Men’s MOKRun records smashed

In the men’s 10K, David Webster from Dundee Road Runners beat the previous record by 10 seconds when he crossed the finish line in 32 minutes and 51 seconds. He was closely followed by runner up Kristian Watson of Mansfield Harriers in 33:59, with Campbeltown’s Kyle Paterson third in 34:41.

Dundee Road Runners also saw success in the ladies’ 10K race, with Mairi Littleson, originally from Kintyre, first home in 39 minutes and 18 seconds, with Campbeltown Running Club’s Jennifer Martin second in 42:02 and Rhona Duck third in 42:47.

Kintyre native Matthew Turner of Shettleston Harriers – who previously held the 10K record – set a new men’s half marathon record, completing the race in one hour, 10 minutes and 44 seconds, breaking Paul Acari’s record, set in 2009, by 14 seconds. 

Campbeltown Running Club’s Alan Anderson was the half marathon’s runner up in 01:23:58, while Kenneth MacLeod was third in 01:27:31. 

Rachel Hardy of Clapham Chasers was the ladies’ half marathon champion, completing the course in one hour, 33 minutes and five seconds, with Lorraine MacPherson of Perth Road Runners runner up in 01:33:17, and Christie Ford third in 01:35:06.

All 22 ‘ever presents’ – Caroline Armour, Joan Bisset, John Burridge, Gillian Docherty, Marjorie Leighton, Elizabeth Marrison, Mary Marrison, Robert McDonald, Sarah McFadzean, Alison McGeachy, Stuart McGeachy, Angus Nimmo, Valerie Nimmo, Jennifer Campbell, Jamie Reid, Claire Reid, Darren Renton, Janet Scott-Dodd, Margaret Sinclair, Kirsteen Weir, Gail Williams and Rona Young – completed the 2024 race, and are now aiming to make it 20 out of 20 next year, when something special is planned to mark the momentous achievement.

Race director Gail Williams, one of the elite group to have completed every race so far, thanked everyone involved in making the 2024 race such a great success, including the MOKRun committee members who have worked tirelessly for months to organise the weekend’s events. 

On behalf of the committee, she said: “We extend our gratitude to all our marshals, new MOKRun committee member Craig Nelson for doing the warm-up at the last minute, lead car driver Johnny Durnan, half marathon sweeper bus driver Johnny McCormick and 10K sweeper walkers David Armour and Rhona Kelly, who were collecting for the Beatson Cancer Charity. Without our marshals and volunteers, there would be no event, so massive thanks to each and every one of them.  

“Huge thanks to our sponsors: Co-op, Tesco, AM Transport, Killegruer Caravan Park, Machrihanish Caravan and Camping Park, Kintyre Agricultural Society, Tunnocks, Glenbarr Farms, Glen Scotia Distillery and Springbank Distillery.

“Thanks also to the many volunteers who helped on the day – too many to name individually – as well as John Armour for being compère, the race timing team from Perfect Timing who always deliver a first-class professional service and our official photographers John McFadyen and Kenny Craig.”

She also thanked those who packed the race participants’ goody bags, which this year featured products from local businesses Olfactory Candles UK and Sweetie Galore, and, as always, the MOKRun medals were made by Campbeltown Pottery.

Members of Campbeltown Brass were thanked for playing at the first 1km mark, as were the pipers along the route and lone piper William McLean on Westport beach.

Thanks were also paid to HeBe Highland first responders, HM Coastguard, Campbeltown Fire Station, Campbeltown Sea Cadets and MOKRun’s mascot, MOK Coo, also known as Malcolm McMillan. 

Gail added: “A huge thank you to the South Kintyre Sports Council committee for organising another successful ceilidh on Sunday evening, and to Kintyre Schools Pipe Band for a tremendous performance under the direction of Pipe Major Fiona Mitchell. 

“Last but not least, I want to take this opportunity to thank the MOKRun committee – John Galbraith, Stuart Jackson, Anne Littleson, Elizabeth Graham, Eilidh Macalister, Fiona Macalister, Charlie Anderson, Linn Coffield, Nicole Anderson, Isla Binnie and Craig Nelson – for their hard work, support and dedication once again. 

“We are a great team and, despite some stressful times, we always manage to pull it together on the day. Thank you all once again. 

“Here’s to MOKRun 2025!”

MOKRun 2024 results:

10K: Men: 1 David Webster 00:32:51; 2 Kristian Watson 00:33:59; 3 Kyle Paterson 00:34:41. Ladies: 1 Mairi Littleson 00:39:18; 2 Jennifer Martin 00:42:02; 3 Rhona Duck 00:42:47.

Half marathon: Men: 1 Matthew Turner 01:10:44; 2 Alan Anderson 01:23:58; 3 Kenneth MacLeod 01:27:31. Ladies: 1 Rachel Hardy 01:33:05; 2 Lorraine MacPherson 01:33:17; 3 Christie Ford 01:35:06.

The girls’ 11-12 record was also smashed during the MOKRun junior races on Saturday. For more, turn to pages eight and nine.