Hundreds flock to Kerrera for Craggy Island triathlon

HUNDREDS of competitors ran, swam and cycled around Kerrera last weekend in the annual Craggy Island Triathlon.

Some 450 people took part in the event, which raised thousands of pounds for the Oban Mountain Rescue Team.

The triathlon is made up of a swim from Gallanach to the isle of Kerrera, a 14km bike ride, and an 8km run over bumpy offroad terrain.

Eliot Sedman finished the race in the fastest time of 01:32:17, while Oban’s Tim Brand was the quickest over the age of 50 with a time of 01:37:02.

Marie Meldrum was the fastest female with her time of 01:42:20.

Event organiser Paul McGreal, of Durty Events, said: ‘It was fantastic. There were lots of happy, smiley faces and lots of people completing the course – and everyone was completely plastered in mud by the end of it.

‘On day one we had 211 competitors and probably about double that in terms of spectators. On day two we had around 240 competitors and loads of spectators – there was a really good atmosphere.’

The event had a wide range of people taking part, with children from 10 year -old to adults aged 60 plus.

Co-organiser, Duncan MacEachen of Oban Mountain Rescue, said: ‘A big thank you to all the marshals, the mountain rescue team, helpers and the community of Kerrera.’

Paul added: ‘We are really thankful to the folk on Kerrera. They support the race in a massive way.’

Photos: Kevin McGlynn Swimmers prepare for the start of the 2017 Craggy Island Triathlon.

Swimmers set off for Kerrera for the first pat of the triathlon

First man home on day one was Andy King from Aberdeen.

Brendan O’Hara, MP for Argyll and Bute, ready to start the triathlon with the air horn.

Mud, sweat and tears as competitors battle the course.

Thumbs up from Oban’s Ali MacVicar.