Race to victory on rural route
Almost 600 runners took to the streets of Callander at the weekend for the Tay Fitness Callander 10k race.
A total of 584 racers braved the wet conditions to tackle the route, with 581 reaching the finishing line for Sunday’s event.
Racing commenced at McLaren Leisure Centre and took runners along the Invertrossachs Road, out to a water stop on the bank of Loch Venachar. Runners then retraced their footsteps before turning north and crossing into Woodland Trust land. A short climb followed by a long sweeping descent took them into a fast flat return to Callander via the old railway line. The final kilometre took the runners alongside the River Teith and back to the leisure centre.
Gregor Yates was first to cross the finishing line, in a time of 32.02 to claim the victory in the men’s race. He was followed home by Stuart Paterson (32.48) and James Waldie (33.19).
Fiona MacLellan was first over the line in the women’s race in a time of 41.09. Runner-up was Kirsten Alexander (43.24) and Roberta Fletcher (45.57).
In addition to the 10k race, there was also a Callander 1k Fun Run which coincided with the event. The route also started and finished at McLaren Leisure Centre at the same point as the 10k race. It began just after the 10k got underway and the fun runners ran 500m along Mollands Road, towards the town, before retuning to the leisure centre. All runners received a fun run medal.
Race organiser for Tay Fitness, Pete Waugh, said: “It was a great bonus that the rain stopped just before 12pm and stayed off for the rest of the afternoon.
“The countless puddles didn’t seem to dampen the runners spirits and we have been really delighted with the positive feedback we have received.
“We couldn’t have put on the event without our fantastic Tay Fitness Events team or without the McLaren Leisure Centre, who provided a fantastic venue.
“We would also like to thank the event sponsors Loch Tay Highland Lodges and the residents of Callander for their support.
“We’re looking forward to returning on Sunday, March 13, 2022.”
Runner Gregor Wells said: “Loved this race, the route was amazing with a little bit of everything thrown in. Mostly road/cycle path with a little bit of trail, a hill that seems to go on forever and a little lungbusting kicker near the end.”
Tay Fitness Events is to introduce a new race to its busy schedule next year. The Thornhill 10k has been earmarked for Sunday, May 8, 2022.