INVERCLYDE runners have refused to let the Covid-19 lockdown break their stride.

Glenpark Harriers were due to host a 10-mile race - the Docherty Cup - on Saturday 11 April.

The journey from Gourock prom to Bankfoot Roundabout in Inverkip was cancelled due to lockdown.

Instead, the tenacious runners organised a virtual door-to-door race of 10 miles or an hour's run - whichever the athletes achieved first.

Across a weekend the runners set off from their front door and made donations to NHS Active via the social fitness network running app Strava, which tracks exercise using GPS data.

The club also donated £125 in commemoration of its 125th anniversary.

Glenpark Harriers president Robert Dolan was thrilled to see so many members taking part.

Robert, 48, said: "To keep our members motivated and active we came up with the idea of doing a virtual door-to-door race.

"It was so important that we stuck to social distancing guidelines and set the time limit at 60 minutes.

"Some people hit the 10 miles within that time.

"We had a great turnout and everyone really enjoyed it.

"Everyone posted their photos and times on Facebook after their run to show they had taken part.

"We're just trying to keep everyone amused at this very difficult time.

"It's about keeping people upbeat and taking our minds off lockdown."

Stephen Trainer clocked the fastest time on the day, covering 10 miles in just 53 minutes.

The club has a five-mile race in Dunoon planned for later in the year and Robert says that if we're still in lockdown then, there's a chance that will become a virtual event too.

Robert has been part of the club for 35 years and this is his fourth year as president.

He knows how important exercise is - especially at this troubled time - and is always keen to welcome new members to the club, regardless of their running prowess.

Robert added: "Getting that hour of exercise every day and getting out of the house is so important for our mental health.

"Anyone can join the Harriers and we have 280 members at the moment.

"We're an inclusive club and very family-orientated."