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Great Wilderness Challenge in Wester Ross a huge success after nearly 500 people take part


By Staff Reporter

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RECORD-breaking performances were seen at the annual Great Wilderness Challenge last weekend.

The event, which took place on Saturday at Poolewe, attracted 475 participants – 332 walkers and 143 runners.

Event secretary Pat Ross said: “This 34th Challenge was a big success despite changeable weather on the day. We were delighted to see so many new entrants this year – including ones from Germany and Croatia. Feedback already indicates that the majority were highly impressed and that they hope to return next year.”

The 25 mile race's male winner was Graham Bee (Inverness Harriers), in 3:04:02, with silver-winner Daniel Rowe-Leete from Dingwall at 3:06:42.

Tessa Strain (Hunters Bog Trotters) took the ladies’ prize home in 3:28:40, and Derek Martin from Laide won the 13 mile race in 1:32:23, with the ladies award going to Danielle Dunlop from Edinburgh in 1:56:36. The new 10k race was won by Megan Bee (Highland Hill Runners) in 50:52, with Kendon Martin from Inverness being a close second in 51 minutes.

The long-standing men’s 25 mile local record of 3:20:48 – posted by Donald Maclean from Aultbeain 1986 – was broken by Poolewe’s Jack Blaiklock in 3:07:08s.

A special award – the Donald Warren Shield – went to local postman Colin Irvine for event photography and publicising.

The race has raised £3.91 million for charity since inception in 1986, and the £4 million barrier will hopefully be breached this year.

Next year's event will be on Saturday, August 15 — entries will be available soon on the event's website at www.greatwildernesschallenge.info.


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