Half-marathon
The Shiskine Valley half marathon took place last Sunday in slightly overcast conditions with 112 entrants taking part in the 13.1-mile event that started in Blackwaterfoot at noon.
The half-marathon, previously organised by the Arran Runners, was this year run by the Shiskine Valley Improvements Committee, with past organiser Paul Emsley still playing a large part in the day’s proceedings.
A small army of volunteers manned the route with marshals directing traffic and time-keepers and stewards welcoming the runners at the end of the race in front of the Kinloch Hotel.
In first place on 1hr 18min 05sec was Scott Martin from Kilmarnock Harriers. In the female category first place went to a delighted Frances Wardle from Garscube Harriers with a time of 1:30:19.
Several locals took part in the race. First male local across the line was David Allsop, of the Arran Runners, with a time of 1:27:14 and Kirstie Barton took first local female in 1:48:38.
Arran’s Ally Thom- son finished the race in 1:41:23, and local runner Michael Jackson also completed the half marathon, in 2:10:36, as part of his fundraising efforts for the charity Get Kids Going. He is completing a series of marathons throughout the year.
An award ceremony took place in the afternoon for the various age groups and categories and all competitors received a commemorative medal at the end of the race by race sponsor Arransh and Business Development Services.