Runners shake off New Year celebrations

Almost 130 runners took part in Lochaber Athletic Club’s (LAC) annual New Year’s Day Aonach Mor uphill race which provided a tricky test in changeable conditions.

Snowfall greeted runners at the finish line at the top gondola station at Nevis Range as the traditional race up the downhill track at Aonach Mor once again provided the perfect solution to clearing hazy heads from the

previous night’s Hogmanay celebrations.

Sam Alexander of Westerlands Cross Country Club was the first runner over the line in a time of 24:56 and was followed closely by PH Racing Club’s Ewan Taylor who finished just nine seconds later. LAC’s Esmond Tresidder came third and was the fastest local athlete home, recording a time of 25:28. LAC athletes Stuart Crustchfield and Callum Fraser also made it into the top 10.

Marie Meldrum was the fastest Lochaber female over the finish line in a time of 33:06, followed closely by Lisette Walter in 33:15.

The club also held the Creagan 10k race on Sunday January 6 which saw 45 runners take part. Esmond Tresidder of LAC took first place in a time of 34:08. Gavin Whiteside of HHR took second place while Alfie Bentley and Callum Fraser, both of LAC, finished third and fourth respectively.

128 runners in total took part in the annual New Year’s Day race.

Runners set off from the Nevis Range base station at the foot of Aonach Mor.