MUD, mud, glorious mud was certainly the theme for the fourth race in the Run-4-it cross-country league, hosted by Ross County Athletics Club.
The venue was the picturesque Evanton Woods, part of the Novar Estate, which kindly allowed 250 athletes – from Caithness to Lochaber, along with their coaches and supporters – to assemble for more than three hours of the finest off-road racing.
It was the first time since 2004 that Ross County has organised a cross-country event, and it proved to be a definite winner all round.
The course had everything to be expected from an event that provides a challenge of physical strength, endurance and mental agility.
Every athlete, from nine to 60-plus, was required to negotiate a multitude of obstacles and natural features – and an abundance of leg-sapping mud.
The league's official timekeeper, Steve Murdoch, assisted by Ross County's veteran official, George Bethune, set the under-11 girls off at 1.15pm for their glory mile, closely followed by the under-11 boys.
From then on the courses became progressively tougher as the age groups ascended, the under-13s running 3.25km, under-15s and under-17 ladies 4.85km, senior ladies and under-17 men, 6.5km with the senior men completing three gruelling laps to clock up 9.75km.
A full set of the results can be found at www.northleague.co.uk
The nature of the course required some intricate marshalling, ably provided by Dave Ogilvie and his team, assisted by Scouts from the Newmore area.
Post-race refreshments were served in the Diamond Jubilee Hall by Heather Crockett and her team, assisted by Evanton Guides and Leaders. First Aid was provided by the East Ross Company of St Andrews First Aid.
If you would like to run, train, coach or assist with the club, it welcomes all age groups and abilities. For further details, visit the club website www.rosscountyac.com or come along to training evenings in Dingwall Academy, Tuesdays 7pm, conditioning and Junior Jog, or Thursdays, 7pm Adults Jog Scotland.
