NOTICE of the Club AGM

All

This year the Club AGM will be held on Wednesday 25th November at 7.30pm and given the current circumstances regarding Covid-19, It will be conducted via Zoom. Only members of the club including parent members will be allowed to join the call. All relevant documentation and papers for the AGM will be sent to the members for reading & printing off in the next week.

Those who wish to attend the meeting or submit any motions should indicate their desire to do so by emailing the secretary Yvonne McNairn –  gnaacsecretary@yahoo.com by 13th November at the latest .

Yours

Yvonne McNairn
GNAC Club secretary

Bill Rees

It is with great sadness that we mark the death of long term senior endurance member Bill Rees who passed away earlier this month from a brain tumour.

Bill had a lifelong interest in sports but came to running relatively late.  He originally joined the club in the late 1990s while working at Glasgow University and returned to the club in 2009 after a number of years working overseas.

In his early sixties, Bill decided to try his hand at triathlon.  There was soon no stopping him and he progressed to competing in the European and World Triathlon championships, representing Ireland in the “vintage” age group.

Bill was running with the club as recently as 18 months ago until his diagnosis and remained a regular parkrunner until February this year, completing 224 parkruns in total. While his later runs took him over twice as long as his earlier runs they were all the more impressive for that.

Bill had a varied career as an academic, latterly as Professor of Financial Analysis at Edinburgh University, and loved travel which provided him with a fund of good stories. He was always interesting and entertaining company, encouraging of his fellow athletes but also determined, where possible, to outrun them!

He will be much missed by his friends at the club.

Our thoughts are with Bill’s wife and fellow senior endurance member Sue.  We hope to welcome Sue back into the fold once it is possible for us to run as a group once again.

It is with great sadness we report the death of Michelle Kelly, after a bravely-borne episode with cancer. Below we have a message from the club, followed by a most moving tribute from Michelle’s daughter Danielle, who has competed and excelled for Giffnock North AC, through the age groups, from Under 11 onwards.

From Giffnock North AC:

Often, it was the voice you noticed first, loud and clear across the cross-country courses and the stadiums: “COME ON, DANIELLE!” Michelle would be right there, rain or shine, in support of her children, Danielle and Dylan, spurring them on, not accepting less than 100%, but always supportive with a smile, a laugh and a hug at the finish line, no matter what.

Michelle had the heart, warmth, optimism and generosity to forever spread the support and encouragement around, to other young athletes who needed a positive word, or a lift (in morale as well as the car). She contributed further by coaching for a while, and is fondly thought of by the youngsters in her group, for the steps up she helped them take. She was a pleasure to be with, easy for other coaches to chat to, always willing to help whenever she could.

With Michelle on the team, you were never beaten, you were just on the road to more fun, more adventures, more achievements.

Our deepest condolences go to her husband Marcus, Danielle and Dylan.

From Danielle Kelly, with her permission:

“My beautiful mum slipped painlessly away early this afternoon. She was unsurprisingly strong and incredibly brave throughout, and I hope it brings some comfort to know how at peace and unafraid she was. My mum is my best friend, my athletics binging buddy and the person who believed I could achieve things I never thought I could. I was her shadow. The loss of such an extraordinary person leaves behind a hole which is indescribable, but this pain helps remind us of the unconditional love felt for my mum and the love she gave in return. My brother and I feel so lucky to have had such a loving bond with our mum, we were so close knit it was a struggle to be apart. The love between my mum and dad was like that seen within cheesy rom com movies, they were constantly laughing and winding each other up, undeniable icky soulmates. My mum has had such a large impact on so many lives, through the work that she loved and through athletics. Her cheerful personality could brighten even the darkest of days, and her loud motivation could be heard in the biggest fields. Although our time together was cut so unfairly short the memories created, lessons learned and hugs squeezed in show that not one minute was wasted. As sad as we are, I hope to live by her beautiful words and “Always find time to squeeze in a smile”, and I hope others can too. Until we can laugh together again, we love you mum and thank you.”

An amazing tribute from Danielle Kelly.  It painted the picture of  the Michelle that we at Giffnock North all recognise and loved Thank you Danielle.

And Croy Thomson

The Virtual London Marathon in Glasgow

Report from Russell Whittington

At 9.30 on Sunday 4th October Crispin Walsh, Shona Donnelly and I set off from Clarkston Toll, supported by Gordon Goldie from Bellahouston Roadrunners on his bike, to run the VirtualLondon Marathon around Glasgow.  Without the routine of Giffnock North training my fitness levels have dropped off significantly so I was looking for something to focus on to get training back on track (or road or cross country).  On top of that I had originally signed up to run the London Marathon in April and  raise funds for a Fetal Scanner Appeal that my employers Barclays were promoting.  When the London Marathon was cancelled and replaced by the Virtual London Marathon it gave me the opportunity to cover both of these goals.

After a very rainy Saturday the weather was much improved so we were all set for a run in decent weather conditions.   The route had been planned in advance by Gordon and he was at each checkpoint to take photos and remind us where we were going next.

The first checkpoint was Migo Sports and from there we headed down to Hampden Stadium.  After our photo stop we ran anti clockwise around the outside of the stadium and up our first uphill section.  From there we headed back towards the city centre, over the Clyde and into Glasgow Green and then out to the Emirates Arena and Celtic Park.

From there we headed back down London Road into the city centre to my favourite gig venue The Barrowlands.  We then worked our way through the Sunday morning shoppers to get to George Square to have a photograph in front of the City Chambers before hitting the West End.  At the University Café Crispin and I couldn’t resist taking a seat for a quick rest before heading through the Clyde Tunnel to get us back in the South Side.

The south side section of the run took us through Govan, past Ibrox Stadium, round Bellahouston Park.  At the monument in Bellahouston Park we were cheered on by another Giffnock North runner Graeme Patterson with his wife Chi and son Joseph with some colourful signs saying Go Cris and Rocket Russ.  I have been assured that the rocket was referring to speed rather than the other Scottish meaning of the word rocket.

Our final section of the run took us back over the Clyde via the Science Centre, the SECC, The Hydro and the Finnieston Crane and then along the river for a finish back at West Brewery in Glasgow Green where we met up with our families and had some lunch and a beer.

I am looking forward to getting back into full training and doing the real London Marathon, but planning and running a Virtual London Marathon in my home city with good friends has been a fun and rewarding experience.

I am also pleased to say that we have raised £1282 towards the Scanner Appeal which will be matched by Barclays.  If anyone else would like to add to that the link is attached below:-https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Russell-Whittington

Thanks Russell for this report and well done to all the virtual marathoners and runners on Sunday !

Alyson Bell

Doleen Galbraith

Billy Glasgow

Great news today that we have now been shortlisted with 4 Nominations for the Club for the Scottish Athletics Awards with Alyson Bell nominated in the category for U17 Athlete Performance of the Year

Off Track Club of The Year

U17 Performance Athlete of the Year  :  Alyson Bell

Development coach of the Year : Billy Glasgow

Official of the Year :  Doleen Galbraith

As we know, in this challenging year of 2020, the Awards Night will be a virtual event which is a great pity for all those nominated as we would all have preferred to have seen them attending the normal celebrations. However, we will need to find some way of maximising our participation and involvement to mark the successes which come with being shortlisted in all these categories. Congratulations  to all our nominees. Watch this space. We can all join on You Tube on Saturday evening with Bryan Burnett hosting

Scottish National Hill Running Championship

On a glorious sunny September weekend, the mountain goats of the land set off for Comrie in search of ascent. And that they found. Beginning at Comrie Croft; runners ascended 786m to the top of Carn Chois where the finish line waited above a cloud inversion and stunning views of Comrie for miles around. 12k and 2,500ft of ascent made for a glorious day in the hills for the Giffnock North Trio, Rhona Mowat, Yvonne McNairn and Allie Chong.
To top it off, the girls came home with a Bronze medal (after a quick recalculation of the results by our very own Allie Chong) behind two young whippet teams from Edinburgh Uni Hares and Hounds. Placing 14, 16 and 17, the girls finished ahead of Carnethy Hill Runners to claim the third place.

Allie Chong also bagged the Silver V40 prize! Well done Allie!

Well done all!

A great report from a rare 2020 competition !!!Thanks Yvonne !

Club has been shortlisted in two categories for the 2020  Scottish Athletics Annual Awards.This will be held virtually [in this weird and very challenging year for the whole planet]

Dudley Walker, Coach was delighted to see Giffnock North shortlisted again for Off Track Club of the Year  “.The growing strengths in our Senior Women ranks and the  beginning signs of an improved retention rate of young Junior Athletes U20s both Male and Female has  made a significant contribution to this as well as the strength and depth within the Junior Ranks.”

The Club  were also delighted to see Billy Glasgow, Sprints Coach, shortlisted  in the  Development Coach of the Year Category. Billy over the years has concentrated on the Sprints Development Squads in the club He has not often been able to support the individual success of talented young athletes as we have witnessed this year with his coach input to Alyson Bell. He would be very quick to point out that it is Alyson’s own talent, dedication, committment and attitude to training which earned her a place at the Senior British Champs this year in Manchester. This is in addition to her collection of Scottish Age groups records. We concur with that perspective but would also highlight the crucial support of Billy as her coach, Alyson’s family’s input and her training group who have also contributed to her success.

Congratulations to all the  club members who have contributed to these shortlistings . Look out for more announcements of the results.

Advance notice of Seminar on Female Athletes & Menstruation. Will be held via Zoom .

Date for the Diary Wed 23rd September at 7.00pm

This event is for Junior Female Athletes from U13 to U23s

” Lynne MacDougall will be hosting this event along with Allie Chong and our own Erin Wallace. This is a very welcome opportunity to discuss Periods , Implications for Athletes & the impact on Training & Competition. We will have a great input from Erin as to how she has managed this as an elite athlete.
Emails with details as to how to sign up for the event will be coming soon. So this is advance notice so that you can make time available .  This is a crucial subject for all Junior female athletes.

Wednesday 23 September at 7pm

THREE COUNTRIES, TWO WEEKS, ONE PB. Giffnock North’s very own Erin Wallace put in another battling performance last night in wet, blustery and thoroughly unhelpful conditions, racing to a hard-earned second place at the BMC Gold Standard 1500m event in Stretford, Manchester. Poised in third at the bell, Erin moved up a gear and a place down the back straight, but couldn’t catch Aldershot’s Amy Griffiths, who stopped the clock at 4:13.48. Erin’s 4:16.94 marks her third strong effort over the metric mile in 14 days, complementing a new PB of 4:12.57 (Bydgoszcz, Poland, 19th August) and 4:16.74 (Turku, Finland, 11th August).

Well done, Erin, it’s good to see the amber and royal blue vest at big meets … but where are the blue shorts?!

Report by Croy Thomson

In Finland this week , the land of the midnight sun, Giffnock North’s Erin Wallace produced a bright and welcome return to racing after a long lay-off with injury, posting four minutes 16.75 seconds for sixth in a high-class 1500 race. The event in the city of Turku was part of the meet dedicated to Finnish distance legend Paavo Nurmi, who revolutionised the sport in the early 20th century. Great footsteps to follow in, Erin, well done and brilliant to see you back on track and racing strongly again.

Thanks to Croy Thomson

Congratulations to under 17 sprinter Alyson Bell who has been invited to compete in the Müller Senior British Athletics Championships.

Following on from Alyson’s very successful season as a first year under 17, winning a total of seven National & School titles she got off to a great start in her second year by picking up another 3 National & School titles indoors and she broke the Scottish record for the 60m indoors in a new time of 7.57. Needless to say her achievements have not gone un-noticed and they have earned her an invite, which she has gratefully accepted to compete in the 100m at the Müller British Athletics Championships at Manchester Regional Arena on 4th and 5th September 2020.

Other Giffnock athletes invited to the championhsips are Erin Wallace, Neil Gourley and Nikki Manson.   Good luck to all.

Important Announcement 

Michael at MIGO Sports, our Club Kit Supplier has kindly set up a page for members to buy club kit online.
As Michael says “This is just to make it easier for those who can’t or don’t want to be in shops at the moment “

Our club has, over the years, been involved in various discussions/plans/ideas/possibilities to improve and develop facilities  for the Club. As yet we’ve not been able to bring anything to fruition –  a source of frustration to many of us as one of the largest Athletics clubs in Scotland
Following a decision of the AGM we have set up a Facilities Committee to lead the discussion and outline a plan for future facilities for Giffnock North.  The Committee is established and has met, although it would be fair to say that it’s work has been adversely affected as everything else by COVID-19.
The committee membership is as below:

Ronnie Gourley – Chair
Ian McMoneagle – Club Treasurer and Trustee
John Davie  – Coach Jumps
Rob Crusher – Senior Endurance Club Member, Parent and board member of East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure Trust.
Lesley Campbell – Parent  with interest in Junior Endurance and Sprints
Stephen Gourlay – Coach and Parent , Sprints & Hurdles
Clare Stevenson – Coach U11s and Trustee

Ronnie is a former coach at the Club Has a background in Education and Local Authority  Sports Development as well as Rugby Club Development. He is also a Member of Scottish Athletics Track and Field Commission and, of course, is Neil Gourley’s dad.

The Committee will undertake this work liaising with partners and reporting back to the Board.

This is the start of this journey and we are posting this statement to advise our Athletes, Coaches, Officials, Parents and Supporters. There will be a more formal consultation within the club at a later stage but in the meantime anyone who wishes to put forward any ideas or suggestions to the committee at this initial stage is very welcome to contribute. Please feel free to email either Ronnie Gourley  at r.gourley1@ntlworld.com ,Ian McMoneagle at marathon9@ntlworld.com or Clare Stevenson at c.stevenson@giffnocknorth.co.uk

We hope all our athletes, coaches, parents, families, officials & supporters  are well.

All members will have today recieved the email from Colin Hutchison Head of Development at Scottish Athletics outlining the guidance for Club Athletes etc following the introduction of Phase 1 Easing of Lockdown Restrictions  announced today .

We are all hoping and looking forward hopefully to the continued easing of the restrictions over the next period of weeks . Phase 1 is obviously limited.  The Coaches Committee will be convened asap to discuss the implications and consider how we go forward in the club.  This will be then cascaded to all coaches and then to athletes .

The full guidance is attached with links to the proposed Exit Plan Framework and the refinements which will be agreed at each stage.

Any queries in the meantime please raise with your coach.

View this email in your browser

Dear Member I hope this e-mail finds you well. scottishathletics have been closely following developments as we begin to emerge from lockdown, and have now updated the scottishathletics Exit Plan Framework. We have also created our own ‘route maps’ for clubs, coaches and athletes that adhere to the Scottish Government’s latest advice. The guidance will come into effect from Friday 29 May 2020. The key advice for Phase 1 is that one-to-one coaching is permitted if it is outdoors, physical distancing can be maintained, and is with members of your household and/or members of one other household. A coach should not deliver training to more than one household at any one time or provide training to more than one household per day. All documents are available to download from scottishathletics – exit plan framework and guidance documents Kind regards Colin Hutchison Head of Development scottishathletics

Welcome to our club coach collage collection , creatively composed again by Yvonne McNairn.

Please forgive the few omissions – there are one or two, sorry -We’ll try and sort that when we can

Many thanks to all the Coaches, our great Young Coaches here and also our invaluable Parent Helpers who have contributed and continue to co-operatively construct our competitive , compassionate, confident and collaborative club !!

Collage courtesy of    Yvonne McNairn

Subtitles & Alliteration courtesy  of Croy Thomson.

Thanks everyone.

Club members, some anyway, may have been surprised to see the name of Grant Muir featuring near the top of the Scottish Athletics Leaderboard for the recent Virtual Mile.

Many thanks to Yvonne McNairn our Club Secretary and leading senior athlete for pulling together this excellent collage of Senior Endurance Athletes . All lockdown photos during COVID -19. Virtual gathering and Virtual races all round. Thanks Yvonne.

Our very own Michael Cross and his band, Popup, have produced the new official theme tune for the increasingly popular Tartan Running Shorts Podcast (recent guests include the Hawkins brothers and Steph Davis). Michael is interviewed on the show, talking about his music and running – including his allocated Giffnock North place at the London Marathon. Also featuring in this episode is Olympian Chris O’Hare. Great stuff Michael

See post below / listen here: http://hyperurl.co/lba26u

Tartan Running Shorts Post

It is with great sadness that the club has to announce that Alistair Shaw, stalwart runner and SA Timekeeper with Giffnock North AC, passed away yesterday morning. He will be remembered as a Giffnock legend for winning many age category titles both at National and International events – truly the end of an era.

Alistair by his long term running buddy, Bernie Campbell

I was introduced to Alistair on the start line of one of the Glasgow Marathons in the early eighties by Dr.Ian Kerr who was also to become another GN stalwart. Ian suggested that we should be aiming for a Sub 3 and that we were well suited for such an attempt despite both of us having only ever competed in one previous Marathon – needless to say we failed. This was to be the start of a friendship which lasted decades and when all three of us joined at the inauguration of Giffnock North it taught us what real training was all about.

Alistair immersed himself in Running which apart from his golf seemed to be his main focus in life. He often said to me that he had wished he’d discovered the Sport earlier given that he started Running at the age of 46. He and I were into using Heart monitors as a means of control both in training & competition and with an age difference of exactly 10 years it was easy to keep an eye on our predetermined training bands.

Ever helpful, he was a constant at our Festival of Running both as a Timekeeper and Course measurer and always had time to chat with anyone – I could tell some great stories of his chance meetings with fellow runners.

A prolific trainer he was used to success which came in his various age categories both at Local, National & International level. – World bronze Marathon medal with the UK Vets Team, individual  European half Marathon medal, British Vets Champion (twice) and age category winner of numerous Races including three times at the Dublin Marathon.

He was one of a group invited to take part in a study, at the Victoria Infirmary, as to why Scotland had a high percentage  of ‘Running’ Septuagenarians.

After the loss of his wife, Betty, he struggled to cope and subsequently ended up in care were he passed yesterday.

A real Gentleman in the true sense of the word – it was a privilege to know you and to call you my friend.

Glasgow City Physiotherapy has developed an online Training Camp  and is offering this to Giffnock athletes at a discount cost of £25
Several of our leading athletes involved as you can read below

“Glasgow City Physiotherapy who help keep some of Scotland’s top athletes heathy have put together an online running camp to help level up your running during lockdown!

The ten day camp will address all areas of running performance with sessions focussing on mobility, S&C, psychology, diet and meal preparation, injury prevention as well as elite athlete Q&As.

With a special club discount, GCP are offering this camp to members of Giffnock North for the price of £25 with the code Nikki-Neil (please add this to the notes section of the booking).

It’s a great way to keep your running on track during these uncertain times!

Bookings at the link below

http://www.glasgowcityphysiotherapy.co.uk/book-online/

Scottish Athletics have published a further bulletin with very useful advice and guidance around various aspects of current Corona /COVID-19

https://www.scottishathletics.org.uk/54633-2/

Message to all Parents and Athletes re Membership Fees.

Due to COVID -19 we suspended Club Fees until further notice. Some fees are still being paid by Standing Order. This is despite the move for Junior Athletes to our new membership system, LoveAdmin, where fee payments are by Direct Debit.
Can we ask parents of Junior Athletes to check for the various emails we previously sent re the  transfer from Standing Orders  to DD.
Can you now please cancel Standing Orders which are still currently in place and follow the direction to pay by DD when training can resume.

Senior Membership fees will also be requested via LoveAdmin and by Direct Debit when training resumes.

Stay Safe . Keep well everyone.

In light of the current Coronovirus situation, it has been decided to cancel the Spring Athletics Camps due to take place in April.

Anyone who has already signed up, will be refunded in due course.

GNAC

Coronovirus: advice on events and club training

MONDAY 16TH MARCH 2020
Club is finalising the details re Training implications and will post this ASAP. It is of course complicated due to venues training groups , disciplines and locations

COVID-19: scottishathletics Update

Monday 16 March 1pm

EVENT ORGANISERS:

Following Scottish Government advice, it has been advised that organisers should cancel or postpone all mass events of 500 people or more – indoors or outdoors – in order to protect the capacity of public services.

This approach should be maintained until such time as further advice is issued.

This will result in an immediate postponement and re-scheduling of the Tru Wealth National Road Relays(due on Saturday 28 March).

The rescheduled date and time will be communicated once we have a better understanding of the landscape over the coming weeks.

We will also update on other national events as further advice becomes available.

SMALLER EVENTS

The Scottish Government advice states: ‘Where an event involves relatively small numbers, but is likely to have a potential impact on emergency services, organisers should consider it on its merits, alongside current health advice.’

As such, we ask smaller events to risk assess but, at this point, there is no need to automatically postpone smaller events (less than 500).

The Tru Wealth Young Athletes Road Races took place on Sunday with around 330 competitors

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ADVICE FOR CLUBS:

Following on from the latest Scottish Government updates, we would advise clubs to consider the following points as part of their decision-making process when considering the continuation of club activities:

*Clubs may continue with club training sessions at their discretion. However, the health and welfare of athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and spectators should be at the forefront of any decision, therefore clubs should consider carefully the guidance provided by the Scottish Government in relation to protecting participants.

*Engage regularly with your facility provider to understand their position regarding continued operations around access and events.

*Ensure the risk of person-to-person transmission is minimised. This will involve considering overall numbers that are likely to be involved within club environments and training sessions, along with any amendments to your approach of delivering training sessions (e.g. splitting into smaller groups etc).

Clubs with training environments with more than 100 athletes/coaches in close proximity (particularly indoor areas) should consider different approaches to those gatherings.

*Consider a sensible approach to athletes/volunteers who no longer wish to take part. This should be accepted as a given and supported.

*Follow and promote the advice that has been provided by the appropriate agencies regarding the best way to minimise the risks of infection. If any athletes, coaches, officials or volunteers are displaying cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms they should follow this advice and refrain from attending club sessions.

*Coach education courses and club development workshops will continue, until such times where the advice is to cancel. All participants will be kept informed.

Clearly, this is an on-going and changing situation and as such any guidance and advice will be subject to further review as the advice and guidance from authorities develops further.

Health Benefits of CBD During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Not only does CBD benefit your headspace but there are also a handful of benefits that transcend lowering stress and anxiety levels. A lot of times, mental discomfort starts to manifest in physical ways, such as when poor mental health causes low energy and sluggishness. You can find the best CBD flower products based on your current needs at laweekly.com website.

Since we don’t have control over the pandemic, and the return to society as we know it might not take place anytime soon, it’s important to find ways to manage stress in healthy and productive ways. CBD is one of the safest supplements out there, and you can reap the benefits without experiencing the high so often associated with cannabis.

In the meantime, please continue to follow advice and make use of the following online resources for up to date information about Coronavirus:

Further guidance

 Further advice for the public is available through NHS Inform (https://www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus).

The Scottish Government is also putting out the latest information and advice through social media channels, and on the Scottish Government website (https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/).

People can reduce the risk of acquiring and spreading respiratory infections by:

*avoiding direct hand contact with your eyes, nose and mouth

*maintaining good hand hygiene

*washing hands with soap and water or alcohol hand sanitiser, after coughing, sneezing or going to the toilet, and prior to eating and drinking

*avoiding direct contact with people that have a respiratory illness and not using their personal items such as their mobile phone

*covering your nose and mouth with disposable tissues when coughing or sneezing and disposing of the tissues in the nearest waste bin after use.

The Scottish Government has set up a helpline for Scottish businesses and event organisers to provide them with tailored advice on Coronavirus.

The helpline, 0300 303 0660, operates from 8.30am to 5.30pm, and online at https://findbusinesssupport.gov.scot/ .

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Colin Hutchison

Scottish Athletics Contacts

 If you have any queries on events please contact events@scottishathletics.org.uk

For queries on coach education contact coaching@scottishathletics.org.uk

For further information on club programmes or workshops contact colin.hutchison@scottishathletics.org.uk

Revisions to this advice

This advice remains in force until amended. It will be maintained and revised in light of events.

The Scottish Government will continue to work closely with the UK Government, other devolved administrations, expert advisers and our Resilience partners on this, and all other aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Tags: Coronavirus

Report from Croy Thomson

Photos courtesy of Bobby Gavin & Coaches
Major applause to all who competed – three national team titles, a team silver and six individual medals is a good day’s work at the end of a long, hard winter. One team indivisible – everybody counts.

At a wind blown but mercifully dry Battery Park in Greenock, Giffnock’s U15 Girls flew to the team title with Hannah Ryding outgunning team-mate Valencia Wright for first and second. Isla Scott nailed the b
National road race team gold with a strong effort for tenth over 4.2k.

Under 15 Boys Reuben Macdonald, Cameron Deverill and Cameron Green were pipped for the Scottish team title by one point by an impressive Central AC trio. Reuben conjured up a blistering finish to snatch silver behind Central’s Conor Bell, and was brilliantly backed over the 4.2k by the two Camerons in seventh and twelfth. Great to see Cameron Green getting back to his best after so many injury setbacks.

Third race of the day was U13 Girls’ 2.5k and Katy Donnelly ran strongly for a fine silver, headed only by National XC champion Millie McClelland-Brooks of Glasgow School of Sport. Hazel O’Donoghue and Amber Wade completed the team for fifth place.

Craig Shennan fought hard for the full 2.5k in the U13 Boys’ event but Kilbarchan’s Oliver Patton proved too strong ilon the day. Craig did lead team-mates Alasdair Nugent (4th) and Cameron Harris (8th) to the National team crown ahead of Kilbarchan. Oliver Bryers, Oliver MacDonald and Jack Wallace also finished one the top fifteen.

As the sun came out on the Renfrewshire Riviera, Giffnock’s Under 17 girls outshone the competition with the club’s third team victory. Julia Cash pulled through strongly as the five hard kilometres went by and claimed a well-earned bronze. Zoe Flower delivered and excellent fifth place and Charlie Frew ran home 17th to clinch the medal, ably backed by Miriam Gilbride.

The U17 Boys brought proceedings to a close, on what might be the last official race for some time. Illness saw Giffnock’s team depleted, but Blayne Wright with a notable effort for 11th, Ross O’Brien 16th and Charlie Tomkinson 34th gave the club another top five finish to bring a highly memorable winter’s racing to a close.

Well done everyone who competed, coached, officiated, marshalled, supported, sponsored, cheered, wrangled the tent in a high wind and generally helped make this wonderful sport possible. Especial thanks to the organisers for going ahead in testing times, and giving the young athletes every opportunity to shine.

Thanks Croy for a full report from a somewhat subdued Championships at the Battery Park

Dear Parents, Athletes,  Coaches & Officials

Re Coronavirus COVID-19

The situation remains very fluid but as we are all aware there is increasing concern. We are currently following advice from Scottish Athletics as previously posted on our Social Media,  informed by NHS and Scottish & UK Govt.

We are going ahead with the training session today at Hutchie and the Run Jump Throw Session. We will notify you of any further training changes across the club. Athletes should only attend training if they are fit and well and not been in contact with anyone else who has been unwell.

Athletes and their families should decide themselves whether they want to attend training or not given their own family circumstances. We would reiterate that athletes should not attend if they have a cough or cold like symptoms and instead they should follow the Scottish and UK Governments current advice and NHS advice.

We will update if there are any further changes. Please observe and remind athletes of the guidance re hand hygiene, contact and touching faces.

Please don’t send your child to any training sessions if they are displaying any symptoms or have recently returned from a restricted area.

Another weekend of brilliant performances from Giffnock athletes saw a total medal haul of fifteen in total. Five Gold, five Silver and five Bronze.

Our five new National Champions coverer all the age groups competing. Youngest was Zander Summerhill who took gold in the u13B Shot with a throw of 8.24m.   Under 15 Daniel Martin took two titles, 60m hurdles and Long Jump.  In the u20 age category, Reuben Nairne won the Pole Vault Gold in a Championship Best Performance of 4.81m.  Finlay Waugh clocked 21.95 in the 200m to take the title.

Album of photos courtesy of Bobby Gavin, That One Moment
CLICK HERE

A full list of medallists below:

With the British Senior Indoor T&F Championships this year taking place at the Emirates Arena, Glasgow and the England Athletics Indoor Age Group Championships taking place in Sheffield, Giffnock athletes had a busy weekend.

At the Spar British Championships at the Emirates it was our high jumpers who again showed the way.   David Smith cleared a seasons best of 2.24m to take the Silver medal.  Nikki Manson, although not on Scottish Record form, jumped 1.84m to take the bronze medal.

Also competing were Fraser Angus, 7.00 in the 60m, Finlay Waugh, 22.05 in the 200m and Erin Campbell, 9.14 in the 60m hurdles.

Down in Sheffield u17 Alyson Bell was again in blistering form breaking Linsay McDonalds 40 year old Scottish record in the 60m with a time of 7.57 to take the bronze medal.   Alyson was also 4th in the 200m final, clocking 24.76 a  time which is second in the all time Scottish Indoor rankings.   Also breaking records, this time was u15 Angelica Mayer. Angelica was just out of the medals in 4th place in the final, but ran a 7.79 club record in a heat.  In the 200m, Angelica was again in 4th place in the final, clocking 25.56.

u17 Murray Fotheringham, having pulled out of the high jump with a niggling injury, made up for it in the Long Jump taking the bronze medal with a leap of 7.00m.  Daniel Martin u15, was also cursed by 4th place in the 60m hurdles final. However his consulation was that his time of 8.65 was a club record and puts him 2nd fastest on the all time Scottish list.

Also competing were Rachel Callan u20, 25.79 in the 200m, Caroline MacConnell u17, 42.62 in the 300m, Katie Foss u17, 58.65 in the 400m and Ross Veitch u20, 50.99 (PB) in the 400m Final.

A massive well done to all flying the flag for Giffnock North.

Race report for Senior Women’s team at National XC Champs Falkirk

Report from Allie Chong

Winter in Scotland is notoriously unreliable weather wise, and Saturday 22 Feb proved no exception as snow, hail, wind and wee snatches of sunshine appeared for the National XC at Falkirk. An altered course due to flooding gave the ladies an easier start than in previous years, with the hill from the House omitted. The first lap was run in testing conditions with decent sized hailstones being driven by a fierce wind onto exposed flesh. Many runners made their discomfort known vocally as they ploughed through mid calf level puddles and long stretches of thick mud, churned up by the spikes of the youngsters in the preceding races. Thankfully the sun came out and a break in the weather made the following 2 laps more pleasant to run in.
For Giffnock North Yvonne MacNairn and Jill Smylie continued their close competition, each leading the other in various points of the race. Yvonne finished slightly ahead after the 10k in 20th, with Jill only 2 places behind.
New rules meant that it was 6 to count rather than 4 in previous years, so Allie Chong (66th), Nicola Macbeath ( 92nd), Jacquie Campbell (106) and Kathleen McLachlan (107) made up the team.  Interestingly only Gala harriers lost out to this new rule – they would have finished 5th instead of 7th if only 4 athletes counted. The new rules from SA reflect the increasing numbers of women taking part in XC running. In all 10 senior women crossed the finishing line, hopefully helping to win the Lindsay trophy again for the club!

Thanks to Allie for doing the honours again representing the hardy heroines    at Callendar Park

No Linn Park Session tomorrow for Endurance squad. as Dudley says ‘We are taking a well earned rest after all the efforts at today’s National XC Championships!’

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Edward Joyce, Daniel Martin, Felix Chan & Euan O’Brien U15 Boys with one of the well deserved cheques from the day 

National Relay Championships – U13 – U20

Following on from a fantastic performance of winning gold in the U20/Senior Men & Silver in the U20/Senior Women National 4 x 200m Indoor relays on 1 February, we were delighted to hear that the Under 20 women ran a new Scottish record time of 1.42.43.

Not to be outdone, the younger age groups, all competing for places at the final to be held as part of the Muller Grand Prix on 15 February, managed to qualify a team in every age group final, and two teams in both the U13 girls and U13 boys age groups!!

We then witnessed outstanding and dominant relay performances from all the Giffnock teams at the Club Connect Relays finals at the Emirates, prior to the Grand Prix on Saturday 15th February. Every team in a final medalled – we think a first for Giffnock North!!

The final tally was:

U13 Girls​ Gold and Bronze

U13 Boys​ Silver and Bronze

U15 Girls ​Gold

U15 Boys ​Gold

U17 Women ​Bronze

U17 Men ​Bronze

Thanks to the various team managers for the following reports and photos. Taking them in order of competition……

U13 Girls

The two U13 girls teams, which included two very enthusiastic reserves, were bursting with excitement and energy from the moment of arrival. Despite having to wait in a queue for the toilet behind Gabby Logan, they kept their nerve and delivered a performance exactly as they had in practice over and over again. There is no one athlete that can be singled out and the proof is in the depth of the sprints squad.

So ……. to the A team of Emily, Madeleine, Caitlin and Helen who romped home in gold position, leading from the start…we are all so proud of you. And our B team, who absolutely pushed Edinburgh all the way to gain us a bronze medal …….we are thrilled! Leilani, Isla, Sarah and Hannah you were all stars. The fact that we had reserves in Maisie  and Poppy warmed up and ready to step in gave us the confidence to pull out all stops.
The U13 Girls

Like the U13 girls, our two teams, plus two reserves, were eager to get out on the track and try to get medals! Martin Rolfe, Bobby Kiltie, Euan Armstrong and Zander Summerhill put up a great battle but were narrowly beaten by VP Glasgow. They finished in a season’s best time of 1.55.37 with the B team of Lewis Davidson, Oliver Bryers, Aaron Reid and Alfie Bradley winning the battle with Musselburghfor third place and the bronze medal. To our two reserves, Aaron Muir and Abraham Al Ani, a huge thank you……..for warming up with us, practicing baton changing and being ready should we have needed you.

U15 Girls

Even Storm Dennis couldn’t dampen the spirits of the Giffnock North athletes. We gathered outside the Emirates Arena seeking cover under a bike shelter from the driving rain and howling wind, the athletes themselves looking forward tothe day after so much training and preparation going into the event. The team themselves ready to take on the Best of the Rest.

The U15 girls, supported by their parents and the fantastic Sophie Ferguson and her Mum (giving up some time from her birthday celebration to support the team) were outstanding. It started with Angelica Mayer, who within 100m had the team in the lead, Eilidh Hunter then took responsibility to stay ahead which she did superbly, handing over to Emily Watson.Emily stretches the lead with confidence and handed over to Erin Ramsay who elegantly and with style, took the team to a Seasons Best finish and the Gold medal.

Throughout the heats the girls improved on previous times and comfortably brought home the Gold Well Done Girls !!

U15G Gold medallists

U15 Boys

A fantastic run from the U15 boys from start to finish. Euan O’Brien, Daniel Martin, Felix Chan and Edward Joyce. Also well done to the two reserves on getting the team to the final. Daniel Whyte and Ryan Davie

U15B Gold medallists

U17 Girls

It was now the turn of the U17 Women. Alyson Bell got the team off to a great start despite strong opposition from VP/Glasgow & Pitreavie. She handed the baton over to Caroline MacConnell who maintained a slight lead going into the changeover to Brooke Moran, who tore off as a tiring Caroline gave her all to ensure the change occur within the proper change over zone. To the relief of her cheering support,she had succeeded. Brooke ran a strong leg albeit there was no margin for error as the aforementioned teams were in hot pursuit.
The last changeover was really close between all the three leading clubs & Amy Greene gave her all but the chasers from VP/Glasgow & Pitreavie struck going into the second bend before the finishing straight and they just edged it withPitreavie taking gold. Amy secured the race by finishing a clear 3rd with a bronze medal for Giffnock.

U17 Boys

The last relay race of the day was the U17 Men. Giffnock had made it to the podium in every other age group, so no pressure! Daniel Boyle, Jacob Luc, Joy Majumdar and KhaliqKelani each ran a great lap and it took the photo finish to decided the silver and bronze medals between us and VPGlasgow. Alas, VP had thicker vests than us and were awarded silver. We secured bronze, but only 2 hundredths of a second behind VP. Congratulations to Inverclyde who were the runaway gold medallists. Every relay team is bigger than the 4 guys on track. In the qualifying round, Tom Stewart had been part of the team that secured our place in the final, but due to illness, had to withdraw. Joy stepped in to run third leg in the final and as a squad, we knew we still had quality back-up from Aidan Cunning as reserve, should anything have gone wrong on the big day. Well done all of you.

U17 Boys

Giffnock North was awarded Track and Field Club of the Year 2019 in November at The Scottish Athletics Awards dinner and it looks like 2020 has started out just where we left off.

Here’s to a great outdoors season.

Thanks to Jackie Alexander for collating reports  from Sara Lang, Garry Paterson Gerry Duggan and Billy Glasgow .

Report from Anna Hawthorne

Our first time at super teams has been jam packed and full of lots of fun. Rachel one of our Giffnock  North teen coaches said “ its great that the younger ones are getting experience in an competitive environment “ “ it’s been super , a great experience all the athletes are a joy to work with” says Finlay, dad and coach. These comments are from two Giffnock North coaches and us , writing this having  competed in this competition . We have all had a great time as well as being all in a team. All of our favourite events were there but best is the relay.. These comments and stories are not all from Giffnock North. Here are some stories from Olivia in the team Kilmarnock Harriers.She  says it’s really good and her favourite event has been the 4x200m relay too . Now there is something else from Rachel. When we asked her why she and Caroline  gave up their day to come with us , she says, “ I did Superteams when I was little and there was people there to help me.” Today has been amazing and we don’t want it to end!

Thanks Anna !

The club had 3 Girls Teams and 3 Boys Teams at this event . We could have had double that (if there was space ) except it was the Half Term Holiday and many of those eligible were away. We try to use this competition mainly for our U11 Athletes and those U13s who are not regularly competing as it straddles 2 Age Groups. It’s a fantastic opportunity for young athletes and is a huge event superbly organised by the host of officials and helpers . We would like to take this opportunity to thank Scottish Athletics and all those involved for another great day at the Superteams.

Our Teams consisted of 6Teams of 4 Athletes all doing 60m , Long Jump,Shot Putt and 4x200m Relay

Isabella Annand, Poppy Ballantyne, Leilani Spelman Ikediashi, Maya Johnson ,

Anna Hawthorn ,Amy Gallagher,Luisa Stewart, Nicole Yates

Maya Darabnia, Freya McGeoch, Beatrice Nairne, Chloe Ferguson

Matthew Snowden, Angus Weir ,Joseph Ottolini , Aaron Reid,

Charlie Annand , Alistair MacLachlan, Fergus Pryor, Calum Dick

Matthew O’Reilly, Nicholas Cent, Alex Rutherford, Kian Dick

They were a credit to the club in their behaviour and in the team spirit they displayed.

Our Girls A Team took home the Trophy and the Boys A Team were a splendid Second . Along the way some outstanding efforts with many, many PBs and a  club records for Angus Weir in 60m. Some events are not for Pof Ten but no matter,  we acknowledge all 24 of our young athletes who ran, threw and jumped with enthusiasm and smiles over what was a long day . We were very lucky to have Rachel Callan and Caroline MacConnell as Team Managers on the day. They were fantastic too. Thanks also to Catriona, Mum to both Calum and Kian PF who helped as Team Manager and all the parents and supporters there cheering loudly on all the Giffnock athletes.

Photos from coaches and Parents

Full but provisional results at the  link below .Go to the foot of the page. Scottish Athletics (and we share this view) see the Superteams as a development event for young athletes – a role the event fulfils fully.

https://scottishathletics.sportserve.net/pages/event/athleticsbookingdetails.aspx?id=10478

Report from Kathleen MacLachlan
Lindsays Masters XC Champs, Johnstone; Saturday 8th Feb 2020

On the rather windy eve of Storm Ciara, 7 ladies and 9 men from Giffnock North travelled to Johnstone to take on the twists, turns, sharp short ups and downs of the Masters XC Championship course.

As the sun disappeared and the rain clouds loomed,first to set off at 1pm were the Ladies and Men+65 to run 6k (3 loops).

The GN ladies continued this season’s successeswith 2nd W50 for Mary McCutcheon, 2nd W40-50 team (Allie Chong, Kathleen McLachlan and Jacquie Campbell) and 3rd W50+ team (Mary McCutcheon, Sheila Lewis and Angela Carson).

Overall the ladies placed as follows: Catriona Gourley 96th (15th W55), Angela Carson 80th (16thW50), Jacquie 33rd (11th W45), Shelia Lewis 31st (6thW50), Kathleen McLachlan 26th (12th W40), Mary McCutcheon 15th (2nd W50) and Allie Chong 9th (4thW45).

As the wind speed seemed to pick-up, the men set off at 1:45pm to run 8k (3 extended loops – unlucky guys!).

GN were out in force again with 3rd M40 – 50 team (Andrew Campbell, Chris Greenhalgh, Cris Walsh and Luke Chamberlain) and 6th M50+ team (Ted Gourley, Jez Fellick and Gordon Moir).

Overall the men placed as follows: Gordon Moir 146th (33rd M50), Graeme Paterson 91st (26th M45), Greig Glendinnin 87th (23rd M45), Jez Fellick 86th(18th M50), Ted Gourley 66th (6th M55), Luke Chamberlain 59th (16th M45), Cris Walsh 25th (8thM45), Chris Greenhalgh 20th (5th M45) and Andrew Campbell 19th (4th M45).

Conditions were described as rather windy, where with the turns in the course, the headwind became tailwind and back again several times. At least it wasn’t a repeat of the dreich race conditions experienced recently!

Congratulations to Jacquie on her first XC club race. Thanks for the shouts from all the GN supporters, including the injured Rob Crusher, hope to see you back running soon!

Next on the XC calendar are the Nationals at Falkirk, let’s hope that Storm Dennis doesn’t make an appearance...Bring on the mud, but with some sun and less wind, please!

Photos courtesy of Rob Crusher

A busy weekend (1st & 2nd Feb) for Giffnock athletes with National Indoor Combined Events, National Indoor Masters and National Indoor Relay Championships all taking place at the Emirates Arena.   Out on the roads the Renfrewshire AAA Road Races took place at a wet and windy Battery Park, Gourock.

National Indoor Combined Events Championships

Star of the show for Giffnock was Daniel Martin who took the under 15 Boys title with a points total of 2784 pts.  In the process throwing a Shot Putt u15 club record of 11.02m.  Matthew Snowden was 11^th in the u13 Boys event.

National Indoor Masters Championships

Not to be out done, some of our not so young athletes were also bringing home the medals in the Indoor Masters Track & Field Championships. Ruairidh McLean clocked a very creditable 2.07.78 to take the Silver medal in the M35 800m. Colin Wylie bettered his own 400m club record to win Bronze in the M45 400m and possibly our oldest ever track performer, new member David Edelman, who took a Silver medal in the 60-64 class of the 60m.  Also competing was Colin Black, M35, who clocked 8.29 for the 60m and 27.04 for the 200m. A massive well done guys.

National Indoor Relay Championships

Giffnock teams again showed their strength in depth at the 4x200m Indoor Relay Championships. Our Senior Men’s team of Ross Veitch, Scott Murray, Murray Fotheringham and Findlay Waugh clocked 1.29.31 to bring home Gold and our Senior Women’s team were just edged into Silver medal position by Edinburgh AC. The team was Eve Denholm, Katie Foss, Leah Keisler and Rachal Callan.
The younger age groups were fighting it out for final places.  Finals will be run at the Muller Grand Prix on the 15^th February.  Both boys and girls under 13 teams qualified two teams with u15G, u15B u17G and u17 Boys qualifying one each.  That’s some going boys and girls, good luck for the finals.

Renfrewshire AAA Road Race Championships, Battery Park, Gourock

We hoped it would not be the Wild Windy Wet Renfrewshire Road Race Champs and we would get the balmy picturesque sunny Costa Clyde as sometimes happens( occasionally, very occasionally)  but the weather forecast was accurate and the Battery Park was certainly battered with sheets of cold rain driven by an icy wind.

Some of us remember the RR Champs used to be held in the more sheltered grounds of the IBM factory when that  company sponsored the  Spango Valley Club. Or was it more sheltered?

On Sunday 2nd Feb the clubs were Kilbarchan AAC, Bellahouston Road Runners, Bellahouston Harriers, Helensburgh , Giffnock North and the  two local clubs Inverclyde AC and Greenock Glenpark who braved the weather. We couldn’t see the sea!

A clutch of great performances were achieved however, and that made the near hypothermia worthwhile for the Giffnock teams present.

As Allie Chong reported

“Hats off (or maybe just keep them on since the weather was so awful!) to all the junior athletes at Battery Park today. It takes strength of character to pitch up and run in that, so a big pat on the back to one and all. Some fine performances. Now relax by the fire and congratulate yourselves on a day well spent “

And our roll call was:

U11 Girls Gold with a 1/2/3/4 Sarah McNulty, Millie Boothman & Amy Gallagher (Beatrice Nairne in that 4th Place)

U11 Boys Gold, Patrick Fraser 1st, and Team Gold for U11 Boys with Finlay Laskey in (5th place) and CalumDick (in 6th)

U13 Boys Gold for Ist placed Alasdair Nugent and Silver for Calan Chong. Gold Team Medals for U13 Boys  with Oliver MacDonald in 4^th.

U13 Girls took the Bronze Team prize with Amy Vincent, Scarlett Scott & Daisy Pryor

U15 Boys Hugh Shiels took 2nd place for Individual Silver and Team Silver with Hugh and  Matthew Cox & Glen Griffiths

U15 Girls Esme Dougall took the Gold in 1st and Eva Chong was 2nd for the Silver Medal  [no Team prizes in that race ]

With our U17s not featuring at the Road Races this year and many of our athletes focussing on Scottish Schools Indoor Champs this week, it was on to the Senior Races buffered and  battered as they made their way along the Esplanade to take part in the 1st event of the Club’s  internal Endurance Champs.

The Women’s Team with Allie Chong (still frozen from her earlier role supporting the Juniors ) Hilary Carswell and Jacqueline Campbell took the Bronze Team medals home while the Mens Team finished in 6th place

Well done to all the gritty Greenock athletes

Grateful thanks to all the Organisers, to Cameron Spence and his Team to Gerry Gaffney and Inverclyde AC who hosted this event ensuring hot soup and home baking in the Yacht Club to cheer the frozen . A special mention to all the officials who endured it all including our own still smiling starter Doleen Galbraith and Jim Galbraith augmented by Sheila Lewis and some additional Giffnock stewards. Job done!

FULL RESULTS HERE

SCOTTISH VET HARRIERS ROAD RELAYS 

The usual cold and dreich weather prevailed for the annual Scottish Veteran Harriers Club Road Relays Championships on Sunday 26 January. Thankfully the rain cleared up a little before the gun went at 11am sending the first leg runners away for a lap of Strathclyde Park Loch.
The course is a fairly flat 3.7 mile circuit of the water, with a sneaky hilly section hidden in the hills on the far side of the Loch to catch newbies unaware!
The men and women set off together, with the female teams consisting of 3 athletes, and the male teams comprising four.

Giffnock North entered two teams in each race. Yvonne MacNairn and Kathleen McLachlan led off for the ladies’ teams, with Yvonne putting in the second fastest female lap time of 22.07 to come in first female, 4s ahead of PH racing’s Kristin Lownie.
Allie Chong and Angie Carson took the virtual batons for the second leg, with GN extending their lead. Jill Smylie took over for the first team with around 3 and a half minutes lead, which was enough to hold off Michelle Sandison from Springburn Harriers, who had cruelly overtaken JIll near the finish after a similar race last year.
Sheila Lewis ran the third fastest v50 leg of the day to bring home the second ladies team in 8th position.

The men’s teams were led off by Ruairidh MacLean and Scott Wilson, with Iain Carroll, Michael Cross and Cris Walsh finishing off for the A team in a fantastic 6th place, and Graeme Paterson, Greig Glendinning and Ted Gourley bringing the B team home in 18th.

Yvonne, Allie and Jill were delighted with their victory, and would have been even more delighted to bring the trophy back to the GHA cabinet, had it not been misplaced by previous winners ( unknown) so they had to be content with a cash prize and the knowledge Giffnock had at last triumphed in this event after several years of coming close.

Thanks to Allie Chong for Report after a great win ! Well done all the Vet Athletes !

Giffnock North Annual Awards Night

Report by Keiren Mooney

On Saturday night, Carmichael Hall was once again the venue to celebrate all of our Giffnock North athlete’s successes throughout the year with our annual awards night.

Athletes and coaches of all age groups joined forces to acknowledge all the hard work put in during the season. Bernie Campbell was on hand to reward his seniors with various awards such as the sought after club championship plaque. Michael Cross won that for the senior men for the second year in a row, with Jill Smylie and Yvonne McNairn sharing the spoils with their joint victory.

For the juniors, Team GB athlete, Nikki Manson our Scottish Record Holder High  Jumper was there to present several prizes. This time once again highlighting the national success of many athletes and their coaches at the club.

Fresh from presenting the awards, Nikki was given an award herself for ‘Senior Female Athlete of the Year’.’ Senior Male Athlete of the Year ‘ went to Neil Gourley, his dad Ronnie accepted the award on his behalf.

For the u20 males, this was split three ways between Hamish Armitt, Fraser Angus and Alessandro Schenini.  Erin Wallace taking the u20 female award.

Of course, as fitting to Burns night, everyone was able to loosen up and enjoy a ceilidh with music from the fantastic Clamjafrie. After outstanding efforts throughout the year, as well as on the dance-floor, I’d say everyone deserved their helping of fish, chips and pakora on the night!

Grateful thanks to Dawn Armitt for her brilliant organisation of the night , to Dudley Walker , MC who did his usual great job of guiding the proceedings, Graham Dunn for all his input with National Title Certificates and to James Turnbull for the photos of the night.

Also a massive thanks to Nikki Manson for taking the time to come along and present the prizes.

Full list of Awards Winners

The Scottish u17/Senior Indoor Championships saw some stellar performances from Giffnock athletes.  Not least senior high jumper Nikki Manson who smashed her own Scottish Indoor record with a fantastic leap of 1.92m.

There were further senior medals from Erin Wallace, returning from injury, she took the Silver in the 1500m.  Just pipped on the line for the title. Bronze medals were won by Erin Campbell in the 60m hurdles and Jenna Wrisberg in the 60m.

In the under 17 age group Giffnock had a fantastic 1-2-3 in the mens 1500m.  Harris Paterson took the title in a new club record of 4.08.27, with Ross O’Brien in Silver and Reuben MacDonald in bronze.

Alyson Bell added another title to her name taking gold in the 200m in a new club recod time of 25.02 and silver in the 60m, also in a new club recod (7.59)

Isla Fotheringham took silver in the pole vault with a height of 2.69m and bronze medals were claimed by Jacob Luc, 800m and Julia Cash 1500m.

Full results can be found here
Photographs by Bobby Gavin can be found here.

All Giffnock performances:

There are still tickets left for tonight’s (Sat. 25th Jan) Club Awards Night Ceilidh.  Festivities start at 7.30pm in the  Carmichael Hall at the Eastwood Leisure Centre.  So don’t delay click on the link below and buy your tickets, priced £15 (+admin fee).

Many thanks again to Gary Leek of Athletics Digital for photos from Match 3 of the Indoor league.

Download (PDF, Unknown)

Jackie Alexander announces Clubs 3rd Trip to Gothenburg  Download for all the  DETAILS. As you will know any trip like this requires enormous organisation, fundraising and commitment to arrange. Thanks again to Jackie for leading these efforts to provide overseas athletics experience for our athletes.

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A reminder that the Club Awards Night Ceildh is on Burns Night

Saturday 25th January   7.30-11.00pm.
Carmichael Hall, Eastwood Park, Rouken Glen Rd, Giffnock, Glasgow G46 7JS

In keeping with the Burns theme, we have our usual ceilidh band, Clamjafrie, a bar service offering a special Scottish cocktail, and our popular buffet to include haggis pakora!

Please get your tickets, priced just £15.00 as soon as possible
Please click the link below

Still taking entries for Xmas Handicap on Sunday at Auldhouse (Hutchie’s Sports Ground 180 Thornliebank Road G46 7RQ Playing Fields)  at Thornliebank .All welcome . Arrive from 9.15am Races start at 10.00am . Just less than 1 Mile for U11s and two Laps for U13s and above .

Although it’s over XC , the challenge is for all the Sprinters / Field  eventers too. Generous Handicaps awarded by Dudley !
We need any additional names by Midnight . On the day, Soup and Mince Pies for all Athletes Parents Supporters. Can you bring  a wrapped present to the value of £5.00.

Over 13s names to Dudley dwalker_2000@hotmail.com

Under 11s to c.stevenson@giffnocknorth.co.uk