Runners break free for the hills
DUN NA CUAICHE was the perfect centrepiece for a fine day of hill racing in Inveraray last weekend.
The annual Inveraray Jail Break attracted more than 100 runners from across the country to the royal burgh on Sunday May 14, to take part in one of the most picturesque races in Scotland.
Starting at Inveraray Jail, the hardy runners were faced with the gruelling challenge of scaling 250 metres up Dun Na Cuaiche before returning to Inveraray Castle where they were met with rapturous applause and a celebratory goodie bag at the finish line.
The field of runners has increased every year and features a wide range of ages, from six years old up to 60 plus, and there were a number of different courses marked out to suit certain ages and abilities.
Youngsters Andy Nicol and Eilidh Cameron were the first local runners across the finish line in the ‘kids on the run’ race, while Calum MacDonald and Rachael Johnstone were the quickest locals in the junior race on a day when young Mid Argyll athletes were well represented.
Michael Deason of Shettleston Harriers won the men’s race for the fourth year in a row with a time of 26:25, with a margin of almost a minute. Jessica Martin was the quickest female on the day, recording an impressive time of 31:54.
Several veteran runners showed everyone that age is no barrier, with Martin Beastall setting the fastest time in the V40 category with a time of 31:43.
Fee Corner, one of the race organisers, said: ‘We are very lucky to have generous sponsors from the royal burgh and are very grateful for the support by businesses small and large.
‘Inveraray Jail is a wonderful start venue while the Duke and Duchess of Argyll provide one of the most beautiful and impressive routes and finish lines.’
Full results can be found on the Inveraray Jail Break website or Facebook page.