The Shettleston area and club have a close connection with the world-famous New Year Sprint ( Powderhall Sprint) since 1870. The present club Shettleston Harriers was formed in 1904 but early results show a Shettleston AC in operation before 1900.Three founder members of Shettleston Harriers, John Howieson, Jim Flockhart and William Cunningham can be seen in results running for Shettleston AC at the Celtic Sports in 1898 and the Baillieston Thistle FC Sports in 1899.
In 1892 William Hunter of Shettleston won the New Year Sprint at the Powderhall Stadium over 130 yards with a handicap of 9 yards in a time of 13.5 seconds. In those days it was hard to separate “peds” (professional runners) and amateurs and betting often took place at events. It was widely reported betting took place at the first National Cross-Country Championships in 1885 ! This year (2023) 16-year-old Gknotouin(Godwin) Imante (H/C 3ydrs) nearly repeated the feat when he finished 2nd to Scott Tindle ( H/C 6ydrs) of TLJT in a very close final – Scott winning in a time of 12.03 to Godwin’s 12.04! Coach Gordon Bury has an excellent record preparing his athletes for this event with Greg Kelly (East Kilbride) a previous winner on two occasions. Godwin’s performance is another indication this young man has a promising career ahead of him. Another young man, Matthew Fox, also competed in the Open Youths 800m finishing 2nd to Leah Buchan (H/C 140m) with Matthew backmarker off 40m.
As mention earlier Shettleston has a close connection to this historical event with Allan Scally winning the 10mile event in 1927,28,29,30,31 and 1932 when there was a clear distinction between “peds” and amateurs. Allan was never allowed to compete for the club but came one of the most famous club coaches and is remembered in the club’s Allan Scally Memorial Relay. In 1994 club secretary, John Mackay, made a bit of history when he became the first amateur winning an event at the meeting, running from scratch he won the 3200m and followed this up with a win over the mile in 1995.
Christmas Parkrun action
Parkrun results for 31 December:
At Edinburgh Parkrun, Cara McCafferty finished in 33min and and 11 seconds.
At Strathclyde Parkrun there was good performances with Ronnie Strachan 11th in 17.35 and Kirsty Mann ran 19.36.
At Netley Abbey Parkrun, Andrew Jackson finished in 3rd place in a time of 18.47
At Tollcross Parkrun there was a good turn out of Shettleston Harriers with David Murphy 23.55 and then Simon Gay in 24.50.
At Victoria Parkrun. Andrew Shields finished in 28.51.
There was hotly contested action at Springburn Parkrun with Adam Clifford 2nd place in 17.43 followed closely by Matthew Fox in 3rd in 17.48. Emma Purdie finished strong for First Lady in 22.10.
At Drumpellier Parkrun, Paul McGuigan finished in 23.31.
At the University of Stirling Parkrun, Bryony McLeod finished in a time of 22.58 for third place lady.
At the popular and fast Elder Parkrun , Ruth Joss finished Second Lady in a time of 19.11.
Finally, at the Palacerigg Parkrun, John Duffy secured 4th place in a time of 20.36.
There was Parkruns in New Year’s Day which will be reported separately and well done to everyone who has kept training through the festive period, burning off those mince pies.
Lloyd Cowan Bursary
Congratulations to Teddy Tchoudja who has received a grant from the Lloyd Cowan Fund
