IT was a much quieter week for members of Ron's Runners, who are now preparing for the approaching road running Spring events including their own event held on April 25, run over the Beachpark.

The race also doubles as the Ayrshire Harriers 5k championship and in recent years most of those who have entered have appreciated the route.

As the race takes runners from tarmac to grass and over sand the club regards it as a trail race rather than a road race. Open to all registration can be made on Entry Central and provided the maximum number of 200 has not been reached some entries on the night will be taken. Registration is at Irvine Water Sports and closes in time for the race start time of 7pm.

Back to more recent action and Iain and Claire Greer took advantage of a week-end break in Aberdeen and entered the city’s 5k Park run in Hazelhead Park. Iain had his best run to date over the distance finishing with 25 mins and 50 secs to Claire’s 29:11. The couple ran in the normal cold wind of the North East

Iain described the race as being all uphill in the first half but being an"out and back" route the next half was all downhill but still a good experience.

Last week at Troon Park 5k ran along the promenade Helen Marshall finished with 25:50, while her pal Rachel Cox managed 30:30.

At the Eglinton Park 5k this week young James Chalmers led the club home with 19:45, which was good enough to claim sixth position. However, Lorna Baird recorded the best result of the day when taking the honour of finishing first lady overall when setting a new personal best of 23:49 with Willie Goggans 24:17 just unable to keep pace cheering her on.

Mark Garton eased round with 25:25 - just ahead of Jennifer Cowell 25:49 and sixth lady to finish.

Still suffering with an injured foot Pamela Porteous carefully ran round recording 28:31 then another fine effort from Lynn Shearer saw a finish of 29:35.

Referee Graeme Shaw was next with 30:02 with Pauline Steven close behind clocking 30:16 Margaret Craig 30:54 had a steady run and held off improving Margaret Milton who finished with 31:00 Neil Kyle’s young daughter Ellie had a new personal best with 31:23 escorted round by her dad, who was also given 31:23. Astrud Gibson, running back to form, posted 31:50 to bring the club home.

The Friday “trailers” could only muster four in number last week, when they met on Ardrossan beach and in a beautiful sunny but cold frosty day ran on trails and paths to Hunterston and back and with no wind to combat Willie Goggans, Helen Bruce, Helen Marshall and David Ridout had a most enjoyable 10 miles to their credit.

Ron's Runners meet on Tuesday and Thursdays at 6pm and in winter training starts from the Asda end of the Mall although Tuesday night in summer will start and end in Eglinton Park. Meanwhile Sunday’s begin at 10am and begin at the Big Idea bridge. Runners of all abilities are welcome to join in all training sessions especially beginners for more information contact jogalong2010@hotmail.com.