During 2025 Scottish Running Week, Greenock Glenpark Harriers raised £600 for Athletics Trust Scotland, contributing towards our mission to improve accessibility in athletics.
For the second year in a row, the club held a week’s worth of activities, starting on the Monday and ending on Sunday, bringing together people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.
Organised by club member Alan O’Rourke, this started with the Port Pack Run, which saw a fantastic turnout of 34 runners and included three enthusiastic newcomers. Day 2 was Track Night at the Ravenscraig Stadium, featuring a Come and Try session. Juniors and seniors covered warm-ups, drills, running form, and even plyometrics. The atmosphere was welcoming and inclusive, with track newbies especially encouraged to give it a go.
To mark Global Running Day, they hosted a 3km run along the Esplanade on Wednesday. This wasn’t just for club members it was open to partners, parents, grannies, kids, neighbours, schoolmates, work colleagues, and even the local lollipop man. The message was clear: running is for everyone.
Day 4 offered two brilliant options. The first of these was the Coastal Pack Run – which headed out from Gourock Pool for a gentle jog along the coast, giving people a chance to enjoy the scenery, while connecting with others. The second was another Come and Try session at the Ravenscraig Stadium.
Friday’s focus was on beginners, with a Couch to 5K session at Battery Park. A supportive introduction to running has since blossomed into the club’s Absolute Beginners programme, making Scottish Running Week an inspiration to do more within clubs.
Saturday saw Glenpark Harriers flock to the Greenock parkrun to either run, volunteer, or cheer from the sidelines. Approximately 40 of their runners took on the 5km distance, celebrating the event’s key principles of inclusivity and wellbeing.
Concluding a busy week of activities, the club held a trail run on Sunday around the scenic Greenock Cut, which was home to the Loch Thom Trail Race earlier in the week, hosted by neighbours Inverclyde Athletic Club. Runners could go the full loop or opt for an out-and-back tailoring the distance to suit their own pace and goals.
“From seasoned athletes to first-time runners, Scottish Running Week reminded us that running is more than a sport it’s a way to connect, uplift, and empower,” said Alison King, Greenock Glenpark Harriers President.
“Thanks to everyone who took part, supported, and cheered us on and supported Athletics Trust Scotland. Here’s to many more miles together at GGH.”
