Castle of Mey 10k
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WITH just over a week to go, attention is turning to the final preparations for the fifth Castle of Mey 10k.
It has been a busy time for race organisers and runners as they, in their different ways, fine tune the months of planning and training all ready for Sunday, May 12.
All runners will have different priorities on the day and it is important for the more novice entrants that enjoyment is high on their priority list.
Further opportunities to race or run socially can be found on the North Highland Harriers’ website along with details of training groups.
The Castle of Mey email system has been busy with runners who have queries relating to the race and if anyone arrives on race day with unanswered questions, organisers will be able to answer them – look out for them in the registration area.
The online race entry site is now closed and all runners who were entered have been notified by e-mail of last-minute details. The opportunity to enter late will be available and those hoping to secure a place should book in with the registration team by 1.15pm.
Registration for those who have already entered is from noon and closes at 1.30pm sharp.
T-shirts should be collected from the registration tent before racing.
Last year’s winners, Oonagh Dunnett and Jack Trevelyn, both set course records by virtue of it being the first time the course had been used.
However, their respective times of 41.08 and 35.59 minutes will be up for grabs this year and, given the entry list, we could see these records tumbling. Oonagh, who was recently placed third at the Balmoral 5k, is entered again along with twin sister Emma who was second in the same race.
A number of runners from the host club, North Highland Harriers (NHH), could also feature although it is more difficult to predict this year as there may be late entries from north clubs with this event forming the 10k north district championships.
Jack is returning again despite moving out of the county and on paper the race for the finish this year will be between Jack, Kevin Cormack, both running for NHH, and Graeme Taylor who, although a local lad, now works in Edinburgh and runs for Edinburgh Athletic Club.
Again late entries from north clubs may feature in the mix, making the races much more open.
The fun run is back and has taken on a new look with the launch of the Mey Mile.
The one-mile route will start and finish at the same point as the 10k so spectators will get a bird’s-eye view of the younger runners.
Last year’s run attracted 82 entrants and this year the race is open to anyone of primary or secondary age and under-fives can also join in but must be accompanied by an adult.
Anyone running needs to be aware race organisers will be moving the older runners to the front of the field prior to the start at 2.10pm to prevent anyone getting injured as the race gets under way.
Entry of £2 will be taken on the day and there are prizes for the first three girls and boys and also trophies for the first girls and boys primary and secondary.Now let’s hear from our final two featured runners on their preparation for this year’s race.
Jack Trevelyan (36), part-time teacher, dad and micro-crofter
What type of runner would you class yourself as?
An experienced runner.
Why did you choose the Castle of Mey 10k?
As a reason to come back and say hi to all the Caithness folk we know and to try and win!
What attracted you most to the event?
The fantastic organisation by North Highland Harriers and wild exposed route, not to mention the bagpipes.
How has your training been going?
Good. The optimum mix of running and beer drinking.
Any funny stories relating to training/racing you have done previously?
At the Knockfarrel Hill Race this year I got lost a couple of times and then tried to leap on to and over a gate. As I jumped on to the gate, it swung open and I fell off landing upside down in the mud.
What time are you hoping to finish the Castle of Mey in?
I would like to run a sub-35 minute race. Hopefully the wind will be kinder than last year!
Are you planning any other races?
A few hill races and that’s about it I think.
Oonagh Dunnett (18), student
What type of runner would you class yourself as?
Experienced. I have been running for 10 years and first competed for Scotland when I was 14. I have competed for Scotland in road racing, cross country and hill racing and love the travelling and meeting athletes from all over Europe.
Why did you choose the Castle of Mey 10k?
I do lots of races all over the country but rarely get to race at home so because of that I like doing the Castle of Mey 10k.
What attracted you most to the event?
The course is good if you want to get a PB (as long as it isn’t as windy as it was last year!) Also, my coach might have something to say if I didn’t take part!
How has your training been going?
I have just been on a week’s cross training due to a sore shin but I have just been out a run and it’s all sorted so will be getting back into full sessions this week. I competed at Balmoral recently and that
went well so am hoping for a
good race.
Any funny stories relating to training/racing you have done previously?
At the John O’Groats trail run a couple of years ago, I ran down the last hill carelessly and landed in a muddy puddle up to my waist! This was definitely a Dawn French moment, with me re-creating her similar situation in a scene from The Vicar of Dibley.
What time are you hoping to finish the Castle of Mey in?
I would like to get under 40 minutes. The Castle of Mey 10k will be my first 10k race in a year so we will just have to see how it goes.
Are you planning any other races?
I have just competed in the Balmoral 5k and after the Castle of Mey, I am going to the national trail championships in Fife. This is a new event and it is an off-road, probably hill race over 10k so I am prepared to be extremely tired.
