Badenoch running wild over two of its favourite heights
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The strath took to the hills this week, with well contested races in both Kincraig and Kingussie.
Kincraig’s Suie event on Saturday saw a sturdy entry of 29 runners of all ages, who kept up the standard with a swift conquering of the village’s very own summit.
Winner in a time of 28.49 minutes was Highland Hill Runner Andrew Gilmore, of Inverness, with Angus Smith, of Inverness Harriers finishing runner-up in 29.45 minutes. Third place was claimed by Ochil Hills runner Al Anthony (30.04 minutes).
Freya Mowbray (Lasswade AC) was first female to cross the line with the 14-year-old recording a superb time of 41.42 minutes. She was 11th overall and two places behind her was second female Helen Watson (Drumguish TT) in 42.38 minutes.
Sunday saw a cooler day for the Creag Bheag hill race from Ardvonie Park in Kingussie, which proved perfect for running. There were 40 entrants in a close battle over the main 5K 300m vertical rocky hill course, and seven U13s took part over a 3K 100m vertical woodland route.
The event was a Scottish Hill Runners Junior Championship series counter and it was two juniors who led the senior field home with an incredibly close finish.
Harris Pagett (17), of Strathearn Harriers had a remarkable run to set a new course record of 25.21 minutes with Rowan Taylor, (15), (Lasswade AC) just six seconds behind, possibly losing time after a heavy fall leaving the summit. In third place was last year’s winner, senior man James Slimon, of Laggan.
Other leading ladies were Claire Hopkins (V40 section) (Carnethy HR); Ariane Baille, aged 15 (Pireavie AAC) and Freya Mowbray, aged 14 (Lasswade AC).
Prizes were donated by Landmark Forest Adventure Park, The Rowntree Hotel, Loch Insh Watersports, Aviemore Ice Rink, The Old Post Office cafe and the Cairngorm Hotel. All entry fees will be donated to Kingussie High School for outdoor education equipment.
