HUNDREDS of young runners from all over Scotland took part in a national championships in Greenock.

And Scottish Athletics say the event was so successful it could be brought back to the town.

The National Young Athletes Road Race Championships was staged here for the first time by Inverclyde Local Athletic Partnership (ILAP), with all of the races taking place in Battery Park.

Scottish Athletics communications manager Peter Jardine said there was a very positive reaction.

He said: “Parents and coaches from a number of clubs told us how much they liked Battery Park as a venue, and also how much the youngsters enjoyed the course. It was flat, which led to some good times.

“We had 371 finishers across the under-13, 15 and 17 age groups, and that is up significantly on the figures of 304 and 300 in the previous two years when it was held at Riccarton, Edinburgh.

“That probably points to a popular choice of venue, and ‘legacy’ happening following the Commonwealth Games.” He added: “There were medallists from clubs like Campbeltown, Moray Road Runners, Fife AC and Lasswade, as well as Kilbarchan AAC, Inverclyde AC and Giffnock North AAC, so it definitely feels like an event which is growing.

“It is a decision for our Road Running and Cross Country Commission whether to return to Battery Park next year, but I know they were very pleased indeed with the local organisation by ILAP and Inverclyde AC.” Prizes were presented by Inverclyde Council’s sports champion, Councillor Ronnie Ahlfeld, who said: “Hopefully there will be many more prestigious athletics events here in future. Massive congratulations and thanks to all involved.

“We are very fortunate in having such a dedicated athletics partnership totally committed to supporting and developing our young athletes.” And ILAP president Gerry Gaffney said: “This achievement was due in no small part to the massive contribution made by Inverclyde AC members and volunteers.

“Two Greenock Glenpark Harriers volunteers also helped out.” He thanked Inverclyde Leisure, Inverclyde Council and Tesco Port Glasgow for their help, and added: “It is extremely likely Scottish Athletics will wish ILAP to host the championships at Battery Park next year.” HUNDREDS of young runners from all over Scotland took part in a national championships in Greenock.

And Scottish Athletics say the event was so successful it could be brought back to the town.

The National Young Athletes Road Race Championships was staged here for the first time by Inverclyde Local Athletic Partnership (ILAP), with all of the races taking place in Battery Park.

Scottish Athletics communications manager Peter Jardine said there was a very positive reaction.

He said: “Parents and coaches from a number of clubs told us how much they liked Battery Park as a venue, and also how much the youngsters enjoyed the course. It was flat, which led to some good times.

“We had 371 finishers across the under-13, 15 and 17 age groups, and that is up significantly on the figures of 304 and 300 in the previous two years when it was held at Riccarton, Edinburgh.

“That probably points to a popular choice of venue, and ‘legacy’ happening following the Commonwealth Games.” He added: “There were medallists from clubs like Campbeltown, Moray Road Runners, Fife AC and Lasswade, as well as Kilbarchan AAC, Inverclyde AC and Giffnock North AAC, so it definitely feels like an event which is growing.

“It is a decision for our Road Running and Cross Country Commission whether to return to Battery Park next year, but I know they were very pleased indeed with the local organisation by ILAP and Inverclyde AC.” Prizes were presented by Inverclyde Council’s sports champion, Councillor Ronnie Ahlfeld, who said: “Hopefully there will be many more prestigious athletics events here in future. Massive congratulations and thanks to all involved.

“We are very fortunate in having such a dedicated athletics partnership totally committed to supporting and developing our young athletes.” And ILAP president Gerry Gaffney said: “This achievement was due in no small part to the massive contribution made by Inverclyde AC members and volunteers.

“Two Greenock Glenpark Harriers volunteers also helped out.” He thanked Inverclyde Leisure, Inverclyde Council and Tesco Port Glasgow for their help, and added: “It is extremely likely Scottish Athletics will wish ILAP to host the championships at Battery Park next year.”