The 160th Famous Alva Games 

Around 3000 arrived at the Johnstone Park on Saturday, July 8, from other parts of Clackmannanshire and further afield – from the likes of America, Australia, New Zealand, Poland, Spain and more.

The crowning glory of the day, as with every year, was the hill race run over Torry – with the overall top spot netted by Scottish runner Duncan Coombs.

Chairman of the Alva Games Committee, also Provost of Clackmannanshire, Derek Stewart said it was a very successful games, with the rain staying off for the majority of its duration.

There were a number of races and events and Lee Goodfellow was named athlete of the day, while junior athlete went to Caleb McLeod.

Meanwhile, James Melville and Stevie Jackson came out on top for cycling points and Tullibody's Cameron Smith was best local.             

Guest of honour for this year was Alva resident Iain Anderson, a well-known face within the county who has a long-standing interest in the traditional games.

Those who have held the title in years gone by also turned out to show their support for the popular event, while games secretary Craig Dunbar led a nod to the late Daniel Campbell Lyon, life president.

During the day there were fun races over short distances for children and adults, there was also a fun fair and highland dancing.

There was a range of traditional events including athletics, cycling, heavy weight competitions and the four hill races run over Torry for competitors from under 12, all the way up to the British Championship Hill Race run.

And the Alva event demonstrated its appeal across the globe with its many visitors – a dozen runners from Paris and a gentleman from Seattle were amongst the competitors.

According to Mr Dunbar, the compact nature of the event and the beautiful backdrop in the form of the Ochil Hills make it attraction for those dropping in.

He said: "There is a really friendly atmosphere and the Alva crowd is one of the best crowds on the games circuit – they will clap and cheer.

"It is quite unique because there is no other hill race where it is so close to the park – you can see the hill going up to the top with the naked eye."

He added: "It was looking exceptionally green on Saturday and it was just good photographic material. And, I think people just talk and they meet each other and get on – it's just a lovely friendly atmosphere."

There were plenty of highs and lows of the day, which turned out to be especially lucky for one runner who lost his wedding ring while taking on the hill run.

Thanks to the discovery of some tourists – keen for a wander themselves – he was reunited with the item in no time at all.

As part of the usual celebration, a Best Dressed Shop Window Contest was also held with a theme of 'a right royal occasion'.

The prizewinners were presented with prizes on the morning of the games, outside the premises, by Provost Stewart who handed over the Alva Games cup, certificates and cash prizes.

The winner was Lynne J Stewart, in second place was Nicol's Opticians and third went to the Alva Fishmongers.

Provost Stewart said: "It was great to see so much effort made by the shopkeepers who took part to reflect the theme of the contest with bright and colourful displays and with novel and intricate handi-crafting for which all of the participants should be rightly proud. It is a credit to the town of Alva".
The 161st Famous Alva Games will be held on Saturday, July 8 at 12.30pm.

Winners:
90m open: Cameron Smith, Tulibody    
90m open invitation handicap: Peter Denholm, Melrose    
200m open: Lee Godfellow, TLJT    
400m open: Ewen Bradley, Inverness    
800m open: Rory Muir, City of Aberdeen    
1600m open: Tyler White, Pitreavie AC    
3200m open: Rory Muir, City of Aberdeen    
90m youths: Caleb McLeod, Pitreavie     
200m youths: Caleb McLeod, Pitreavie    
400m youths: Lewis Dow, Dunfermline    
800m youths: Lewis Dow, Dunfermline    
1600m youths: Harvey Lewis, Thornton in Craven    
800m open cycling: Stevie Jackson, Glasgow     
1600m open cycling: James Melville, Dumbarton    
3200m open Scottish championship: Charles Fletcher, Grantown on Spey    
Deil cycling: Charles Fletcher, Grantown on Spey        
16lb stone: Lukas Wenta, East Kilbride    
22lb stone: Lukas Wenta, East Kilbride        
16lb hammer: Kyle Randalls, Grangemouth    
22lb hammer: Kyle Randalls, Grangemouth    
28lb distance: Lukas Wenta, East Kilbride         
56lb over bar: Lukas Wenta, Poland         
Caber: Lukas Wenta, East Kilbride        
Points: Lukas Wenta - 40 pts

Hill race (in order of winners)
Men: Duncan Coombs, James Craig, James Waldie
Ladies: Louise Mercer, Judith Marshall, Lindsay Buck
Under 17: Joe Hudson (first boy) and Katie Atkinson (first girl)
Under 14: Louis Hudson and Alice Jones
Under 12: Henry Hunter and Emily Swarbrick