In preparation for the upcoming Glasgow Half Marathon I wanted to test out the speed work I have been doing over the past few weeks. With Strathclyde Park being on my doorstep and a women's only event, this was the perfect opportunity to challenge based on previous results.

Registration as with all the Women's Running Series events is easy and straightforward and I always prefer to have my race number and pack before race day which was posted to me in plenty of time.

Arrived around 40 minutes early with plenty of parking opportunities and I could see right away that they had a cracking setup for us. Helpdesk, effective bag drop, free samples, water and exciting start/finish area with calm conditions made for great running potential.

The 5K went off at 10am with clear instructions that the 10K would go off 6 minutes later. This was stuck to accurately. A 2k out and back loop to start before a full lap of the park completed the course with plenty of spectators around the flat course. The organisers had plenty of marshals at as many points as they could and also supplied 3 water stations at 2k, 5k and 8k in bottles which is always perfect to keep up the pace.

I started well and by the 2k mark I was running in a clear 2nd place and felt great! Although I maintained my pace I could hear the footsteps gradually catching me and by 7.5k I was then running 3rd. Trying to up my cadence, I just couldn't match her but I was determined to push on and get a podium place.

Great marshals and support on the course really spurred me on to drive to the finish to a PB of over a minute down to 43:46! I finished 3rd and was absolutely delighted with myself!

The medal was fab (and is always nice when they put it around your neck), the goody bag had over £40 worth of stuff and was one of the best I've ever received! Add a tshirt into the mix and it was a great event! Then add my 3rd place finish prizes of a bottle of prosecco, a months supply of energy bars and a weeks supply of fresh juices by Roots, some terrific prizes!

A great vibe was constant throughout the race and event and I would certainly recommend this race to any female, be it the 5k, 10k or mile race!

Best value for money race I have entered and have already signed up for next year! Not a single visor in sight though! Seems this is the case in a load of Scottish events! (hint hint)