GREAT weather and a Commonwealth Games atmosphere greeted the competitors at Sunday’s Inverclyde Leisure 5k run and walk.

Provost Robert Moran fired the starting gun at the Waterfront Centre to send the 153 runners and walkers on their way — accompanied by pipers Allan Easton and Russell Young.

He reminded everyone that this was a special year because of the Games, and was joined at the start by Inverclyde Athletic Club coach Rhona Bushfield in her Queen’s Baton Relay outfit.

Inverclyde Leisure hold the 5k every year to raise money for Ardgowan Hospice.

This was the eighth year of the 5k which, together with Inverclyde Leisure’s triathlon and ‘maxi-fit’ competitions, has generated £30,000 for the hospice.

The adult men’s race was dominated by Greenock Glenpark Harriers’ runners taking first, second and third places.

First over the line was Steven Campbell on 16 minutes 22 seconds, followed by Andrew Osborne (18-04) and Graham McGrattan (18-13).

The first woman, on 18-39, was Jill Knowles, who runs for the Scottish Prison Service. Second was Rachel Bushfield of Inverclyde Athletic Club (19-24) and the third woman was Gourock fitness gym co-ordinator Lauren O’Donnell (20-53).

The top junior prize was claimed by Inverclyde AC’s Ryan Gray with a time of 17-24, and Shelby Morrison of Glenpark Harriers was first junior girl on 22-52.

Provost Moran presented the prizes and congratulated everyone who took part.

He said: “It’s great to see so many people keeping fit and having a good time.” The race course took the competitors on a scenic route to the Esplanade and back to finish at the Waterfront. They were treated to the sight of the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer, The Waverley, sailing by in the middle of the event.

Race organiser Joyce Murdoch paid tribute to everyone who helped to make the race a success.

It was sponsored by Lidl, Sport Inverclyde, Inverclyde Gymnastics and the Greenock Telegraph.

Joyce said: “We also had Inverclyde Leisure volunteers on hand and our mascots Polo, Splish and Splash as well as Dan Gardiner doing face painting.” A full list of competitors and their times is available at www.inverclydeleisure.com See today's Tele for full pictures.