Half-marathon proves winner for all athletes

Jun 3 2009 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

ROBERT GILROY turned in an impressive performance to register back-to-back Monklands half-marathon victories.

The Ronhill Cambuslang runner stormed to success by completing the course in a time of one hour 14 minutes four seconds to retain last year’s title.

Once again the half-marathon was voted a great success by the organisers as well as all the runners taking part.

Gilroy finished over seven minutes ahead of Calderglen Harries ace Andy Buchanan, with Casey Morgan from Shettleston Harriers clinching third position.

Nicola May was the first female home in a time of 1:32.56 and followed in by Aileen McKenna in second place and Frances Brannan in third spot.

Over 130 competitors put their best foot forward in the half-marathon event on a bright, sunny morning at Drumpellier Country Park.

As well as the main race, more than 70 people took part in North Lanarkshire Leisure’s 5K with James Gallacher and Valerie McCutcheon the first male and female across the line in times of 19 minutes 16 seconds and 23 minutes 44 seconds respectively.

The 1K funs again proved to be popular with over 150 children from primaries five, six and seven displaying their athletics abilities out on the course.

Jim Robertson, chairman of Monklands Sports Council, said: “I am delighted with the excellent turnout across the three events.

“I also wish to extend a big thanks to all of the volunteers who support this annual event and I look forward to it growing year on year.”

Sports Council officer, Jim Moffat, added: “North Lanarkshire Leisure are proud to support this event which demonstrates support across the board from the private, public and voluntary sector.

“Thanks are extended to members clubs of Monklands Sports Council, St Andrew’s Ambulance Association and the 2nd Coatbridge Scout Group who all provided invaluable volunteer support with stewarding of the course and the vital water stations.”

The event’s principal sponsors were Bell Group UK, The Time Capsule, and NHS Lanarkshire’s Airdrie Locality. Fresh fruit was provided by Forsyth Produce Direct.

Leading results from the main races were as follows:

Half-marathon, first three male finishers: 1st, Robert Gilroy 1:14.04; 2nd, Andy Buchanan 1:21.14; 3rd, Casey Morgan 1:22.06.

First three female finishers: 1st, Nicola May 1:32.56; 2nd, Aileen McKenna 1:42.12; 3rd, Frances Brannan 1:44.20.

5K, First three male finishers: 1st, James Gallacher 19.16; 2nd, David Ewart 20.31; 3rd, Miller Barbour 21.19.

First three female finishers: 1st, Valerie McCutcheon 23.44; 2nd, Elaine Greenan 24.40; 3rd, Victoria Edgar 25.41.