On Thursday 29th May 2025, Calum Johnson delivered a stunning performance at the Babcock Helensburgh 10K, recording a blistering 29:10 — the fastest time in the event’s 43-year history.
Who is Calum?
Calum is a full-time athlete who competes for Gateshead Harriers in England and has represented Team GB at both the World and European Cross Country Championships.
Representing East Kilbride AC, his Scottish club, this was Johnson’s second appearance in club colours on Scottish soil, with hopes of doing more later in the year. He had originally planned to run a controlled race, sticking to 3-minute kilometres until 8K — as per his coach’s instructions — before finishing strongly. However, after finding himself comfortably leading by 2K, he decided to seize the moment.
Johnson made light work of the twisting course and steep hills, passing through 5K in 14:40 before accelerating over the second half in 14:30, taking 22 seconds off the previous course record set in 2019 by Weynay Ghebresilassie. He crossed the line a full 2 minutes and 24 seconds ahead of runner-up Taha Ghafari — a commanding victory and a masterclass in pacing and control.
Calum also spoke about the pride he takes in racing for East Kilbride and hopes his performance can be a source of motivation for the club’s younger athletes:
“Hopefully it inspires them to push on and believe they can do some great things! I’ll be keeping an eye out on results to follow their progress.”
A superb performance from Calum, and a moment to remember for everyone involved at East Kilbride AC.
