Greenock Ardgowan Hospice Fun Run

The rain poured from the heavens but it didn’t stop hundreds of people from taking part in the first Greenock Ardgowan Hospice Fun Runs. The event, which was held in the Battery Park on Sunday 29th August 2004, was an overwhelming success with a total of 650 adults and kids participating. First up was the 2km Fun Run which attracted almost 400 mainly kids and all finishers were treated to goody bags with the first finishers receiving prizes courtesy of Smiths Sports shops. Next up was the main event with 250 toeing the line for the 5km. The race which started and finished in the Battery Park and took in the Esplanade was enjoyed by all and even the torrential rain refused to dampen the spirits of the runners, many of whom were running in aid of the local hospice. Surprisingly, women made up the majority of the large field with more than 150 taking part, mostly from the Inverclyde area. Up front the battle was on between local stars Chris Mackay, Tommy Murray and former Scottish champion Alan Adams. At the halfway point a group of six remained close together but as they turned for the long road home to the finish Adams made a break which only Richardson of Irvine AC could match. The race climaxed in a sprint finish down the Battery Park with Adams just being able to hold off the Irvine man. Further back Tommy Murray easily held off his protégé Mackay and won the first Veterans prize for his efforts. The female race was a bit more one sided with local girl Jill Knowles easily scooping the first prize. All of the prizes were kindly donated by Sport Inverclyde, Greenock Glenpark and Inverclyde AC. However the real winners on the day were the Ardgowan Hospice and the people of Inverclyde who came out in their droves to raise funds for the charity. At the last count the Hospice had already raised £7000 from the event. Planning has already started on next year’s event and the organisers are in secret talks with the weather forecasters to ensure the sun shines at next year’s event. If it does you never know the race might even break the 1000 mark next time round.