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).
Daily archives: March 24, 2026
3 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.