Hat-trick of wins for Klimas in North Highland Harriers' trail series
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The Statkraft Winter Trail Series is the highlight of North Highland Harriers’ year, offering a number of trail runs in beautiful locations in Caithness and Sutherland, as well as great home baking after the running.
The series started at sponsor Statkraft’s wind farm at Baillie on October 13.
It was an excellent start to the series with a sunny autumn morning. The route offers stunning views across the Pentland Firth to Orkney.
There were two distances, 2.3 miles and a hilly 5.1 miles, with 34 runners taking part in total. Conditions were good underfoot and road shoes were the preferred option on the day.
First male on the longer route was David Spencer, first female was Jayne Klimas and first junior was Cameron Charlton.
Two runners completed the shorter route, Debs Larnach and Jacqui Oag.
The range and standard of runners varied from 35 minutes to just under an hour for the long route, so those taking part find there is always someone around their pace to keep them company. The handicap system used at the trails gives the less speedy runners a good head start and allows everyone to finish around the same time.
On October 27, 35 runners gathered at John O’Groats on a very windy morning. John O’Groats is one of the favourite trails, with a challenging route and spectacular views.
First male on the 5.9-mile route was Darren Sutherland and first female was Jayne Klimas.
On the 3.75-mile route, first male was John Budge and first female was Fiona Stockan.
The third trail of the season was held on November 10 and beautiful weather greeted the runners for the Olrig trail. Starting and finishing in Castletown, this route offers mud, gravel, grass and tarmac.
The Olrig trail takes the runners out of the village and up the challenging incline towards the Olrig mast. Stunning views of Dunnet beach and the striking cliff line from Dwarwick along towards Dunnet Head were appreciated on the fresh, sunny day.
The long route of 6.5 miles was completed by 38 runners with first male finisher being Kenny MacGruer. First female for the hat-trick was Jayne Klimas and first junior was Connor Miller.
Eight runners completed the shorter distance of 4.7 miles, with Alistair Geddes first male and Jodie Henderson first female.
