HUGS and kisses, a flurry of love-hearts and a bona fide marriage proposal – love was definitely in the air at the women's 10k in Glasgow yesterday.
As Louise Gilmour crossed the finish line, she was greeted with a huge banner emblazoned with her photo and the words “Louise Gilmour -- will you marry me?” held aloft by boyfriend Dale Plant.
“I was gobsmacked!” beamed the 27-year-old financial adviser from Bishopbriggs, who accepted the proposal to the joy and relief of everyone watching.
“I had no idea -- none at all. It has made the day so special, one I’ll never forget.”
Mr Plant, 29, a policeman, got down on one knee and presented Ms Gilmour with a diamond and white gold engagement ring. He said: “I was a bit nervous -- I didn’t really know how she’d take it. I’m very relieved she said yes!”
The couple have raised more than £9000 for Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of Louise’s uncle who died of lung cancer this year.
It was a damp and drizzly Ignis Asset Management Women’s 10k this year but the downpours and dark skies failed to deter the 11,000 who finished the race.
Last year’s winner, Linet Masai, the current world 10,000 metres champion, came first in a time of 32 minutes 11 seconds.
“It was a good race for me,” smiled the 21-year-old. “Glasgow always gives me a warm welcome.”
Fellow Kenyans Grace Momanyi and Julia Mumbi came second and third with times of 32.56 and 33.43 respectively.
First Scot home was Lorna Young in fifth place in 35.24. Ms Young, 22, who now lives in Leeds, said: “I’m really delighted -- the support around the course is fantastic. I used to run in Glasgow when I was younger. It’s great to be back!”
Colette Martin, 16, won the wheelchair race in a time of 35.54, ahead of Meggan Dawson-Farrell who finished in 39.07, and Jane Egan on 42.50.
Giant Great Dane Guch has to have been one of the most unusual running partners. “She is my brother’s dog and he promised me £100 for my charity -- Motor Neurone Disease -- if I ran with her,” explained Jane Galt, who is from Cardonald.
“She has her own vest, her own running number -- and her own goodie bag!”
Lucy Armitage and her partner Maria Spedsberg, from Denmark, added an international flavour complete with Viking helmet and tartan scarves. “We wanted to have a bit of fun,” said Ms Armitage, from the Black Isle.
Naomi Cunningham, 21, from East Kilbride, ran in a rainbow costume in support of the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice.
“My aunt, Barbara Somerville, died exactly one year ago today,” she explained. “She was 61 and had pancreatic cancer -- so this was for her.”
One woman crossed the line in tears, unable to speak. Her T-shirt read simply: “I am doing this for my mum. She would have been 59 today.”
For Rebecca Goldman and Martina Rodie, it was a chance to pay tribute to their friend Elaine Paul Roberts, who died last year, aged just 34, after a battle with cancer.
“It was a great day -- really emotional, really tough in places, but such a wonderful atmosphere,” smiled Ms Goldman, 31, a doctor. She ran the race straight after working a night-shift.
- Don’t miss tonight’s Evening Times for a 24-page 10K results supplement.
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