James and Jessica take the honours in Strontian race
A 16-year-old Ardnamurchan school pupil, who resurrected an old running route to raise money for charity, saw the event pass off without a hitch as locals and members of the Lochaber Athletics Club came across to Strontian on Friday night.
Despite the race being delayed by Covid, Mya Carmichael finally saw the Tom an t-sidhean Hill Race take place.
Supported by High Life Highland Active School co-ordinator Alan Gray, the 5k open hill race was won by James Tedham in the startling time of 18 minutes 24 seconds with Jessica Acheson taking the first female title in 22:10.
There was a shorter race for nursery and younger primary pupils in the show field. This was won by Theo Childs with Katie MacGregor finishing second and Duncan Carmichael third.
The hill route was shortened for older primary and early secondary pupils, with Rudi Childs winning the P6 and under race before taking gold in the S1 and under event – Jethro Murray coming in silver position and Harris Campbell finishing third.
Ardnamurchan High School pupil Ashley Merrit was the first under-18 finisher, completing the course in 20:48 while Isabella Sutherland was the first U18 girl, running her course in 24:42.
Gray said: “It never fails to amaze me what young people can achieve - Mya has worked hard to ensure that this event could take place, having been put on hold for three years.
“The resilience she has shown is inspiring and all credit should go to her for making the race such a success.
“I want to thank our marshals, many of whom are young leaders from the high school and others who are community members and parents. It's days like today which further cement the reasons I do the job I do.”
Mya Carmichael was equally pleased.
“The race was amazing,” she said.
“So many people came to support it. I definitely want to try and do the race again.
“Everybody that helped was amazing and I’m so grateful.” absolutely