Cumbernauld 10k touches tape in first

When it comes to running 10-kilometre races, Cumbernauld is the best in Scotland.
Members of North Lanarkshire Council and the NL Leisure team celebrate the award.Members of North Lanarkshire Council and the NL Leisure team celebrate the award.
Members of North Lanarkshire Council and the NL Leisure team celebrate the award.

The event saw off stiff competition from 21 others to be named Scotland’s 10k of the year at the 2018 National Running Awards.

The race was created in 2007 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Cumbernauld becoming a town. The inaugural event attracted 387 runners and was won by David Simpson in a time of 32:24, with Shawna Eadie finishing top female in a time of 42:50.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Douglas Holmes, race organiser with North Lanarkshire Leisure, said: “In 2017, the number of entrants passed the 1,000-mark for the first time and its popularity led to it making the long list at the National Running Awards for the 10k of the Year in Scotland.

“After being named Scotland’s 10k of the year, we were then shortlisted among the final 12 regional winners across the UK for the national 10k of the year title. The event was named as the bronze prize winner at a ceremony in the O2 arena in London.”

Five-time race winner Robert Gilroy, from Hamilton, said: “The Cumbernauld 10k is an outstanding event and has really grown over the years to become a highlight of the athletics season. It offers something for all levels, from top-flight serious runners to people taking part in their first event.”

The route, which starts and finishes at Broadwood Stadium, passes the famous Barr’s Irn-Bru factory, with the Campsies providing a scenic backdrop. The final section runs alongside Broadwood Loch.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Recent developments include the introduction of children’s events, which started as a 1k for the P5 to P7 year groups, but has now been extended to include younger children in a 400m event. There’s also a toddler dash and a 3k event for high school children (S1-S4). In 2014, the Victory mile was introduced to encourage the participation of families who are affected by spina bifida or hydrocephalus.

Councillor Jim Logue, leader of North Lanarkshire Council, said: “The success of the Cumbernauld 10k has been built on a strong delivery team led by North Lanarkshire Leisure and supported by teams throughout the council, Police Scotland, NHS Lanarkshire, Campsies Centre and Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland (SBHS). The forward-thinking of this group has allowed the event to grow and to add additional elements in order to make it fully inclusive and accessible to everyone.”

This year’s event take place on Sunday, September 16.

Related topics: