There is little doubt that Tiree is the sunniest place in the UK – that fact was proved with Tiree getting the highest UK sunshine hours in April and May this year – 270 hours in May! The Tiree 10k weekend was one of the hottest with temperatures up into the mid thirties.
So it was in those conditions that runners, walkers, kids and pram pushers lined up on the beach start line ready to sweat it out over 10km. Overall winner Owain Williams finished in a time of 39:32 – “this was my third attempt at getting a top podium finish on Tiree. I would say this year was the toughest yet. The heat was unbelievable but the water stops were a welcome sight. My time was much slower than I had hoped and trained for but Tiree is my favourite race; a home race but also something a bit different – a bit of beach running, some road running and a fantastic dance at the end.”
The fastest female runner was Catherine Stewart (43:44) – “The last kilometre is always tough – jelly legs and sand running do not mix well, but it’s all part of why I love this event.” One of the top local finishers was Stewart MacLennan (48:21) – “a fantastic day and evening dance. I was also pretty chuffed with my time considering the tropical heat which at times was not fun!! Looking forward to 2013!!”
The Tiree 10k started in 2006 with 40 runners and each year has grown with over 200 runners last year. The age range stretches from several months in the pram push to over 70 years. Spot prizes were awarded this year to Jimmy, Susan and Allanah Kyle, Sophie Isaacson, and our pram pushers – Jo, Mark, Eilidh and Carrie. Congratulations to everyone who completed the event.
So, despite the last minute ferry delay which meant about 75 runners were stuck in Oban and had to go home, we still had a great turn out from local residents and visitors who entered into the spirit of the event and made for a successful day rounded off with an amazing dance with Trail West.
There was a group of 33 runners and walkers who travelled from Mull and Iona as well as a group from Coll, both groups having chartered their own boats to get here. Mhairi Killin from Iona said: “My friend Nikki inspired us all to achieve something we thought we couldn’t achieve. It was a great experience.” For more information on the inspiring story behind the Iona Runners go to http://www.justgiving.com/NicolaHodge.
Next year we are due for a change, the Hynish course has been used for 3 years now so it’s time to shake things up. I’d be interested to hear any ideas or suggestions for developing the event. Thanks again everyone who took part or contributed to the success of the 2012 Tiree 10k. Full results can be found at http://www.tireefitness.co.uk/
