Sparkling sand but headwind hampers sloggers
KINTYRE runners faced a stiff 20mph wind as they battled along Wesport’s shore.
The return leg tailwind, the aftermath of Storm Conor, was little consolation and times were not close to last year’s adult winner’s 36.56.
Gigha girl Cara Gorman, 16, who won the ladies’ race, competing in only her second 10k, was very pleased with her 47.20, 11 seconds ahead of the second woman Jennifer Reid, who ran 47:31. She was two minutes, 53 seconds ahead of third-placed Emma Morran’s 50.24.
Gorman, who is studying for her Highers at Tarbert Academy, reckoned the pebbly stretch was the hardest but as she raced up the beach looked ready for another 10k.
‘There are not many runners on Gigha,’ said Gorman. ‘It was great to come and beat all the Campbeltown Running Club members.’
Gary Muir won the men’s race in 40.02, a great effort in the conditions. He was followed home by Stuart McGeachy in 41.59 and in third Craig Metcalf in 42.51.
Posting on social media, Elaine McGeachy said: ‘Well done to everyone at the Slog in the Sand 10k.
‘Thanks to the Coastguard for safety and support en route, all the timers and helpers who made the race go smoothly and successfully and of course the delicious home baking.’
Numbers in the shorter junior race were well down, at fewer than half compared to last year.
Winner Gregor Campbell was three minutes and 27 seconds faster than his 2015 mark and two minutes, 10 seconds quicker than last year’s winner.
Full junior results were: 1 Gregor Campbell 10:35, 2 Ruairidh Campbell 12:31, 3 William McLean 12:34, 4 Violet Campbell 12:41, 5 Ryan Shields 13:30, 6 Caryn Kerr 13:31, 7 Emma Millar 15:22, 8 Rona McLean 17:54.