Welcome, or welcome back to Giffnock North’s Run Jump Throw (RJT) sessions for 5-8 year olds. 
Sessions are held on Saturdays at Hutchesons’ School Track commencing on Saturday the 4th of April up to and including Saturday the 20th of June. Entry by Beaton Road Entrance. Sessions are one hour long and can be chosen from 2:30-3:30pm or 3:30-4:30pm. 

Click here to sign up for the new 12 week block!

What is it?
RJT focuses on fundamental movement skills and helps children learn vital skills which they will need as they develop. Youngsters are introduced to a range of athletic events, basic skills, balance, coordination and speed sessions; the essential ABC’s of all sports.

The programme is based around athletics, but the skills acquired can be extremely beneficial to children across a wide variety of sports.

The club operates in a safe, relaxed and friendly environment, allowing children to enjoy their experience, make new friends and to progress athletically.

Who is it for?
Children aged 5-8 who want to have fun, participate, make friends and learn new and exciting skills.
The sessions are tailored to suit children of all skill levels from beginners to those who have already taken part in introductory athletics programmes, holiday courses or local community competitions.

Please share these details with anyone inside or outside of the club who would be interested.

How do I sign up?

For further information and to sign up and Click here

If you have any questions about the Run Jump Throw sessions, please email admin@giffnocknorth.co.uk

Just one week left until the Giffnock North Spring Athletics Camp 2026!

The club is disappointed to have to cancel the Afternoon Spring Camp due to unforeseen circumstances. However, the morning camp will still be going ahead as planned AND there is till time to register!

Date – 6-10th April

Time – Morning Camp – 9:00am – 1:00pm 

Location –  Hutchesons’ Grammar School, 21 Beaton Road, G41 4NW

Morning Sign up – HERE

If you have any enquiries about early drop off options or signing up for a full day please email admin@giffnocknorth.co.uk 

The club is delighted to be offering two Spring Holiday camps for all athletes of all abilities ages 5-12 years old. This year it will be one week consisting of a separate morning and afternoon camp.  We can’t wait!

Date – 6-10th April

Time – Morning Camp – 9:00am – 1:00pm Afternoon Camp – 1:30pm-5:30pm

Location –  Hutchesons’ Grammar School, 21 Beaton Road, G41 4NW

Morning Sign up – HERE

Afternoon Sign up – HERE

If you have any enquiries about early drop off options or signing up for a full day please email admin@giffnocknorth.co.uk 

The Scottish Athletics Indoor Champs were held on Saturday 24^th January at the Emirates arena. Giffnock North had 20 Seniors and 12 U18s competing. By the end of the day our brilliant athletes had taken 8 podium positions and numerous PBs.

In the Sen W 60m, Alyson Bell cruised through her heat, then was pushed hard in the final, where she won Gold in 7.35s. In other 60m events, Calum Westbrook made the Sen M semi-final, Alex Clark (U18M) made the final but pulled up injured near the finish and Declan Reid (Sen M), Robyne McClure (U18W), Courtney Barbour (Sen W) and Eve Denholm (Sen W) competed in the heats.

In the Long Jump, Nikki Manson (Sen W) won gold with her final jump of 6.05m and Alessandro Schenini (Sen M) secured bronze, also with his last attempt of 7.20m, after a series of no jumps. Other jumpers were Angus Weir (U18m), who just missed a medal in 4rth place with 6.42, Cara Heron (U18W) with a PB of 4.71, Courtney Barbour (Sen W) with 4.66m and Bethany McNeil (U18W).

Like the Long Jumpers, our Pole Vaulters also came home with two medals. Reuben Nairne (Sen M) shared gold medal spot with Tom Chandler of Central AC (4.44m) and Mark Herbert-Ruiz won the bronze with a vault of 4.14m. Making it a family pole vault affair, sister Sara Herbert-Ruiz (Sen W) finished 6^th in her event (2.74m).

Our final Gold of the day came from Charlie Murray (U18M). He comfortably won his heat and, in the final, showed everyone a clean pair of heels, winning in a PB time of 51.05s. Rachel Callan (Sen W) looked in great form winning her heat, but alas could not compete in the final due to injury. Caroline McConnell and Niamh Grahame were paired in the same Sen W heat and were neck in neck toward the finish line. Caroline just edged out Niamh to qualify for the final, where she finished 5^th in 58.55. Anna Ross (u18W) ran well in her 400m to finish third in her heat (61.82s).

Having just missed a medal in the LJ, Angus Weir (U18M) was the silver medallist in the high jump with 1.84m. Zoe McKell (U18w) came fifth in (1.49) in her event.

Angus Rennie (Sen M) set a new PB getting bronze in the 60mH final. We had two other 60mH finalist – Erin Campbell (Sen W) was 5^th in 8.66s and Cara Heron (U18W) was 7^th in her final, having set a PB of 9.81s in the heats.

In the middle-distance events, 1500m Senior Men Ross O’Brien finished 4rth (4.04.77) and Harvey Mitchell-Divers 11^th (4.28.54). Max Deery (U18M) qualified for the final, where he finished 6^th (4.16.87). Donald McLean (Sen M) was our lone 800m finished 4rth in his heat (2.11.31).

Calum Westbrook (Sen M) made the semi-final of the 200m (23.45). Declan Reid (Sen M), Robyne McClure (U18G) and Bethany McNeil (U18G) all competed in the 200m heats.

As ever with such reports apologies if there are any errors or omissions from this report. We try our best to get it right! If you do spot any such errors, please advise us at admin@giffnocknorth.co.uk.

For a full list of results use this link.

For Scottish Athletics report on the overall event usethese links:

• U18 Champs Report
• Sen Champs report

Further photos from the day can be found here or on Scottish Athletics Facebook

The Emirates Arena was rocking on Sunday 1st February, and our Giffnock North stars were right at the heart of the action! It was a day of non-stop energy, PBs, and plenty of noise as our Under-12s took on the 4J Indoor SUPERteams. In a massive field of nearly 350 competitors from all over Scotland (including North Uist!), our young athletes excelled.

It was a great atmosphere of in the Emirates Arena, and our squad handled the pressure like absolute pros. The teamwork on display was amazing, with many of the athletes competing in the Emirates for the very first time. The team spirit really paid off when the points were tallied, seeing Giffnock North climb to the very top of the podium. Topping a field that included fantastic teams from Harmeny AC and Gala Harriers was no small feat, but our kids rose to the challenge with massive smiles and incredible determination.

Here’s some quotes from a few of the team:

• Adam Rai (who finished an outstanding 2^nd overall) – ‘It’s been so much fun today. My favourite event was the long jump and I managed to jump 3.99m’.
• Fraser McCourt (who managed to throw an impressive 4.68m in the shot putt) – ‘I’ve really enjoyed competing in the Emirates Arena and having fun with my team mates’
• Anna Wright (who managed run the 200m in 31.92 secs) – ‘My favourite event was the 200m as I’ve never ran on the full track in the Emirates. I also enjoyed chatting to the other teams’.

Watching the team collect their winner’s medals was a proud moment for all the parents and coaches.

As ever, a massive thank you to all coaches, officials and organisers for their efforts in making the day such a success.

You can find the full results via this link – https://data.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/2026/GBR/superteams-indoor/event/500/

Thnaks to Andy Wright (Anna’s Dad) for the brilliant report and all the parents and suppoerters who contributed the exciting photos that captured the mood of the day.

Giffnock North’s U18 Sprint Coach Gerry Duggan is very grateful for the  Lloyd Cowan Bursary he has just been awarded. Gerry will be using the bursary to help purchase some training aids that will be used by the U18  training group and  the other Giffnock North sprint groups.

The picture shows Gerry with a mix of Giffnock North sprinters from across the Age Groups.

Double Olympic medallist Amber Anning, who was coached by Lloyd, has joined forces with the Bursary charity. Amber has kindly arranged that each Bursary recipient also receives Nike kit from her sponsor Nike (London).

Gerry and all the sprint athletes at Giffnock North are very grateful to both the Lloyd Cowan Bursary Fund and Amber Anning for their generous support.

For more about Lloyd Cowan and the Bursary created in his honour, click here.

As we turn the page to 2026, we celebrate a truly landmark year for Giffnock North. In 2025, our athletes delivered outstanding performances across every discipline and age group, from local cross-country meets to global championships showcasing the depth of talent, commitment, and community spirit that defines our club.

This year also marked a historic transition in leadership, as Billy Glasgow stepped down after more than 20 years of dedicated service. Under Billy’s stewardship, Giffnock North grew into Scotland’s largest athletics club, a recognised powerhouse that champions inclusivity and excellence. We were proud to honour Billy as our Honorary Life President. Likewise, Anne Stewart’s remarkable four decades of coaching and officiating were celebrated with Scottish Athletics awarding her Honorary Life Membership.

On the track and field, Neil Gourley led by example with a silver medal at the World Indoor Championships, a UK record over 1000m at the Keely Klassic, and his role as British team captain. Erin Wallace delivered a stellar season, setting a meeting record in Paris, qualifying for the Commonwealth Games, and moving to second on Scotland’s all-time 1500m list. Alyson Bell emerged as a sprint sensation, breaking Scottish records in the 60m and 200m indoors, captaining Scotland at the LIA meet, and earning GB U23 selection for the European Championships. Alessandro Schenini dominated the long jump with a Scottish record and British title, while Murray Fotheringham and Angus Rennie impressed in jumps and hurdles. Across age groups, rising stars like Louie Muir, April MacAuley, Aaron Reid, and Calum Dick earned Scotland and SIAB selections, while our relay squads and U13 Superteams claimed national titles, reinforcing Giffnock North’s strength in depth.

As we look ahead, 2026 promises even greater success on the track, in the field, on the road, and across the country trails. Together, we will continue to nurture talent, foster community, and compete with distinction. Thank you to our athletes, coaches, volunteers, and supporters for making Giffnock North the vibrant club it is.

Here’s to an exciting year ahead, let’s make 2026 unforgettable!

Happy new year from the Trustees of GNAC.

As we wrap up a remarkable year, it’s time to pause, celebrate, and enjoy the festive season. Whether you’re relaxing with family, catching up with friends, or indulging in a well-earned treat, remember the golden rule: everything in moderation – including moderation! Our club thrives because of the dedication and spirit of its members, volunteers, and coaches, and we’re grateful for all you do. Here’s to laughter, good company, and a joyful Christmas. Rest, recharge, and get ready for an exciting year ahead. Merry Christmas to you all from the trustees!

Jon Vincent (Chairperson) on behalf of the trustees of GNAC

Welcome, or welcome back to Giffnock North’s Run Jump Throw (RJT) sessions for 5-8 year olds. 
Sessions are held on Saturdays at Hutchesons’ School Track commencing on Sat 10th of January all the way through till Saturday 28th of March. Entry by Beaton Road Entrance. Sessions are one hour long and can be chosen from 2:30-3:30pm or 3:30-4:30pm. 

Click here to sign up for the new 12 week block!

What is it?
RJT focuses on fundamental movement skills and helps children learn vital skills which they will need as they develop. Youngsters are introduced to a range of athletic events, basic skills, balance, coordination and speed sessions; the essential ABC’s of all sports.

The programme is based around athletics, but the skills acquired can be extremely beneficial to children across a wide variety of sports.

The club operates in a safe, relaxed and friendly environment, allowing children to enjoy their experience, make new friends and to progress athletically.

Who is it for?
Children aged 5-8 who want to have fun, participate, make friends and learn new and exciting skills.
The sessions are tailored to suit children of all skill levels from beginners to those who have already taken part in introductory athletics programmes, holiday courses or local community competitions.

Please share these details with anyone inside or outside of the club who would be interested.

How do I sign up?

For further information and to sign up and click here

If you have any questions about the Run Jump Throw sessions, please email admin@giffnocknorth.co.uk

The U12/13/14 Giffnock North AC Christmas Disco/Awards night took place on Friday the 5th of December.

In the absence of Dudley Walker, John Shedden stepped up to the mark as MC. Thanks very much to John and all the parent helpers who contributed on the night.  Lindsey Church, Karen Brown & Sabbah Rai & also to our DofE Volunteers Eve Cameron & Maia Fernandez McCann. Thanks also to Allan Cameron for being our photographer!

Absolutely outstanding presentation at Awards Night by Nikki Manson at the Christmas disco on Friday 5th December for Giffnock North under 11/12/13/14 Athletes. We are so privileged to have Scotland’s record holder high jumper and native record holder, long jumper in our club. Nikki answered loads of questions about her athletics career and her training for L J this season as we look forward to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. As well as her own training, the very busy Nikki coaches at the School of Sport and is the Co ordinator for the GAA (Glasgow Athletics Association)  delivering excellent athletic competition across all disciplines.

Have a look at Nikki’s performances on Power of 10.  After graduation in Scotland she did a post grad degree in the USA at the University of Akron and excelled there as well – gaining All American status in her High Jump,  Selection for the Scottish Team at the Commonwealth Games in Australia at the Gold Coast and GB selection for The European Championships. 

Certificates for Star Track were awarded and medals presented for club championships.

The 11 athletes of the year were Joint Awards this year with Alexandra Rough & Isabella MacKenzie taking the honours for the girls and Adam Rai & Samuel Church for the boys.

Our  DJ did a great job with the music and games – great moves on the dance floor – and everyone seemed to enjoy the night – including the pizza which was devoured.

Nikki and Sam decided to stay and watch the fun and then joined in the dancing, great job thanks again Nikki!

GIFFNOCK NORTH made a splash at a wet and wonderful West XC Champs in Erskine last Saturday, claiming six junior age-group team titles and two team silvers to go with the individual honours of two golds, two silvers and three bronze medals.

Not to big anyone up too much, but the U20 Men did sweep their podium, the medals and the team title, as Oliver Macdonald (not long home from college in Tennessee) defended his crown, backed up by storming runs from Glen Griffiths and Alasdair Maclean in second and third respectively over 6.4 rolling, twisting kilometres. With a Strathclyde Uni rival for company for much of the race, the trio decided that “four runners into three medals doesn’t go” (quote courtesy G Griffiths), jettisoned the interloper and fought to the finish themselves. Great stuff.

At day’s start, our resolute U13 Girls were first race away on a dreich morning, tackling 3.2k of slick and sticky parkland, and while they didn’t land a medal this time, they had Iris Jackson in tenth for auto selection for the West team at the Inter Districts in January. The team were edged – by one point – from bronze by Law. Full muddy marks to Abbie Gallagher, Lila Brogan, Rebecca Adams, Sienna Baudet, Sofia Edwards, Amelia Gallagher, Emma Wilkinson and Kate Johnstone.

The U13 Boys fared better, as Chris Cameron as ever gave everything for the cause and third place, leading Ben McKerracher (tenth) and James Gemmell to the team title. In close order was Andrew Church, followed home in the biggest junior field of the day – 57 finishers – by Euan Moir, Andrew Mitchell, Dominic Fitzpatrick, Jordi Francisco-Suraez, George Gilbert and Cain Martin.

Eve Cameron nailed a well earned second in the U15 Girls’ 4.2k, and with Emma Nicholson in fourth and Lucy Tonner 11th, another team gold was in the bag. Chloe Simpson ran strongly for 14th, well supported by Mia Tomb, Anna Hill, Lottie Martin, Ella Buckley, Freya Mearns, Neave Johnstone and Isla Mostyn.

Donald McInness struck individual gold in his U15 Boys event, holding off Ayr Seaforth’s Riley Fulton by two seconds on the uphill finish. Kian Dick raced home fourth and Evan Tyler fifth to wrap up their team crown, backed up admirably by Pat McGovern, Elias Wright and Harry Tosh.

Next to hit the gold standard were the U17 Girls, packing four into the top dozen for the District team crown. Holly Simpson (third) and Isabella Wilson (fourth) literally ran themselves into the ground for their places at the end of their 5.7k, with Nicole Yates and Amy Gallagher racing strongly for eighth and 11th respectively. Isabella’s dash to the line was enlivened by it being shoulder to muddy shoulder with her cousin Eilidh, of Garscube Harriers. The people you meet on a day out in the countryside.

The U17 Boys race delivered a tactical show, as a seven-strong group warily held together for more than half the race, before Giffnock’s Louie Muir took the bull by the horns and surged to break it all up. Louie’s gambit looked destined for glorious reward, but the class act that is Daibhidh Kinnaird of Cambuslang hung in there and finally clawed our man back for the gold. Louie’s silver, Calum Dick’s fourth (to go with his brother’s earlier identical placing) and Aaron Reid’s sixth were more than enough to clinch the team gold, ably backed by Matthew Hill’s solid 13th and strong efforts from Cameron Nugent and Ruaridh Mostyn for good measure.

Silver was the colour for our U20 Women’s trio Isla Munro (fifth), Ella Youngs (7th) and Rachael Hill (8th), beaten only by a Glasgow University outfit that included former GN junior Tuscany Wright, who finished individual third.

In conquering 8.6k of evermore churned-up mud’n’turf, Emma Creasey was first home for Giffnock’s sixth-placing Senior Women’s squad, comprising Allie Chong, Catriona Bark, Mary McCutcheon, Hilary Carswell, Carolyn Datta, Gillian Gallagher, Eva Chong and Doreen Henderson. Well played, ladies, with extra loud applause for Masters Category Team silver medalists Allie (third Masters individual), Catriona and Mary.

Just to plough the course even deeper, the Senior Men’s event had 215 finishers, among them our very own Ali Stables (21st), Harvey Mitchell-Divers, Conor Drummond and Rob Crusher. No complete team, then, but complete respect for the chaps flying the amber-and-azure flag over such a tough old track …setting out just as the rain came on!

Well done everyone who competed and made the day another special one for the club, if not your washing machines. Thanks to the organisers, course setters (who must have had webbed feet), officials, time-keepers, fans, mums, dads and the tent wranglers. All that remains is to discover  how many of our lads and lassies gain selection for the West Inter-District teams. Good luck all, you’ve earned it.

Photos of Giffnock North AC athletes from the day can be found in the GN Junior Endurance Facebook page.

Further photos can be found on Scottish Athletics Facebook page.

Thank you Croy Thomson for the excellent write up and Allan Cameron for the cracking photos. 

On Saturday the 8^th of November our athletes and parents swapped their training spikes for smart shoes as we held our annual club awards night for all U13 and above.

Athletes and Parents were invited to celebrate and honour all those who have represented themselves and Giffnock North AC so profoundly over the last year. As a club our range of achievements covers the whole roster of events. From Club Championships, Scottish Schools, National Championships, Cross Country and even Great Britain representation at the highest level!

We were very grateful to have Erin Wallace, one of our elite athletes and great role models of the club to present the award and answer questions on the evening. She has had an incredibly successful year setting numerous PB’s and bringing the season to a close representing Great Britain at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. She gave an insight into her training routine and what it takes to get to the elite level in the sport through the Q&A session at the start of the awards. Thank you also to Gerry Duggan who kindly took the role of host and MC for the night too.

First on the agenda we had the very successful September Club Championships medals presented. This was followed by national title certificates presented to those who had won national titles. In total 17 different national titles were won this year by Giffnock North Athletes! Finally, the age group club awards. A very difficult decision every year but it is great to be in a position where we must make these difficult decisions. A great showcase for the depth and talent of the athletes in the club.

Thank you to all those involved in the success of Giffnock North athletes over the past year. From coaches, officials, volunteers, parents and the athletes themselves. Everyone had something to celebrate.

All photos from the evening will be posted on our Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/giffnocknorthac/?locale=en_GB

List of Awards: 

Athlete of the year:

U13 Girls – Emma Nicholson / U13 Boys – Hugo Stewart

U15 Girls – Erica Tait / U15 Boys – Charlie Murray

U17 Girls – April MacAuley / U17 Boys – Calum Dick

Junior/U20 Women – Emma McLennan / Junior/U20 Men – Oliver McDonald

Lynsey Sharp Middle Distance Performance Award – Calum Dick

Most Improved Athletes 

Females – Saoirse McNulty / Madeleine MacKenzie 

Males – Alasdair Maclean / Zander Summerhill

Club Championships:

U13 Girls 

1st – Darcy Waddell

2nd – Iona Cornfoot

3rd – Eve McManus

U13 Boys 

1st – Hugo Stewart

2nd – Matthew McLachlan

3rd – Noah Paisley

U15 Girls 

1st – Erika Tait

2nd – Erica Ross

3rd –  Poppy McWilliams

U15 Boys 

1st – Charlie Murray

2nd –  Austin Summerhill

3rd – Scott McLachlan

U17 Girls 

1st – Eilidh Caldow 

2nd – Cara Heron

3rd – Anna Ross

U17 Boys 

1st – Zander Summerhill

2nd – Angus Weird

3rd – Fergus Pryor 

Senior Women 

1st – Rachel Callan

2nd – Madeleine Mackenzie

3rd – Isla Munro

Senir Men

1st – Angus Rennie

2nd – Edward Joyce

3rd – Ewan Cornfoot

Back home on a flying visit, Giffnock North’s most successful male metric miler Neil Gourley took time to further inspire the upcoming generation, when he dropped into track sessions at Eastwood and Williamwood High. His reward was a perceptive grilling by the juniors (high quality questions included below) and discussion about the Daily Mail article (4/11/25) describing Neil as the Third Man in the outstanding trio of current Scottish 1500m running – along with Jake Wightman and Josh Kerr. Full article is available here.

We’re not too sure of the Graham Greene/ Vienna / Cold War allusion with its themes of friendship, betrayal and ‘the moral complexities of post war Europe,’  but we are very sure that he’s not the 3rd Man to us & will always be Number 1 in that estimate at Giffnock North.

His Number 1 status was evident again as he visited the troops at training sessions tonight at both Eastwood and Williamwood . Starting with the youngest club athletes and moving on to the older distance squads – all before he returns to the states to join his training squad in Arizona.

Fielding questions, Neil chatted to the athletes, coaches and parents alike, patiently bending down to sign autographs for upwards of 40 youngsters.
The questions were superb. On his last visit, among the more serious queries, one 9 year old had asked if he had ‘a jet plane?’

Tonight the questions were equally on point definitely on the serious front and coaches were impressed with the depth and breadth.

• How did you get into running.
• Do you like Sprints or distance.
• What is your  Favourite track.
• Whats your best PB.
• How did you learn to pace yourself
• What’s your age
• What Age were you at the Olympics.
• Do you get Nerves in races
• Were you nervous at the World  Championships
• What’s the Longest distance you have ever run (16miles) .
• Where do you train.
• Why do you train in America.
• Are you American.
• Do you know lee McConnell
• Will you ever run a marathon

Thanks very much again Neil. We hope your rehab goes well from your knee injury and you return to full training soon. We can’t wait to see you compete in the mile at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2026! 

The results from the Club Championships have been scrutinised and points totalled. They are available in the files below. Click on the links to downlod the files. All competitors put in a great effort and a good few were rewarded by PBs on the day. A particular well done to the athletes who finished in the top three in their age groups – you will find the details in the tabs marked “Totals”. 

This years’ Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week is being held from Monday 6 – Sunday 12 October. 

This Scottish Government annual campaign is now in its ninth year and is firmly established as a highly recognisable campaign supported by SportScotland, Scottish Sport governing bodies, Active Schools and wider key partners, engaging and building content around the Week. This year the Week encourages all women and girls in Scotland to celebrate being active in whatever way that looks like for them.

The Week continues to play a vital role in promoting the visibility and participation of women and girls in sport and physical activity. It also looks to highlight the many physical, mental and social benefits that getting active can bring. 

This week and every week, Giffnock North’s Women and Girls are actively training and competing. In the pictures below you will see photos from Junior Endurance Group and Sprints/Hurdles/Throws/Jumps Groups training sessions on Tuesday night, some of our Senior Endurance athletes at various competitions, as well as Giffnock North’s recent IAAF World Champs contender  – Erin Wallace.

Storm Amy sadly saw the cancellation on the junior races on Saturday 4rth October as part of the AJ Bell Great Glasgow Run series , but several Giffnock North athletes competed in the 10k and Half marathon on Sunday 5th in a decent weather window for running.

First off were the 10k runners, with Calum Dick finishing in a tremendous 10th place with a time of 31.54. Right behind was Glen Griffiths in a superb PB time of 32.02. Both lads have been training hard and it shows! Ally Stables was next across the line from the club, with Matthew Hill only a minute behind.

For the girls Saoirse McNulty finished in 37.29, closely followed by April Macaulay in 37.44. This time for her debut 10k eclipses her mother’s PB by around a minute – wonder how that conversation over dinner went??? Lucy Mcghie, Rachel Hill, Iona Hubbard and Eve Wilkinson also had strong runs, as did others from the senior section.

The flagship half marathon race was run over a slightly altered course this year, starting at the top of St Vincent St rather than George Square, meaning the task was not to go off too fast on a the downhill first mile or so.

Ross O’ Brien made a convincing return to competing this side of the Atlantic with a superb 1.12 finishing time. Scott Goldie was next to cross the line in 1.18 with a Nick Boyle just missing his 1.20 target – next time Nick! Emma Creasey continued her great form ( when does Emma not run well?) with a time of 1.22 followed by Hannah Nisbet in a new PB of 1.31. Great  to see Scott Kelman running even better after major surgery last year in a time of 1.38 too. Numerous other Giffnock North athletes pushed themselves to new heights with good times across the board.

The pictures above show Glen Griffiths & Calum Dick and April Macauley.

Well done everyone who competed in club colours – always proud to see the Giffnock North vest in a home race. 

Club Champs photos are now available from all three of our wonderful photographers. Click on the  links to view them. The Club Champs report has been updated to include all three links too:

• Colin Mearns Photos
• Allan Cameron Photos
• Alan Stewart Photos

That’s Allan C on the left, Colin Mearns in the middle and Alan Stewart on the right. Many thanks for such wonderfull coverage.

TOKYO 17.09.25, 14:20, 3:35.56

Neil Gourley hits top ten in the world

An appreciation from Giffnock’s wordsmith, Croy Thompson.

The gun goes and 14 men race into the World Champs 1500 Final. Three of them are Scots and one of those Scots is Giffnock North AC’s very own Neil Gourley, there by right after a rock-solid heat and a hard-fought semi-final. In amongst most of the planet’s finest middle distance runners, Neil settles towards the back of the pack. Through 400 in 59 seconds, everyone tightly together … through 800 a tick under two minutes, Neil still steady at the back, keeping an eye on everyone … at the bell he shifts up to seventh, yes Neil … the leaders accelerate, Jake Wightman hits the front, faster, faster … Neil’s working so hard but everybody else is too … come on Neil! In a blistering last 100, Isaac Nader outdips Wightman for gold – the only time the Portuguese athlete has led … three minutes 34.10 seconds for the win … Neil is tenth but what a tenth … just 1.46 seconds behind the winner, so stacked is this race with talent: 1.77 seconds covers the first twelve, all finishing like trains. Wow. Once again, Neil does club and country proud. In a typically honest post race interview, Neil called it straight: “The legs just didn’t have it.”

What a journey, what an athlete. Thank you Neil (and your family) for the thrills, spills, ups, downs, medals and more that you have given us … so far! The same goes for Erin Wallace, who made us equally proud on her appearance on the world stage in the women’s 1500.

Onwards! To next year’s Glasgow Commonwealth Games and beyond … Nanjing Indoors 2026, Beijing 2027 and Los Angeles 2028, anyone? Maybe some of our athletes fancy joining Neil and Erin on the start lines? 

Giffnock North held yet another successful club championships at Kilmarnock on Sunday 14^th September, bringing the Summer Season to a close. We had 250 athletes entered in the muti-disciplinary competition where each athlete had to participate in a throw, jump, sprint and endurance event. Points were awarded pentathlon/decathlon style for each event and the winner, per age group, is the athlete with the highest accumulated points.

Our athletes rolled up their new club championship t-shirt sleeves (thanks to Billy and Heather Stewart for their generous support of this) and got stuck into Javelin or Shot Putt, Long Jump or High Jump, 800m or 1500m and one of 100m/200m/300m/hurdles.

The camaraderie and enthusiasm amongst the athletes was brilliant. The cheering and support for each other could be heard throughout the day. Special mention goes to the Long Jump pits who generated more clapping, cheering and good-natured booing than a pantomime at Christmas. We hope that you all had fun and know that some stellar performances produced a PB or two.

The only grey cloud on the horizon, literally and metaphorically, was the weather. Forecasts told us to expect an afternoon downpour. All those crossed fingers did hold it off a little longer than expected, but when it came, what a deluge. Our athletes attempted to battle through the torrential rain, but eventually the Track Referee had to make the difficult decision to stop all track events and the 200m races were cancelled. As U13 Long Jump and Senior Javelin had already started, those events were allowed to complete. Well done to the hardy athletes in those events.

We are currently reviewing how we can re-stage the cancelled 200m on another day and complete the the club champs. Look out for further updates on this.

One of the highlights of the day was the celebration for Anne Stewart, Giffnock North’s renowned sprint coach and official. After 40 years of officiating, Anne has decided to hang up her timekeepers watch. If that wasn’t reason enough for a party, it was also Anne’s 80^th birthday. Anne was responsible for instigating our Club Champs and then planning and running them since. So a very fitting occasion for the celebration. Everyone is grateful for all Anne’s work shaping the club, delivering coaching excellence and supporting our athletes through her role as an official. We hope you will still be back next year, but for the first time enjoying the event as a spectator in the stand.

Did you spot the three-time Olympian and four-time World Champs medallist amongst our helpers? Lee McConnell, who competed at the 2004, 2008 and 20012 Olympics and won 4 World Champs relay bronze medals was part of the team looking after the U11 boys. It is fantastic when athletes who have competed at the highest level are willing to help at the grass roots. Colin Mearns had covered Lee’s career as a Herald photographer and was delighted to have a reunion with her.

An event on this scale cannot go ahead without a huge amount of planning and work. First and foremost, in the role of honour are Amparo Ruiz and Heather Stewart who planned and organised the whole event. Without them the Club Champs would simply not happen – recruiting officials and volunteers, creating timetables, the list is endless. Alongside them was the ever present Clare Stevenson.

On the athletics side we are so very grateful to the following groups of people, who are too numerous to call out individually

• Officials from both our own and other clubs for giving their time and expertise that allows this event to take place and the results to be registered on Power of 10.
• In support of the licensed officials were many of our own coaches and parent helpers who acted as volunteer officials and athlete guides, allowing the day to run so smoothly.
• The Call Room team who made sure our athletes were ready to compete
• All the volunteers who set up and de-rigged the tents and support infrastructure.
• All the staff at Ayrshire Athletics Arena

Alongside the athletic event, we had a brilliant support infrastructure provided by the following people:

• Michael and all the staff at Migo Sports for the rapid production of the customised Club Champs T-shirts, so generously funded by Billy and Heather Stewart.
• Abi and Louise on the Raffle and Tombola – (some happy faces could be seen carrying their wins)
• Karen and Barbara on a splendid and popular preloved stall of spikes and training kit. Thanks to everyone who handed in donations to make this happen. Bargains were bagged.
• Sharon, Caroline and Lindsey, the catering crew. Food was labelled, wrapped, bagged and served with smiles and such TLC. Alan (Sharon’s husband) was a great help in kitchen.
• Everyone who made baking donations! There was so much to choose from.
• Nihal Lindsay’s Nani Jee who arrived hot off the train from Stoke and straight into the kitchen to help chop, peel and fry pakoras, make dhal and chapattis for the officials / to sell. Mmmmm.
• Kulis for all catering work and contributing to this report
• Lee, Sabrina and Tracey who looked after the U11 boys
• Laura -Anne and Zoe who looked after the  U11 girls.
• The two Pauls did the honours with looking after the U13 boys
• Julia and Alix were in charge of the U13 girls.
• Also the Results Team Rowan and Euan for their speedy results service. Everythihng was up to date when the weather hit.
• Graham Dunn for all his work and expertise on devising the point scoring and warking out the winners.
• And Lesley Campbell / Laura Tyler and Ellis Yuill on Declarations
• To all the parents, friends and family who set their alarms early to bring their kids, and support their loved ones on the day. Every athlete is grateful for their support team. 

We hope that you have enjoyed the photos in this report. We were fortunate to have three professionals on hand to record the day – Colin Mearns, from the Herald, Alan Cameron and Alan Stewart. Colin’s stunning photos are already online and can be seen at this link. As soon as we get hold of Allan and Alan’s photos we will add them to this same link. So keep checking back

We hope you have enjoyed the photos in this report. There were three excellen photographers recording the Club Champs – Allan Cameron, Colin Mearns and Alan Stewart. . We managed to get the three snappers to stand on the other side of the lens. That’s Allan C on the left, Colin in the middle and Alan S on the right. Alan S is also husband to our distinguished Coach and Official Anne Stewart.

Some of Colin’s have been used in this report. You can see all his photos by clicking on the link  below. We will update this report and send out alerts when Allan and Alan’s photos are ready Keep checking back.

• Colin Mearns Photos
• Allan Cameron Photos
• Alan Stewart Photos

 

If we have missed any group or individual form this list of thanks, please accept our sincere apologies. It was a very busy day and hard to keep track of everything. Let us know if we missed you or you know of someone who was missed and we will get this report updated.

You will see that running the Club Championships and Giffnock North as a whole is a huge undertaking and requires the help and support of volunteers. If the Club Champs have inspired you to get involved – whether you want to help with coaching, officiating, admin, social media, marketing, etc, etc, etc – please get in touch via admin@giffnocknorth.co.uk.

Look out for updates regarding the cancelled 200m and conclusion of club champs.

We hope to see you all at an athletics event soon.

Our Giffnock North Club Championships take place on Sunday 14th Sep at Ayrshire Athletics Arena, Kilmarnock. Entries close at midnight tonight (Wed 27th Aug).

If you have already entered, please check that your name appears in the attached list. Let Club Admin (admin@giffnocknorth.co.uk) know if you completed an entry form, but your name does not appear on the list. Any athlete with an incomplete set of events against their name will be contacted by Club Admin shortly to clarify their outstanding events.

And if you haven’t entered yet, what are you waiting for?? Click on this link to take you to the entry form on LoveAdmin. Tick, tock! You have until midnight tonight (Wed 27th Aug).

Welcome or welcome back to Giffnock North’s Run Jump Throw (RJT) sessions for 5-8 year olds. 
Sessions are held on Saturdays at Hutchesons’ School Track commencing on Sat 16th August to 11th October. Entry by Beaton Road Entrance. 

What is it?
RJT focuses on fundamental movement skills and helps children learn vital skills which they will need as they develop. Youngsters are introduced to a range of athletic events, basic skills, balance, coordination and speed sessions; the essential ABC’s of all sports.

The programme is based around athletics, but the skills acquired can be extremely beneficial to children across a wide variety of sports.

The club operates in a safe, relaxed and friendly environment, allowing children to enjoy their experience, make new friends and to progress athletically.

Who is it for?
Children aged 5-8 who want to have fun, participate, make friends and learn new and exciting skills.
The sessions are tailored to suit children of all skill levels from beginners to those who have already taken part in introductory athletics programmes, holiday courses or local community competitions.

Please share these details with anyone inside or outside of the club who would be interested.

How do I sign up?

For further information and to sign up and click here

Giffnock North teams headed to Dundee on Sunday 22^nd June to take part in the Scottish Athletics National Relay Championships.

4x 100M Relays

First onto the track were our U17 girls (Robyne McClure, Anna Hawthorne, Cara Heron, Mairi Nicholson – heat, Charolette Malcom – final) who qualified as a non-automatic qualifier for the final, where they finished seventh in time of 53.39s.

Our U17 boys (Callum Datta, Zander Summerhill, Reyne Layne, Alistair Gear, reserve – Fergus Pryor) were in straight final, where they secured an excellent silver medal (45.63s) behind Victoria Park (44.90).

The U15 boys (Scot McLachlan, Charlie Murray, Austin Summerhill, Dylan Ness) had a heat and a final to contend with. Finishing 2^nd in their heat and second fastest overall, they had a medal chance in the final. Like the heats, Aberdeen were the runaway winners, but our boys improved on their qualifying time to win silver in a time of 48.07s.

We then jumped up the age groups to our senior women and men. The womens team (Eilidh Fraser, Madeleine Mackenzie, Eve Greene, Rachel Callan) finished 5^th in their heat (54.13). The men (Angus Rennie, Neil Hutchison, Donald Maclean, Rory Taylor-Young) secured a spot in the final, where they improved on their qualifying time to finish 7^th overall (46.73).

The last 4×100 on the timetable were the U15 girls, where we had two teams entered. Team A (Amy Plunkett, Bethany McNeill, Katie Heron, Lauren Bell), looked to be cruising to a final spot, but alas a dropped baton thwarted them. Team B (Amelie O’Donnell, Lilah MacIntyre, Ruby McWilliams, Poppy McWilliams) looked to make amends and qualified for the final, where they finished 8^th in 55.62.

U13 Medley Relay

The U13 medley relays were squeezed in between the 4×100 heats and finals. This was run as a timed final, meaning medals would be awarded to the fastest three teams across all the heats. Our boy’s team (Matthew McLachlan, Ben McKerracher, Andrew Mitchell, Andrew Church) ran well and finished 5^th fastest overall.

Long Sprint Relays (4×400 and 4×300)

All the long sprint relays were run as timed finals, where we picked up our only gold of the day. Like the 4x100m final, it was Victoria Park vs Giffnock North fighting it out for gold and silver in the U17 Boys 4x400m event. After a neck-and-neck battle over four laps, our boys (Zander Summerhill, Calum Dick, Fergus Pryor, Alexander Clark, reserve – Calum Dick) held on to secure the gold (3:36.61).  The U17 W 4×300 (Charlotte Malcolm, Edie Campbell, Mairi Nicholson, Anna Ross) finished 8^th, the Women’s 4×400 (Madeleine Mackenzie, Rachel Callan, Eilidh Fraser, Ella McWilliams) finished 7^th  (4:31.91) and the Men’s 4×400 (Rory Taylor-Young, Angus Rennie, Donald Maclean, Neil Hutchison) also 7^th (3:44.20).

U15 Medley Relay

Giffnock had two teams each in the boys and girls U15 medley relays.. Girls A Team (Lucy Tonner, Bethany McNeill, Erika Tait, Ella Buckley) just missed out on a medal in 4rth (5:30.08) and Team B (Mia Tomb, Megan Jackson, Lotty Martin, Katie Heron) were 17^th.

Our final medal was secured in the very last race of the day. Our U15 Boys Medley Team A (Scot McLachlan, Kian Dick, Finlay Hamilton, Logan McNulty) won silver (4:51.47), with Team B (Evan Tyler, Charlie Murray, Ewan Kennedy, Patrick McGovern) in 5^th (5:13.06).

Well done to all the athletes that competed on Sunday, especially thos who doubled up in short and long events. Relays are always a heady mix of fun, adrenaline and jeopardy. We hope you enjoyed it.

Grateful thanks to parents/family/friends who provided the transport of their own athletes and several carpool spaces, delivering Giffnock North up to the venue. Bonus points to those of you driving the early morning shift.

Thanks to our coaches for relay preparation work and to our on-duty officials, Craig and Alison Fotheringham, who not only worked the Relay Champs, but had done similar at the Under 12 SuperTeams event, also in Dundee, the day before.

Click this link for access to the full results. However, a word of caution. Scottish Athletics were operating the new OpenTrack System  and there were a few teething problems. Some of the teams were badged against the wrong club, so you may have to double check against the athlete names to get the correct result

And check out Scottish Athletics Facebook page for more pictures from the event.

Deadline extended to 5th June. Full details are via the sportscotland jobs portal, but also below.

Giffnock North Club Manager

Organisation: Giffnock North AC & scottishathletics

Closing Date: 5 June 2025

Salary £10,920 (15 hours per week*)

2 year Fixed Term

About Us:

scottishathletics is the national governing body for athletics in Scotland. Our vision is for everyone in Scotland to have the opportunity to participate in athletics and running and to achieve their personal ambitions.

Our mission is to deliver an integrated, inclusive and adaptable model of athletics and running provision that inspires everyone in Scotland to enjoy the sport and experience personal success.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion are at the heart of the work that scottishathletics leads, and the organisation works closely with all stakeholders in athletics across Scotland, to continue improving diversity and create an inclusive culture in the sport, and to be reflective of Scottish society.

Our strategy, Building a Culture of Success (2023-2027), captures the breadth of work that scottishathletics facilitates, from supporting performance athletes on the world stage to providing opportunities for people to participate in the sport within their local community.

The member clubs play a crucial role in growing and developing the sport and, along with the volunteer workforce, they are integral to the sport’s future success. Everyone in Scotland can participate in athletics and scottishathletics strives to continuously evolve to deliver on our vision for the sport.

Giffnock North AC based in East Renfrewshire and the south side of Glasgow are one of the largest and most successful athletics clubs in Scotland with around 700 junior and 200 senior athlete members, supported by a volunteer workforce of over 100.

Giffnock North AC, a charity, are developing an exciting new vision and strategy to drive the club forward.

About You:

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual with a passion for sports development and club development.

You will have a strong understanding of how clubs operate and experience in development and administration. You are someone who thrives in a dynamic environment, are well organised, can think creatively to overcome challenges, and is committed to supporting both athletes, volunteers and the broader community.

If you’re excited about the opportunity to make a meaningful impact to Giffnock North AC and be a key part of the new club vision and strategy, we’d love to hear from you!

About the Role:

To support the Board of Giffnock North AC, its committees, its membership and partners, through delivering key operational, administrative, and development functions. This role has responsibility for day-to-day club operations and strategic business development.

Further information and applications

Well done to all the Giffnock North athletes who competed in the (surprisingly) warm and sunny West of Scotland Track & Field Championships at Kilmarnock on 10^th and 11^th of May. Whether you medalled, made a final, set a PB or took the time and effort to compete in your heat we are proud of you all.

With so many medallists it is difficult to highlight each and every performance. However special commendation goes to

• The athletes who each stepped onto the podium three times: Charlie Murray U15B (200m gold, LJ silver, 100m bronze) and Andrew Mitchell U13B (LJ gold, 100m bronze, 200m bronze)
• The U17B 1500m team – Calum Dick, Aaron Reid and Louie Muir – for their clean sweep of the medals.

Our medallist role of honour is below, with the full results of all heats, semis and finals available via this link: https://results.scottishathletics.org.uk/West/. You will also find a selection of medallist photos below.

Thank you to all our coaches for preparing the athletes and to our officials who were instrumental in running the event.

U13 G

• 100m: Eve McManus – silver, Amira Salisu – bronze
• Long Jump: Niamh Marr – gold
• 200m: Eve McManus – silver, Darcey Waddell – bronze

U13 B

• 75mH: Hugo Stewart – silver, Daniel Rai – bronze
• 100m: Matthew McLachlan – silver, Andrew Mitchell – bronze
• Long Jump: Andrew Mitchell – gold, Hugo Stewart – silver
• Shot Putt: Sam Duffy – silver
• 200m: Matthew McLachlan – silver, Andrew Mitchell – bronze
• 1500m: Christopher Cameron – silver
• Javelin: Daniel Rai – gold

U15 G

• Long Jump: Katie Heron – gold
• 1500m: Eve Cameron – silver, Lucy Tonner – bronze
• 200m: Amy Plunkett – silver

U15 B

• 80mH: Zac Hollyman U15 bronze
• 100m: Scot McLachlan – gold, Charlie Murray – bronze
• 800m: Ollie Macfarlane – silver
• Shot Putt: Logan Hay -silver
• 1500m: Kian Dick – silver
• 200m: Charlie Murray – gold, Scot McLachlan – bronze
• Long Jump: Charlie Murray – silver, Logan Hay – bronze
• High Jump: Ollie Macfarlane – silver

U17 G

• 80mH: Cara Heron – bronze
• 800m: Eilidh Caldow – silver, Amy Gallagher – bronze
• 300mH: Eilidh Caldow – silver
• 1500m: Holly Simpson – gold, April Mcauley -silver

U17 B

• 100m: Zander Summerhill – silver
• 1500m: Calum Dick – gold, Aaron Reid – silver, Louie Muir – bronze

Club Manager and Administrator Role

We’re very pleased to share that the club is now advertising a new position for a Club Manager and Administrator to support our  growing needs and future ambitions. 

We believe this role will be key in helping deliver more structure, consistency, and support across all areas of the club.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank David Smith, who has supported the club administratively over the last 3 years . David has filled this role while continuing to train & compete as the elite High Jumper we have been fortunate to have had in our ranks. 

He will  soon be taking up a new role as an Active Schools Coordinator. The club is truly grateful for all David’s efforts and wish him every success in his new role.

👉 If you know someone who might be a great fit for this opportunity, please help us spread the word.  The post is now available on the Scottish Athletics website and can be accessed on the link below where all the information is available. 

 

“It’s the Triple Crown,” said Giffnock North AC Endurance Coach Dudley Walker. “To win the Lindsays, Pat Spence and A T Mays trophies all in one fell swoop is an achievement the whole club is thrilled with, from youngest Under 11 to oldest most experienced Senior.

“The Lindsays of course is the prize that spreads the widest, most generous glow, sharing the honour across all the age groups, and encouraging the most athletes to compete in and compete races, which recognises all the hard work by coaches, officials, volunteers and families who help make the club what it is.”

Echoing those sentiments was Giffnock North Club Chair Chris Deery, who said, “We are delighted to put the club name on the Lindsays Trophy for a seventh time. It’s such an inclusive award, reflecting the spirit of the sport as well as the club, and it is great to have a knowledgeable sponsor, so committed and in tune with the deeper values of athletics. Thank you, Lindsays!”

All photographs courtesy of Scottish Athletics
Report by Croy Thomson

Giffnock North’s athletes have been competing in the first two Track and Field League matches of the outdoor season.On Sunday 8^th April we were at Crownpoint Arena, Glasgow for the Central and Southern Scotland Athletic League (CSSAL) Match 1 and then on Sunday 13^th April we were at Kilmarnock for the Scottish National Athletic League (SNAL) Match 1. As both events are Leagues, athletes were competing for points for their clubs.

The CSSAL involves the whole club with events in every age group from under-11s to Masters. The weather was kind to us and a few pbs were achieved as well as a couple of first-time performers. The results service at CSSAL has been radically improved this season. Gone are the days of results being printed and blue-tacked to the wall long after events have complete. In CSSAL match 1 the organisers provided us with online results that were being updated regularly throughout the event. You can review the results for yourself by clicking here. Highlights of the day include our very robust post-transplant and post heart-attack masters Rebecca Seaton and Angela Kelly respectively and first-time competitor Gabriel Mulherne in the U17 High Jump. A big thank you to Coach Neil Hutchison in his first outing as Giffnock’s Overall CSSAL Team Manager.

SNAL is a league competition for u17, u20 and Seniors from across Scotland. Like the CSSAL, athletes are running for club points. It differs from CSSAL by organising the heats in PB order, regardless of age group, making every heat competitive among similar ability athletes and encouraging PB performances. Where Crownpoint was sun-drenched and warm, Kilmarnock had the odd peek of sunshine and bitterly cold. Lucy McGhie reported that she was frozen the whole way round her 800m! But despite the cold there were still some great performances. The results service at Kilmarnock was working on hyper-drive, with times and positions being posted online almost as soon as each event finished. Well done to the officials. Full results are available here.

Zander Summerhill (2nd from left) makes a powerful start in the 100m at SNAL Match 1

Madeleine MacKenzie mid race in the womens 110m hurdles at SNAL Match1

At the time of writing the League Points positions were still awaited. This will be published once available.

Thanks to all out athletes, officials, coaches and supporters for making these events possible.

The next CSSAL match is Sunday 1^st June at Kilmarnock and SNAL is Sunday 18^th May in Aberdeen. Look-out for emails inviting athletes to sign-up for these events.

Angela is a V60 Giffnock North athlete based in Carlisle, supported by her dedicated coach John Birkett. This is her amazing recovery story, in her own words. Angela takes to the track this weekend (6th April) at CSSAL Match 1 at Crownpoint Sports stadium, Glasgow.

Monday evening December 4^th 2023 down at the track with the training group doing a session as usual said to John had a slight pain in chest but I put it down to a cold frosty night and never got the pain again, later that evening after tea sitting in the chair shouted on John that got another pain in chest and breathing not to good so John rushed me up to A&E and they took me straight through and doctors and nurses attended to me, after a few tests later informed me that I had a heart attack spent a week in hospital after they had carried out there various tests.

After Christmas and the New Year 2024, I started my rehab in the back garden by walking 80meters round it 3 times a day for a few weeks then slowly we started to build it up by walking round the estate for 15mins and by end of January the walk was 30mins, also middle of January I had started my 6 weeks hospital heart and physio rehab in the clinic, a great Physio who new John and I through athletics started to put me through the 6 week recovery period, after 3 weeks I was allowed to be back on the track walking 50m the jogging 50m with a 100m walk recovery and this continued for another 3 weeks along with my hospital rehab and making good steady progress, now end of February and hospital rehab had finished and consultant had signed me off hospital care, and returned to work March 4^th 2024.

Once I had got signed off by the consultant, we set about building my plan off what I wanted to achieve as to rebuilding my strength on and off the track and may be some track races in 2024 ?.

Now in my 64^th year it was not going to be easy and would take some time to fully rebuild my strength and feel confident to race again, training was going well along with my swimming and gym work could feel myself getting stronger and more confident in myself as the weeks went by, and said to John wanted to race in a local meeting coming up in May as usual John backed and supported me along to the meeting and with slight anxiety about racing after the heart attack I set about it, the morning of the race nerves and butterfly’s where building up which is understandable after the heart attack, and just said to myself on the starting line it’s just another 100m race nothing different from the past 30 years of racing, gun went off and reacted well and finished the race in 16.0s as John congratulated me he said what’s wrong Angela I said to him I wanted to break 16.0s he just said athletes never happy and with patience it will happen for you. In the 2024 race season I competed in 24 races overall from one 200 m race down to 60m races indoors, in that season competed for the Club in the CSSAL last match at Scotstoun and help gain a few more points, also I did achieve to break my target of 16.0s at The Scottish Masters Championships at Dundee in 15.93s and as John said I had a smile that day, but reminded me about patience.

The new 2025 season has got under way, had a couple of indoor races to stretch the legs after some good sound winter work on the track and grass hills which set me for the 156^th New Year Sprint Handicap at Grangemouth Sunday 16^th February first up was the 110m Open handicap race and got to the x/ties of the 110m handicap race for the first time, also picked up a 3^rd place in Ladies 90m Open Handicap and 5^th place in 90m Masters Open handicap race and collected £70 in prize money from both races so a good day all round.

As well as the few races in 2025 so far, I have continued to build my strength up and slowly build my training up ready for 2025 outdoor season as I go into my 65^th year in July 29^th and this also moves me up into a new age category of W65, my main targets will be the British Outdoor Masters Championships in Derby in September and then onto the European Masters Championships in Maderia October 6^th for 14 days which will end the outdoor season hopefully in the sun.

In between the Championships I will race at some open races to test myself and gauge my progress from the training to be ready for the Championships, will once again compete and support the club at the CSSAL Matches in 2025 which is always a great pleasure.

RUNNING ON SUNSHINE, that was our Junior Endurance squads at East Fortune in the National Road Race Championships, in unseasonably warm conditions.

Here’s the projected race schedule for Neil See it on BBC 2
and Erin:
Tonight 6.55pm: Men’s 1500m Round One
Friday 9.15am: Women’s 800m Round One
Friday 8.15pm: Men’s 1500m Final
Saturday 6.53pm: Women’s 800m Semi-final
Sunday 3.33pm: Women’s 800m Final

This weekend the Emirates hosted the 4JStudios Scottish Athletics National Indoor Age Group Championships. Athletes from across Scotland competed over the Saturday and Sunday in U13, U15 and U20 competitions. It was fantastic to see a return to indoor championships after a year off.

On Saturday the Club had success in both sprints and middle distance. Whilst not everyone gained a podium place several PBs were recorded and it was great experience for those that participated.

On Sunday there were 15 Giffnock North girls on the 60m start line, which must be some kind of record for the club!

In the U13 boys 60m we had six boys on the starting line, two of them medalled. Well done to Matthew McLachlan for his well-earned silver medal and Noah Paisley on his bronze. Alongside his podium place, Matthew McLachlan also claimed the Club Record, congratulations!

Teammate Hugo Stewart came away from the day with three medals – bronze in the hurdles, silver in the high jump and topped his day off with gold in the long jump.

Matthew McLachlan and Noah Paisley refocused and got to the 200m final where Noah won his second medal (silver) of the day and claiming a Club record.

Across the two days there were many PBs and it was fabulous competition experience for all the athletes involved. Thanks to everyone who took part, coached and supported.

Podium pics are available on our Giffnock North Facebook.

Saturday

U15 300m

Austin Summerhill – Bronze

U15 200m

Amy Plunkett – Silver

U15 200m

Scot McLachlan – Bronze

U15 1500m

Evan Tyler – Bronze

U15 800m

Kian Dick – Silver

Sunday

U13 60m

Matthew McLachlan – Silver and club record

Noah Paisley – Bronze

U13 200m

Noah Paisley – Silver and club record

U13 1500m

Christopher Cameron – Bronze

U13 Long Jump

Hugo Stewart – Gold

U13 Long Jump

Iona Cornfoot – Bronze

U13 High Jump

Hugo Stewart – Silver

U13 60m Hurdles

Hugo Stewart – Bronze

U20 Hurdles

Angus Rennie – Gold

The EAP (Events for Athletic Promotion) competition came to Emirates Arena on Sunday 2^nd Feb. Among the international competitors from across Europe, Ireland and England were no less than eight Giffnock North Athletes. They didn’t just compete, they broke records too!

Details of  Alessandro Schenini’s new Scottish Indoor and Native record of 7.86 for Gold in the Long Jump and Alyson Bell’s double Gold and double EAP record in the 60 and 200m can be found in the full Scottish Athletics EAP Report.

Alessandro was pushed all the way by Murray Fotheringham who finished third with 7.72m. Great to see two Giffnock athletes dominating this event.

In addition to our medal winning record breakers, Giffnock’s developing athletes were on show. Erin Campbell and Angus Rennie competed in the 60m Hurdles. Erin made the final and Angus set a new club record in his first time over the senior hurdles. Rachel Callan made a double appearance, first in the 60m and then leading the field round as pacemaker for the 800m. Finlay Waugh also raced in the 60m

And what a night for two of our U18 athletes – Angus Weir in the Long Jump and Zoe McKell in the High Jump – who got to compete alongside the established international stars. We are sure that this will be the first of many International competitions for both of them.

To see the results for all the events click here.

Report by Gerry Duggan 

Photos  courtesy of Bobby Gavin/ Scottish Athletics 

Sunday morning, beginning of February… must be Battery Park for the Renfrewshire Road Race Championships. And guess what, it was wild, wet and windy! The conditions for the Seniors were probably the worst with the wind stronger and the rain heavier.

Nevertheless, our Senior Women with Allie Chong, Hilary Carswell and Anji Carson survived all that Greenock could throw at them & with  Bronze made the Podium – actually Hilary wasn’t physically on the steps there as she had to dash but you know what we mean.

The Senior men were well represented with Connor Drummond leading them home, into the wind, in a strong 8th place – also in a faster time than last year. Nick Boyle, Lewis McGuire (before setting off for some warm weather training in Canberra for a semester) Andy Campbell, Kenneth Macleod, Garry Sturgeon and Andrew Mostyn completed the Giffnock team. A mention of our Club coach Tony Connolly who came in 4th for Bella Road Runners. 

Then U11 Boys were on the start line. Kyle Hartley took Silver in the Renfrewshire race (3rd overall) and the U11 Boys Team took the Gold with Murray McKerracher and Carter McLaws. The rest of the U11 Boys were packing!! A great show!  Nihal Lindsay, Leo Mcfetridge, Adam Rai, Lachlan Greenhalgh,  Josh Reid, Finlay Moir and Finlay Rae,  Riley Rhicard & Luke Hamilton

It was not the best year for U11 Girls as some were racing indoors in the Relay Teams at the Emirates.  Moreover, a few were competing in their first race but despite the cold and wet they embraced the experience. That’s what we like to see, and they will be back for more! Alex Rough, Amy Heffron & Ava Campbell nearly made it to the podium . Well done to them and all the other U11 Girls – some competing for the first time- Ana Mcfetridge, Wren Joshi, Kate Cameron, Vidhi Rai ,Skye Thomson & Noelle Macdonald.

Next up were the under 13 squad with boys and girls running together. Great to see so many GN shirts on that start line and the results made us all proud. Individual medals galore with Gold for Anna and Finlay, Silver for Ella and Christopher and Bronze for Lotty and Ben. Team golds for boys and girls with all the individual medallists on the podium again. Great runs from the rest of the squad on a cold blustery day. We’re proud of you all and looking forward to your next outing at Falkirk. Thank you to parents and coaches for your support to this fantastic group of athletes.

By the time the U15s set off, the weather was starting to ease off (Sorry Allie, Anji and Seniors!), though still a healthy Greenock wind with drizzle to contend with. A fantastic 10 Giffnock girls helping to make up a good field of 29 athletes. Grace Barry from Inverclyde set off fast and was being tracked by our own pack of Giffnock grafters. The girls closed the gap, and in an incredible last lap April MacAulay sped past Grace to take gold. Eve Cameron just behind for bronze. Isabella Wilson was 4^th to complete the Team Race counters and another great collective gold. Fantastic runs also from Nicole Yates, Eve Wilkinson, Eleanor Osborne, Megan Jackson, Anna Hill, Ava Taylor and Rebecca Martin. Some invaluable race experience gained.

The U15 Giffnock boys squad of 7 gave a brilliant account of themselves, taking a podium 1,2,3. First in was Donald McInnes in 10mins dead – he was closing on (non-Renfrewshire) athlete Finn Smith of Springburn, but just ran out of tarmac! Connor McCallum and Finn MacDonald took silver and bronze respectively to fill that podium with yellow and blue, as well as picking up the obvious team prize. Terrific runs also by Adam Tortolano, Patrick McGovern, Max McFetridge and Ruaridh Mostyn. Well done boys!

The U17 Women’s race saw 4 Giffnock athletes take part, and coming in 1,2,3,4. Isla Munro and Lucy McGhie ran the first 3 laps side by side, then Isla pulled away on the 4^th and final lap to take the win, with Lucy just 9 seconds behind for silver. Emily Langdon completed the medal haul (bronze) and ensured the team prize, followed by Rachael Hill in 4th.

Giffnock had one valiant solo runner in the U17 Men’s race – Matthew Hill. There was a big pack of Kilbarchan athletes who all set off fast. Matthew bided his time, picking most of them off, to finish a very respectable 3^rd and get on that podium, grabbing some bling to back to the southside!

A good day at the office!

 Report collated by Ian Mcfarlane from all the coaches at the Battery Park on the Day. More photos on our Facebook page.

 Thanks Ian 

 Results 

https://protay.co.uk/raaa2025/results.php

https://protay.co.uk/raaa2025/results.php

The U13 and U15 Scottish Athletics National Indoor 4 x 200m Championships were held on Sunday 2^nd Feb @ Emirates Arena and as ever, Giffnock North teams were out in force.

Our U13 boys – Matthew, Noah, Davi, Andrew and reserve Daniel – finished second in their heat behind Harmeny and were second fastest overall so qualified for the Final. The Final was a repeat of the heat with Harmeny winning Gold and our boys securing the Silver in 1:52.98 almost 2 sec faster than their heat.

The U13 girls had two teams in the heats. Team A was Eve, Darcy, Iona and Fern. Team B was Violet, Abbie, Martha and Amira and the reserves were Quinn and Niamh. With four heats and only the heat winners and 2 fastest losers making the final, qualification was going to be tough. Team A won their heat, automatically progressing to the final and Team B finished second in theirs. Despite running a cracking time, Team B didn’t make it to the next round. In the final Eve, Darcy, Iona and Fern had some brilliant baton changes and finished fourth in a time of 2:02.44, nearly 2.5s better than their heat.

Moving on to the U15 boys, we had one team entered – Charlie, Scott, Austin and Cal. Winning their heat and running 2 seconds faster than any of the other teams, the boys were favourites going into the final. And they didn’t disappoint. Like our teams before them, the boys improved upon their heat team (~1 sec), winning Gold in a time of 1:43.57.

Finally, our U15 girls had two teams entered. Team A was Eilidh, Erica, Bethany and Amy. Team B was Laura, Lauren, Lilah and Katie with reserve Sanika. The U15 girls had the toughest qualifying conditions of the day with five heat winners and only one fastest loser making the final. Team A finished 3^rd in 1:52.60 and Team B 2^nd in 1:57.03 in their respective heats. The harsh qualification rules meant neither team made the final. This was particularly disappointing for Team A who had the fourth fastest heat time.

Well done to all our teams, everyone ran well. Thanks to our coaches for preparing the teams – Sarah Lang and Ashley Cornfoot for the U13s and Chris Hawthorne and Symon Lipp for the U15s. And finally thanks to all the officials for putting on a marvelous event, in particular Craig Fotheringham who not only officiated but had helped coach the U13s.

Report from Gerry Duggan . Thanks Gerry 

We held our annual awards night for our (slightly) older athletes on Saturday 25th January.

Athletes and their parents were invited along to celebrate a fantastic year of achievements at our club champs, National competitions and to honour those that have represented the club so fantastically over the last year.

We are thankful to Anne Stewart for joining us to present the awards and to Dudley Walker for hosting. Thank you both for giving up your time so generously.

The club has had so many highlights across all age groups – new club records have been set, so many podium places for teams and individuals (Scottish Schools, UK Cross Challenge and many more). Well done to all our athletes for a stellar year!

Get ready for a long read – there’s quite a list of winners to acknowledge and celebrate!

Club Awards

U13 Athletes of the Year
Erica Ross and Evan Tyler

U15 Athletes of the Year
Anna Ross & Holly Simpson and Callum Dick

U17 Athletes of the Year
Scarlett Wilson and Craig Shennan

U20 Athletes of the Year
Emma McLennan and Angus Rennie

Commitment Award
Rachel Callan

Lynsey Sharp Trophy for Middle Distance Performance
Oliver MacDonald

Our National Title Winners

U13
Erica Ross – 60m Hurdles (Indoor Champs) and Pentathlon (Outdoor Champs)

U15
Louie Muir – 1500m (Outdoor Champs)

U17
Craig Shennan – National XC Champs
Scarlett Wilson – 800m (outdoor Champs)
Alasdair McLean – Scottish Hill Running Champs

U20
Lucy Boules – High Jump (Indoor Champs)
Emma McLennan – 1500m SC (Outdoor Champs)
Hannah Ryding – 1500m SC (Outdoor Champs)
Angus Rennie – 110m Hurdles (Outdoor Champs)
Oliver MacDonald – 5000m (Outdoor Champs)

Seniors
Kyle Alexander – 400m (Welsh Senior Champs)
Murray Fotheringham – Long Jump (Welsh Senior Champs)
Rachel Callan – 400m Hurdles (Outdoor Champs)
Kyle Alexander – 400m (Outdoor Champs)
Erin Campbell – 100m Hurdles (Outdoor Champs)

Masters
Hilary Carswell – 800m and 1500m (Outdoor Champs) and Mile (Road Champs)

Medallists at Club Champs

U13 Girls

1. Emma Nicholson
2. Erica Ross
3. Eilidh Brown

U13 Boys

1. Finlay Hamilton
2. Evan Tyler
3. Hugo Stewart

U15 Girls

1. Eilidh Caldow
2. Erika Tait
3. Cara Heron

U15 Boys

1. Alistair Gear
2. Angus Weir
3. Callum Data

U17 Girls

1. Edie Campbell
2. Freya Campbell
3. Madeleine Mackenzie

U17 Boys

1. Zander Summerhill
2. Myles Socrates
3. Sandy Heather

Senior Women

1. Holly Slater
2. Cara Slater
3. Eilidh Fraser

Senior Men

1. Angus Rennie
2. Jack Wallace
3. Neil Hutchison

Masters Women

1. Catriona Bark

Masters Men

1. Chris Hawthorne
2. Michael Cross
3. David Shaw

The club are heartbroken at the tragic death on the 21st January of our coach David Lang.

David’s interest in athletics began in his early teens when he joined Shettleston Harriers. He went on to win many honours with the East End club, and then with Cambuslang Harriers. David additionally gained selection for Scotland.

David was always keen to encourage and organise get togethers with Shettleston Harriers athletes from yesteryear. The most recent was a dinner to welcome back, Norman Morrison, home for a visit from New Zealand.

A committed cyclist, he went on to compete successfully in numerous events as an accomplished road and velodrome cyclist.

When his granddaughter came to join Giffnock North, David regained his enthusiasm for athletics.  He helped coach our U11 squads for a considerable time. He regained his coaching qualification and coached with young athletes for several years.

His interest and background in middle distance & endurance athletics led to him then coaching older athletes notably Ross Good.

We send our heartfelt condolences to Eileen, his wife and all his family.

His death will touch many of us in the Club & the athletics community but also in the local cycling community where he played a significant role.

Ross Good has made a heartfelt tribute:

“David was a great man that I looked up to. I only started running roughly 3 or 4 years ago. When I first came up to the track at Giffnock, David took me under his wing straight away. My progress over the past two years is testament to David’s time and effort he invested into my training. Generally, all he wanted was to help athletes that he saw potential in.

Not only was David a coach, he was also a friend. We enjoyed regular coffee catch-ups and David was invited to our wedding. He provided me with guidance and support, not only in my running career but in my personal life too. I really appreciated David in my life, and he will be sorely missed.”

And from Mark Sutherland: 

“I had the privilege of coaching alongside David and getting to know him outside of athletics, as we shared bike rides and cafe visits. He even took me through my paces at the velodrome.

Age was never a barrier to David who was as fit and strong as many of the youngsters he coached. Keeping up with him was a struggle!

David was a remarkable man whose quiet strength and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Though not the most outgoing, his thoughtful presence and deep understanding made him a trusted confidant and a source of comfort to those around him. He was always on hand to help and support anyone in need. 

David’s sudden passing has left a profound void for all who knew him. He will be cherished forever by those fortunate enough to have known him.” 

Billy Glasgow and Ian McMoneagle present a cheque for £500 to the Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice in Bellahouston – a contribution raised at the recent Junior Xmas Handicap.

The presentation was one of the last formal roles for them both following their announcement of stepping down at the club AGM in November.

Billy has decided the time is right to stand aside, after many years of devoted service to Giffnock North and to the Athletics community as a whole, particularly in his role of coordinating the SAIL (Scottish Athletics Indoor League). This was a task he had taken on from John Innes of VPCOG when the demise of the league was in prospect as John stepped down, also after many years.

Billy’s history with Giffnock North is a long one – almost from the start of the ‘Running Section‘. He was an ex footballer who took to endurance running and then from his marathon, half marathon and 10k days he saw the potential in developing a Junior Section.
His contribution, ironically enough, was as a sprints coach in the club. When asked why he didn’t follow his endurance background, Billy’s answer was, “everyone else preferred the idea of coaching endurance and middle distance, so I went with sprints because that’s what the club needed.” This approach underlined Billy’s selfless attitude in general to the sport and his input over all these years.

We are very glad to note that he will continue his involvement as Honorary President of the club and also his sprints coaching role. More recently Billy had a major role in the development of sprinter Alyson Bell, now on the Olympic Futures Programme.

We also would like to pay tribute to Ian McMoneagle our Treasurer for the last 13 years. Ian has been an outstanding Treasurer for the club having overseen the period where the demands on the club and on the treasurer increased dramatically. He was another stalwart in the Senior Endurance section for many years until injury forced his retirement. Some of us will always remember his email address “marathon9”.

Many thanks to both Ian and Billy from all of us at the club for all the efforts across all the years of service which have massively contributed to the success of Giffnock North.

The U11/U13 Xmas Disco and Awards night was held in GHA on Friday 13th December. The Disco was outstanding and all credit goes to our regular DJ David Kerr who knows a thing or two about getting the party started! David kept the U11/13 athletes on the floor dancing and enjoying themselves after the exuberant gymnastics displays at the outset. The musical chairs definitely challenged the speedsters, there was a dancing competition and then congo lines to finish! 

Dudley Walker was our MC and did us proud as always. Thanks Dudley.

Dudley introduced two of our current great athletes to do the presentations and we were delighted to have Rachel Callan & Murray Fotheringham doing the honours this year. As with all our elite athletes they are incredible role models and an inspiration to the youngest generation – even listing their achievements takes a while.

Star Track Certificates were presented recognising performances at the Club Championships, Scottish Athletics Superteams events (both Regional Heats & National Final in which Giffnock North took the Winners Trophy 🏆) and SAIL (Scottish Athletics Indoor League).

Gold Silver & Bronze Medals from Club Championships were presented for each event category and overall Club Championship Medallists too

Our 2024 award winners:

Long Jump
Gold : Violet Drever & Daniel Rai
Silver : Alexandra Rough &Riley Rhicard
Bronze : Lola Saez & Jacob Prentice

80m
Gold : Violet Drever & Daniel Rai
Silver : Amitris Rahmani & Jacob Prentice
Bronze : Isabella McKenzie & Riley Rhicard

600m
Gold : Violet Drever & Kyle Hartley
Silver : Iona Hannigan & Daniel Rai
Bronze : Martha Ling & Jacob Prentice

Shot Putt
Gold : Iona Hannigan & Daniel Rai
Silver : Violet Drever & Neil Hutchison
Bronze : Martha Ling & Charlie Banning

Overall Club Championships
Gold : Violet Drever & Daniel Rai
Silver : Amitris Rahmani & Jacob Prentice
Bronze : Martha Ling & Neil Hutchison

And finally the Boys & Girls U11 Athletes of the Year Shields were presented to Violet Drever and Daniel Rai. 

Well done all our athletes at U11& U13. We hope, inspired by Rachel & Murray’s achievements that you will all continue to train, develop, improve and succeed. And have fun in your athletics as well as the disco dancing !!

Thanks to Tracey Davie for all the support along with Louise Baillie and all our young helpers on the night, Megan Jackson &  Eve Cameron including last minute input from Lynsey Church & Laura Hartley for the photos.

Thanks also to our amazing volunteers from the Summer Camps – those who managed to get there on the night were Freya & Edie Campbell and Charlie McAllister & Patrick Fraser.

The 2024 Xmas Handicap took place today Sunday 15th December at our location for the last few years at GSCs Auldhouse base in Thornliebank.

Although not as many participating as we’ve come to expect, there were still over 60 athletes – and even a few who had been busy yesterday either running Cross Country in the West District League in the hills at Linn Park on Saturday or on the Track at the Emirates for the GAA U12 Fun Day or the Open Graded pm – who put their foot on the handicap start line .

Some of the youngest were also at the Awards Night Disco on Friday at GHA

The handicap was a flat fast course round the pitches at Auldhouse and many new athletes were enjoying a great handicap and success as coaches had no idea of their form.

Did we get the handicaps all spot on to enable the blanket finish promised to us all for years by Dudley Walker. Did we panic thinking it was all wrong ? Did we have sleepless nights worrying about it ? Ask any coach their perspective but not yet.

In any event it was an enjoyable event we believe for all of us. Even the disappointed went home with a different present from the Santa sack than the one they brought and Abi Reid did a stunning job of keeping them all in order.

Results and photos below

Huge thanks go to the catering team led by Caroline Munro with stalwart assistance from Lesley Campbell ,Fiona Caldow and Jenny Simpson who managed to get the club card reader going so that we could extract even more money from parents for this year’s charity- Prince&Princess of Wales Hospice

The home baking was outstanding The great pots of soup were demolished

Tea Coffee and Hot chocolate consumed by all.

The Results Team were outstanding – despite our last minute entries and changes.

Rowan Wallace drafted in husband , Euan and Son Jack to ensure an extremely efficient operation!! Thanks again Rowan .

Thanks to Danny O Donnell who stewarded and monitored the car parking so we can maybe keep our annual let with GSC. Thanks to GSC & Craig Inglis

Katy Donnelly back from Uni in Edinburgh assisted with the stewarding and all in all we had a great effort from everyone.

All the coaches would like to pay tribute to the athletes coming to run their best even if it is for fun and they didn’t get a medal this year

Thanks to the parents for their Donations and good cheer. Only a few more muddy washes left in 2024 and this one was mild for  XC

We think collectively we raised more than £500

Finally we’d like to thank Craig Shennan our USA based GB representing athlete who did us the honour of handing out the medals and as you will see in the images also dispensing top tips to U11 admirers and good chat to his previous teammates

Thanks very much Craig.

Happy Christmas to all

Many thanks to all who organised and supported this year’s Club Track and Field Championships.  We hope you all enjoyed the day.
Below are the medal winners in all the age groups and links to the full results.

Full results can be downloaded below  (Excel Files)  –

Female Results

While we are waiting for the results to be collated, scrutinised and published, why not check out the fantastic photographs taken by Alan Stewart and Colin Mearns. Click the links below for the full Albums.

Link to Alan’s photos – Here

Link to Colin’s photos – Here

UK YDL LAG Final in Manchester, 31^st August 2024   

52 of our young U13/U15 male & female athletes, 8 coaches and 3 officials headed off to Manchester on the 30th of August to compete and represent Giffnock North A.C and Scotland in the UK YDL Lower Age Group Final at the Manchester Sports Arena on the 31st August 2024.  The athletes were chaperoned on the bus by myself, Simon Lipp, Sara Russell, Chris Hawthorne and Billy Glasgow.  We met up with Coaches Finlay Weir, Craig Fotheringham, Matthew Dorrian and Officials, Alison Fotheringham & Amparo Ruiz at the hotel who made their own way.

We headed off from GHA about 11.15am however, given the heavy traffic we didn’t get to the Premier Inn at Denton until about 6.10pm so the rooms were allocated quickly, and we all headed for our evening meal ASAP, a bit hectic but we got through it, and everyone seemed to enjoy. After the meal we had a quiz for all the athletes led by Coach Simon, and it seemed to go down well as it was pretty competitive. The athletes were then encouraged to head off to their rooms for a bit of chill time before lights out.

Following a good night’s rest, it was an early start at 7.00am for all the coaches, with the breakfast split into 15-minute interval arrivals.   After breakfast we all boarded the bus or cars and headed to the track.

Upon arrival we met up with Chris Deery who travelled to the track by car. We took a prime viewing space in the stand on the first bend (Q Stand).  The Sun was shining, maybe too hot for our athletes, and it got warmer.

First up were the field events in the U15 Boys Hammer with Charlie Murray & Michael Nordmann & the U13 Girls High Jump, with Erica Ross winning Gold & Eilidh Brown winning Bronze, a good start to the day.  Angus Weir won gold and a PB in the U15 Boys Long jump and silver and a PB in the U15 Boys High jump. Christopher Cameron won Bronze and a PB in the U13 Boys Long jump B string.  Katie Heron won a gold in the U13 Girls long jump A string.    Erica Ross won another medal this time Bronze in the Shot A string along with Isla Dorrian a gold and a PB in the shot B string.   Eilidh Brown also won bronze and a PB in the Javelin (and also went on to win a silver medal in the 800m B race)

First up in the Sprints and Hurdles was the U13 Girls Katie Heron & Carmen Sheridan.  In the U15 Boys 80m Alistair Gear won a bronze medal and a PB in the A race.  Charlotte Malcolm won a bronze in the u15 Girls 300m B race. 

Erica & Eildh

The endurance races picked up 4 golds, 4 silvers and 5 bronzes.  Chloe Simpson had a brilliant race just missing out on a medal and Eilidh Brown won a Silver in the B race in the U13 Girls 800m, Emma Nicholson won Gold and a PB and Lotty Martin in B race just missed out on a medal in the U13 Girls 1200m, Sam Deery won Bronze and Finlay Hamilton won Silver in B race in the U13 Boys 800m, Evan Tyler won Bronze and a PB and Ewan Kennedy also won Bronze in B race in the U13 Boys 1200m, Eilidh Caldow won Bronze and Isabella Wilson won silver  in B race in the U15 Girls 800m, Holly Simpson won Bronze and Lucy Tonner won Gold and a PB in B race in the U15 Girls 1500m,  Max Deery ran a great trace just missing out on a medal, Cameron Mitchell won a silver and a PB in U15 Boys 800m, Louie Muir with a huge lead won gold and Cameron Nugent won Gold in the B race for the U15 Boys1500m,  

We had a special visitor through the day, a ‘cat’, yes a CAT wondering on to the track which held up a race or two. 

In Total our athletes achieved 38 PBs, and brought home 25 medals, outstanding.

A 10-year-old GNAC club record broken by Evan Tyler in the u13 Boys 1200m with a time of 3:39:65.

Finishing the day with the relays, our Athletes gave their all and although there were no medals in the 4X100m, they ran brilliantly. The 4×300 U15 Boys race ended the day on a high note, and was very exciting, led off with Cameron Nugent who handed over to Louie Muir passing to last minute change Callum Datta (returning from injury) and finally passing to the glory leg Cameron Mitchell who as always gave a great battle and only just missing out on a silver, brought home a very well deserved Bronze. The boys were chasing the club record and were very close, it was a big ask as it was an extremely hot day but they gave it a good go.

Although we finished 7th it was a great experience for all, particularly the young athletes, they gave their best, lots of ups and downs throughout the day but they did the club proud.

Many thanks to all the coaches and officials who supported the trip to Manchester, and a very big well done to all our athletes not only the ones who travelled to the UK final but all those who competed in the heats to get us there.

Final note of thanks to Jenny Simpson for her very busy day reporting and photographing (until her phone battery died on her) the athletes, thank you. 

Report by Anji Carson

Full Results at this link

and some great photos available at the links below

https://patscaasi.zenfoliosite.com/2024-08-31—lower-ydl-finals

https://www.flickr.com/photos/101542396@N08/albums/72177720319962486/

WELCOME HOME, our very own Olympian, Neil Gourley. He’s tough enough to race against the world’s best; he’s come through the cauldron of a roaring 70,000-strong crowd in a global super-stadium; he’s cool enough to win national titles and set ultra-quick times … but he was rocked back speechless when he arrived home from Paris ‘24 to find his front garden packed with applauding fans and friends from his home club.

After warm words of congratulation from Club President Billy Glasgow, Neil swiftly regained his customary professional poise, thanked everyone for their much-appreciated support, and set about autographing everything in sight for the dozens of GNAC youngsters who had come to set eyes on a genuine, local Olympian.

Overheard, as Neil signed young Evan Tyler’s race number from last weekend’s Scottish Championships:

Neil: “Ah, the Scottish Championships! How did you get on?”
Evan: “I got a bronze.”
Neil: “That’s good – were you happy with your performance?”
Evan: “I was a bit disappointed.”
Neil: “Y’know, I felt that way too.”

 

 Maybe that wee exchange shows there’s no gap at all between young hopeful and seasoned elite athlete. They share the same dreams, disappointments and exultations, the same hard yards and essential camaraderie. As the Paris ‘24 Olympic phrased the Olympic motto: Faster. Higher. Stronger. Together.

 Huge congratulations to Neil on his stellar achievements and best wishes for his upcoming Diamond League races.

Massive “merci” to Neil’s parents Ronnie and Wilma for providing the perfect homecoming venue as well as refreshments, cakes and more (La Bruine du Citron was pure magnifique). They collaborated brilliantly with the conniving conspiratorial crew who put the event together so seamlessly (it was staples, mostly). You know who you are.

  Well done, all. But especially Neil.

Report by Croy Thomson
All photographs courtesy of Colin Mearns

Many congratulation to Alyson Bell (Anne Scott, GN & Glasgow Jaguars) who took a bronze medal as part of the GB 4x100m squad at the World Relay Championships in the Bahamas. The team clocked 42.80 in third place with the USA taking gold and France the silver. This was an impressive run by the quartet as Alyson (leg 1) and Aleeya Stribbons (leg 4) were drafted in for the final overnight to join Amy Hunt (leg 2) and Bianca Williams (leg 3).

Check out the race below: