The harsh realities of qualification in Scottish Schools events was made clear in the 800M with only the fastest 8 making the finals – winning your heat was no guarantee of progression! In the over 16 Boys, Nikolai Gajic, Ben Shaw, Calum Young, Lewis Mitchell and Eoghan O’Donnell all tried but failed. Nikolai qualified for the B Final but was not feeling 100% and did not run.
Kate Richardson, Miriam Gilbride, Abby Thomson, Isla Scott and Emma Chamberlain all then tried to qualify for the Under 16 Girls Final with only Kate making the final where she finished near the back of the field in a very similar time to her heat.
The under 16 Boys then attempted the qualification process – Murray Fotheringham, Ethan Carolan, Jacob Luc, Harris Paterson and Ross O’Brian gave it their best with Murray making the final and Ethan and Jacob qualifying for the B Final. Murray tracked the leaders in the final before sweeping past with 100M to go and claiming a third Gold Medal in a time of 2:03.04.
Again, no Giffnock Vests on show and no official results published yet so apologies for any errors or omissions. Well done to everyone who participated and to the hard working officials who made the event run so smoothly.
Thanks again to Craig Fotheringham for the ‘on the spot’ reporting and Photos courtesy of Craig ,Bobby Gavin and Scottish Athletics
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- Murray Fotheringham
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- Alessandro Schenini CPB in LONG JUMP
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- Reuben Nairne
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- Murray Fotheringham
4 Golds at Scottish Schools Indoor Championships – Day 1
The Scottish Schools Athletic Association Indoor Championships sponsored by Rotary – West of Scotland – started this morning at The Emirates Arena. Competition was tough and a host of Giffnock North members were participating but this time representing their schools instead of wearing the Yellow and Blue vest! Many were participating against competitors much older than usual.
The day started with the Under 16 Girls 1500 Metres. Helen Chong, Emma Chamberlain, Hannah Ryding, Francesca Davidson, Jill Carswell, Kate Richardson and Abby Thomson all chased a place in the final but only Kate managed to qualify – winning her heat in a time of 4:51.41. She managed to improve her time in the final to 4:49.69 for sixth place.
Ross O’Brian, Ethan Carolan, Reuben MacDonald and Harris Paterson attempted qualification in the Boys Under 16 1500 Metres with only Ethan qualifying – 4:29.05 being good enough to place second in his heat. The pace in the final was just a bit too hot for Ethan and he finished a very creditable 5th in 4:22.95.
In the Over 16’s 1500 were Clare Wallace, Calum Young, Nikolai Gajic, Nicholas Boyle and Andrew Robertson. Nikolai and Clare both ran well in the heats to make their respective finals but found the two races in a day just too demanding.
The other track race of the day was the 200 Metres with Under 16’s Alyson Bell, Niamh Smith, Rachel Callan, Nathan McNee, Adam Deverill and Max McHarg all participating. Rachel, Max and Alison progressed to the semi-finals with the latter two also making it the finals where Max finished in 24.06 for 5th place. Alyson was involved in a tremendous race for the medals and with 50 to go she looked second best. Even with 15 to go she was 2 feet back but kept her form to the line as the other girl faded – no-one knew who had won and even the picture on the screen looked like a dead heat. After a huge delay, Alison was eventually awarded Gold by 1/100th of a second with 25.67.
Adam Clayton, Amine Hifi and Kyle McLean all made it to the semi Finals of the Over 16 Boys 200M with Adam cruising through to the final. He was in total control over the one lap event, easing to Gold in 22.05. Eve Denholm and Freya Cowan ran in the Over 16’s Girls 200 M with Eve making the semi-final with a best time of 27.36.
There were two more Golds from The field events. Reuben Nairne won a comfortable Gold Medal with 3.70 Metres in the Under 16 Boys Pole Vault with Clark Marshall 4th. Murray Fotheringham was the only boy jumping over 6 metres in the under 16 Boys Long Jump and eased to Gold with 6.50 Metres.
Iris Williams and Jennifer Dallas participated in the Under 16 Girls Shot Putt but failed to make the final eight.
Apologies for any errors or omissions but with schools vest being worn it is very difficult to isolate Giffnock athletes.
Well done to everyone who achieved the qualifying standards and competed today. Hope they all get a good night’s sleep and are ready to do battle again tomorrow.
Thanks to Craig for report and Photos
We will update at the conclusion of today
Colin Wylie
While our Track Relay Teams and Multi-Eventers were distinguishing themselves at the Emirates over the weekend, so were some of our older athletes.
Congratulations to Colin Wylie (M45) who won a National Silver medal in the 400m clocking a time of 60.59, only just outside his own club record that he set in 2017.
Brian Martin (M45) broke two club records, his time of 27.24 in the 200m heats and his 8.11 in the 60m. Brian won Bronze in the 200m final and was 5th in the 60m Final. This was a family double, as Brian’s son Daniel also took a silver medal in the u13 Pentathlon event.
Representing the ladies. Angela Kelly won a 60m Bronze medal in the W55 category. This was also a club record.
U11 Boys
U11 Girls
U13 Boys and Girls
A clean sweep of the Team medals for all the Age groups at U11/U13/U15 at the Renfrewshire Road Race Champs on 4th Feb was reported earlier but a fuller report required to give credit to all the performances on the day.
U11 Boys. Craig Shennan, Calan Chong and Jack Wallace left no room for doubt with a 1/2/3 in that Race and in fact Giffnock took 8 of the top 10 places in that race with many of the new U11s also demonstrating that they will be competing for the top places next year . The U11 Girls with Katy Donnelly in 2nd Place, Erin McKay in 5th and Hazel O’Donoghue in 6th enjoyed their run in the sun at the Battery Park to take the Gold Team Title.
Spectators of the U13 Boys Race witnessed a combative performance by Hugh Shiels to also take 1st place and lead his teammates to the third Team Title of the day with Aaron McGillivray 4th and Mark McInnes 9th in support.
U13s Girls with another 1/2/3 saw Hannah Ryding forging ahead to take the Gold individual, followed home by Isla Scott and Kate Paul to earn Team title No 4
U15 Boys and Girls, no slouches at all claimed Title No 5 and No 6 with Harris Paterson taking the individual Gold,Ross O’Brien 2nd and Jacob Luc in 4th [ also in action at the Emirates Sprint Relays on Saturday] and Helen Chong with another Gold and ably backed up by Jill Carswell in 3rd place and Zoe Flower in 5th.
Emily Crusher our only U17 Rep enjoyed the last individual Gold of the day . A bling or gong fest indeed for the Giffnock athletes in the sun
Well done to all those taking part and especially to all those on the start line for the first time!
SENIOR REPORT from Sarah Smith
A team of three women and six men from Giffnock gathered in Battery Park in Greenock for the Renfrewshire Road Race Championships 5 miler. Two brave individuals (Ted Gourley and Michael Hampson ) had also competed in the Masters XC in Kilmarnock the day before.
This race has a reputation for bad weather with heavy rain and puddles resulting in a number of injuries two years ago, however there was no sign of any of this and we were greeted by sunshine and blue skies.
In the women’s race Nicola McBeath came an excellent 17th with Anne Williamson and Sarah Smith coming in just 26 seconds apart in 48th and 49th places.
In the men’s race Ted Gourley won his M55 age category and came 39th overall. Nicholas Boyle and David Ross came in together in 27th and 28th, with Jordan Orr and Derren Thomson 10 seconds apart in 49th and 50th with Michael Hampson 56th.
Full Results can be found at this link on Kilbarchan AAC website .
Thanks to Sarah Smith for report and photos and David Chong
Ron Pickering OBE was one of British sport’s great visionaries. He was a former Physical Education teacher and national athletics coach, training Lynn Davies to Tokyo Olympic gold. Ron is best remembered as the voice of athletics on BBC commentaries and iconic programmes such as Superstars. He was awarded the OBE by the Queen in 1986 for services to sport.
When he died unexpectedly in 1991, his wife Jean, herself an Olympic medallist from the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, and children Kim and Shaun set up the Ron Pickering Memorial Fund to help young British athletes fulfil their potential.
Since then, supported by the Trustees and a network of volunteers, the fund has raised and awarded over £2.0 million in small but significant grants to several thousand talented young British athletes.
Each grant is designed to make a difference, helping the recipients make the difficult transition from junior to senior level through support for equipment, specialist coaching or travel and importantly help build the athletes’ confidence and self esteem through recognition.
Sadly, Jean passed away aged 83, on March 25, 2013 but the Fund continues her legacy by supporting the young athletes of the future.
A record number of young British athletes are to this year receive £46,000 in grants from the Ron Pickering Memorial Fund, And no fewer than 15 Scots on the overall list of 231 athletes from 109 clubs to have been handed grants amounting to that £46,000 total.
Congratulations to the following Giffnock North AC athletes who are on that list.
Nikki Manson – Giffnock North AC
Erin Wallace – Giffnock North AC
“Sport is the most preciouscommodity we have to hand on
to the next generation”
Ron Pickering OBE
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- Senior Men with Gold & Silver
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- Senior Women Gold medalists
It was great day for Giffnock North AC at the National Indoor 4 X 200m relays and Multi Events at the Emirates on the 3/2.
A small but hardy band of our multi eventers namely Lauren Hendry in the Senior Ladies , U20 Chris McKay, U17’s Rachel Callan & Murray Fotheringham, Under 15 Imogen Maher and U13’s Daniel Martin & Emily Watson competed at The National Combined Events Championships at the Emirates this weekend .They had a long day ( or days for some) ahead of them but started with grit and determination. They battled bravely and a host of PB’s were achieved together with Silver medals for both Daniel and Murray.
Daniel Martin appeared to have completed a superb event by winning Gold in the Under 13 Boys but just minutes after crossing the finish line in the 800 meters he was disqualified for breaking too early and was awarded zero points for the race. Daniel was distraught but despite this, still won the Silver medal and achieved the 9th Best Scottish Score of All Time with 1588 points and a Giffnock Shot Putt Record.
Murray Fotheringham (14) also had a great weekend with 4 PB’s in the Under 17 Boys Heptathlon. His relentlessly consistent scoring was capped with a Giffnock club record in the final event – the rarely run 1000M and was good enough to gain him the Silver medal with a score of 4401 points and also the 9th Best Scottish Score of All Time.
Chris MacKay was a creditable 4th in the Under 20 Men’s Heptathlon whilst the others enjoyed the cut and thrust of Combined Event Competition.
All the competitors gave their all and experienced the highs and lows of Combine Events competition. It was a tiring weekend but I am sure they will all be back competing again soon having learned a few hard lessons but better prepared to do battle!
Murray Fotheringham – Silver Medal
Photographs courtesy of Bobby Gavin.
Scottish Athletics reported today on the relays:
” Giffnock North AC savoured double success at the FPSG 4 x 200m Relay Champs at the Emirates Arena. The Glasgow-based club won both of the Senior finals during a packed programme which saw teams in younger athletes qualify for finals at the Muller Indoor GP on Sunday 25 February.
In the Senior Women’s final, the Giffnock quartet of Amy Donaghy, Katy Forbes, Rochelle Movrala and Freya Menzies recorded 1.45.23 to win from silver medallists Ayr Seaforth (1.45.46) and third-placed Aberdeen AAC (1.46.93).
In the Senior Men’s final, it was the Giffnock B team of Alexander Young, Kyle McLean, Alessandro Schenini and Fraser Angus who won an inter-club battle with the Giffnock A team in a time of 1.30.60. Corstorphine AAC took the bronze medals in that men’s race in 1.32.52.”
That full report from Peter Jardine is on the SA website. Club report below from the day gives the flavour of the excitement felt by all at the relays.
The relays started at 10.20 with the under 13 girls, with A & B teams quickly securing their places in the semi-final. Next up it was the U13 Boys and they were not to be out done as the A&B teams quickly qualified for the final(the number of teams entered in this age group did not merit semi-finals) Finals will be held on Sunday 25th February.
Following a gap of about 30 mins, which gave us time to draw breath it was the turn of the under 15 girls who only had one team competing so there was some extra pressure on them to qualify however they all had a great run and also qualified for the semi-final. As usual the arena was buzzing particularly the Giffnock supporters. The U17 Girls were next up on the track and the A team quickly secured their place in the final.Although the B team gave it their all they missed out on that goal this time.
It was now the turn of the U20/Seniors and as custom dictates it was ladies first.Again there was some pressure as only one GNAC U20s team entered but there was no need to worry as they qualified for the final, which would be held later on in the day. Now it was the turn of the U20/Sen and we were fortunate enough to have two fairly evenly matched teams who comfortably qualified for the final along with Inverclyde, Corstorphine AAC, Aberdeen AAC & Pitreavie AAC.
Back to the U15 boys, again both teams maintained great form to qualify for the final. Unfortunately the U17 men ran well but failed to progress to the final. So now it was the semi-finals for the U13 Girls & U15 girls with pressure mounting on all three teams to qualify for the final. First up, our U13 girls. Both A & B teams gave it their all, but unfortunately the B team just lost out, with only the A team goint through to the finals.
Now came the Seniors final, with the Women up first. The coaches and supporters were treated to a great race. Giffnock took the lead in the first leg then fell back to second and then third just at the 3rd handover.A great 3rd leg run brought them back to a very close second with all to play for in the last leg. Coming off the last bend it was still neck & neck with Aberdeen AAC but Giffnock just took the title in the last 5 metres.
The final race of the day was equally exciting for our Senior Men, except we had two teams in the final. It was a fast race from the start with our A team & B teams in the frame . The B team were holding a slender lead after the first two legs but at the 3rd change over the B team came out in 3rd place. After working hard to get back to 2nd place the B team pushed the A team all the way to the finish, taking Silver with Corstorphine AC finishing in 3rd place. What an exciting series of races. We now have seven teams in the finals on Sunday 25th February as part of the Muller Indoor Grand Prix.
Relay results:
U13 GIRLS
1 GIFFNOCK NORTH AC ‘A’ 1:59.81Q
1) #1293 Angelica Mayer 12 2) #1294 Eilidh Veitch 11
3) #1295 Catriona Bentley 12 4) #1296 Josie Reilly 12
2 GIFFNOCK NORTH AC ‘B’ 2:08.44Q
1) #1297 Erin Mckay 12 2) #1298 Sophie Ferguson 10
3) #1299 Olivia McIvor 12 4) #1300 Natasha Tallen 11
2 GIFFNOCK NORTH AC ‘A’ 1:59.70Q for the final 25/2
4 GIFFNOCK NORTH AC ‘B’ 2:07.00
U15 GIRLS
1 GIFFNOCK NORTH AC ‘A’ 1:54.00Q
1) #1441 Iona Denholm 14 2) #1442 Mary Rose Cairns 14
3) #1443 Niamh Smith 14 4) #1444 Ella McGregor 13
1 GIFFNOCK NORTH AC ‘A’ 1:53.63Q for the final 25/2
U17 GIRLS
5 GIFFNOCK NORTH AC ‘B’ 1:51.89
1) #1601 Carly Miller 16 2) #1602 Orla Lang 15
3) #1603 Annabel MacDonald 16 4) #1604 Sophie Inglis 15
2 GIFFNOCK NORTH AC ‘A’ 1:47.17q for the final 25/2
1) #1597 Rachel Callan R 16 2) #1598 Eve Denholm 14
3) #1599 Rosie McKay 16 4) #1600 Freya Cowan 15
SENIOR WOMEN
1 GIFFNOCK NORTH AC ‘A’ 1:46.33Q
1) #1157 Amy Donaghy 21 2) #1158 Katie Forbes 18
3) #1159 Rochelle Moukala 21 4) #1160 Freya Menzies 21
1 GIFFNOCK NORTH AC ‘A’ 1:45.27 Winners
1) #1157 Amy Donaghy 21 2) #1158 Katie Forbes 18
3) #1159 Rochelle Moukala 21 4) #1160 Freya Menzies 21
U13 BOYS
1 GIFFNOCK NORTH AC ‘A’ 1:56.48Q for the final 25/2
1) #1213 Fionn Duncan Brooke 12 2) #1214 Euan Thomson 11
3) #1215 Frankie Bradley 12 4) #1216 Josh Thielan-Mann. 12
2 GIFFNOCK NORTH AC ‘B’ 2:02.26Q for the final 25/2
1) #1217 Scott McMillan 11 2) #1218 Elliott Baxter-Seabrook 1
3) #1219 Ben Hughes 12 4) #1220 Ryan Davie R 12
U15 BOYS
1 GIFFNOCK NORTH AC ‘A’ 1:44.12Q for the final 25/2
1) #1377 Jacob Luc 14 2) #1378 Max McHarg 13
3) #1379 Cameron McKerrow 14 4) #1380 Michael Foley 14
4 GIFFNOCK NORTH AC ‘B’ 1:56.08Q for the final 25/2
1) #1381 Joshua Emanuelle 14 2) #1382 Gordon Wylie 14
3) #1383 Aiden Cunning 14 4) #1384 Ross Gourlay 14
U17 BOYS
5 GIFFNOCK NORTH AC ‘A’ 1:40.57
1) #1533 Chris Brown 16 2) #1534 Eoghan O’Donnell 16
3) #1535 Lewis Mitchell 16 4) #1536 Adam Deverill 16
SENIOR MEN
1 GIFFNOCK NORTH AC ‘B’ 1:32.56Q
1) #1101 Joseph Connolly 21 2) #1102 John Hamilton 21
3) #1103 Matthew Forbes 21 4) #1104 Amin Hifi 21
1 GIFFNOCK NORTH AC ‘A’ 1:32.43Q
1) #1661 Alexander Young 21 2) #1662 Kyle McLean 21
3) #1663 Alessandro Schenini 21 4) #1664 Fraser Angus 21
1 GIFFNOCK NORTH AC ‘A’ 1:30.60 Winners
1) #1661 Alexander Young 21 2) #1662 Kyle McLean 21
3) #1663 Alessandro Schenini 21 4) #1664 Fraser Angus 21
2 GIFFNOCK NORTH AC ‘B’ 1:31.61
1) #1101 Joseph Connolly 21 2) #1102 John Hamilton 21
3) #1103 Matthew Forbes 21 4) #1104 Amin Hifi 21
REPORT by Allie Chong
Respectable medal haul at Scottish Masters XC
Dean Park in Kilmarnock was the venue for the 2018 Scottish Veteran Harriers National XC Championships on Saturday. The course was a challenging one, with plenty of mud, steep hills up and down and a fallen tree to jump into the bargain – real XC stuff!
The women (and men over 65) ran 2 loops over a distance of 6K and acquitted themselves well. Allie Chong was 7th female finisher and took silver in the W45 age group, with Sheila Lewis in 15th position, and Mary McCutcheon only seconds behind in 16th.
Stephanie Lillie and Jatinder Sumal combined with Allie Chong to take the bronze team medal in the W40 age group, and Sheila Lewis and Mary McCutcheon were ably supported by Catriona Gourley in the W50 category to take silver. This ensured that every female GN runner went home with a medal!
The younger men competed over 8k.Giffnock’s first man across the line was Ted Gourley in 45th place after a fantastic run, taking silver in the M55 age group. Jason Steele ran strongly to finish 53rd. Just behind were Luke Chamberlain and Scott Wilson, who ran the whole race inches apart to come in 70th and 71st respectively. Mark Sutherland completed the M40 team, who placed 9th overall. Michael Hampson ran bravely after a difficult week to finish in a time of 39.25.
Without a doubt a tough day at the races, but plenty of smiles through the mud and a respectable number of jangling medals headed back up the M77. Well run GN vets!
Pictures courtesy of Eva Chong.
Thanks to Allie and Eva
@scotathletics Video footage for anyone Interested1.87 From Nikki @Mansonn15 ! @rodgerharkins pic.twitter.com/HVz5v64SVU
— Sam Okane (@Sam0kane) January 27, 2018
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- Alessandro Schenini
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- Rachel Alexander
Rachel Alexander, returning from numerous injuries, jumped a lifetime best of 6.04m to take the Women’s title and Alessandro Schenini , who also jumped a massive personal best of 7.31m, to take the Men’s. Both athletes are coached by David Watson. Megan Busby took a bronze medal with a jump of 5.63m in the women’s event.
On the track there were Gold medals for Grant Muir who took the 800m with a time of 1.54.78. Sprinters Jenna Wrisberg and Adam Clayton both claimed Silver medals over the 60m distance .
Under 17’s, not to be out done, were also in the medals. Murray Fotheringham won Silver medals in both the long jump (6.35m) and the high jump (1.94m). Bronze medals wee won by Adam Deverill in the triple jump (11.08), Oliver Maher in the shot putt (9.84m) and Kate Richardson in the 1500m (4.55.57)
Congratulations not only to the medal winners , but to all Giffnock athletes who competed.
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- Adam Clayton
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- Jenna Wrisberg
All photographs courtesy of Bobby Gavin, That One Moment
The video below shows our own Doleen Galbraith who is a member of the Start Team. We also have Field,Track & Timekeepers officials in Anne Stewart, Colin Saxby, Graham Dunn, Jim Galbraith, Carole Ford , Garry Paterson, Catriona Gourley & Bernie Campbell …… we need more officials to share the load.
Take a look at this video about becoming an official .
If you would like more information or even just to find out what is involved please contact Doleen Galbraith for an informal chat / discussion.
Information is also available on the Scottish Athletics website
There are regular courses organised by Scottish Athletics which will provide anyone with the information to carry out one or other of the numerous roles and options needed .
A list of upcoming courses can be found here
Looking for club kit?
We are holding a kit sale [Senior and Junior kit] on Monday 22 January from 7.00pm – 8.30pm at the club house. The sale will take place in the small bar at GHA, Braidholm Road, Giffnock, G46 6EB.
Includes:
Stock which is not currently available at Migo Sports
Stock featuring new Phoenix logo
Some reduced stock.
Hoodies
Bobble Hats
Shorts
Crop Tops and shorts
Vests.
Try and get along to get your kit
