One of the only running events of its kind in Glasgow, ng5k attracted a diverse crowd. From serious runners in their lycra shorts and designer sweat bands to our smiling fun runners taking part in fancy dress, as well as kids, mums, dads, grannies and granddads- and even a dog wearing his very own ng5k t-shirt!
M.C Bryan Burnett (Radio Clyde and BBC Scotland) kicked of proceedings by inviting special guests Patricia Ferguson MSP and local community activist John McVicar onto the stage to officially welcome everyone to the event. The ng5k mass ‘Warm Up’ led by Carol Goodwin and her North Glasgow College students helped to loosen up any stiff limbs and gear up the crowd in time for the main event. And finally the moment came that everyone had been waiting for as Bryan Burnett called our fun runners to the starting line led out by The Diamond All-star Cheerleader team ahead of the final ng5k countdown...
And They Were Off!
Our ng5k fun runners sprinted through the gates of Ruchill Park and out onto the surrounding streets as “500 Miles” by the Proclaimers played out through the loudspeakers. Friends and family members lined the way hoping to catch a glimpse of their loved one to wave them off and give them a big cheer! Local North Glasgow residents also turned out to offer their support as the runners made their way along the ng5k route. En route entertainment contributed to the party atmosphere by keeping our fun runners in good sprits and helped encourage everyone to keep smiling despite tiring limbs and aching calves. Local bands this year included Beat Route, SheBoom, North Glasgow College Samba Drumming Band and Donald Mackenzie, our lone piper who piped everyone over the finish line.
Everyone was a winner as our fun runners crossed the line, tired but happy and proud of their achievement as they received their ng5k medal, fruit, water and Tunnocks Caramel Wafer- a most welcomed treat for the exhausted runners! Those who took part at a more leisurely pace took the time to chat to old friends, family and neighbours with lots of laughter along the way. Our ng5k participants also took the opportunity to raise money for charities and local community groups including Cancer Research, Yorkhill Hospital and Young Possil Futures. Staff from Allied Vehicles, one of the event sponsors, helped raise vital funds for Wheelpowers- a charity that provides rehabilitation support to wheelchair users through sport.
Participants and spectators alike were also able to take part in a whole host of free family activities before and after the Fun Run including kids face painting, clown workshops, a bouncy castle and ‘Beat the Goalie’ with The North Glasgow Football Development Group. Fun runners also had the opportunity to check out the ng5k Health Tent hosted by several local health and wellbeing organisations, on hand to provide free advice and information as well as delicious fruit smoothies on offer from North Glasgow Community Food Initiative. And for those who needed a little TLC after the run were able to receive a Sports Massage from our therapists helping to soothe tired muscles and relive any aches or pains. ng5k fun runner Margaret Laidlaw said, “It was a great day out and my son had so much fun. We will be doing it again next year!” Another participant added, “There was a great atmosphere before, during and after the run. I expect that this event will continue to grow more popular each year and encourage entrants to take up fitness on a more regular basis.”
Thank You!
North Glasgow Healthy Living Community led the planning and co-ordination of ng5k 2008 and would like to thank all those involved in making the event such a huge success:
Strathclyde Police, Glasgow City Council (Events, Parks, Roads), Culture and Sport Glasgow, Queen’s Cross Housing Association, North Glasgow Housing Association, Glasgow North Regeneration Agency, Active Schools, St Andrew’s Ambulance, Princes Trust, North Glasgow College, Possilpark Millennium Centre.
Sponsors this year included:
Keep Well Project, Allied Vehicles, The Co-operative Group Ltd, Sainsbury’s, Cost Co, Glasgow Canal Regeneration Project, The Garscube Community Foundation, See Woo, and The Early Learning Centre.
ENDS
Contact:
Lyndsey Murison
North Glasgow Healthy Living Community
0141 336 7000
lyndsey@healthynorthglasgow.co.uk
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