Paisley buddy, Robert Quinn, 45, took second place at the 2010 Men’s Health Forum Scotland 10k For Men, crossing the line in 31:52 minutes – a new veteran’s record time.
Over 3,300 men from across the UK pulled on their running shoes on Father’s Day (Sunday June 20) to take part in the fifth MHFS 10K For Men staged in Glasgow’s Bellahouston Park. Sunshine helped to boost the energy levels of the runners who took part in the UK’s only dedicated 10k for men.
Robert finished just behind Robel Nagash, from Thornliebank Glasgow, who smashed the MHFS 10k For Men course record by one minute and three seconds, crossing the finishing line in 30:47minutes.
26 year old Robel arrived in Scotland just five months ago as an asylum seeker, after spending seven months walking across Sudan and two months crossing Libya from his home country of Eritrea. He’s only been back running and training for three months with local club, Bellahouston Harriers.
In third place was David Millar from Irvine who ran the event in 32:15 minutes, having achieved first place in 2008 and 2009.
Although recent figures have revealed that men in Glasgow have the lowest life expectancy in the UK, these defiant runners were determined to make sure their health is top priority. Participants of all sizes, abilities and ages from 15 to 82 encouraged each other to complete the 10k circuit around Bellahouston and Pollok Parks.
To make sure that the participants were ready, Martin Mcginley and Mags Henderson from Virgin Active carried out a pre-event warm up, which helped motivate the runners and get their adrenalin pumping ahead of the start of the event.
Entertainment was provided en route with pipers from The Glasgow Piping Centre inspiring runners. BBC Radio Scotland presenter Bryan Burnett also provided spectators with a running commentary of the progress being made around the course.
Supported by friends and families, the Father’s Day event was extra special for those who were met by their children as they crossed the finishing line.
More than 100 dedicated volunteers helped to ensure that the event ran smoothly, handing out nearly 14,000 bottles of Strathmore Water, 10000 bottles of Gatorade and 5,000 of bananas donated by Dole Fresh UK Ltd, as well as goodie bags of treats to reward the runners.
Event partners Achilles Heel along with other supporters of the MHFS 10K for Men including; Gatorade, jogscotland, Breathing Space Scotland, See Me, Strathmore Water, A.G. Barr, Real Radio, Glasgow City Council, Keywest Design and Slaters were all on hand on the day to help make sure that the 2010 event was a great success.
Eva Asante, director of the Men’s’ Health Forum Scotland, said:
“I have been hugely encouraged by the number of men from throughout Scotland who have taken part in the 2010 MHFS 10K for Men. The success has been overwhelming. There has been a fantastic atmosphere and everyone who has participated has had great fun.
“We are determined to help raise awareness about the need for men throughout Scotland to consider the importance of looking after their mental and physical health. The MHFS 10k for Men is a great way to do this and I hope that next year’s event will attract even more men and build on our place as an established event in Scotland’s calendar.”
To register your interest for next year’s MHFS 10K for Men or to see if you were snapped by our photographers, visit:
www.mhfs10kformen.org 
