Returning race is a record breaker
Balfron’s popular 10k race made a triumphant return at the weekend with runners delighted to be back on the start line again.
And it proved to be a memorable day with 16-year-old Balfron running star Connor Bell breaking the course record to claim the men’s crown.
The coronavirus pandemic meant there was no Mulberry Bush Montessori Balfron 10k in 2020 and 2021 and organisers were delighted to see more than 200 runners return in 2022 to challenge themselves on the scenic course.
The honour of starting Sunday’s race was given to 91-year-old Balfron resident and former top swimming coach Mary Black.
Sprightly Mary, resplendent in her Olympic cap and British Swimming coaching jacket, was instrumental in the development of artistic and synchronised swimming in the UK as well as being a Commonwealth Games national coach and an Olympic official.
First home in the men’s race was Balfron High School student Connor in a time of 31:53, followed by Gregor Yates (32:38) and Blayne Wright (34:40). First woman over the finish line was also a Balfron High student, Valencia Wright in 38:15, followed by Edel Mooney (40:14) and Ruth Frasermoodie (41:27).
The race featured a healthy contingent of club runners including representatives from Perth and Edinburgh as well as 10k first-timers and Balfron 10k veterans.
The popular race which prides itself on its eco-friendly credentials provided finishers with reuseable Scottish Water bottles, running buff and a wooden medal.
Sports retailer and 10k partner Decathlon brought along sports equipment for youngsters who enjoyed trying out archery and badminton. Decathlon Braehead store manager Ryan Wood said: “We’re delighted to be part of this community event involving local people. We want everyone to lead an active lifestyle in a sustainable way and being here helps spread that message.”
A Mulberry Bush Montessori Balfron 10k spokesman added: “We are absolutely delighted to have our race back on the running calendar after the enforced Covid break and once again be able to showcase our wonderful scenery to runners and visitors.
“We’d like to thank everyone involved in helping us put on this event, especially our longtime main sponsor Mulberry Bush Montessori who continue to invest in our green ambitions; our hard-working volunteers and marshals, those who came out to cheer today, and most importantly our runners.”