Craig Dunain Hill Race returns to Inverness with new course as Highland Hill Runners top honours

Highland Hill Runners dominated the prize list at the new-look Craig Dunain Hill Race which took place on Saturday.

The event, which used to be organised by the Inverness Harriers, was taken over by the Highland Hill Runners (HHR) during its pandemic-enforced abeyance.

A total of 62 runners took part in the 10km run, which involved over 1200ft (390m) of ascent and visited the masts on top of the hill twice.

With 45 HHR members on the start line, organiser Caroline Marwick said it was no surprise that those wearing the tartan vests of HHR took most of the honours.

The top five were all HHR members. Robin Howie crossed the line first in an impressive time of 40 minutes, 58 seconds, with Rob Urquhart second in 42.13 and Andrew Gilmore close behind on 42.20.

In the ladies standings, HHR Kirstie Rogan came first in 48.28, closely followed by Matilda Cornall (unaffiliated) in 48.45. Third was HHR Rhona Grant in 49.15.

In the age categories, Robbie Paterson (HHR) finished fourth overall in 42.26 to take the first M40, while Inverness Harriers’ Rob Burnett was sixth overall and first M50 with a time of 42.49. Graeme Ambrose (Inverness Harriers) was first M60 in 55.13.

Iona Robertson (HHR) was first F40 in 57.20, while Hilary Cameron of Forres Harriers finished ahead in 53.55 to take first F50. Lee Ross (HHR) was first F60 in 80.01.

The next HHR club race is Cioch Mhor at Dingwall on September 24, before Meall a’ Bhuachaille at Glenmore on October 22 and Knockfarrell, Strathpeffer, on November 5. For more details, see www.highlandhillrunners.org.uk

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