Westies Three go Wild in Dunoon

Chris, Ellie and myself took a pleasant trip doon the watter at the kind invitation of Greenock Glenpark Harriers to their Willie Jukes Memorial 5mile race. It was quite a family affair with all generations waiting at the Gourock ferry to sustain the club’s tradition, the main race being preceded by the young juniors and the even younger juniors. Squally showers with some hail and ominously dark skies relented just in time for the festivities.

Chris and I quickly settled in with Michael McLoone (Glenpark) and Lynsey McNeil (City of Glasgow) for a strong steady run out and back. I seemed to be on the front all the way back into the wind, Chris taking a spell with a mile to go after a tiny rise but succumbing to a stitch which was my opportunity to push a little more to avoid the desperate thrash for the line. At the front, John Cooke of Inverclyde and Stevie McLoone were well ahead, however Andy McColl was visibly fading in third position (having given blood the other day), tantalisingly dragging us to the final run in, our wee group finishing within 6 seconds. Elle finished strongly too as second lady, showing good short distance pace.

A reassuring the day for all of us; Chris coming off his ankle injury, Ellie all set for the marathon and the summer still to come. The day was rounded off with a hearty soup, sandwiches and pizza in time for the Grand National. Many thanks to the Glenpark and particularly to Stevie who seemed to run the show single-handed.

1st John Cooke, Inverclyde, 26:49

2nd Stevie McLoone, Glenpark (and occasional Westie), 27:35

3rd Andy McColl, Glenpark, 28:10

4th David Riach, 28:13

5th Chris Upson, 28:14

6th Michael McLoone Snr, Glenpark, 28:15

7th Linsey McNeill, VPCoG, 28:19, 1st lady

15th Ellie Homewood, 31:54, 2nd lady