Runners jumping for joy at marathon return Strathearn race hailed as a big success by organisers
The Strathearn Marathon made a successful return in warm conditions on Sunday.
A total of 151 runners took part in the popular event organised by local club Strathearn Harriers, which was held for the ninth time after being cancelled last year as a result of restrictions designed to tackle the COVID-19 outbreak.
Participants were grouped into six ‘waves’, with start times staggered in order to adhere with event guidelines set out by governing body Scottish Athletics.
The race started and finished at the historic Cultybraggan Camp near Comrie, and runners went up Glen Artney and over the Langside before taking the back roads to Bridgend in Crieff and going back to the camp via a loop of Dalginross.
Those tackling the picturesque route were supported by a small army of volunteers, who presided over eight water stations lining the course, as well as the cheery marshals who kept an eye on the road junctions.
And a traditional Scottish soundtrack was provided by talented local pipers Harry Russell and Alan Harrison, who serenaded the runners as they made their way up the Strathearn hills.
Jason Kelly, of Metro Aberdeen
Running Club – who triumphed in 2019 – was the overall winner this time around, setting a new record for the 26.2-mile course of 2:33:08.
The previous benchmark was 2:39:33, which was set in 2013.
He was followed by John Hammond of Carnethy Hill Racing Club (2:37:09) and John Sharp of Inverclyde Athletics Club (2:39:39).
Alison McGill of Fife Athletics Club was the first woman across the line, finishing in 3:07:58 – just two minutes outside the course record, which was set in 2015.
Runner-up was Tomoyo Fujiwara of Bellahouston RR (3:31:58), with Sarah Homer third (3:33:24).
In terms of the local runners,
John Myles finished first for the men in 4:04:37 followed by Murray Francis in 4:40:07.
Strathearn Harriers member Josie Goodfellow (4:11:21) was the first across the line for the local women, with Elaine Moffat – also a member of the Strath club – a close second in 4:17:26.
Race director Cathy Tilbrook said: “It was great to be able to welcome runners back to Cultybraggan Camp again after the challenges of the past year.
“There was a high demand for places and we have had fantastic feedback from competitors on the race, and our COVID safeguards, the support provided by our marshals and local residents, and the spectacular scenery on such a perfect day.”
In addition to the £50 prize, the first man and woman across the line received a bottle of whisky donated by Glenturret Distillery.
Organisers also thanked several other groups and businesses for their support.
These include Comrie Community Trust for the use of Cultybraggan Camp, Wild Hearth Bakery, Tullybannocher Café and Highland Spring for refreshments, MoKa Creative and House of Tartan for the race medal and race clothing, as well as Comrie Pipe Band for getting involved.
The race numbers were donated by Run & Become sports suppliers.