Glasgow University Road Race

GURR

Start of the 1964 Race

There are not many really classic road races where you can trace the origins and development of the event.  I exclude the ‘just add runners’ type of event where a trail is found, goody bags are produced, huge fees charged and an instant race is produced.  A few years down the line, the race is discontinued – it has served its commercial masters well but is no longer part of the corporate plan.   The term ‘classic’ is about more than numbers of participants.   There should be a history of involvement by all levels of club runners, they are not events for ‘fun runners’ and they should have had a significant place in the calendar with a consequent effect on the development of the sport.   The Glasgow University 5 as it is known has been a significant factor in Scottish athletics for over 50 years and, despite all the factors afflicting the sport in recent years,  is still a popular road race.   I will start by quoting from the history of the Glasgow University Hares and Hounds – a fascinating document compiled by Des Gilmore that gives an often amusing insight into more than the development of one club.   The first appearance of the event is in the Minute of the club AGM of 1963-64:

“The Secretary (John McColl) then addressed the meeting and mentioned how in November the Hares and Hounds had organised a highly successful Open Road Race from Westerlands over the Christmas Handicap trail.   The race was well attended by clubs in the West of Scotland and much of the credit for the race’s success was due to Dick Hartley.   He had provided maps of the course and printed circulars advertising the race.   It was intended to hold the race again next November.   Barclay Kennedy recalls that the race was the brainchild of Dick Hartley.   He perceived that there was a break in the cross country/road racing calendar before the Edinburgh to Glasgow Relay and this break was used by many clubs as a trial for the Relay.   Dick almost single-handedly persuaded these clubs to come along to Westerlands on that date and participate in a Road Race.   Willie Diverty was a bit sceptical of the idea but was eventually won round and provided great support.”

[Willie Diverty was a well known and respected official all over Scotland, pictured below with John Myatt left anf Gareth Bryan-Jones right.   He was a hard worker for the University with which he was associated for decades.]

From the Minute of the ’64-’65 AGM: “The University Road Race, now a popular open event, was again very successful with 75 competitors, about 50% higher than the first race held the previous year.”    The race was won by Hugh Barrow of Victoria Park AAC   26:20 (record); 2.   Henry Summerhill (Shettleston Harriers)   26:48;    3.   Jim Brennan (Maryhill Harriers)   27:08;   4.   Joe Reilly (VPAAC)   27:12;   5.  Ian Donald (Shettleston Harriers);   6.   Les Meneely (Shettleston Harriers)

GU Road Race: 1965: First page of results below

The report on the 1965 race was as follows: “This year the University Open Road Race had attracted 114 runners.   The event had been won by Lachie Stewart of Shettleston Harriers in a time of 21 min 25 sec.”   It was raised again further through the meeting: “Mr Diverty suggested that a team event be incorporated into the University Road Race but the meeting felt that, as a race for individuals, it was almost unique in Scotland, and therefore, since it was successful it shouldn’t be changed.”    In ’66-’67 the report read: “In the University Road Race, the Hares and Hounds managed to field 22 of its own runners.   A total of 110 entered, and amongst these was Lachie Stewart who again broke the existing record with a time of 25 min 16 sec.”   A year later it was reported that “ninety-eight had participated in the University Road Race which had been won by Lachie Stewart in 25 min 30 sec.”

In 1968-1969 it was simply reported that there had been 177 runners.   This in itself was remarkable – a road race with no entry fee, no prizes and no team aspect to it had gone from less than 40 entrants in 1963 to 177 five years later.   The fact that Lachie had found it important enough to do it three years in a row speaks volumes for the course, for its placing in the calendar and the prescience of the University in filling the niche.   I mention the ‘no entry fee, no prizes aspect of the race because there were a few such events around at the time – events where runners would participate because they got something from the event that was not material.   One club in England actually put on a 15 mile cross-country race ( muddy fields, ditches and fences included) on a no entry fee, no prize basis and they were astonished at how many athletes entered the race.    Later at the ’67-’68 meeting the following discussion is noted: “There was some discussion about whether an entry fee should be charged for the University Road Race and prizes awarded.   In a heated debate, Alan Irving voiced very firm opinions about the irrelevance of prizes in a race well-known for its informality and lack of red tape.   A vote resulted in a tie so it was moved to retain the status quo for the time being.”   The only comment the following year was that there had been 176 finishers in the event.   In 1970-’71“The University Road Race had attracted similar numbers to the previous year: 173 finished.   Fergus Murray of Edinburgh Southern Harriers had smashed Lachie Stewart’s course record of 25 min 16 sec set in 1966; he finished in 24:41.”   In 1971-’72, the report was that “There was a slight drop (to 156) in the numbers participating in the University Road Race, which had been won by P. Maclagan of Victoria Park Athletic Club in 25 min 05 sec.”

It was a slightly longer report in 1972-’73, “In the University Road Race there had been 146 starters.   The race had been won by Doug Gunstone in 25 min 21 sec.   His brother John was the first of the Hares and Hounds to finish: he was tenth in 26 min 09 sec.”    “Beginning his President’s Report, Jim Bogan said that funnels had been rendered unnecessary for the University Road Race because of a marvellous invention called a tape-recorder, and by deleting certain octogenarians from the list of race officials.”   1973-’74: “One hundred and seventy runners took part in the club’s own Road Race  held on a dreadful wet and windy day.   Prizes, provided by GUAC were awarded for the first time.   Neil Morrison of Shettleston Harriers set a new course record of 24 min 48 sec.”            In the next two years comments were restricted to listing the places of the top few GU runners and a comment that the race had higher numbers than before with the credit belonging to Jim Bogan.

1975-’76 was a significant year as will be seen form the second half of this report: “The University Road Race attracted another record entry (201 runners) and was won by former Hares and Hounds member, Dave Logue in 24 min 51 sec, while a current (nameless and obviously legless) member was last.   For the first time an entry fee (10p) was charged.”    So for more then ten years, the race had been free to all who would run in it.   It took three years longer for them to introduce entry fees than it did to offer prizes to runners.

GURR 2

Maryhill Road: 1978

Runners include Nat Muir, Alan Marshall, Fraser Clyne, Doug Gunstone and Willie Sheridan

In 1976-’77, 213 runners competed in the Road Race with Nat Muir winning from Dave Logue with the first student being Willie Sheridan in fourth place.   “The University Road Race was now big enough to attract sponsorship and Jim Bogan suggested that White Horse whisky be approached.”   “Under AOCB, Bill Sheridan suggested inviting English Universities to compete in the University Road Race.    The Secretary undertook to ensure that Durham, Leeds, Newcastle, Queen’s University (Belfast) and Sheffield be contacted regarding this.”    The 1978-’79 report read as follows: In the University Road Race the new recruit from Aberdeen Fraser Clyne, ran well to finish ninth.”   The result came further through the report: “The University Road Race attracted 253 athletes which bettered the previous year’s record entry.   Due to financial support from Dr Jim Bogan and the(newly formed) Westerlands Cross Country Club free entry to the race was provided but this did not seem to be fully appreciated by the runners.   Willie suggested that in future an entry fee along with better prizes might attract more competitors.   Nat Muir won the race for the third successive occasion with Fraser Clyne coming ninth.”    “The Secretary bemoaned the fact that so few runners who competed in the University Road Race stayed on for the Disco, and he too emphasised the lack of the runners’ appreciation of being provided free entry to the race.”   Two things stand out for me here – first the continued desire to appeal to the runners interests and lack of a desire to make a profit by providing free entry to the race.   I can think of no other race promoter who had received a windfall before a race, proceding to use it by waiving all entry fees!    It certainly would never happen in the current climate of mass participation events where in exchange for £20+ you get a free medal, Mars bar and 35ml of water!   The second thing that intrigues me is the ‘lack of appreciation shown by the runners’  –   there must be a story in there somewhere!   The following year there were 264 runners in the race which once more was won by Nat Muir with Willie Sheridan fourth – and “a most enjoyable disco was held at Westerlands on the evening after the Road Race.” 

 But further through the Minute for 1979-’80 comes a very significant entry.      “Jim Bogan thanked members of the Hares and Hounds for all the help they’d given him with the University Road Race.   However he was unenthusiastic about looking for sponsorship for the event so that better prizes could be awarded.   Jim felt that all most runners wanted was a race and a time.   He felt the Club had made the right decision in turning down Scottish & Newcastle’s £50 sponsorship offer.   Jim raised the possibility of women taking part in the race, stating that “there were easy facilities for women at Westerlands – and indeed facilities for easy women.”   He would look into obtaining the necessary permits for women to participate.”   Jim’s perception of what most runners want was actually spot on – lack of prizes had not prevented the Uni 5 becoming one of the very best races in the country in terms of runners numbers and quality.    It is fair to point out though that there was one dissenting voice – later, under AOCB, Ian Archibald suggested that the size of the Road Race be increased and small sponsorships be sought from several companies.   The following year – 1980-’81 – Jim’s suggestion of the having women in the race became a reality.

“At the University Road Race athletic history was made in Scotland when women were permitted to compete against men for the first time.   Three hundred and twenty seven finished in the race which was won by Nat Muir in 24 min 27 sec.   Alastair Douglas (running for Victoria Park) was third in 24 min 50 sec, and Bill Sheridan, competing for Westerlands) fourth in 25 min 03 sec.   Barbara Harvie, competing for Aberdeen University, was the first woman to finish in 131st position.   Fiona McQueen who came 156th in 29 min 08 sec was the first female member of the Hares and Hounds to complete the course. ” 

Glasgow University Guardian, 27th November 1980

Women in Road Race

This year’s Glasgow University Road Race was the most successful ever thanks to a special effort by the Section in recognition of GUAC Centenary year.   There was a record entry of 336 for this five-mile race, an increase of 70 on last year’s entry and as in the past three years it was won by Nat Muir of Shettleston Harriers, Britain’s fastest 5000 metres runner this year.   Athletics history was seen in the making when for the first time ever in Scotland women were allowed to compete against men, with Barbara Harvie, a former student of Glasgow, finishing first woman in 131st and Fiona McQueen, a present student, finishing in 156th.   Highest placed University athlete was Ian Archibald who ran an excellent race to finish sixth.   This year’s race highlighted an unfortunate problem that could strain the Club – that of students opting to run for their Clubs rather than for the University.   We need the experience of club runners to pass on to new runners and we need them as competing members to push Glasgow University to the top in Scottish athletics, an occurrence not unlikely should we have the services of all our students.   On a more hopeful note, the race also saw the appearance of joggers from the Stevenson Building who ran well, enjoyed themselves and saw that they were not outclassed in racing.”

On Saturday 21st March 1981, GUAC organised a Superstars competition and it was here that nine took part in the first ever Chunder Mile.   For a description of the event and differing interpretations of its origin, see the ‘Personals’ page that you can reach via the link below.

The University Road Race on 7th November had 430 entrants and was won by Graham Williamson (Springburn Harriers) in 24 min 28 sec.   There was a successful Disco at Westerlands in the evening which raised £80 for the club funds.

On 6th November 1982 558 runners took part in the University Road Race which was won by Nat Muir in 24 minutes 29 seconds.   At the Disco held at Westerlands that evening the Hares and Hounds performed the can-can (in their Y-fronts) for the first time.   A year later, on Guy Fawkes Day, the race took place “on a cold wet day and attracted a record 732 runners and was won by George Braidwood of Bellahouston Harriers.   In the evening a very well attended Disco was held at Westerlands.   Right on midnight the can-can was performed after which Neil took part in a solo version ofStrip the Willow to mark the celebration of his 21st birthday.”   In 1984, the report read: “Numbers taking part in the University Road Race (594) were slightly down on the previous year.   Once again the event was won by Nat Muir: his time was 24 min 01 sec.   No afternoon teas had been arranged for the officials however Jim Bogan managed to placate them by buying drinks out of money taken in entry fees!   A very well-attended Disco was held in the evening and the Chunder Mile held for the first time at night.”  

The Report for 1985 said: The University Road Race took place on 9th November on a wet afternoon.   A party from Duncairn Nomads (Belfast) came across and were accommodated by the Hares and Hounds.   Nat Muir won the event.   In the evening a very well-attended Disco was held at Westerlands at which Phil Shering organised a Chunder Mile: the Irish won this!”   In 1986:   “The University Road Race was held on a blustery afternoon.   Around 550 finished.   The race was won by Nat Muir in 24 min 18 sec.”  

The 1987 report was in considerably more detail than was usual at the time.   ” The University Road Race was held on Saturday, 7th November, with loads of former members of the Hares and Hounds competing.  Five hundred and eight runners finished.   The race was won by Adrian Callan in 22 min 26 sec.   That evening it was discovered that GUAC had neglected to order a Disco.   However Gerry McCann and Graeme Walker saved the night by obtaining one at very short notice.   Just over a week later the following piece appeared in ‘The Sunday Times.   It was not entirely accurate.   ‘Cross country runners are noted for their ability train hard, run hard and – after the completion of a race – drink even harder.   But few serious runners in last weekend’s Glasgow University Road Race were tempted by a fringe event held after on the athletic track at Westerlands.   The Chunder Mile is a bizarre race in which participants drink a pint of beer, run 400 metres, down another pint and so on until they have covered a mile and guzzled six pints.   It occurs to Old Cockburn that the event should be filmed ….. as Carry-outs of Fire”!   At the AGM on 2nd March the following year the Captain reported that Tom Gillespie had set a ‘world record’ of 6 min 05 sec for the Chunder Mile!

Jim Bogan has been referred to often in this report and he was highly regarded throughout Scottish Athletics as a respected runner, a friend to us all and a forward-thinker.   In June 1988 the unthinkable happened.    I report it as it appeared in the Minute of the AGM.

“A dreadful tragedy affecting the Hares and Hounds took place on Sunday 5th June.  While away to Grenoble to attend a wedding, the Club’s President, Jim Bogan, was struck by a car that went out of control; he was killed instantly.   Jim had been in the process of setting up a three-year sponsorship for the Road Race with ‘General Portfolio’ via Peter Fleming.   Des Gilmore took over the handling of this and it eventually went ahead.   The following piece, written by Doug Gillon, appeared in the Glasgow Herald on 8th June.  

Professor Killed in Alps Accident.

One of Britain’s leading figures in Veterinary Medicine has died in an accident in France.   Professor Jim Bogan who held the personal chair of veterinary pharmacology at Glasgow University was struck by a car on Sunday while out walking.   Professor Bogan had been attending a friend’s wedding near Grenoble.   ‘He had announced his intention to go out on the hills but never came back,’ his younger sister Sandra said yesterday.   ‘Apparently Jim was walking at the side of the road when a car went out of control, and his head either struck a tree or he was crushed against it.   He died instantly.’   Because he was carrying no identification, it was sonly when he failed to check in for his flight home that police were able to confirm the the name of the victim.   ……..

He also enjoyed a distinguished athletics career, both as a schoolboy, and later during which time he was President of the Glasgow University Hares and Hounds.   One of his contemporaries in University athletics was Olympic sprinter and now MP, Mr Menzies Campbell.    But it was in middle distance running that Professor Bogan made his mark and when Lachie Stewart broke the Scottish record for the 3000m steeplechase, the then Dr Bogan was one of the early pacemakers.   One of seven brothers and sisters, Professor Bogan, a member of Victoria Park Athletic Club, still ran recreationally.   One of his lasting legacies in athletics will be the Glasgow University Road Race which he was instrumental in launching several years ago.   It was no coincidence that several international athletes have emerged from the College of Veterinary Medicine where students found a sympathetic ear as well as academic stimulus.

One of his lasting  legacies will be the Glasgow University Road Race, said Doug.   An excellent reason for it to continue.

The following year (1988-’89) “The University Road Race was held on Guy Fawkes Day.   It was bright and sunny and 522 runners completed the course.   The winner was Adrian Callan of Springburn Harriers in 24 min 58 sec.   For the first time the race was sponsored by General Portfolio.   representatives from the company were along to assist on the day and present some of the prizes.   The family of Jim Bogan also attended.   A collection from Jim’s family and friends in his memory had enabled the purchase of two trophies for presentation to the first male and female First Claim members of the Hares and Hounds to finish in the race.   The trophies were a Jim Bogan Quaich for the men and a Jim Bogan Salver for the women.  They were handed over by Sandra Bogam (Jim’s sister) to Tom Gillespie who finished 28th in a time of 24 min 29 sec and to Audrey Sim in 205th position (the second woman to finish: her time was 27 min 31 sec).   A superb meal was prepared for the officials and guests by Elspeth Scott’s mother.   A most enjoyable Disco was held at Westerlands in the evening during which Phil Ross did the Chunder Mile in 5 Min 40 sec.”    The stipulation that the trophies had to go to  first claim members was not just a gesture – the University Club has always missed out on good runners preferring to race for their club rather than giving three or four years to the University.   The first that I personally remember was Bobby Calderwood of Victoria Park racing for his club all the time he was at University and the problem (if such it were) had been a particularly thorny one in the years that Jim was involved.   The club won the Scot Unis Cross Country Championship eight times in a row but several of the very best preferred not to race first-claim for the Hares and Hounds but to remain with their clubs which is understandable.   Two outstanding examples are Alastair Douglas who only ran for one year as a member of the Hares and Hounds preferring in the other years to run for Victoria Park AAC and Bobby Quinn of Kilbarchan AAC who elected to stay with his home club.   Hence the stipulation.

In 1989-’90 it was reported that “The University Road Race attracted 562 runners and was won by Welsh Internationalist Ian Hamer in 22 min 233 sec.”   There is a bit more on this race in Alastair Douglas’s comments on the next page.   The report on 1990-’91 is another significant one.     

On Saturday 10th November, 518 took part in the University Road Race which was won by Peter McColgan of Dundee Hawkhill Harriers in 22 min 36 sec.   Vicky McPherson in 135th position was the first woman to complete the course: her time was 26 min 45 sec.   Elspeth Scott’s Mum and Vicki’s parents provided a superb meal for officials and guests.   The Punters had food supplied to them downstairs.   The previous evening at Joanna’s and Michelle’s flat in Great George Street, a crowd of the Hares and Hounds had made up filled rolls for sale.   Westerlands was packed for the Disco.  

Peter Baxter, Alan Crombie, Des Gilmore and Elspeth Scott visited the Maryhill Police on Friday 16th November for a post-mortem on the Road Race.   The Police said they were now vehemently opposed to any races on open roads because of the enormous volume of traffic and wondered if the course could be substantially altered or the race moved to a Sunday.   These alternatives were thoroughly investigated.   However it was eventually decided to retain the current course, but to ensure that it was well signposted and swamped with stewards.”

This is the first mention of the Police opposition to races on open roads and was not unique to this race – the Nigel Barge which used a lot of the same territory as the University race eventually had to change their route in 1993  when the Police made them set up traffic cones all the way along the Switchback Road  at their own expense, which would of course have been very costly.   In 1991-’92 the race had 548 runners.   “A large number of folk helped out, including four boys from Ballikinrain School and their teacher.   Paul Dugdale won the event in 22 min 19 sec.   Vikki McPherson was the first woman to finish coming 92nd in 25 min 45 sec.   ….   There was a very busy Disco in the evening.”     There  was a new sponsor for the race in 1992 as was reported in the Hares and Hounds History: “The University Road Race, which took place on Saturday 7th November, was sponsored this year by Gatorade.   Five hundred and forty nine runners completed the course.   The race was again won by Paul Dugdale in 22 min 35 sec with three former members of the Hares & Hounds (Bobby Quinn, Alan Puckrin and Glen Stewart) coming in immediately behind him.   A lot of media attention focussed on the participation by the top Scottish distance runner Liz McColgan.   She finished 22nd in 24 min 00 sec.   An excellent Disco took place at Westerlands in the evening.”   It is of interest to note the comment on the Nigel Barge race at the start of 1993 – “The Nigel Barge Race, postponed from early January, took place on 20th March over a new course, part of which encompassed the Veterinary School grounds.   The Police had insisted on the changes to this race  which first took place in 1943.”   The report on the race in 1993-’94 season reads: “Numbers (at 482) were slightly down in the University Road Race this year; the event was sponsored by BUPA.   Although the afternoon was grey, the rain held off and everything went smoothly.   Glen Stewart, now running for Edinburgh Southern Harriers, won in 22 min 53 sec.”

“The University Road Race in 1994 almost didn’t take place.   n the Wednesday before it was scheduled, Michelle Jeffrey received a phone call from the Police to say they wouldn’t be able to supervise the event due to a protest march in the city.   They asked could the race be postponed for a couple of weeks or be run on the Sunday.   Fortunately Michelle was eventually able to persuade the Police that enough cover would be provided by the Hares and Hounds for the race to go ahead safely.   In the evening of Friday 4th November, a large group of Hares and Hounds went along to John Dargie’s flat at Charing Cross to make up rolls.   These were to feed the hungry hordes the following day.   Because of the good turnout, it took only 50 minutes to get the job done.   The Saturday turned out to be cold and wet, nevertheless a good crowd arrived early at Westerlands to construct the finishing chutes, mark the course, etc.   Dave Nisbet, who’d spent the year away from University working in industry, arrived to help set up the computers.   With the departure of Peter Baxter to Edinburgh, the Hares and Hounds were obliged to do all the organisation for the Road Race themselves this year.   Despite the weather 434 finished the race, once again sponsored by BUPA.   The start had to be altered due to the new ‘Safeway’ which had been opened on the former site of Barr and Stroud.   First home was Phil Mowbray of Edinburgh University in 22 min 18 sec.   Former members of the Hares and Hounds, Alan Puckrin (running for Greenock Glenpark) and Bobby Quinn (competing for Kilbarchan AAC) were second and third in 22 min 36 sec and 22 min 41 sec respectively.  

The Police were not happy about the race.   They complained about an entry having been accepted from a wheelchair athlete.   However the individual concerned had surreptitiously entered and got no further than the Switchback before withdrawing.   Furthermore it was alleged that too many ‘fun-runners’ had taken part with the Police claiming that more than 75 had taken over an hour to finish.    Yet, according to official results,  the last runner did a time of 47 min 45 sec.   A very well attended Disco took place in the evening with the can-can attracting a good entry.    Fireworks were set off late in the evening to celebrate Guy Fawkes Day.”

The initial comments about ‘not being able to police the race because of a protest march, was echoed in the early 21st century when it was one of the reasons the Police gave for not wanting the Allan Scally Relay race to go ahead on it chosen and traditional route.   If the race in 1994 had had its problems, they were as nothing compared to 1995!

“No end of difficulties arose with the University Road Race, all completely outwith the control of the Hares and Hounds.   First of all BUPA withdrew sponsorship, then the Scottish Athletics Federation messed up the date, allocating the same day as that for the Allan Scally.   When they changed it to a week later it was found to clash with the GUAC Ball.   This meant that Westerlands was not available that day.   Finally it was decided to hold it on Sunday 12th November.   Still problems arose.   The Police originally asked that it commence early.   Later when they realised 12th November was Remembrance Sunday, the requested that the start (already advertised for 1:00 pm) be delayed.   Naturally some confusion resulted for would be entrants.  

On a cold wet Saturday afternoon several members of the Hares and Hounds turned up at Gordon’s flat to get rolls prepared for the following day.   …..   As a result of the Ball, Westerlands was an unholy mess when the Hares and Hounds arrived on the Sunday morning to prepare for the race.   Nevertheless everything was eventually sorted out.   Plenty of officials and stewards turned up too, and 325 runners took part including 26 members of the Hares and Hounds.   The race was again won, in 22 min 18 sec, by former Hares and Hounds member Glen Stewart, now competing for Leslie Deans Running Club in Edinburgh.   Glen’s father, Lachie, had won the race exactly 30 years previously.   Audrey Sim, who finished 64th in 26 min 44 sec, was the first woman home.   The usual Disco was held and a Chunder Mile organised in which a number of ‘Aberdeen Willies’ took part.    Everyone seemed toenjoy themselves immensely.

However, two days later residents of Ilay Avenue complained bitterly about the race.   They felt aggrieved by letters sent out by the Hares and Hounds, on instructions from the Police, requesting that cars not be parked on the pavement during the Road Race.   However their main agenda appears to have been a protest at the University for permitting the development of new sports facilities on the Garscube Estate.    their objections had no basis in fact as confirmed by the article in the Bearsden ‘Courier’.   According to the report in it, the race ‘closed off the inside lane of the Switchback Road and Bearsden Road for hours on Saturday afternoon to give runners a clear route into the controversial Garscube  Estate.’  

Winners between 1995 and 2005

Year Winner Club
1995 Glen Stewart Leslie Deans RC
1996 Glen Stewart Mizuno RC
1997 Glen Stewart Mizuno RC
1998 Allan Adams Clydesdale Harriers
1999 Glen Stewart Mizuno RC
2000 Glen Stewart Mizuno RC
2001 Glen Stewart Mizuno RC
2002 AC Muir Mizuno RC
2003 Glen Stewart Mizuno RC
2004 Glen Stewart Unattached
2005 Glen Stewart West Dunbartonshire

It could be called the Glen Stewart Decade – 9 wins ( a treble treble) plus a win in 1993 in the colours of Edinburgh Southern Harriers – with ten wins in thirteen years with four clubs plus an unattached!

Some personal memories of the races are at the Glasgow University RR link below

Back to The Classics          Glasgow University RR Personals

Graeme Orr in Neilston has sent results of the race between 1984 and 1994 inclusive and the top ten are listed below.   I’ll add to the list in due course but for now, the results.   After we put up these results, Billy Minto sent those of 1982 and 1983 and these have been added above Graeme’s.

Date Position Name Club Time Date Position Name Club Time
1982 1 N Muir Shettleston 24:29 1983 1 G Braidwood Bellahouston 24:48
  2 D Frame Law & Dist 24:32   2 D Frame Law & Dist 24:49
  3 I Archibald East Kilbride 24:32   3 A Gilmour Cambuslang 24:54
  4 P Fox Dundee U 24:40   4 W Sheridan Westerlands 25:00
  5 G Braidwood Be;;ahouston 24:59   5 S Marshall Dundee U 25:07
  6 E Stewart Cambuslang 24:59   6 P Fleming Bellahouston 25:13
  7 C Spence Spango V 25:18   7 R Barrie Dundee U 25:22
  8 A Marshall Clydebank 25:24   8 A Puckrin Kilbarchan 25:23
  9 A Douglas VPAAC 25:26   9 G Stewart Clydebank 25:29
  10 L Spence Spango V 25:26   10 J Egan Larkhall 25:32
  1st J J McNeil 18th Law & Dist 25:51   1st J S Marshall 5th Dundee U 25:07
  1st V B Scally 57th Shettleston 26:56   1st V R Hodelet 30th GGH 26:26
Year Place Name Club Time Year Place Name Club Time Year Place Name Club Time Year Place Name Club Time
1984 1 N Muir Shettleston 24:01 1985 1 N Muir Shettleston 24:00 1986 1 N Muir Shettleston 24:18 1987 1 A Callan Springburn 22:26
  2 G Braidwood Bellahouston 24:16   2 R Quinn Kilbarchan 24:29   2 S Marshall Motherwell 24:21   2 A Douglas VPAAC 22:26
  3 R Cameron Central Reg 24:18   3 P Fox Motherwell 24:39   3 P Dugdale Dundee U 24:16   3 P Dugdale Horwich RMI 22:29
  4 R Quinn Kilbarchan J 24:22   4 A Gilmour Cambuslang 24:47   4 P Fleming Bellahouston 24:41   4 W Nelson Law & D 23:10
  5 G Crawford Springburn 24:27   5 A Douglas VPAAC 25:03   5 J Robson ESH 25:03   5 E Stewart Cambuslang 23:16
  6 E Stewart Cambuslang 24:32   6 A Donaldson C & D 25:06   6 G Crawford Springburn 25:06   6 R Hawkins Kilbarchan 23:21
  7 A McAngus Bellahouston 24:50   7 P Dugdale Dundee U 25:09   7 S Connaghan Spango V J 25:22   7 J MacKay Clydebank 23:23
  8 P Fleming Bellahouston 24:57   8 N Thin ESH 25:10   8 J Duffy GWH 25:27   8 D Donnet Springburn J 23:37
  9 R Barrie Dundee HH 24:58   9 S Gibson Hunters BT 25:12   9 A Puckrin Kilbarchan 25:31   9 R Connaghan Spango V 23:47
  10 J Duffy GWH 25:00   10 P Fleming Bellahouston 25:17   10 M Batley VPAAC 25:32   10 G Brown Strathclyde U 23:51
  1st J R Quinn 4th Kilbarchan 24:22   1st J D Donnet 12th Springburn 25:18   1st J S Connaghan 7th Spango V 25:22   1st J D Donnet 8th Springburn 23:37
  1st V A Adams 53rd Dumbarton 26:34   1st V B Carty 35th Shettleston 26:11   1st V A Adams 29th Dumbarton 26:15   1st V A Adams 26th Dumbarton 24:24
Year Place Name Club Time Year Position Name Club Time Year Place Name Club Time
1988 1 A Callan Springburn 22:39 1989 1 I Hamer Heriot Watt 22:33 1991 1 P Dugdale Horwich 22:19
  2 I Hamer Heriot Watt 22:40   2 N Muir Shettleston 22:34   2 R Quinn Kilbarchan 22:23
  3 P Dugdale Horwich RMI 22:40   3 P Dugdale Horwich 22:36   3 A Hutton Caledon Park 22:23
  4 A Douglas VPAAC 22:47   4 P Fleming Bellahouston 22:40   4 A Douglas VPAAC 22:42
  5 I Archibald EAC 22:52   5 A Hutton ESH 22:43   5 G Croll Cambuslang 22:43
  6 B Scally Shettleston 22:56   6 R Quinn Kilbarchan 22:47   6 D Runcieman Cambuslang 22:47
  7 E Stewart Cambuslang 22:59   7 D McFadyen GWH 22:52   7 G Stewart Glasgow U 23:11
  8 P Fox Dundee 23:22   8 W Nelson Law & Dist 23:11   8 J Ross Haddington 23:21
  9 G Harker EAC 23:32   9 G Stewart Glasgow U 23:16   9 R Fitzsimons Unattached 23:23
  10 B Fitzsimons Bellahouston 23:38   10 T Hearle Kilbarchan 23:20   10 S Wright Newcastle U 23:25
  1st J M McHendry GGH 52nd 24:59   1st J *       1st J A Adams 36th Victoria Park 24:31
  1st V C McDougall 15th Calderglen 24:04   1st V *       1st V C McDougall 25th Calderglen 24:42
Year Place Name Club Time Year Place Name Club Time Year Place Name Club Time
1992 1 P Dugdale Horwich 22:35 1993 1 G Stewart ESH 22:51 1994 1 P Mowbray EU H&H 22:18
  2 B Quinn Kilbarchan 22:38   2 R Quinn Kilbarchan 22:56   2 A Puckrin GGH 22:36
  3 A Puckrin GGH 22:54   3 J Sherban Falkirk 23:01   3 R Quinn Kilbarchan 22:41
  4 G Stewart ESH 23:03   4 C Nicolson EU H&H 23:06   4 G Stewart ESH 22:45
  5 R Fitzsimons Kilbarchan 23:10   5 P Dugdale Horwich 23:12   5 D Ross Leslie Deans 22:53
  6 S Wylie Cambuslang 23:19   6 C Thomson Cambuslang 23:13   6 A Callan Springburn 22:57
  7 B Kirkwood V Racing Club 23:19   7 S Wylie Cambuslang 23:19   7 R Fitzsimons Kilbarchan 23:01
  8 P Dymoke Livingstone 23:27   8 N Wilkinson Cambuslang 23:23   8 I Murphy Clydesdale H 23:06
  9 N Wikinson Alehouse 23:37   9 M Colpus Leeds U 23:25   9 C Thomson Cambuslang 23:10
  10 C Robison Spango V 23:40   10 A Robson Leslie Deans 23:30   10 R Beynon EU H&H 23:18
  1st J C Nicolson 13th EU H&H 23:49   1st J H Hutchison 104th Aberdeen U 26:16   1st J M Hilton  50th Manchester U 24:48
  1st V B Kirkwood 7th Racing Club 23:19   1st V L McDougall 32nd Cambuslang 24:26   1st V G Fairley 17th Kilbarchan 23:40