Lochaber duo top Aonach Mor uphill race

FIFTY-SIX runners turned out for the Aonach Mor uphill running race on Saturday to face the gruelling challenge of racing to top gondola station at Nevis Range.

The weather turned out fine for the field of runners who completed the uphill course which saw them climb around 500 metres over 5km.

Ewan Thorburn (Lochaber Athletic Club) retained his title by finishing first over the line in a time of 27 minutes and 46 seconds, in front of team-mate John Yells and visiting athlete Ricky Lightfoot, from the Lake District.

First lady

First lady home was the Lisette Walker in 38 minutes and 26 seconds, also racing for Lochaber Athletic Club. Karen Lyon from Highland Hill Runners was second and also first female veteran, while Victoria Leiper from Sheckleston finished third.

Special prizes were awarded to the eight runners who completed both the new Fort William Park Run (5km)in the morning followed by the 5km uphill race in the afternoon.

The club would like to thank all those who turned out on a beautiful day and say well done to all those who helped to make this race a success, including Nevis Range who provided free gondola return to the bottom station for all the competitors, marshals John and Pat Henderson along with Robert and Isla Cant. Thanks also to Tom McInally from Hoka who brought trainers for runners to try.

The next uphill running race is on June 9 at Glencoe Ski Centre. More information at offbeatbikes.co.uk.

Photo: John O’Neill. Top three finishers (l-r): thirdplaced Ricky Lightfoot, from the Lake District with John Yells and winner Ewan Thorburn (both from Lochaber).