What a week: Rudisha at Glasgow Green, Crouser at Linwood

Monday 4th March 2024

Stirling Uni celebrate success with David Rudisha at Glasgow Green (photo by Jeff Holmes)

Runners at the annual Allan Scally Memorial Road Relay Race were surprised and delighted to meet renowned global track legend David Rudisha at Glasgow Green on Saturday.

The World Indoors international Ambassador, double Olympic champion and men’s 800m World Record holder, presented medals and posed for selfies at the popular 4 x5km relay race organised by Shettleston Harriers.

Rudisha presented prizes to winning men’s and women’s team, with Stirling University Athletics Club taking the men’s race and Glasgow University Hare and Hounds claiming first place in the women’s race.

With 1,000 runners (250 teams of four) entered this year’s event, the road relay took place in and around Glasgow Green, just a couple of miles from the Emirates Arena venue for the world Indoors.

David’s visit was part of a commitment by World Athletics to promoting local engagement and enthusiasm during champs.

‘I was pleased to be a part of this prestigious local race and to chat to the passionate athletics community here in Glasgow,’ he said.

‘It was a good fantastic opportunity to celebrate the spirit of the sport and showcase the excitement around the World Indoors Glasgow 24.’

The 53rd Allan Scally Memorial Road Race, a cherished event in Scottish road racing, took place on the second day of the championships. Held in memory of the esteemed coach and team manager Allan Scally, the race is a traditional 4 x 5km relay event, attracting top athletes and enthusiastic spectators.

There was a Para element to the race, too, with Fife AC fielding a full T20 team from the training group coached by Steve Doig.

And the quartet of Steven Bryce, Sam Fernando, Owen Miller and Ben Sandilands finished fourth in the men’s race.

Fife AC’s T20 squad had a superb race at the Allan Scally Relays to finish fourth (photo via Fife AC)

Glasgow Uni celebrate victory in the Women’s race (photos by Jeff Holmes)

+++

David Rudisha’s appearance in a Glasgow park was just one of a whole range of similar ‘happenings’ when the World Indoors came to town.

Througout three days of supeb action at the Emirates Arena there were social media images of star athletes with volunteers and fans.

Our team of brilliant kit carriers, including from our National Academy and our Young People’s Forum, took time out now and again to greet the likes of Noah Lyles, Karsten Warholm, Femke Bol and Mondo Duplantis.

But perhaps one the bes tof these came two nights before the event started when American throws legend, Ryan Crouser, visited the Kilbarchan AAC indoor facility at Linwood.

Ryan was a huge hit with athletes (and coaches) young and old and clearly the Linwood effect had an influence – he won Shot Put gold on Friday night with a Championship Best.

Great to have Olympic Champion, World Champion and World Record holder Ryan Crouser training in the indoor facility tonight! The Kilbarchan Trackstars group were delighted to get a photo! @RCrouserThrows @scotathletics @BBCSportScot @WorldAthletics @wicglasgow24 https://t.co/rxhSx5Jjuo pic.twitter.com/shdyM2Sv6N

— Kilbarchan AAC (@kilbarchanaac) February 28, 2024