Nearly 200 folk put their best foot forward to get active and improve their community.

Jun 29 2009 by Alison Rennie, Paisley Daily Express

Linwood Active organised a 5k race through the town – the first one since 1997.

And for the younger – and less energetic – there was a 1k race around the running track staged at Linwood Sports Centre.

The first junior boy to finish the 5k fun run was 14-year-old Craig Marshall from Linwood High.

The first junior female was Heather Fawcett.

The 5k was supported by Jogging Buddies and Renfrewshire Leisure and volunteers with Linwood Active hope it will become an annual event.

Secretary Lesley Compston said: “It was just a fantastic day,.

“The atmosphere was absolutely brilliant.

“We were expecting about 100 people so to have nearly 200 was just fantastic.

“Aldi donated fresh fruit for every runner and Renfrewshire Leisure donated bottles of water for everyone.

“We really just couldn’t have done it without their support.

“It will definitely be on next year.

“Craig said he wants to come back and defend his trophy and lots of other people said they would come back.

“A lot of the runners enjoyed it because the route was along country roads rather than past houses.

“We were out running past fields and cows.”

Everyone who took part was given a medal and spot prizes were given out during the race.

Lesley added: “Linwood Active is not only about working for the children of Linwood, but also about providing fun for local children and of course their families.

“The whole of the Linwood Active Committee would like to thank all the sponsors who donated items which made the whole day such a great success.

“More than 50 people turned up to spectate and 180 took part in the races themselves.

“That was fantastic.

After the races, there was a fun day held outside Linwood Sports Centre with a bouncy castle, face painting and food and drink stalls.

Linwood Active was set up in October 2006 to improve play areas for children throughout the town.