Over 1200 runners celebrated the return of the Alloa Half Marathon on Sunday morning.

The 38th edition of the event – the first in person event since the pandemic – saw the road race return to its former start and finish in Lornshill, a change that seems to have been met with universal approval by those who took part.

The much loved/hated ‘character building’ hill at 11 miles remains a feature of the fast, scenic course along the foot of the Ochil Hills.  

Event Organisers Alloa Round Table hailed the success of the race, thanked the runners, volunteers, helpers and members of the public for their hard work and patience. 

Funds raised by the event go to supporting local charities, community groups and activities. 

Stirling based Ex-Forces runners Sgt Maj Bob Hamilton returned to the 2022 race, running it with a full weight pack to raise funds for charity.

Sharon McCafferty, whose charity ‘Love in Box Clackmannanshire’ provides Christmas gifts to children who would otherwise go without, said on social media that she was ‘extremely grateful’ for the efforts of the organisers in raising funds for groups like them.

First across the line was Central AC’s Josh Wood (1.11.08), followed just seconds later by Fife’s Ryan Lafferty (1.11.19) and Andrew Rolland (1.11.24).

Central AC claimed the top spots in the ladies’ race too, with Jennifer Wetton crossing the line first (1.19.01), over four minutes clear of her clubmate Catriona Buchanan (1.23.35). Edinburgh’s Catriona Probert finished third. (1.25.28).

Whether the new route will generate records as quick as the last ones – 1.04.51 for men (Tsegezab Woldemichael) and 1.13.19 for women (Sandra Branney) – remains to be seen.

Full results of the Alloa Half Marathon are available via the runABC Scotland race listing page.. 

Image: Alloa Half Marathon 2019 (facebook)