Mey 10k hailed as best yet
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Proudly showing off his trophy from Sunday’s Mey10k is men’s winner Jack Trevelyan.Photo: John Baikie / Captiv8.
‘THE best so far” was the verdict on this year’s Castle of Mey 10k, which was held in near perfect conditions on Sunday.
While the rest of the county endured showers of rain, the clouds parted for the third annual 10k, which attracted a field of 317 runners, of which 315 finished.
Graeme Dunnett, who chairs the organising committee for North Highland Harriers, said that athletes and sponsors were delighted with how the afternoon event had gone.
He said that feedback concerning the new course and the changes made to improve the overall experience had been very positive.
The honours on the day went to North Highland Harrier Jack Trevelyan, who came home in a time of 36 minutes and 12 seconds as the first male, followed by fellow harrier Ewan Mackay in 38.03 and Mark Taylor in 38.30.
Fastest female was Caroline Milne (41.27), followed by local sisters Emma Dunnett in 43.40 and Oonagh, also 43.40, who both run for Edinburgh Athletics Club.
The male veteran prize went to Kevin Cormack (38.11), of North Highland Harriers. Second was Michael Sutherland (39.22) and third David Spencer (40.31), of NHH.
Ladies’ winner Carolyn Milne with her trophy. Photo: John Baikie / Captiv8.
The fastest female veteran was Joan Henry (42.52), who beat Sharon McCafferty (46.25) and Martine Hughes (51.38).
First local male was Peter Fenwick (38.51), of NHH, with Nicola Falconer, also of NHH, in at 47.44 for first local female.
The prizes for the first kilted runners home when to Sandy Christie (44.57) and Christine Blyth (59.49).
Also taking place on the day was a 2.7k fun run for youngsters which was won by Mark O’Brien.
Mr Dunnett said there was a real buzz at the historic castle as athletes and spectators gathered for the event.
Runners were treated to a zumba warm-up by Natalie MacGregor while young members of Caithness Gymnastics Club provided a display of their skills. Also on hand to add to the carnival atmosphere were five musicians from Thurso Pipe Band.
Runners were challenged by a new route this year and, while the response to it was good, it will be reviewed before next year’s event. Mr Dunnett said that ultimately organisers would like a run which does not involve participants having to double back.
“Don’t take it as read that this year’s is the final route,” he said. “It’s evolving”.
Runners had praise for the 10k after the race, according to Mr Dunnett, and their positive feedback was matched by that from the sponsors.
“They came up afterwards and were absolutely delighted with the event and said it was the best yet.”
One of the areas that the organising committee to hoping to look at for next year is attracting more entrants from outside Caithness.
The Mey 10k has been a huge hit with locals, with more people that ever before taking up running and following the online training programme to tackle the 10k.
But it is so popular that when entries open on January 4 the slots fill up within 72 hours. “Nowhere else in Scotland do entries move as quick as that,” explained Mr Dunnett.
While south runners do take part, many fail to get places because of the demand.
