A runaway success story for Cumbernauld

The Cumbernauld 10K celebrated its sixth year with the highest number of entries for the race which took place on Sunday – a total of 672 compared to 557 last year. And with the children lining up for the 1K and 3K runs, over 1,000 people took part in the day.

Crossing the line in first place was Andrew Dearie, right, from Shettleston Athletics Club in a time of 32 minutes 10 seconds, with Robert Gilroy from Ronhill Cambuslang Harriers in second place and Martin Hayes from Victoria Park Club coming home third.

In the women’s race, Shona Aiken, left, from Central Athletics Club crossed the line first in 40 minutes 30 seconds. Runner-up was Angela Park from Perth Road Runners and third place went to Ruth Fraser-Moodie from Lenzie.

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For the first time, supporters of the event’s charity partners, the Scottish Spina Bifida Association and the Scottish Centre for Children with Motor Impairments took part in the Victory Mile.

Around 40 young people affected by spina bifida, hydrocephalus and cerebral palsy along with their friends and family completed the walk in and around Broadwood Stadium. They were also joined by members of the Watch Us Grow group, based at Palacerigg Country Park, which helps people with disabilities and mental health problems to develop new skills, confidence and self esteem.

The participants were led by wheelchair racer and Paralympic torch bearer Meggan Dawson Farrell who holds all the Scottish records from 800 metres upwards, including the marathon which she broke on her first attempt at the distance last April. She will be competing in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014.

North Lanarkshire Provost Jim Robertson presented prizes to the winning runners and congratulated everyone involved on the success of the event: “Once again we have had a fantastic day in Cumbernauld with hundreds of runners turning taking part in the events. I’m very pleased to see the event continuing to grow every year, particularly as it is a great way of encouraging more children to get involved in sport.

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“I would like to congratulate everyone who took part in our first ever victory mile on their achievement. It is inspiring to see the young people overcoming their disabilities to complete the challenge, and I hope the event will expand next year to enable others to take part.”

Cumbernauld Councillors, Stephanie Muir and Allan Graham were among those who took part.

Stephanie said: “The day was hugely enjoyable and everyone who completed the 1K, 3K, 10K or victory mile should be immensely proud of themselves. Roll on next year!”

Allan added: I’ve taken part in many organised running events over the years, but to complete a race in my hometown and the area I represent was special.”

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North Lanarkshire Council organises the Cumbernauld 10K in partnership with North Lanarkshire Leisure Ltd, NHS Lanarkshire and Campsies Centre Cumbernauld Ltd with support from Strathmore Spring Water and the Cumbernauld News and Kilsyth Chronicle.

For a full list of the 10k and 3k results, go to www.winningtime.co.uk. Photos from the day will also be available on www.flickr.com/photos/northlanarkshire.