There was added pressure for race organiser Peter Mackie in the 2023 edition of this hill running classic. Not only was it the second race in the Scottish Hill Runners (SHR) Championship but was also the Scottish Athletics Hill Champs for 2023. That meant an increased entry of 250 runners and a lot more baking to prepare! The twin challenge of hosting an event and still competing in the race is not an easy task for any club.
As ever teamwork is vital and the club’s members did not disappoint. A well-oiled posse of enthusiastic volunteers and runners made their way to Arran for the race on Saturday 20th May. Except that is for new Shett Mary Wilson who had hoped to make her Champs debut but never made it to Ardrossan due to car engine failure!!
Meticulous planning from Peter ensured that nearly all the frustrated athletes who found themselves on the waiting list actually got to run. 14 Shetts out of a total of 236 runners toed the start line at the Ormidale Pavilion in Brodick for a lap of the playing field before heading hill-wards, there is a ‘highland games’ feel about this race helped by the rugged sounds of the Arran Pipe Band.
Conditions on the day were very favourable, if a bit humid, with only a few whisps of cloud drifting around the top. There was chat of whether GB athlete Andy Douglas might beat Murray Strain’s 2017 course record of 1.12.11 but despite finishing well ahead of Ali Masson (Carnethy) in 2nd place he was still a couple of minutes slower in 1.14.43. Third place went to Alistair Campbell (Cambuslang) closely followed by our very own Dan Dry in 4th, 1.18.21. Dan’s partner Zoe Barber more than matched his performance with a very impressive 4th place in the ladies’ race and 3rd place in the Scottish Athletics Champs, well done to both!
Harry Pulham, 7th and Robert Simpson, 8th both made it into the top ten and old boy Kenny Richmond finished in 19th overall to easily take home the team prize and the SA team title. Kenny also scooped up the vet 50 prize. The ladies team of Zoe, CJ Macphail, 7th and Myrtle Breckenridge, 26th secured 3rd ladies team in the SHR Champs. Well done to everyone who raced, full results below.
It should be noted that John Duffy doesn’t usually (ever!) finish a race in last place but very gallantly offered to act as race sweeper…the things people will do to get their hands on an SHR Championship mug!
Thanks to everyone who helped out on the day to make this a very special event. The baking table was a sight to behold and not a crumb in sight by the end of the race. Thanks also to Arran Mountain Rescue Team, the Isle of Arran Pipe Band and the St. Johns Ambulance first aiders who had a very busy day!
Report by Bill Breckenridge
Further news from Arran: Later the next day Joe Symonds running with Finlay Wild (Lochaber) in the Scottish Islands Peaks Race ran a record time for the Arran run from Lamlash to Goatfell. They also secured the King of the Bens title as fastest runners overall. Sadly the lack of wind resulted in the big boat they were in not quite racing at the front of the boats.
