AN intrepid trio of runners helped Inverclyde Athletics Club scoop a top team award at the Scottish Athletics 10k Championships.

The Inverclyde trio of Mark Doherty, John Bell and Colin Doherty were on top form at the Stirling 10k event, where extraordinary efforts saw two metals and a team honour come back to Inverclyde.

In a packed out event, Docherty crossed the line in 7th place overall, winning the Male 40-years gold medal. 

Bell would cross just one place behind in 8th and Colin Docherty crossed the line to clinch silver in the same category as well as the top team award for Inverclyde Athletics Club.

Mark Doherty then focused on the cross country with the aim to regain the M40 title he won at the British and Irish Masters XC Championships in 2022.

He did not falter at the first hurdle, the Scottish Veteran Harriers Master Cross Country trial, recording third place in the race and along with teammate Gregor Yates, who finished just behind in fourth.

They secured their places in the Scottish team for this year’s British & Irish Master Cross Country Championships.

Nynke Mullholland earned a place on the podiumNynke Mullholland earned a place on the podium (Image: supplied)

At the Great Scottish Run, it was the turn of Inverclyde’s females to shine.

Nynke Mulholland, who had competed over the country at the West Cross Country relays the day before, crossed the line with the fourth fastest lap of all the senior women, winning a well-earned silver medal in the women’s 10k.

Making a return to racing were Abi Hammerman and Orla McGeehan who also took part in the 10K and were very satisfied with the progress they've made.  

Collette McGeehan took up the Challenge of a 10k through the streets of Glasgow and recorded a time six minutes faster than her previous best. 

Kyle Brotherton had a great performance to put Inverclyde AC on the podium again, finishing second in the men's 10K wheelchair race in a time of 30-minutes.

In the half-marathon event, John Bell was first back for the senior men finishing in 6th place in a great time of 68 minutes.

Other strong runs came from Jack Letson, John Sharp, David Tamburini, Jason Kane, Jon Hammerman, Al Myers, and Phil Gillan. 

Congratulations to coaches Norrie Hay, Gerry Gaffney, Mark Pollard, and both the senior and junior coaching teams for their support of these athletes.

A club spokesperson added: "Anyone interested in taking up running for fitness or wanting to improve their 5K-marathon performances is very welcome to come along to our training sessions.

"Inverclyde Athletics Club’s senior distance coaching team has a wealth of experience to cater for all abilities with a range of sessions available.

"To find out more about these sessions please contact us via our website: inverclydeac.org