RESULTS ARCHIVE

04/12/11 - Olrig Hill Trail Run

Contents:- Handicap - Handicap (short) - Pace - Pace (short) - Photos

There were eighteen runners in total for the Olrig Hill trail run, sixteen did the longer course and two a shorter 4.7 mile course. The weather had been poor overnight with high winds and sleet/snow showers; this probably put a number of nunners off attending. In the end the wind died down just in time for the event, and except for a nasty snow/sleet shower at about 1030 the conditions were not too bad. There was about an inch of snow lying at lower levels with a bit more at the masts.

Thank you to the organisers of this event Jack, Kevin & Colin. Also a big thank-you to Dave Morrill & Icetech Freezers for the use of their facilities - this is always welcome at this time of year. There are some photos taken by Dave on the NHH Facebook page.

The prize for the 'hardiest' or 'most foolish' runner at Olrig must go to Kenny Paterson who completed the event in shorts and vest - see photos below!

The following report of the run was published in the Caithness Courier on Wednesday 14th December:

A cold breezy day saw 19 hardy North Highland Harriers take part in the fourth round of the clubs winter trail series. The day threw up snow, sleet, hail and even sunshine with all the runners well wrapped up against the elements although Kenny Paterson obviously thought he was still on his jungle marathon adventure as he donned his NHH vest and shorts.

The run starts from the Icetech car park with a gentle rise along the back roads of Castletown, then once past the cemetery a sharper rise takes them through the trees and up towards the rough track out towards the mast. A snowy track greeted the runners with conditions underfoot better suited to wellies rather than running shoes.

About this time a hail stone shower decided to roll over the runners with face stinging accuracy although the organisers were 'lucky' enough to find shelter in the 'official marshals car'. Once turned at the top then there is the best thing about going up hill - going down hill. Back down the track and the tarmac road and a chance to get into a rhythm before the next challenge.

After a sharp left turn and onto a track which takes them back towards Castletown the competitors then run the gauntlet up a muddy slope and through gorse just to ensure the legs are still awake, Kenny had the scars to prove it. Once over the track the runners turn left again and follow the pavement back into Castletown and along the road back to the car park where the finish line awaited them.

The lightweight kit seemed to work for Kenny as he was fastest male runner on the day followed by Simon Harrison who also wore shorts but had a long sleeve top on, which must of slowed him down. Third male was Davie Stockan who will start his London Marathon training after getting a club entry for next years event.

First female was Sharon McCafferty who is off to Canada in the New Year and will be sorely missed by the club. She was followed in by Lorna Stanger who proves she's not just good on the bike and then the Dunnett sisters ticking themselves over in third place.

The runners were treated to some well earned post race homebaking in the shelter of the Icetech canteen, gratefully provided by Dave Morrill. Special mention for the returning Alistair Geddes, who completed the short course with no reaction to his recent injury problems. Alistair also got a place at the London Marathon through the club ballot and will be focused on the training ahead.

Results - Handicap, 7 miles

Results - Handicap, 4.7 miles

Results - Pace, 7 miles

Results - Pace, 4.7 miles

Photos: