Ideal conditions for trail run at Burn of Whilk wind farm
The penultimate event of the trail run series for North Highland Harriers was held at Burn of Whilk wind farm.
Runners met to register at Clyth hall ahead of their choice of a five or eight-mile run around the turbine tracks. For many it was the first time they had completed a run at this wind farm, and many said they would return due to the fine gravel surfaces and the undulating nature of the site.
Conditions were ideal, with a gentle south-westerly wind and no rain.
Runners set off in three waves dependent on their speed, with the fastest runners leaving 20 minutes after the slowest. They ran along the single-track road past the Hill o’ Many Stanes, then up a track to join a trail marked out through the wind farm.
First home in an impressive time of 57:34 was David Orr, with Stuart Crichton hot on his heels finishing just 26 seconds behind him.
Despite doing a long run the day before the trail, along Scaraben and Morven, Jayne Klimas raced around the course to finish as first female.
Heather Davis was the only runner opting to do the short course. Despite the route being shorter, there were still many challenges along the way.
The usual refreshments and social catch-up followed in Clyth hallafter the run.
Results: 1 David Orr, 57:34; 2 Stuart Crichton, 58:00; 3 Ian Walker, 1:00:11; 4 Willie Miller, 1:01:15; 5 Ryan Sutherland, 1:02:14; 6 Jayne Klimas, 1:03:05; 7 Graham Turner, 1:03:45; 8 Paul MacDonald, 1:12:20; 9 Lorna Stanger, 1:17:28; 10 Martine Hughes, 1:21:05; 11eq Jodie Henderson, Emma Malcolm, Yvonne Richard, 1:24:19; 14 Suzie Anderson, 1:24:52; 15 Francesca Aub-Robinson (6.6 miles), 1:16:28. Short course: Heather Davis, 59:38.
The final trail run will be held on March 23 on a new course along the River Thurso from Strathmore. Details will appear on the club’s Facebook page.
