Sun beams down as MOK runners light up Wee Toon
Campbeltown’s streets were awash with colour last Sunday as almost 1,000 runners donning tops representing running clubs and charities across the world took part in the 2023 Mull of Kintyre half marathon and 10k races.
Despite a disappointingly cold and dull May, good weather was on side for the MOKRun, making its first proper appearance of the year through the week and lasting until race weekend.
There were many factors motivating people to put on their running shoes, from attempting to beat personal bests or even achieving a podium spot, to just crossing the line to fulfil a promise to raise money for a cause close their heart.
It was Campbeltown man Stuart McGeachy who crossed the finish line first, in a time of 00:34:02, to win the men’s 10k. He was closely followed by Dominic Sharkey, who finished second in 00:34:48, followed by third placed Nicholas Gemmell in 00:35:22.
It was a local winner in the ladies’ 10k race as well, with Glenbarr native Mairi Littleson finishing first in 00:40:04. She was followed by second placed lady Catriona Bain, in 00:41:32, and Lorraine MacPherson, who earned third place with her time of 00:42:09.
It was visiting runners who earned the first place titles in the half marathon races, with
Mansfield Harriers member Kristian Watson winning the men’s race in 01:11:13 and Laura Gibson of Fife Athletic Club winning the ladies’ event in 01:23:34.
Andrew Anderson came second in the men’s race, with a time of 01:17:26, with Duncan Cochrane third in 01:20:25, while local runner Jennifer Martin was the second lady home in 01:32:14, followed by third placed Pamela Baillie in 01:32:39.
The prize for the furthest travelled competitor was won by Mairi Richmond who came from Bermuda.
All competitors who made it across the finish line collected their well-earned medals, MOKRun-branded tops and snacks including renowned Danish pastries to replenish their energy reserves.
“The event went like clockwork again and the weather was perfect,” said race director Gail Williams. “It is an absolute honour to be part of this iconic event.
“Thank you to all participants and marshals as without them the race would not be possible.
“Thanks also to John Armour for being MC, all our sponsors, Craig Nelson for leading the warm-ups, Argyll Bakeries for providing the buffet and the Danish pastries which are now an iconic part of MOKRun, MOKRun mascot MOK Coo, aka Malcolm McMillan, our official MOKRun photographers John McFadyen and Kenny
Craig, Kintyre Agricultural Society for setting the gazebo up, HeBe First Responders from Inverness – who dealt with a few minor incidents but nothing serious – Mark Leishman for the exceptional sound system, Perfect Timing for a professional faultless timing service, South Kintyre Sports Council for organising a night to remember at the MOKRun ceilidh – there was no free space on the dance floor to be had – Argyll and Bute amenities team, Campbeltown Fire Station crew for providing showers at Kintyre Park, Jason McCallum at Keeping It Local CIC for providing up-to-date marshal maps, HM Coastguard for beach coverage, Duncan McLean for being half marathon lead, cyclist Scott Stalker and his team on the half marathon route, Johnny Durnan for being 10k race lead, David Armour and Maisie McCormick for being 10k race sweepers, Robert Coffield for being half marathon sweeper, Keeping It Local CIC and Graeme Harvey for drone footage and Campbeltown Courier for the race feature.
“And last but not at all least, the MOKRun committee who work tirelessly for months in putting this event together. What an amazing team we have.”
She also thanked the spectators who went out of their way to support runners, including one youngster on Low Askomil with a sign reading, “Touch for speed boost,” and residents of Limecraigs who decorated the street with banners and balloons.
▮ The day before the senior races, junior runners were put through their paces over various distances across five age groups – turn to page 12 for details.