Runners on their marks as new running track approved in Renfrewshire

Runners in Renfrewshire are set to benefit from a new running track at the On-X Sports Centre in Linwood after a contract was approved by councillors.

The £385,000 contract was given the go ahead at a meeting of Renfrewshire Council’s Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board, with works planned to get underway at the beginning of June 2024 and cross the finish line in late-August.

The installation of a new running track surface will be completed to World Athletics and International Association of Athletics Federations accreditation standard and will benefit runners across Renfrewshire, including Kilbarchan Amateur Athletics Club (KAAC) who are contributing £100,000 towards the project.

John Rodger, Finance Convener at KAAC, said: “Kilbarchan AAC is one of the leading athletics clubs in Scotland and the track at On-X is integral to the continued success of the club which is why we’re delighted to have secured the funding to bring the track up World Athletics standard.

“This will allow us to host league meetings, championship events and any records set on the track will be ratified by Scottish Athletics.

“We would like to express our thanks to Renfrewshire Council and OneRen who we have worked with for more than two years to make this a reality.”

As part of the works contract, the contractor will provide community benefits including support for a local community project, advice and support to a local organisation and an industry awareness event.

Board convener Councillor John Shaw said: “I was pleased to see this contract approved by councillors as it will make a real difference to the running experience at the On-X, with runners of all ages and abilities benefitting from the new surface, and I look forward to the works taking place over the summer during the optimal weather conditions.”

For more information on sport facilities in Renfrewshire, visit www.oneren.org