Runners rewrite record book

The ultramarathon at this year’s Run the Blades event in Eaglesham was won in a record time.

Nikki Johnstone broke the existing time for the 50k discipline by more than 16 minutes.

And it was part of a much-wider record-breaking weekend at the event, despite the challenging weather.

One of Scotland’s biggest trail runs, the unique event exclusively takes in the undulating terrain of the UK’s largest onshore wind farm, Whitelee Wind Farm, at Eaglesham.

More than 1600 athletes of all levels took part over the weekend, with the 10k, half marathon and 50k ultramarathon races offering some great competition.

A new course record was also set for the 10k, with Cris Walsh’s 2016 time for the half marathon the only one to still remain after a great weekend’s racing.

The men’s 10k was won by Miguel Delgado Sillero in a time of 35m 15s. He was closely followed by Scott Masterton in second in 36m 29s, and Victor McGregor in third with a time of 38m 9s.

Julie Beveridge of Calderglen Harriers came home in 41m 41s, beating Hailey Marshall by more than four minutes, and Susanne Lumsden who came in with a time of 46m 31s.

The half marathon was won by Martin Gore in a time of 1h 22m 14, followed by Alan Moss in 1h 26m 31s, and Fraser Dickson in 1h 26m 57s.

Freya Ross posted a great time of 1h 24m 2s, followed by Keira Gore in second with 1h 30m 3s – Jill Smylie was third in 1h 30m 12s.

Nikki Johnstone was first over the line in the 50k race in a time of 3h 13m 52s, 40 minutes ahead of Marc Bromwich in second who was just over three minutes faster than Owen Williams’ time of 3h 57m 2s.

Toni McIntosh took first spot in the ladies’ discipline in a time of 3h 55m 26s, Ally Lantz was second with 4h 36m 51s, Michelle Young coming home in third in 4h 48m 21s.

And following the summer sizzler, organisers are now looking ahead to their night run event at Whitelee Windfarm on October 18.

To find out more about all the disciplines and to take part, head to www.breakingstrain.co.uk/runthe-blades/ where you can also register for the 2020 event from September 9.