OLIVIA Clarke won her first individual national title as she claimed the Scottish Under-20 women’s 3,000m crown – smashing a club record in the process.
Olivia crossed the line in 9 mins 56.09 secs to take first place ahead of Caitlyn Heggie, from Inverness Harriers, and Giffnock North runner Ruth Walsh.
Her run shaved more than six seconds off the previous U20 women’s club record of 10 mins 2.85 secs set by Georgia Ledingham in March 2020.
Olivia said of her maiden Scots title: “I’ve come close – seconds and thirds – but it’s nice to win it, especially over a distance I’m not too confident about.
“It was a good run. It was just nice for it all to come together on the track.
“This season, I’m doing a bit of everything. I’ve got an 800m coming up next in Belfast so we’ll see how that goes.”
Fellow CAAC runners Alice Mourao and Charlotte MacPhie also shone at the Glasgow Miler Meet last Friday night as they shattered their 3,000m PBs.
Charlotte came home in 10:19.93 to beat her previous best of 10:43.29 set in April 2022, while Alice ran 10:31.82 to better her past record of 11:05.47 from June 2023.
Meanwhile, 20 competitors from six clubs across Scotland travelled to Saughton to take part in the inaugural CAAC Frame Running Festival.
Aberdeen AAC, Team East Lothian, Dunfermline’s Pitreavie AAC, and Glasgow clubs Victoria Park and Red Star joined CAAC members Finlay Menzies, Ian Duncan, Paul Masterton, Ben Krushave and Catherine Paton to compete over 100m, 200m, 400m and 800m.
Julie McElroy, who became the first female frame runner to complete the London Marathon in April, was a notable entrant in the 400m and 800m, while Elaine Boyd helped present the medals.
CAAC vice-president and frame running coach Graeme Reid hailed it as a “fantastic event”.
He said: “Several athletes confirmed to us they had achieved multiple personal best times in their races.
“This was our inaugural event and, with lessons learned, we can’t wait to put on a bigger and better event next year.
“Big thanks to the officials and volunteers who helped make it all possible.”
Photo of Olivia by SIMON WOOTTON / ECOSSE PHOTO.