New record set for fastest Shiskine half marathon
A new record has been set for the fastest Shiskine half marathon with the first runner crossing the finish line of the 21km (13-mile) race in a record time of 1hr 13 min 47 sec.
Organised by Shiskine Valley Improvements, the popular race, which takes place on the relatively flat roads around Blackwaterfoot, enjoyed a good entry of 130 runners with a healthy number of islanders also taking part.
Among them was first place local runner Michal Bochenek with a time of 1.28.13, who was also the first Arran runner home in the Ormidale 10k earlier this year.
In first place overall was Bellahouston Harriers runner Gregor Yates while Kilmarnock Harrier and Athletic Club runners David Mclure and John Speirs took second and third place respectively with times of 1.17.31 and 1.22.24. And for the second year in a row Laura Wallace of Ayr Seaforth AC was the first female home in a time of 1.27.57.
Enjoying warm but slightly windy conditions, the runners set off from a new starting location further down the road from the Blackwaterfoot playing fields at exactly noon, as is customary, and finished at the playing fields with race timings all undertaken by the professional timing company KitST.
Following the race, handmade Arran-shaped ceramic medals, made by Margaret Gruber, were presented to participants by Shiskine Valley Improvements’ Sheila Gilmore, who awarded them to participants in each of the age categories.
Sheila said: ‘The feedback has been really positive, especially on the new medals. This was a great event run and supported by the community.There’s many people to thank who gave their time freely as well as village businesses such as A&C Cameron, and Kinloch Hotel – and, of course, thanks also to Scottish Water for its sponsorship.’