14 July 2014

Glasgow School of Sport and Giffnock North AAC ran out winners of the two Club:Connect relay races which took place at the Sainsbury’s Glasgow Grand Prix on Saturday 12 July.

Squads of young sprinters from clubs across Scotland – including Inverness Harriers, Pitreavie AAC, Kilbarchan AC, Inverclyde AC and Shettleston AC – lined up in front of the Hampden Park crowds to kick of proceedings on day two of the prestigious Diamond League meeting.

The Club:Connect events were introduced at the beginning of this year at British Athletics’ major televised events to reward and recognise the work of local athletics clubs. With a £500 grant going to the winners of each race, there was plenty to play for.

In the women’s 4x100m, Pitreavie started well from the gun, with Giffnock North coming through strongly to take the lead with 200m to go. But it was Glasgow School of Sport athlete Lauren Greig who shone on the anchor leg, speeding down the home straight and past GIffnock North to secure the win in 50.77 seconds.

The East Renfrewshire quartet took the second spot in 51.04, with Inverness Harriers finishing third in a time of 51.55.

“I thought it was really good, it went really well,” said a young Glasgow School of Sport sprinter. “I really enjoyed it, it’s great to race here at Hampden Park. It was something to remember and something you can tell your kids one day.”

In the men’s 4x100m race, Giffnock North AAC held on to their lead coming off the final bend, sprinting to the line in 44.39. Shettleston Harriers were not far behind with 44.88, whilst Inverclyde AC clinched third in 45.42. There was disappointment for Kilbarchan and Pitreavie – tumbling at the second change over and unable to finish the race.

“It was an amazing experience to be running at the national stadium,” said Giffnock North’s Tony Duggin, who brought the baton home on the fourth leg.

“My family and friends were here to watch me, as I found out I would be racing here a couple of weeks ago. It was a good performance by the team to get the win.”

For more information on Club:Connect please visit http://www.britishathletics.org.uk/competitions/british-athletics-club-connect/