A WHOLE host of challenges across the country have been on the agenda for Irvine group Ron's Runners during a hectic week.

On Saturday March 5, Andy McNaughton and Carrol Finlay travelled to Callander in Perthshire to run the Ben Gullipen Hill race.

Perfect weather conditions and a large turnout made for a great event.

The course is some 8.4 miles long and climbs 1250ft through forest and over mountain paths.

Stunning views at the summit was the reward for the burning calves after the climb! The 4 mile back down the hill may sound easy but by the time the finish line comes into view it was the quad muscles that were on fire. Andy reported that he got up and back down the hill in 1: 22: 06 while Carrol was delighted that she took no wrong turns this year and finished in 1: 42: 17. Excellent training for their Glencoe marathon later in the year.

On the same day Gary Kilpatrick and Rachel Cox ran the undulating Stranraer half marathon with Gary crossing the finish line in an excellent 1:33:04 and Rachel in a great time of 2:00:57. Rachel praised the organisers and recommended the race and the route for anyone thinking of doing it next year.

Pamela Porteous ran the national cross country in Falkirk few weeks back in a great time of 42.32.

At this week’s Eglinton Parkrun, there was another good turnout from the club; Andrew Stewart crossed the line first for the club in 20.19 followed by James Chalmers 22.53, Fiona Wyper 22.55, Pamela Porteous 24.26, Rachel Wood 25.59, John Watters 26.18, Ruth McLaughlan 27.44, Carol Rome 28.47, Steven Wright 35.06, Michelle Burns 37.57 and this week volunteering as tail runner Margaret Craig finished in 50.48. Well done also to Carrol Finlay for volunteering.

The club will be hosting its first race on Wednesday 13th April 2016 at Irvine Harbour. Entries for the Ron's Runners Spring 5k incorporating the Ayrshire championships can be made online at Entry Central.Tthere are only 200 places available so entry on the day will only be permissible if there are any spaces left.

Registration will be from 6pm in the Magnum at Irvine Harbourside.

Ron's Runners meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, at 6pm at the bottom of the escalators in the Rivergate Centre.

Runners of all levels are welcome to join.. If you have any queries please email jogalong2010@hotmail.com