Running wild
Almost one hundred runners took part in the Taynish Run this week.
THE PEACE and quiet of the Taynish National Nature Reserve was briefly interrupted by the sound of runners’ feet on Saturday.
Runners from around the country gathered in Tayvallich on Saturday May 13 to take part in the Taynish Run. The event comprises of three races – the 5km, 10km and the trail run – with all proceedings going to MacMillan Cancer Support.
Some 122 people had signed up to the Taynish run and, despite a number of drop-outs due to illness or injury, almost all of the entrants made the trip to Tayvallich to take their place on the starting line. In a busy day of competition, Tarbert’s Ewan Smith finished fastest in the 10km race, followed closely by Douglas Ferguson from Campbeltown, while David Carey of Lochgilphead put down a good time in the cross country to finish second. Campbeltown local Katie Ferguson recorded the fastest female time in the 10km race, while Carol Lawson of Ardrishaig won the 5km female race.
During the events, spectators and helpers were treated to coffee and cake in Tayvallich Village Hall as a squad of volunteers prepared a delicious spread to help boost the fundraising total for the day.
According to latest estimates, the races and coffee morning raised an impressive £2,700 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Race organiser Colin MacFarlane said: ‘Last year’s run was so successful that I decided to organise it again but with all the proceeds going to Macmillan, which is a great cause. A big thanks also to Taylor and Wishart Scaffolding, Mid Argyll Round Table and the Rotary Club of Mid Argyll, who donated a huge amount to the race.’ Male 10km: 1 Ewan Smith, 41.56 2 Douglas Ferguson, 43.27 3 Billy Thomson, 45.26 Female 10km: 1 Katie Ferguson, 45.29 2 Sandra Houldsworth, 45.56 3 Laura Thomason, 49.05 Male 5km: 1 Mark Gormley, 23.52 2 Iain Thistlethwaite, 25.56 Female 5km: 1 Carol Lawson, 25.08 2 Naomi Thistlethwaite, 25.56 3 Tina Barrie, 27.20 Male trail run: 1 Nicholas Gemmell, 48.49 2 David Carey, 49.27 3 Alasdair MacInnes, 50.00 Female trail run: 1 Jill Smylie, 52.37 2 Mary McCutcheon, 56.09 3 Heather Thompson, 61.38