West of Scotland

Running clubs In the West of Scotland (North)

Bellahouston Roadrunners

Bellahouston Roadrunners was one of a handful of clubs who led a revolution in Scotland in the noughties with an inclusive and fun approach to club running. But where is the club today?

When did it all begin? We started life in 2000, a new club for a new millennium. BRR was founded by Jimmy Irvine, after whom we’ve named our November10k. It’s a fast flat race that sells out quickly – 650 runners of all abilities took part last year. Jimmy even blows the airhorn to start the race!

You were soon one of the biggest clubs in the country? Within a few years we boasted around 200 members, and ever since we have enjoyed lots of success at big and small events around Scotland. The purple vests are easy to spot!

So you focus on road running? Most of our training is road based, two evenings per week - Mondays and Wednesdays. Sessions are planned and led by our qualified coaches, and include everything from long steady runs to hill circuits, fartlek, trairuns and track nights. We’re very lucky to be based at Bellahouston Ski club; we have the club house as a meeting point and fantastic car-free Bellahouston and Pollok Country parks on our door step.

And where does all this training lead? Ours is an enthusiastic approach to racing, with individuals and teams taking part all over Scotland, from 5ks to ultras. We’ve had great team performances at the Scottish National Road Relay Championships, the Great Scottish Run, the Scottish Marathon Championships, and both female and male Bellas are regularly on podiums at races around the country. However we also have a very encouraging and supportive attitude to anyone new to racing. The club championship, our own handicap racing challenge, encourages members to enter races of varying distances across the season.

So Bella is just for road runners? Not true! We have a very active hill running membership, (we won bronze at the Devil’s Burden’s this year), plus we host the Ben Venue Challenge. One of our members, Matt Williamson, was part of the gold medal winning UK team at the World Trai Running championships in Wales this year, Grant MacDonald holds the course record for the ‘Glenmore 24’, and Romy Beard was first lady at the Corrieyairick Challenge in July 2013.

Famous deeds? This year Bella runner Bruce Carse came first in the Jeju Island 10K in South Korea, and purple vests can be seen running races of all types around the globe: from the Transalp and Salomon 4trails multi-day events, and from New Zealand to the Great WalMarathon in China. Peter Gallanagh, even completed the Marathon des Sables.

Sounds serious! Not all the time; we have an exciting sociacalendar. This year alone we’ve had a summer sports festival (snappily titled ‘B in the Park’), a visit to a brewery where we brewed (and drank!) Bella Beer, plus there’s an upcoming club visit to the new Chris Hoy Velodrome – Bellas on bikes! Plus we have a healthy approach to regular calorie replacement in curry houses across the city.

Famous members? Broadcaster Bryan Burnett, host of BBC Radio Scotland’s Get it On, is a founder member, Richard Leyton, who brought ‘parkrun’ to Glasgow and world record holder (fastest father/son marathon) Russell Whittington.

Tell us about your club races? The 5k/10k double header on Sunday 1 September and the Jimmy Irvine 10K on Saturday 9 November both follow fast, flat courses, ideal for both novice racers and seasoned PB hunters. With the Bella Gazebo pumping out great tunes, live race commentary, home baking and fresh coffee, we put a lot of effort into both the organisation and the atmosphere - www.entrycentral.com/bella10k5k

Final Words? We think we have a great approach to running at Bella. We have a lively, energetic membership that trains hard and aims high, but is warm and welcoming to new members. If you are looking for a fun and friendly place to improve, come and join us!

Clubs in the West of Scotland (North)

Running clubs In the West of Scotland (South)

At A Glance Troon Tortoises

Who are Troon Tortoises? We’re a Troon based running club formed in 1976 who don’t take ourselves too seriously. We’re not an elitist club, we’re very inclusive! We were nominated for the Provost Sloan Trophy, club of the year for inclusion in sport last year. I’m completely blind so one of the big things the club does is give help to those with no experience in guide running.

Where and when do you meet? Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7pm at Marr College.

How many members? There are around 50. We have all ages but there’s a big group of older runners who have produced some great results. George McGregor, for example, was first in the over-65 category at the Great Scottish Run Half Marathon last year. We work in conjunction with Monkton Milers, assisting them with people getting started jogging. Many of those joggers go on to develop the confidence to move on to running competently and end up joining our club.

Famous past members? Among the founders was Ian Whittle, the father of Brian. Other successful athletes who started their careers with the Tortoises were Hazel Melvin who at one stage was top ranked high jumper in her age group in Britain, Marsella Robertson who was a Commonwealth Games finalist in the 1500m and Vicki MacPherson who came second in the World Student Cross Country Championships and first in the Scottish Cross Country Championships.

Associated with other clubs? Yes, there’s a lot of cross-pollination with other clubs. There’s the Troon Coastal Rowing Club which some of our members have ended up getting involved in and their members have come to our running club. The local triathlon club is also one we’re involved with; one of the triathlon members passed away and we organised a memorial race for him in February.

Social aspect? There’s a really strong social element to the club. We always have a Christmas night out. A group of 12 of us went up in a mini-bus for the Great Scottish Run this year then afterwards went for a meal and drinks. We’ll also do things like go for targeted runs but with the emphasis on socialising. We have a slightly quirky sense of humour but we’re a fun bunch!

Club events? We organise the Troon Tortoise 10K which is the biggest midweek 10k in Scotland. 7 May is the 2014 date. There’s always a big demand for it. We opened entries in January this year and places sold out by February.

Which races do club members take part in? Too many to mention! We’re always keen to support local races but our members also go running all over the world. Ayr Turkey Trot on Boxing Day is popular as is the Harriers vs Cyclists which is an obstacle race with runners and cyclists competing against each other. Virgin London Marathon is a big one for us too. Personally I’m a fan of ultras. One of my favourite races is the D33 near Aberdeen. I just love the camaraderie of ultra running. Everyone helps each other along and it’s a very relaxed environment.

Any notable current members? Yes there are lots. Ann Noble is one of my guide runners and she’s been brilliant. She does a lot of ultras and was first lady for her age group at the Niagara Falls Marathon. There’s Mark Caldwell who was second in The Spire, a race in Spain. He led throughout but was pipped at the post!

What about women runners? We have had an issue in the past with women joining the club but not taking part in any events - that’s changing though. We had six runners at the Great Scottish Run Half Marathon this year and for members Yvonne Feggans and Clare Bain, it was their first half marathon!

Anything else? I’d like to give a special mention our club secretary John McKinlay who recently completed his 70th marathon in his 70th year. He is critically ill right now so everyone at the club is thinking of him and wishing him the best.

For more information visit the club website

Clubs

Inverclyde

• Greenock Glenpark Harriers
• Inverclyde AC

Renfrewshire

• Kilbarchan Amateur AC

East Renfrewshire

• Giffnock North AAC

East Ayrshire

• Kilmarnock H & AC

North Ayrshire

• Arran Runners
• Beith Harriers
• Irvine AC
• North Ayrshire AC

South Ayrshire

• Ayr Seaforth AAC
• Ayrodynamic Triathlon Club
• Girvan AAC
• Troon Tortoises AC

South Lanarkshire

• Calderglen Harriers
• clyderunners
• East Kilbride AC
• Hamilton Harriers
• Larkhall YMCA Harriers
• Law & District AAC
• Ronhill Cambuslang Harriers
• Strathaven Striders
• Whitemoss AAC

North Lanarkshire

• Airdrie Harriers
• Cumbernauld AAC
• Motherwell AC

Running Services in the West of Scotland (South)

Physiotherapy

• Optimal Physio, Newton Mearns, Glasgow
• Ace Physiotherapy, Motherwell
• Ace Physiotherapy, East Kilbride
• David Steele Physiotherapy, Motherwell

Please contact us and we will include details of your service

Nutrition Advice

Please contact us and we will include details of your service

Personal Training

Please contact us and we will include details of your service

Podiatry

Please contact us and we will include details of your service

Sports Massage

• Frank Seegar Massage Therapy, Glasgow

Running groups in the West of Scotland (South)

Group Focus On jogscotland Biggar

Given his surname, it’s fitting that Nigel Pacey has become so involved in running. The jogleader spoke to us about his jogscotland Biggar group in South Lanarkshire and how a trip up a mountain piqued his interest in the sport.

“The group started about four years ago. I was already running regularly and decided to try and get a group together so I could go running with other people. Biggar isn’t a huge place but there’s a decent running scene here. A few people showed an interest and it just evolved from there. We’re a relatively small group but we welcome new members.”

Originally from Northampton, Nigel’s love of running began in his adopted home country. “I ran a race up a Munro about 25 years ago and finished at the back. I really enjoyed it but vowed I’d never finish last in a race again, that’s when I began to take the sport more seriously.”

Though the group is inclusive, the level of running at the group is quite high, as Nigel admits: “I’d say our members all run at a reasonable level. Everyone can comfortably run a 10K so I suppose compared to some other jogscotland groups we’re a bit more serious.”

So should novice runners look elsewhere if they’re wanting to join a group? “No I wouldn’t say that. We’re very welcoming so long as people are willing to do some work on their own. We meet up once a week but the rest of the week we expect our members to run on their own. If you want to go from running hardly ever to doing 10ks you need to put in the hours. If you’re willing to do that, we’re happy to have you run with us.”

Another feature that strikes you about the group is its association with Biggar Rugby Club. When you think of runners, bulky fly-halfs don’t immediately spring to mind…

“My rugby days ended when I left school. I have a runner’s body not a rugby player’s. The link is that I’m a committee member at the club so we use the club’s training ground as our base and make use of their facilities. I do coach rugby at junior level, but you won’t see me in the middle of a scrum any time soon.”

Given this link, you may be forgiven for thinking it’s a male-orientated group but Nigel is quick to dismiss this suggestion. “We’re quite mixed. We have some very strong female runners. In fact two members who have improved the most are Babs Muir and Jo McSween. They said they’d never run up a hill when they started but now they’re comfortably running 10k and heading out on trail runs. It’s great to watch people progress like that.”

Nigel realises that rising early at the weekend to go running isn’t everyone’s idea of fun. “We go out on Sundays at 9.15am, which may put some people off. We don’t really have a set route. So sometimes it’ll be flat, sometimes it’ll be hilly. We’ve become more adventurous recently and have started doing more trails and off-road routes.”

This adventurous spirit was evident when the group travelled down to the Lake District for the Coniston Trail Race 15K earlier this year. They also take part in events closer to home. “We like to do the local Biggar 10K each year which is part of the gala celebrations. About 40 runners take part each year. It’s not the most competitive race but there’s a great community spirit. “Last year, we organised an event for the Sport Relief Mile. It was a great success, raising just under £5000 and we’ve been asked to do it again this year.”

Reflecting on the value of running, Nigel highlights an often overlooked benefit - relaxation. “For me running has added a great deal to my life. Some folk may say it’s tough work but I find it relaxing. If you’ve had a stressful morning it’s great to go for a run to help you forget your problems and unwind.”

For anyone interested in joining jogscotland Biggar, email Nigel at nigel.pacey@awg.com

jogscotland groups in the West of Scotland (South)

Inverclyde

• Greenock (The Esplanade)
• Greenock Sports Centre
• Greenock (South Street)
• Inverkip (Marina Car Park)

Renfrewshire

• Jogging Buddies (Elderslie, Erskine, Linwood, Paisley)
• Elderslie
• Erskine
• Gleniffer High School
• Houston
• Linwood
• Lochwinnoch
• Paisley Buggy Buddies (Barshaw Park and Braehead)
• Paisley Reid Kerr College (various days)
• Paisley (Lagoon Centre)
• Penilee Mums on the Run (Penilee Community Centre)
• Ralston
• Renfrew Leisure Centre

East Renfrewshire

• Barrhead Sports Centre
• Canicross
• Captain Archie’s Hound Runners
• Giffnock, Greens Health and Fitness
• Joggy Doggies
• Neilston Leisure Centre
• Rouken Glen Park
• Whitelee Windfarm, Canicross

East Ayrshire

• Craufurdland Fishery Muddy Run
• Cumnock (Broomfield Running Track)
• Dunlop After School Jog Scotties (Dunlop PS)
• Dunlop (Village Hall)
• Fenwick Church Hall Car Park
• Killie Striders, Kilmarnock
• Kilmarnock, Howard Park (various days)
• Mums on the Run
• Ochiltree
• Stewarton (Standalane Centre)
• Sunrise Joggers
• Sunset Joggers (various days)

North Ayrshire

• Eglinton Country Park
• Kilwinning
• Knee High
• Radio City Kilbirnie
• Ron’s Runners
• Run Arran (advanced and intermediate)
• Run West Kilbride
• Saltcoats (St Matthew’s Academy Ath. Track)

South Ayrshire

• Alloway
• Ayr, Cromwell Road
• Ayr, Callaghans Exercise and Therapy Studio
• Ayr, Rozelle Park
• Ayr, South Beach Road
• Claudhoppers
• Monkton Milers
• Prestwick (Whinfield Place)
• Prestwick (Caelaverock Road)

South Lanarkshire

• Biggar
• Blantyre
• Cambuslang
• Carluke
• Chatelherault Country Park Canicross
• DB12Run
• East Kilbridge Fit4Less
• East Kilbride Village
• Greenhills, East Kilbride
• Hamilton (Palace Sports Ground)
• Hamilton Parents Group (Palace Sports Ground)
• Hamilton (Bell College)
• Stonehouse (Stonehouse running track)
• Lanark (Lanark Lifestyles)
• Rutherglen (Overtoun Park)
• Rutherglen (Dukes Road)
• St Brides, Cambuslang
• Strathclyde Park
• Strathclyde Park/Chatelherault Park Canicross
• Uddingston Parents Group (Uddingston Grammar)

North Lanarkshire

• Airdrie (Airdrie Leisure Centre)
• Arran Active Buggies
• Arran War Memorial Hospital
• Bellshill Penguins (Livingwell Gym)
• Calderbank
• Chryston (Iain Nicolson Centre)
• Cumbernauld (Broadwood Leisure Centre)
• Cumbernauld (Cumbernauld High School)
• Ravenscraig (Regional Sports Facility)
• Strathclyde Park (Beginner-Intermediate)
• Strathclyde Park (Intermediate-Development)
• Strathclyde Park (Bothwellhaugh Football Park)
• Wishaw

Independent Groups

• Good2run - Prolife Fitness Centre, Paisley

For more details of jogscotland groups visit their website

Leisure Facilities in the West of Scotland (North)

Nethercraigs Leisure Centre

• Where Nethercraigs Leisure Centre, 355 Corkerhill Road, Glasgow G52 1RR
• When Mon, Wed & Thurs: 09:00-21:00, Tues & Frid: 14:00-21:00, Sat & Sun: 09:00 - 17:00
• Contact 0141 287 3436

Opened by Sir Alex Ferguson in 2005, the Nethercraigs Sports Complex is Glasgow Club’s 18th centre, just a few yards from Corkerhill Railway Station near Bellahouston Park and Cardonald College.

The £3.4 million complex has a 400m athletics track as well as grass and synthetic football pitches and a fitness suite with state-of-the-art gym equipment and a purpose-built dance studio. There are also areas for various athletics activities including shot put and high jump. The track is available to members of the public and running groups.

Leisure Facilities in the West of Scotland (South)

Ayrshire Athletics Arena

• Where: Queen’s Drive, Kilmarnock, Ayrshire KA1 3XF
• When: Open 7 days, various times
• Contact: 01563 555227 Email Website

A hub of sporting activity, Ayrshire Athletics Arena caters for athletics, rugby, football judo, gymnastics and cricket. The arena boasts a UK Athletics Class A outdoor athletics facility with Mondo surface eight-lane track and a six-lane 63m indoor training area with a strength and conditioning area.

Local group Kilmarnock Harriers train at the centre and it is open to sports clubs, schools and community groups.