Numbers up at Great Wilderness Challenge
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Oganisers of the Great Wilderness Challenge said it was "another great success" with numbers up on last year and Ross-shire runners prominent in the races.
Alec Keith from Evanton, who runs for Hunters Bog Trotters, completed the 25-mile cross country route from Dundonnell to Poolewe in just three hours, four minutes and twenty-four seconds.
Hot on his heels was Graham Bee, of Inverness Harriers, who crossed the finish line just over a minute later.
Event steward Alex Macrae saw some impressive performances and was dazzled by Ullapool lass Kathleen Steventon, who beat Highland Cross winner Diana Macdonald to sixth place in the 25-mile route.
Mr Macrae said she was "obviously a very talented runner".
He added: "The event went very well with an improved entry of 470. There were 430 last year so we are up on numbers. It was another great event, very well received by all the participants."
The Great Wilderness Challenge, which began in 1986, attracts hundreds of competitors each year.
It started out as a "one off" sponsored walk founded by small group of friends in Poolewe and Aultbea who wanted to boost the fundraising efforts to build a hospice in the Highlands, hence the event’s ongoing support for Highland Hospice.
The race now has four running routes including a 25-mile run and two 13-mile runs, plus one easier route for people with mobility problems and two routes for walkers.
Last year’s event raised more than £162,000 for charity.
- Results (first 10 finishers) – 25 miles – 1, Alec Keith, Hunters Bog Trotters, MC50, 3.04.24; 2, Graham Bee, Inverness Harriers, MS, 3.05.31; 3, Ross Bannerman, East Sutherland AC, MV40, 3.07.49; 4, Douglas Bartholomew, Kinlochewe, MS, 3.32.02; 5, Thomas Coy, Stirling, MS, 3.35.07; 6, Kathleen Steventon, Ullapool, FS, 3.35.35; 7, Diana Macdonald, Highland Hill Runners, FS, 3.44.06; 8, Robert Marshall, Laide, MS, 3.48.34; 9, Graeme Campbell, Inverness Harriers, MV50, 3.50.26; 10, Shona Mackie, Highland Hill Runners, FS, 3.58.26.
