Halkirk's Andrew is on top of the world
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Caithness mountain runner Andrew Douglas is at the peak of his powers after being crowned "King of the World".
Running in the penultimate stage of this year's World Cup Series at the Dolomites mountain range in Sexten, Italy, Douglas had only to finish within the points to become the overall champion.
As points are given out to the first 25 runners over the line, Douglas's coronation was never in doubt – but the long, hard slog of one of the toughest courses on the circuit still had to be negotiated.
Douglas posted a fifth-placed finish in 1hr 27 min 48 sec at the Drei Zinnen race which was won by Eritrea's Petro Mamu in 1hr 22 min 37 sec.
However, due to the huge lead built up by Douglas in the World Cup Series championship – including wins in three of the five races run before this event in Italy – all of that didn't matter as the Halkirk man had registered a points finish that sealed his status as champion for 2019.
A delighted Douglas said: "It's a great feeling. I've been here before when I won the World Cup series in 2015 but this time around was more comfortable.
"Four years ago, the title went to the wire on the last race and I managed to do enough to win it by more than 10 points. This year, I've won with a bit to spare.
"After the last race, I took a small break as I haven't had one since the season began. I decided to come back by doing a warm-up run in Austria ahead of the Drei Zinnen.
I did finish the race sporting the traditional red that is a 'Scottish sun tan'.
"To say I did badly would be an understatement and I was clearly not race-fit. However, it did serve its purpose as I was back in the swing of things last weekend when it mattered.
"I knew what I had to do and as long as I ran a good, steady race then the title would be mine. The fifth spot I got doesn't bother me in that Sexten was the toughest course I've run this year.
"It was mostly uphill but we started off with a long run on a flat surface that tired many runners out before the big climb which was around 7km of vertical ascent.
"Courses that go up and down in short stages are more my strength.
"As for the weather, it wasn't too hot – more on the cusp of being comfortable without being red hot – although I did finish the race sporting the traditional red that is a 'Scottish sun tan'."
With the World Cup Series in the bag, Douglas does have the option of skipping the season's finale in Slovenia next month but he'll be there with another prize in mind.
He added: "The world championships will be taking place in the Patagonia region of Argentina in November.
"With that in mind, I'll be competing in the final race of the World Cup Series in Slovenia as preparation for that event.
"As for Argentina itself, I could well be running on 'home ground' given Caithness had its fair share of migrants moving to Patagonia many years ago."
