Cormack is fastest as North Highland Harriers’ trail-running series gets under way
North Highland Harriers’ trail-running series for 2024/25 began on Sunday with the first event from Staxigoe.
The series of runs involves organised routes on a two to three-weekly basis from October to April on a variety of trails and terrains.
The trails allow club members to explore new routes, socialise with fellow runners and challenge themselves to running off road.
The first route covered just over six miles, mostly along part of the John O’Groats Trail from Staxigoe to Noss Head lighthouse, passing Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, going along the road towards Noss Farm then returning to the lighthouse and along the trail back to Staxigoe.
Runners left in three waves, with the slowest going first and the fastest in the last group.

Parts of the route had no track but overgrown, rough vegetation and a few boggy areas with small burns to negotiate. This meant times were much slower than routes of a similar distance on roads, as expected.
Fastest runner of the day was Kevin Cormack in an impressive time of 45:23, with Ryan Sutherland hot on his heels 30 seconds behind. First female was Jayne Klimas in 54:43, being the only female to complete the run in less than an hour.
Cakes were a welcome reward at the end on the run. During the post-run refreshments the awards for last year’s trail series were presented.
Male winners: 1 Sean Wyllie; 2 David Spencer; 3 Simon Harrison. Most improved male: Kevin Oag. Female winners: 1 Julieanne Leslie; 2 Suzie Anderson; 3 Yvonne Richard. Most improved: Marion Budge.
The next trail run will be a night event at Dunnet Forest on November 10. It will be done in randomly selected pairs around the forest in the dark, so head torches are essential.
Runners must be members of North Highland Harriers and all abilities are welcome. Details of how to join can be found on the club’s website.
This weekend many runners from the club are taking part in varying events. Some are participating in the Golspie Backyard Ultra. This event involves runners completing a 4.2-mile loop, every hour, on the hour, until there is only one runner remaining and they are declared the winner.
Jennifer Bremner, Graeme Bremner and Julieanne Leslie are taking part in the New York Marathon on Sunday. For Jennifer it will be an extra-special run as she will be completing the final marathon in the world majors series, having already run the marathons in London, Berlin, Chicago, Boston and Tokyo.
Results: Kevin Cormack 45:23; Ryan Sutherland 45:53; Kenny Macgruer 47:23; David Orr 48:46; Ian Walker 50:43; Jayne Klimas 54:43; David Spencer 55:50; Graham Turner 55:58; Harry Steane 55:58; Simon Harrison 55:58; Mark Thain 56:26; Graeme Morgan 56:34; Paul MacDonald 56:36; Sandy Christie 59:51; Jonathan Kennedy 59:51; Ruth Akers 1:04:25; Jodie Henderson 1:05:01; Sarah Brooks 1:07:23; Yvonne Richard 1:08:17; Nikki Gordon 1:09:10; Emma Malcolm 1:10:52; Suzie Anderson 1:10:52; Fiona Bremner 1:12:24; Martine Hughes 1:13:25; Laura Gray 1:15:26; Mandi McIntyre 1:22:46.