Multi-million pound Dumbarton running track remains unopened after four years of delays
Young athletes aiming to participate in athletics competitions are facing a frustrating setback as the new multi-million pound running track at Posties Park in Dumbarton remains closed after more than four years of delays. Graham Reid, from West Dunbartonshire Athletics Club, expressed his disappointment that the state-of-the-art track overlooking Dumbarton Rock has yet to welcome runners. He highlighted that talented youngsters are now having to travel to Glasgow for training, and some have even left the sport altogether due to the lack of access to suitable facilities.
Reid mentioned the challenges faced by the club in meeting the competitive needs of the children, with a reliance on makeshift events at Dumbarton Academy. He also noted that the delay in the track’s opening has led to athletes having to bypass the venue to attend competitions in other areas, such as Linwood, resulting in missed opportunities and inconveniences for both athletes and their families. The unopened track has prompted concerns about losing promising athletes to other clubs in Glasgow, where they can access proper training facilities.
Plans to transform the Levenside venue into a modern athletics track have been in place since 2015 but have encountered multiple setbacks, including delays exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite initial expectations for the facility to open last March, subsequent target dates have been pushed back, with no definitive timeline for its completion. The prolonged delays have hindered the club’s preparations and impacted its ability to cater to the growing interest in athletics within the community.
Reid expressed frustration over the increasing costs and the uncertainty surrounding the track’s opening, with the project now reportedly over budget by more than £3 million. He raised concerns about missing opportunities for engagement, such as during the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, if the track remains inaccessible. The track’s delayed opening has not only affected the club’s operations but has also limited the potential for expanding its reach and providing opportunities for more young athletes to engage in the sport.
In conclusion, the prolonged delays in opening the Dumbarton running track have had significant implications for local athletics clubs and aspiring athletes. The ongoing uncertainty surrounding the project’s completion has not only hindered the development of athletes but has also underscored the importance of investing in sports infrastructure to foster talent and community engagement. It is crucial for authorities to expedite the track’s opening to unlock the potential for grassroots athletics and provide a platform for young athletes to thrive and pursue their sporting ambitions.