1200 pupils take part in 6k hospice fund-raiser

Sep 25 2008 by Shirley Bartynek, Hamilton Advertiser

1200 pupils take part in 6k hospice fund-raiser

OVER 1200 teenagers from 34 secondary schools took part in the St Andrew's Hospice Lanarkshire Schools IHE 6K Road Race in Strathclyde Park on Sunday.

The event aimed to raise vital funds for patient care at the Airdrie Hospice which cares for cancer patients from across Lanarkshire.

The big-hearted youngsters were joined by some 300 staff to create a massive field of 1555 competitors.

In bright, sunny weather the youngsters had arrived by bus, car and on foot from all parts of the county.

Many were there to run competitively and to do their best to help their schools to challenge for the trophy presented to best-performing school.

At least as many, however, took part simply to help the hospice and they were content to jog or walk the course.

Connor McCann, a 16-year-old pupil from St Aidan's High School, in Wishaw was overall race winner in a fabulous time of 21 mins.47 secs which was a spectacular success for a young man who devotes most of his energy to rowing on Strathclyde Loch.

Zac Hunter from Holy Cross High School, Hamilton, celebrated his 16th Birthday by lifting second prize in 22 minutes 6 secs.

East Kilbride AC runner John Ferguson from Calderside Academy raced home in third place in 22 minutes 26 secs.

Taking third place for the girls was Bothwell's Lauren Mooney, a 15-year-old from Uddingston Grammar.

Lauren is a member of Whitemoss AC.

Uddingston Grammar School beat off strong competition from St Aidan's High School, Wishaw, and Lanark Grammar School to win the Schools Challenge Cup.

Ross Anderson from Hamilton Grammar School was among the top three male adult runners on the day.

Staff from St Partick's Nursery and Lammermoor, Mossend, New Stevenston, Robert Smillie and Wishaw Academy primary schools also took part.