The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Espie poised for Bennachie race victory
Kyle Greig (Forres Harriers) will not defend his title in Sunday’s Bennachie hill race as he is recovering from finishing third in last weekend’s Baxters Loch Ness marathon. In his absence, Scotland international James Espie could emerge as favourite to win for the first time. Last weekend the Deeside Runners member won the Morven hill race, scoring the biggest margin of victory in the 24-year history of the race. His clubmate Peter Henry, winner of the Tom’s Cairn 10km trail race and the Cairn William hill race in recent weeks, should also be well placed. Lairig Ghru and Ythan Challenge race winner Rob Sinclair (Insch Trail Running Club) is also expected to contend, while Peterhead half marathon winner Keith Buchan (Fraserburgh Running Club) is also in the field. Scotland international Steph Provan (Deeside Runners) will be difficult to beat if she chooses to compete in the women’s division of the run. Veteran Veronique Oldham (Cosmic Hillbashers) has won the women’s prize for the past three years and is again expected to compete. Highland Cross duathlon champion Caroline Marwick (Inverness Harriers), who was second in 2014, is also taking part as is Ellie Buchan (Aberdeen AAC) who makes a rare hill racing appearance. Buchan set a personal best time of 37:07 when finishing sixth in the River Ness 10km on Sunday. The race is held over a 13.1km route with 500m of climbing. It starts at the Back O’Bennachie car park near Insch.
The Crimond 10km (noon) and 5km fun run (11.50am) go ahead on Sunday with entries being taken on the day from the village hall. Andrew Blackhall won the men’s race last year in 37min 30sec while his Fraserburgh clubmate Gillian Cardno-Strachan was first woman home in 41:27.