RUNNERS achieved several personal best performances as a renewed Alloa Half Marathon returned on a beautiful day at the weekend.

Alloa Round Table worked hard to organise the race after it was plagued by Covid-19 for two years.

A new start and finish line was set up at Lornshill Academy for this year's event while the route had to be re-drawn with all the risks assessments that brings.

Alloa and Hillfoots Advertiser: RACE DAY: Alloa Half Marathon returned to the Wee County on a beautiful Sunday morning following two years of pandemic woes - Pictures by Jan van der Merwe

More than 1,300 runners entered the half marathon on Sunday, March 20, on a sunshiny day with blue skies.

First home was Central AC's Josh Wood with a time of 1:11:06, followed within 20 seconds by both Ryan Lafferty from Fife AC as well as Andrew Rolland.

Central AC kept up the form in the female section as well with the club's Jennifer Wetton first home, and 29th overall, in 01:19:01.

She was followed by clubmate Catriona Buchanan and Edinburgh AC's Catriona Probert a few minutes later.

The half marathon is a major fundraiser for Alloa Round Table who put the money right back into the community by helping those less fortunate.

Having to move the start and finish line, due to the closure of Alloa Leisure Bowl, was a logistical challenge with the team of volunteers getting out of bed at 6am to make it all happen.

Alloa and Hillfoots Advertiser: RACE DAY: Alloa Half Marathon returned to the Wee County on a beautiful Sunday morning following two years of pandemic woes - Pictures by Jan van der Merwe

Steven Campbell, of Alloa Round Table, told the Advertiser: “It went really well, a very good event.

“It was a new venue and a lot of restrictions around Covid so it was a lot of work for the team, but it went really well, it was a good race.

“I think a lot of people got their PBs [personal best times] just because the weather has been so good.”

Covid meant the race had to be postponed and was completed alone by a number of individuals in virtual races, but organisers were delighted to have been able to bring the event back.

Steven said: “We did the virtual race, which was really popular with a lot of the runners but it doesn't beat the real day.

“It was great to get back to seeing people out and about and running.”

Steven gave a big thanks to race sponsors AHC Tool Hire, Hunter's Coaches and Travis Perkins.

Alloa and Hillfoots Advertiser: RACE DAY: Alloa Half Marathon returned to the Wee County on a beautiful Sunday morning following two years of pandemic woes - Pictures by Jan van der Merwe

A nod of appreciation also went to the Wee County's Scouts who once again came out in force to man the water stations as well as to the volunteers who made it all happen.