Balfron 10K in the press

IT MIGHT not have had the same worldwide publicity as the London Marathon, but Sunday’s inaugural Balfron 10k was just as much a winner with competitors and spectators.

Almost 600 runners of all ages took part in the race – one which is already in planning to become an annual event.

One of the organisers, Lois Gerrard, said there had been a “fantastic response from the Balfron community”.

She added: “We’re so pleased that people came out to take part or watch and going by comments on our website, lots of people want to see it become an annual event.

“That’s something which is likely to happen.”

The 10k, which had Balfron Co-op as its main sponsor, was organised to raise cash for Balfron Primary School. And the children themselves joined in by taking part in a fun run.

Commonwealth Games swimming medallist Craig Houston started the race while BBC sports presenter Rhona McLeod and Provost Colin O’Brien handed out prizes.

Results: Men’s: 1 Alastair Morrison (Dumbarton AAC) 33:32; 2 Robert Paterson (Greenock Glenpark) 35:07; 3 Piero Moraro (unaffiliated) 35:13.

Women’s: 1 Alison Docherty (unaffiliated) 39:23; 2 Melanie Douglas (Clydesdale Harriers) 40:22; 3 Michelle Hetherington (Helensburgh AC) 41.06.

Junior Men: Jorge Chacon-Clark (Kilbarchan AAC) 35:25; Junior Women: Naomi Georgeson (unaffiliated) 51:21.

V40 Men: Benny McLaughlin (Ron Hill Cambuslang) 35:52; V40 Women: Michelle Hetherington (Helensburgh AC) 41:06.

V50 Men: Paul Thompson (Helensburgh AAC) 36:17; V50 Women: Morna Fleming (Carnegie Harriers) 49:06.

Stirling Observer