Almost 3,500 people have taken part in the Paisley 10k and Fun Run, a new record for the popular event. The races are organised by OneRen – the local charitable trust providing cultural, leisure and sporting opportunities to help people enjoy active and healthy lives – and supported by Renfrewshire Council and Kilbarchan Amateur Athletics Club.
The Paisley 10k is Scotland’s third largest road race. The 10k attracted 2,143 participants with 1,032 signed up for the fun run; a total of 3,445 runners, an increase of 1,000 on last year’s numbers.
Renfrewshire Provost Lorraine Cameron, started the race. She said: “It was a real thrill to be here and cheer on the runners. This event is incredibly inclusive, whether you’re running as an elite athlete, a fun runner or someone with additional needs, the Paisley 10k and Fun Run is for all.
“What’s more, this year has seen a record number of people taking part, cementing Paisley’s place as one of Scotland’s best 10k races, with runners taking in the town’s sights and many more cheering them on. I want to thank our sponsor, Kilbarchan AAC and all of the staff and volunteers who worked so hard to make this event such a huge success.”
Many of the fun runners were raising money for charities, good causes and local sports clubs.
The men’s race was a tight contest, with just four seconds separating the top two athletes. The Paisley 10k Race men’s winner was Ross Gray, from Inverclyde Athletics Club with a time of 31 minutes and 53 seconds. Second place in the men’s race went to Lewis Hannigan, from Kilbarchan Amateur Athletics Club, with a time of 31 minutes 57 seconds and third was Jack Heathwood, from Bellahouston Harriers with a time of 32 minutes 7 seconds.
Ross, 25, from Port Glasgow, said: “I’m over the moon to have won and it was a great atmosphere. It started at a slow pace but it picked up towards the end, but it was really close.”
The women’s 10k Race winner was New Zealand native, Katherine Camp with a time of 35 minutes 6 seconds. Second was Nynke Mulholland, from Inverclyde Athletics Club with a time of 35 minutes 21 seconds and third was Mia Padmanabhan, from Garscube Harriers, with a time of 36 minutes 59 seconds.
Katherine, 31, who is best known for her performances at 800m and 1,500m made the move to distance running in 2022. She said: “I love it, I race to win and I was really pleased to get the result – it was a fast pace towards the end and the crowds were great too.”
Dr Victoria Hollows, Chief Executive of race organisers, OneRen, said: “The Paisley 10k and Fun Run is one of Renfrewshire’s biggest outdoor participation events and I’m delighted that more people than ever before have taken part, all cheered on by their family and friends.
“There is a lot of sweat and hard work, but real joy too when runners cross the finish line and it was fantastic to see so many runners of all ages and abilities taking part and well done to them for not only running on the day, but for their dedication and time they put in training for the races.
“I want to thank all of the OneRen staff, volunteers and our partners, not least Renfrewshire Council, Police Scotland and sponsors, Kilbarchan AAC, who came together to make this event one of Scotland’s best 10k events.”