OVER 200 runners made the journey to the Three Towns this weekend with the return North Ayrshire Festival of Running.

Organised by the hardworking team at North Ayrshire Athletics Club, their flagship 10k was running for the first time since 2019 but with a restricted number of racers taking part.

Juniors also took part in the annual 2k race with the family 800m fun run at the end of the day being well supported as always.

Kicking things off on the day was the 2k which was won by Sam Walton in an impressive 6:40. He was followed by Nell McGregor in 7:01 and Steven Cooper clinched third with 7:06. The run was well supported, with 40 youngsters taking part.

At 12pm attention turned to the 10k race, which takes in the sights of Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston. With the sun making an appearance, it proved to be tricky conditions for runners but it didn’t show in the times.

Irvine Running Club’s Steve Daye was first home in 34:27, followed by Paul Burns of Motherwell AC in 35:51 and James Coulter was third in 36:35. Yvonne McNairn of Giffnock North AAC was first female home in 38.06, followed by Laura Wallace in 44.09 and Valerie Martin in 45.26.

In total, 202 runners completed the race with many home runners recording personal bests for their efforts.

Thanks from NAAC goes to sponsors Specsavers, Irvine and Nellany and Co Solicitors in Saltcoats as well as to all of the volunteers and marshals, led by Marnie Hodge who made sure things went smoothly.

North Ayrshire Athletics Club had runners taking part in various events over the weekend, including the Glencoe Half Marathon and Full Marathon and the Run the Blades Half Marathon.

For more information or to enquire about joining, search NAAC Seniors on Facebook.