Runners brave the wild conditions at Glencoe marathon

DESPITE the wild and wet conditions, a crowd of gritty runners gathered for the Glencoe marathon on Sunday.

A strong field of competitors were undaunted by the conditions, safe in the knowledge that they were well supported by the hill safety teams.

The event is an off-road full marathon, half-marathon and 10k – taking in some of the most dramatic scenery of the UK. The route starts in Glencoe village and ascends a total of 1,608m through the heart of Glencoe and into the foothills of Ben Nevis.

There were many international runners getting their first taste of Scotland at its most dramatic and, although there was plenty of rain, the cloud level was high so the iconic views were visible, if a little dreich.

Ian Porter and Fiona Craft were the fastest male and female to complete the full marathon, while Denis Prikulis and Sarah Balancier recorded the quickest male and female times for the half-marathon. Carolyn McLeod was the first female to win the over-50s category, while Ronald Will finished first in the over-70s category.

Results: marathon – fastest male: Ian Porter, 3:47:00; fastest female: Fiona Craft, 4:11:47; half-marathon – fastest male: Denis Prikulis, 1:34:44; fastest female: Sarah Balancier 1:47:56; over-70s: Ronald Will, 3:32:32; over-50s: Carolyn McLeod, 1:50:38.