Irvine Running Club’s members have kicked off the new year with a bang on the competitive front as they look to build on a successful 2021.

The Irvine club got back to winning ways last year as competitions restarted again after a difficult 2020 due to Covid restrictions on events.

They have carried their form into this year with several members of the club in competitive action in the first few events of the new year.

The first winner of the year was member Billy Richardson, who is a successful road and cross-country runner and who, despite turning 50, shows no signs of slowing down.

He recently won gold at the Loch Morlich Trail 10K, finishing with more than a minute to spare over the second placed runner.

Elsewhere, five members of IRC recently took part in the Boomerang 10K, a charitable event hosted by Scott Brown Fitness.

As Scott is well known in the world of Tough Mudders the race was never going to be easy as it consisted of two very difficult climbs.

The track from Dundonald Castle up through the smugglers trail route and Dundonald Hill from Loans were both included in the race.

Ross Harvey, a regular competitor in the race, forged into the lead at the start and opened up a convincing winning margin, with Billy Richardson finishing third.

Mark Sands was next for Irvine, followed by Liz Duncan and Joyce Stewart in the ladies’ race.

Meanwhile, two other members were in action at the weekend at the Tough Runner Epic 10k Trail Race in Falkirk.

The run took the racers through the grounds of Callendar Park and the upper section of Callendar Wood.

Irvine’s Susan and Amy completed the tricky hilly test in muddy conditions but throughly enjoyed the experience.

The club is always looking for new members for its junior (age 9-16) and senior (16-plus) sections, and has qualified coaches who can offer advice on training and upcoming races.

If you’re interested in joining up, contact details and further information can be found on the club website at irvinerunningclub.co.uk.