Killearn 10k
The Killearn 10k is a trail race which largely follows the Loch Katrine pipeline towards Glasgow and took place on Saturday 6 June – although the pipe track itself is level, there’s a good climb up to it from the village. David Mitchell left his coach’s jacket at the start line as he raced round the course in a very respectable 54:39. Full results at https://results.perfecttimingscotland.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=20065&RId=3164&EId=1
Scottish Schools Combined Events
Congratulations to Elspeth Callan, Emily Watkin, Finlay Gallagher, Dara Clark and Rachel Fullbrook on finishing the Scottish schools combined events competition at Grangemouth on Saturday 6 June. Dara got an excellent bronze medal in the Under 18s and Rachel a silver in the Under 16s. 👍
Roon the Toon 10k
Kilmarnock was the venue for the Roon the Toon 10k on Sunday 7 June – use of the Scots language throughout the event is understood to be mandatory. Kenny Hislop stormed roon in 41:28 and Hannah Hislop clocked a braw 48:27. Full results at https://results.perfecttimingscotland.co.uk/Results.aspx?CId=20065&RId=3167
European Off-Road Running Championships
Joel Gillan swapped his Central vest for GB colours this weekend in Kamnik, Slovenia at the European Off-Road Running Championships. The championships include Uphill Only races on the continental model, Up and Down races in the British tradition and trail races.
On Friday 5 June, the Under 20 men raced 4km over an Uphill only course and Joel clocked a fantastic 20:07, just a minute down on the winner to finish ninth overall and the first GB finisher. On the same day Jacob Adkin, sometime of this parish, won the Senior Men’s 9km uphill race 49:21, a clear couple of minutes ahead of the field. Full results at https://www.european-athletics.com/home/off-road-running-championships-2026
Cowie 10k
The Cowie Rural Action Group staged their annual 10k race from the village on Sunday 7 June and 200 runners pulled on their shoes. Neil Ferrier found the race navigation a challenge and accidentally added an extra kilometre, but still managed a respectable time while Alan Hume stuck to the specified course to finish well. Photos at https://www.facebook.com/groups/445249632180059/?locale=en_GB.
Gargunnock Hill Race
Gargunnock Show on the first Saturday of June hosts a cracking hill race over 7.5km with 300m of climb, sponsored by MOVE It Fitness and Personal Training. The Hay family organise the race after dad Davie created it about 20 years ago with the club coming together to provide assistance and participation. The occasion is a wonderful example of a village putting on a local agricultural show including a good display of vintage stuff, but many younger runners turn out as well.
Hamish Hickey made a rare return to the hills and his 29:09 finish put him second behind Ochil’s Rory Abernethy with Cameron Milne (30:11) and Max Stevens (30:59) hard on his heels to give Central three in the top four. Two more club members with a hill pedigree were next home – Scott Green showed he still has hill legs as he took tenth in 34:14, and Matthew Sutherland pursued him closely in 34:50.
Chris Watson showed class in his first venture in hill racing as he came home in 36:39, showing a clean pair of heels to Dale Colley (38:36) and Neil Ferrier (38:56). Alastair Cunningham, another Gargunnock debutant, should be pleased with his 45:59 timing and the evergreen Allan Gall ran strongly in 50:56 to keep well ahead of sweepers Claire Thompson and Rhona Scott.
Special thanks to the Hay family for a wonderful day with a great spread of home baking and to everyone from the club who helped out.
Full results at https://www.scottishhillrunners.uk/RaceResults.aspx and a collection of photographs here:
Braemar Junior Hill Race
June 6th saw over 100 junior runners head to Braemar for the annual Junior Highland Games and the fourth race in the Junior Hill Runners league.
Despite the forecast and grey skies it remained largely dry for runners and spectators. Three Central AC athletes travelled up for the weekend with Jethro Lennox and his Junior Hill Running Club.
Under 10s and Under 12s completed a 2km course with U12 girl Annabel Morrison putting in another strong performance to cross the line in 2nd place in 9:45, being pipped at the end by the impressive Amy Miller from Aberdeen AAC.
The Under 14s, Under 16s and Under 18s complete a 5km course with U14 girl Annie Arnott looking strong, powering home in 3rd place in 27:30. The Central contingent was completed with U14 boy Jack Morrison running hard and grinding out 11th place in his age category.
The Braemar Junior Highland Games is a fabulous day out with plenty of activities for kids to compete in and also try their hand at highland dancing or the heavy events. Well worth the trip.
Forth Valley League
The second match of the Forth Valley League, which provides competition for Under 12, Under 14 and Under 16, took place at Grangemouth on Sunday 7 June. About 35 of our athletes turned out to compete for the club in Division 1.