Hundreds take part in the biggest Skye
A record 1,000 runners took to the course for The Isle of Skye Half Marathon last Saturday in what was the biggest edition of the race to date.
With local MSP Kate Forbes on hand to start the races and get competitors into the spirit, the 2018 spectacular got off to a flying start.
The men’s winner, Cameron Milne of Central Athletics Club, crossed the finish line at Portree High School with a time of 1:09:10. Second was Skye’s Hugh Campbell in 1:12:50 and third Michael O’Donnell of Inverness Harriers Amateur Athletics Club in 1:14:56.
Taking home the gold in the women’s race was Ellie Buchanan of Aberdeen Amateur Athletics Club, who crossed the finishing with a time of 1:27:33. Second was Anne Hartmann of Strathearn Harriers in 1:28:02 and third Sarah Attwood in 1:30:38.
Lochaber Athletics Club had three runners competing in the half marathon, with John Dougan, Phillippe de Billot and Roddy MacAuley all taking part. Dougan finished as the fastest Lochaber runner in a time of 1:53:54. For its 34th year, organisers Skye Events set the course in reverse, treating the runners to a gruelling uphill first few miles, while taking in Skye’s breath-taking scenery, with views of Ben Tianavaig, The Old Man of Storr, Isle of Raasay and the stunning Cuillin mountain range.
Runners come from all over Scotland and around the world to compete in the race each year.
The annual Fun Run – which is the most hotly contested race of the year for kids on the island – and the Toddler Dash took off shortly after the main event. Alex Jamieson, Ruari Preston and