IN THE end, 2017 saw another positive year for Wee County Harriers, with the club providing several success stories.

In January, Tony Brown and Graeme Reid completed the West Highland Way in the depths of winter, while that was followed by a fruitful trail and hill-running season, with several victories for the club.

That was followed a few weeks later by two home races in quick succession for the Harriers. The Gartmorn 6km sold out, with more than 400 runners taking part and helping to raise over £2,000 for children’s cancer charities.

A week later, the club broke the Scottish record for the number of club members participating in the same race. 86 members finished the Alloa Half Marathon, with Iona Mackay coming out on top as the best local female.

In April, Kirsty McKay ran from Glasgow to Edinburgh, while Jane Binnie completed the arduous 53-mile Highland Fling.

Sid Pask finished top of his age category at the Balfron 10k, and at the London marathon, David McNeil was the Harriers’ top finisher, clocking a time of 3:46. Claire Watson also beat her personal best by seven minutes, and made an appearance on BBC television!

The club once again broke the Scottish club participation record at the inaugural Stirling Marathon in June, and weeks later, Kirsty McKay set a course pb at the Strathearn Marathon in Comrie. On the same day, Kevin Boyd made his marathon debut with a very impressive time of 3:15.

Meanwhile, at the Bo’ness Fun Run, David Downey picked up first place, and at the Bannockburn 10k, several runners placed in their respective categories.

A month later, Sandy Dunn came first in his age category at the Scafell Pike marathon, while Tony Brown and Graeme Reid were in action at the Lakeland 100.

In August, Andy Rankin completed the gruelling Ochils 2000 race from Glendevon to Stirling, and the Cambus Quarter saw success for the Harriers’ ladies and men, with several athletes finishing in the top five of their respective races.

There was further success at the Glenmore Ultra, where after between 12 and 24 hours of racing, the Harriers came away with three medals in total, two in the individual categories and one in the relay.

At the Ochils Ultra 30 and 50km races, Tony Brown finished joint 3rd overall, while Sandy Dunn excelled once more, coming 26th overall and topping his age category.

The season came to a close with the Harriers’ home event, the East District League event at Lornshill Academy. Over 800 runners took part despite dreadful conditions to round off the season in style.