The wind that whips over East Dunbartonshire in February is both biting and, this year, also carries the threat of snow.
But for more than 100 runners gathered around the start line of a Kirkintilloch half marathon early on a chilly Sunday morning, the cold came second to paying tribute to one of their own.
The race means more than chasing personal bests. Those who tackled the 13.1-mile route were remembering a mentor, coach and much-loved serving police officer who was taken from the community too soon.
Superintendent Neil McCover was killed in a road accident while cycling during his lunch break in 2010. His death sent shockwaves through both the police and running communities.
The then chief constable of Strathclyde Police, Sir Stephen House, led tributes to a “popular, valued, and highly respected” officer and a “good, genuine man”.
The highly respected officer, based at the Jackton Force Training and Recruitment Centre near East Kilbride, was just 55 years old.
One of the highest-ranked officers to die on duty in Scotland, he had shaped the careers of countless others through his specialism in firearms training.
He was also a passionate and committed athlete, who competed in marathons, duathlons, and triathlons. He spent two years training for what he regarded as the pinnacle of his athletic achievements, the Ironman triathlon in Austria.
Now, 16 years later, the half marathon that bears his name remains a poignant tribute to a man who left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
An image of Neil, arms aloft in front of a Saltire, now forms the logo of the Neil McCover memorial half marathon.
It was seen by all of the runners who took part in this year’s race, battling around the challenging route through Neil’s home town of Kirkintilloch, where he lived with his wife, Margaret, and their daughter.
The race is organised by Neil’s club, Kirkintilloch Olympians, and spearheaded by his friend and running companion, Robert Rogerson.
He met Neil during races in the early 2000s, and encouraged him to join the running club. But the police officer didn’t simply join – he threw himself into the club and its community, becoming its chair and a coach for the juniors.
“It was a tragic loss. A big shock,” Robert recalls of his friend’s death. “Neil was a good friend. He continued to race for the police too, and we would bump into each other at races.
“We were keen to start something to recognise Neil’s contribution to the club and community following his death.”
At the time, the town of Kirkintilloch was celebrating its 800th anniversary, and the idea for a tribute race took shape.
Neil’s favourite distance was the half marathon, and he had often discussed how much he would love to see the town have its own event.
Following his friend’s death, Robert approached the local council and police to see if there was potential to start a run in Neil’s memory. He was overwhelmed by their response.
“Everyone was just so supportive of the idea,” he says. “The local police were delighted. So many local cops knew him and had been trained by him.
“Neil was the sort of person who, once you meet, you don’t forget. He was tall, friendly, open and always enthusiastic. He had a wonderful way with people. You listened to him and respected him.”
The course originally followed the route of the old Luddon Strathkelvin half marathon, which was popular during the 1980s.
It has since evolved, and now takes place each February on a tougher, hillier course. But while the route might have changed, the spirit of the event remains the same.
“Neil was the sort of person who, once you meet, you don’t forget. You listened to him and respected him”
Robert Rogerson, race organiser
Links with the police remain strong. Each year, Kirkintilloch Olympians supports a police charity in memory of Neil, and as a thank you for their work. This year, the Police Benevolent Fund was chosen.
Ever since the first race, the McCover Trophy is presented to the first police officer over the line.
“It has always been part of the event,” Robert explains. “We wanted to have something to recognise police officers.
“Neil was a training officer. A lot of police officers, both serving and retired, knew him and had been trained by him.”
This year, the prize went to Stuart Douglas, an officer based at the Scottish Crime Campus in Gartcosh.
He started running as part of his training to pass the police fitness test when he applied to join the force 14 years ago.
He went on to join Glasgow running club the Bellahouston Road Runners, and is training for his second marathon in Moray in April.
“I felt a connection to the race, and it was one that I really wanted to do in memory of Neil”
Stuart Douglas, fastest police officer
Stuart crossed the line in 1:27:06, and was delighted to achieve both a personal best and a trophy for his efforts.
But perhaps more than that, he enjoyed the spirit of the day and taking part in an event that recognised a fellow officer and runner.
“I never knew Neil personally, but I have heard a lot about him,” Stuart says after the race.
“He was such a lovely man, who was so dedicated to everything to do with running. I know how much effort people like him make for the sport.
“It was hilly, but a lovely route and a lovely atmosphere. I felt a connection to the race, and it was one that I really wanted to do, in memory of Neil and for the running community.
“It was a lovely way to show support and have that connection to Neil. It means a lot. I’ll be back next year.”
The race marked another year without Neil, but his enduring influence lives on in the people who he spent time with and supported over the years.
“The juniors he coached are now grown up and running as seniors,” Robert says.
“They all remember him and the things he said and how he said them. I think that says everything. It amazes me how many officers I meet who remember Neil and words of advice he gave them. He is never forgotten.”