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Olympic curler Lauren Gray gets Balfron 10K underway
(From Mingavie & Bearsden Herald, 30th April 2014)
The Balfron 10k attracted hundreds of runners to the picturesque village for this year’s annual run which has become a firm favourite for many people.
This year local girl and Winter Olympic curling bronze medal winner Lauren Gray got the race underway at Balfron High school in what was perfect running weather.
The 10k supports local schools and charities, and since 2007 has raised over £50K. This year all funds will be divided between Balfron Primary School, Balfron High School and Cancer Research UK.
The event was extremely popular with runners of all abilities.
Its officially measured course appeals to the most serious runners, whilst the friendly atmosphere, traffic-free route and excellent goody bags including commemorative medal and T-shirt make it a great race for the more casual runner and even first-time 10k-er.
In addition to the Balfron 10K there were local school races in the area on the day, including the eagerly contested Balfron 4K, which is a road race open to Balfron High School pupils.
Balfron Primary School and nursery also have a programme of races for the morning, making use of the playing fields behind the school campus.
This year the winners of the main 10k race were: 1st male Robert Russell in a time of 32mins 38secs from Central AC, 2nd male Craig Harvey (34.37) Squadron Porcini, 3rd male Shaun Butler (34.49) Ronhill Cambuslang; 1st female Lyndsay Morrison (37.40) Central AC, 2nd female Jennifer Telford (41.21) Scottish Prison Service, 3rd female Arlene Lewis (41.30) Jersey Spartans; 1st junior male Iain Davies (36.02) Central AC, 1st Junior female Emma Boyle (49.41); 1st V35 male Craig Harvey (34.37) Squadron Porcini, 1st V35 female Jennifer Telford (41.21) Scottish Prison Service; 1st V50 male David Eckersley (37.40) Central AC; 1st V50 female Jo Crotch (42.57) Stirling Tri; 1st V65 male Norman Baillie (44.00) Garscube Harriers; 1st local male David Eckersley (37.40) Central Ac and 1st local female Jo Crotch (42.57) Stirling Tri.
