CARLUKE Development Trust was taking a breather this week after hosting its sixth successful 10K Road Race and 5K Family Fun Run on Sunday.
Runners from across the country flocked to Loch Park Stadium to compete, cheered on my dozens of local spectators.
Tom Sneddon, chairman of the Trust said: "What can you say? The weather forecast was rubbish, but thankfully the event was brilliant.
"Overall the numbers for both the 5K and 10K events were on par with last year's record-breaking figures.
"All in all a great day - a fitting start to the Gala celebrations."
Sarah Docherty, the 2006 Gala Queen got both the 5K and 10K races off on time.
The 5K event attracted some elite club runners as well as people who pushed their buggies around the course or just walked - all in aid of good fun or for a good charitable cause.
First across the line in the 5K was Robert Rogerson from Kirkintilloch who conquered the course in 15 minutes and 57 seconds. He was followed by Miguel Merayo from Central AC on 16mins 16secs and then by David McCormick from Kirkintilloch on 17mins 4secs.
The first family over the line was Luke and Chris Foss, 2nd Scott Lawrie and Christopher Craig and third David and Andrew McCormick.
The more serious 10K event attracted runners from as far afield as Aberdeen and was won for the second consecutive year by Robert Gilroy of the Cambuslang Club in a time of 32mins 20secs. Robert left the stadium in the lead and ran steadily throughout the race, a course which has been described as difficult to win in convincing style.
2nd and 3rd place in the open race went to Johan Lumdani (unattached) in 34mins 22secs and Benjamin Hands from Motherwell AC in 37mins 18secs.
The first veteran in the stadium was Jim Baird of Law and District in 37mins 37secs followed by Alan McIntosh from Lothian in 32mins 40secs and another runner from Law and District, Gordon Douglas in a time of 39mins 5secs.
Other results were: Male Vet +50 - Sandy Eaglesham (Cambuslang) 39.17; Male Vet +60 - David Mitchell (Clydesdale Harriers) 44.41; Male Vet +70 - William Drysdale (Law and District) 67.09.
First male team across the line was Jim Baird, Gordon Douglas, David Mcleary from Law and District.
The ladies race was won by Jessie Miller of Motherwell AC in a great time of 40 mins 25secs. She was followed by Marie Storrie of Lothian RC in 45mins 44secs with 3rd place going to Claire Barr from Motherwell AC in 47mins 43secs.
Other results were: 1st lady Vet Sharyn Ramage (City of Edinburgh) 43.53; 2nd lady Vet Karen Munro (Unattached) 47.15; 3rd lady Vet Elaine Jamieson (Motherwell AC) 47.49; First female team - Motherwell AC.
Carluke Development Trust would like to thank Marie Curie its partner this year and of course the sponsors who help to make the event happen.
Thanks to Mosko, the main sponsor, Border Biscuits, Hazelhead Homecare, Rosebank Garden Centre, Loaningdale Trust, Carluke Gazette, William Adam Electrical, John Kelly Chartered Accountant, Clydesdale Trading Society, Headspoint Garden Centre, Whizz Designs, Somerfield who provided the all important water and South Lanarkshire Council who provided the inflatable play structures.
Lastly, huge thanks go to the Trust Directors and the hoards of volunteers who helped with transport, stewarding of both races.