Marymass Jim Young 10K |
The Marymass Jim Young 10K has been run for many years and is run as part of the activities during the Irvine Maryamass festival which is held over two weeks each August. The course has changed from the original which started outside Cunninghame House then down to Marine Drive where the runners cut off at the 'hole in the wall' and running through the industrial estate. The runners headed towards Fairbairns garage and under the mall doing a similar second loop and finishing at Cunninghame house. Due to changes in the road layout due to the retail park where Tesco and others are located the route was changed to a simpler layout. Starting at the 'Vics' park the race heads down to the path adjacent to Marine drive all the way to the stones roundabout where the runners then head onto Marine Drive down to the harbour point. The finish straight is along the harbourside to finish almost at the Maratime museum puffers restaurant entrance. |
Cyclists V Harriers |
The annual cyclists versus harriers has been run for sixty years and is a unique race in Scottish Athletics which allows runners and cyclists to compete against each other across a five mile route of the Marress playing fields and Irvine moor. The race was started by past member Willie Fulton who was also a member of Fullarton Wheelers cycling club. The event is normally held in mid December and has a festive feel where all participants are asked to donate a prize to the prize table. As the course is fairly flat conditions on the day can determine who the leading contenders are. |
Irvine 5 Mile Road Race |
Although no longer with us this was a popular race held in the spring and which followed part of the 10K route. Starting close to Vanilla Joe's the race headed onto Gottries road and along the cycle path beside Marine drive. A turn at the roundabout, back down the road and the finish sprint down Gottries road. Thankfully the race was picked up by Ron's runners who turned it into a 5K race around the paths at the beach park, incorporating the Ayrshire championships. |
Round Arran Relay |
Another race no longer with us and was by far the most popular Ayrshire race. It was disappointing to remove this race from the calendar as it was well attended by runners and supporters from the mainland and brought some finance into the island. Maybe one day it will come back. Due to logistics the number of teams were limited to 25 and each team consisted of six runners. On arrival in Brodick buses transported runners across to Blackwaterfoot. The team split into two with three runners running the North legs and three the South. Each leg varied in distance and terrain with some being pretty horrible. The second North, after running for 7.5 miles had a 2.5 mile finish up the Bowglie and the second South started in Lagg and had about 4 miles uphill at the beginning. All good character building. |
Cumbrae 10 Mile Road Race |
The race is around the Island of Cumbrae and starts and finishes in Millport. A measured route it also incorporates the Ayrshire individual and team championships. |
