Taynish run record tumbles in the sun
Field set blistering pace in fundraiser
FEW PLACES look as stunning as Argyll in the sunshine and the 62 runners taking part in the Macmillan Cancer Support races at Taynish on Saturday May 12 were treated to breathtaking scenery from the off.
It wasn’t only the temperature that was hot as the paces set on the 10K and the cross country were blistering.
The runners soon left Tayvallich behind as they entered Taynish National Nature Reserve. The cross country runners headed offroad, up and over Barr Mhor.
The cross country runners met all sorts of terrain without slowing in pace. The 10k runners shot down the spine road absorbing the scents and sounds of the reserve, relishing any hill that dared slow them down, keeping on the heels of their competitors.
Race officials hardly had time for a coffee and cake before runners started haring towards the finishing line from the reserve.
First across the line was Drew Dutton from Campbeltown who smashed the 10K course record by two and half minutes in a time of 37.07.
Drew was followed by Lochgilphead’s David Carey in 39.07 and Robert Snodgrass from Bridge of Weir in 40.41.
The ladies race was even more impressive, with Jennifer Martin from Campbeltown beating the ladies 10K course record by more than four minutes to finish first in 41.34. Jennifer was followed by Sandra Houldsworth, originally from Lochgilphead, in 45.21 and Laura Thomson from Ardrishaig in 49.53.
The cross country race saw a great duel between Campbeltown’s Stuart McGeachy, who had finished the Helensburgh 10K in 34 minutes the day before, and Greg Glendinning, a late entrant from Glasgow. Even on tired legs, Stuart found that little bit extra and pulled away from Greg in the latter stages of the race, crossing the line in 48.54.
Greg followed with a time of 49.29 and Ardrishaig’s Stephen Whiston took third place in 52.18.
Former race winner Mary McCutcheon tore around the course, desperate to get her hands on the Midton Acrylics trophy. Keeping the top gents firmly in her sights, she crossed the line in 54.03 making it two wins and a second place for Mary at one of her favourite races. Johana Mackova from Fort William took second place in 62.37, followed by Morven MacLean from Glasgow in 67.37.
Afterwards, the runners and spectators retreated to the shade of the village hall to enjoy fresh baking and refreshments provided by the Mid Argyll Macmillan Group.
Race co-ordinators Carys and Colin MacFarlane thank all the participants, coffee morning attendees, marshals and supporters who helped raise £1,300 for the Macmillan charity.
Thanks also to race sponsors Taylor & Wishart Scaffolding, Midton Acrylics, SNH, Mid Argyll Rotary and Round Table, Riverside Garage, Mid Argyll Triathlon and Cycle Club and Liam and Patti’s Medals.
Events ended with resounding applause for Christopher McCartan, who had piped all the runners out and back in from the ‘Costa Del Taynish’.