North runners go south to compete in Golspie 10k
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NORTH Highland Harriers and friends made their way to Golspie for the 10k race.
This annual event, organised by East Sutherland AC, has always been well attended by Caithness runners and this year was no exception.
The weather, which spiked at 20 degrees Celsius and featured a strong breeze, was less than ideal for the runners, although the spectators enjoyed cheering on everyone’s efforts in the sun.
Personal best performances were not on the cards due to the conditions, with many runners posting times which were two minutes outside their best. Despite this, there were some great efforts and several prizes came north to Caithness.
First home for NHH was Dave Spencer who finished in seventh. In a high standard men’s race, there were several south athletes who made their debuts at Golspie, with the race being won in 32.17.
Not to be outdone, NHH packed well to claim the men’s team title, with Andrew Tait home in ninth place and Gary Angus in 10th.
Splitting the men’s team was Emma Dunnett, who finished eighth to take the female title for East Sutherland AC.
East Sutherland claimed the female team title with the NHH ladies – Lorna Stanger, Martine Hughes and Yvonne Pollard – having to settle for second after winning it last year.
Another excellent run by one of the younger north athletes came from Joe Spencer, running for Wick Tri Club, who posted a pleasing time in tough conditions.
n Full results for north runners were (NHH unless stated otherwise) – Dave Spencer 40.19 min. Emma Dunnett, East Sutherland AC, 40.30 min. Andrew Tait 41.04 min. Gary Angus 41.36 min. Simon Harrison 43.08 min. Jan Hughes 43.12 min. Sandy Christie 43.23 min. John Douglas 43.28 min. Alan Hughes 44.23 min. Lorna Stanger 44.35 min. Joe Spencer, Wick Tri Club, 45.34 min. Alistair Geddes 48.13 min. Bryan Newlands 49.22 min. Martine Hughes 49.58 min. Alan Cockburn 53.37 min. Peter Dobbie 53.40 min. Yvonne Pollard 56.58 min. Sarah Dunnett 60.01 min. Oonagh Dunnett, East Sutherland AC, 60.01 min.
* The final road race of the season is the Loch Ness Marathon and 10k on September 30 before the runners turn their attention to the NHH trail running series and north cross-country fixtures.
