Polaroid Eyewear team – Elaine Morrison, Ian Stanley, Paul Sheerin, Anne-Marie Dullaghan, Paul McKay, Gerry McColl, Gijs Vanleeuwen, Phyllis Tsai, Marco Giordano, Helen Connolly, Sean Cargill (also running not pictured Andy Warnock)
The final event in the Silver Anniversary Polaroid Eyewear 10K Series was the Sunday ‘Festival of Running’ once again hosted by the fantastic location of Loch Lomond Shores. Over 600 hundred primary and pre-school runners, 150 5k runners including those representing their secondary schools in the new senior schools 5K competition, plus a record 1220 entrants for the Vale of Leven 10k.
The flagship race as always was the final 10k of the Series – and there were a few additions which proved popular with the running group. Firstly, we had four pipers arranged by Polaroid Security Officer Jim Priestly and including his son Euan and his friends. The sound of the pipes at the start, half way and especially the finish fairly lifted the spirits of the runners and was a very welcome addition. Secondly, the course was altered from recent years to take the runners back along the cycle path alongside the River Leven – and comments from participants would indicate this is a change that is set to stay.
At the front of the pack Tewoldeberhan Mengisteab ran a blistering 29:57 – and for only the 9th time in the series history had the 30 minute barrier been broken. Shettleston Harriers took 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 6th places.
Fiona Matheson of Falkirk Victoria running club took 1st Female place in a time of 35:28, and running on her birthday again, Alison Docherty took 2nd Female place.
David Kennedy receives a recognition of his 25 years as race director from Polaroid Eyewear MD Paul Sheerin.
The final event of the day was a little more relaxed – a barbeque and family fun day on the shores of Loch Lomond for some 700 Polaroid employees and families plus invited guests. The last presentation was one of real significance. After 25 years as Race Director, David Kennedy had announced his intent to stand down and move to help from the sidelines rather than centre stage. David has been the inspiration and striving force for the series for all this time, and literally thousands of runners have enjoyed their Thursday evening and Sunday Vale 10k’s as a result of his vision and dedication. He leaves some big boots to fill, but the Series deserves them to be filled, it just might take a few more of us.
Thanks to all who sponsored, volunteered, assisted, ran and made this anniversary to remember – see you next year.
- Polaroid Eyewear team – Elaine Morrison, Ian Stanley, Paul Sheerin, Anne-Marie Dullaghan, Paul McKay, Gerry McColl, Gijs Vanleeuwen, Phyllis Tsai, Marco Giordano, Helen Connolly, Sean Cargill (also running not pictured Andy Warnock)
- Fun run warm up session with ‘Sketch.’
- School’s Fun Run – a determined finish!
- Heading to Balloch Country Park in the Vale 10k.
- 6th placed Michael Deason shakes hands with his Shettleston Harriers club mate.
- Last runner piped in to close the days event.
- David Kennedy receives a recognition of his 25 years as race director from Polaroid Eyewear MD Paul Sheerin.
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