Five Bellas lined up for the inaugural Paisley HM on Sunday 22nd March 2026. A route from the centre of town, out past Ferguslie to Linwood, then a loop round towards Elderslie before heading back to finish in town again. Very well done to Kenny Osborne (1:14:53, 5th, 2nd MV40), Rhona Fraser (1:31:16, 5th lady, 1st FV45), Sandy Macdonald (1:34:28), Mandy Morgan (2:00:40) & Pauline Bradley (2:13:29).
Monthly archives: March 2026
9 posts
Our members travel far and wide, whether that’s living abroad, visiting home or just short breaks with some races thrown in! On Saturday 21st March, on the Gold Coast, Australia, the unstoppable Poppy Bowie ran the T100 10k event and smashed her PB to register 39:58. Not too shabby in the midst of training for the Gold Coast Marathon later this year. On the same day, in cape Town, South Africa, the equally unstoppable Oscar Coetzee took part in the Tyger 15k race, almost straight off the plane from Amsterdam. And he didn’t hang about, finishing in 54:23 for 9th place, 3rd Male Vet! On Sunday 22nd, it was Bièn Hecho to Ross Wood (1:36:19 PB) & Lauren Rice (1:49:29) who ran the tough Madrid Half Marathon. Great running by both with Ross smashing his PB and Lauren getting back to fitness after recent injury.
It was the 42nd Alloa Half Marathon on Sunday 22nd March 2026. Another big event, with around 2,300 runners involved, including 35 Bellas, tackling one of our ‘long’ club championship races. This year the committee organised and funded a coach to ferry 30 of our members to/from the event. Thanks to Abbey Coaches for getting us all there and back safely. As always, it was a very well organised event, with an early start at 0900hrs from Lornshill Acadamey. This is a great local facility with access to a big running track, facilities to escape the cold, toilets and the gym hall to store gear. The weather was pretty good, cool, overcast and a light breeze to start with, although a stiff headwind picked up coming along the long stretch that runs parallel to the Ochil Hills. The route ran from the school, turning sharp left onto the main road into Alloa itself, with a loop around the houses before heading north on an undulating section to Sauchie, Fishcross then Tillicoultry. From there, it’s a left turn onto that long stretch right through Tillicoultry to Alva, with those magnificent Ochils to the left the whole way. With a great view of Dumayat, it’s then a sharp left again onto the flat section prior to the Menstrie Brae climb. Hitting this at 11.5 miles is tough. It has been vicariously described as ‘Heartbreak Hill’ and ‘Life Affirming’ even making you question your life choices. But once at the top, there is some short-lived relief realising there’s just over a mile to go! Short-lived however, as its a tough wee climb through Tuiilbody back to the school and a great welcome back! Again, as always, there was brilliant support all the way around, and the volunteers involved did a great job. Our Bellas registered lots of amazing PBs and Course Bests this year. Our top 3s were (M) Ross Horgan (1:13:23, 11th), Bryan Kerr (1:13:49, 15th, PB), Paul McNairn (1:14:47, 2nd MV40) (F) Cara Thom (1:32:46), Veronica Fusaro (1:33:02 PB), Claire Wharton (1:34:21, 3rd FV50). Over and above we had Bruce Carmichael (1:17:36 1st MV50), Colin Hughes (1:26:56 2nd MV60), Al MacLachlan (1:32:47 3rd MV60) & Shirley Wieland (1:51:42 3rd FV60). Full results are at the link below. https://live.sportsystems.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=20246&RId=12296 Well done everyone, and thanks to the organisers, officials, volunteers, emergency services and of course the supporters.
Up in the Highlands on Sunday 8th March, it was the 2026 Inverness Half Marathon. This is a fantastic event that had over 5,000 runners this year, including the 5k participants. The weather was fine, with some decent spring sunshine. It’s a lovely scenic but tough course, as are almost all HMs!! We had four Bellas running this year. Our first past the post was the amazing Oscar Coetzee in 1:12:58, taking first MV40 position. Bryan Mulgrew ran a fantastic 1:15:09, his second fastest HM, as he sharpens up for the West Highland Way Race this summer. Angus Gray was just behind Bryan in 1:15:46, only a minute or so away from a PB. Claire Galloway was our sole Bella lady and ran a brilliant 1:57:47. Well done everyone!
On Sunday 8th March, it was the Springburn Harriers Jack Crawford 10k. It was a lovely morning for it on the route from Bishopbriggs, along the Forth & Clyde Canal. A great flat race for testing the winter training pace! We had great efforts by David Jarrett (34:52 PB ), Bruce Carmichael (35:06, 1st MV50), Cathy Wood (40:42 PB), Al MacLachlan (41:45, 2nd MV60), Dave Ferguson (42:01), Veronica Fusaro (42:53, 1st FV40, PB), Murdoch Rodgers (58:38, 1st MV70), Carla Telfer (1:08:01). A great event as always, so thankyou Springburn Harriers!
It was the 50k John Muir Ultra on Saturday 7th March, from Port Seton to Dunbar on the east coast. It was a perfect day for it, with some lovely spring sunshine, but given the wet weather of late, there were some tricky wet sections. especially on the second half of the route. Nevertheless, there was amazing running, pacing and endurance by our two Bella participants, Simon Wells (4:24:16, 50k PB) & Emma McCahill (4:41:53, 4th lady, 1st FSnr). Very well done you two, now get the feet up!
On Wednesday 3rd March, we had our now annual run to the Glasgow South East Foodbank. Our members collectively gathered over 120kg of groceries which we conveyed along to Dixon Road. Several monetary donations were also made by some members who couldn’t make it on the night. The staff at the foodbank do an amazing job supporting the local community, and it’s a pleasure to be able to help in even a small way.
On Sunday 1st March, Kenny Osborne ran an amazing PB of 2:40:58 to win the Meadows Marathon in Edinburgh! This was a tough race consisting of 18 laps of The Meadows. A mental, as well as a physical challenge for Kenny, who produced such a strong performance.
The Shettleston Harriers 55th Allan Scally 5k Relays took place on Saturday 28th February, at Glasgow Green. It’s always a brilliant event and this year saw 338 teams of four runners participate, so c.1,350 runners! The conditions were perfect too, dry, bright and only a light breeze. There was a slight course change to negotiate due to works at the boathouse, but this didn’t detract from the event. We had 10 teams run, with our FV40 ladies (Claire Wharton, Ann Robin, Sarah McSharry, Jane McNeilly) winning in their category! Our MV40 mens team were third in their class, and 13 of our members scored amazing PBs. Thanks to all who took part, the organisers, officials, David McNulty Race Photography and Protay Timing. Full results at https://protay.co.uk/asr2026/results.php