News and Results - HIGHLAND HILLRUNNERS

News 2006, Results 2006, News 2007, News 2008

28th January

Quarrelwood Cross Country
For the second time this year we had a complete mens team.
Great team result with Ross Bannerman (8th) leading Andrew Wilby (10th), Dave Wilby (12th) and Dougie Macdonald (14th) to second place team. Unfortunately the strength of the Forres Harriers team meant that they won yet again, but we were comfortably ahead of Inverness Harriers who picked up a lowly third place on a course that suited the road runners.
With only one round left of the league, Kyle Greig (Forres) and Melissa Whyte (Inverness) were confirmed as league champions.
Results

The final round is in Nairn on 25th February. Details. Hopefully we can continue our recent success.

28th January
Ben Nevis entry 2012 - ENTRY NOW CLOSED
Ben Nevis entry form on website http://www.bennevisrace.co.uk/html/secretary_notes.html
Part of the club championship, so make sure you're quick and get your entry in soon.

14th January
Evanton Cross Country
Fourth league race of the season and we finally managed to get a complete team - in the mens race at least...
Conditions were a wee bit chilly, and the roadies amongst the runners complained about the course being too muddy.
Dave Wilby skipped through the ankle deep mud to be our first finisher in 6th place, just ahead of Ross Bannerman in 8th. Dougie Macdonald (19th) and Ray Wilby (37th) were the other two counters who helped us sneak 3rd team behind Forres and Inverness.
Colin Donnelly (Lochaber) was the first runner this year to break Forres' stranglehold on the top four finishing places.

Bethan Nadin was dragged away from exam revision to finish a well deserved 4th in the womens U17 race.

Results
Photos courtesy of Hannah Rogan of Forres Harriers

Hopefully we'll get more runners at the next cross country race, which is in Elgin on January 28th. The course looks to be hilly enough to be interesting... Details

Ben Wyvis
Two runs 1st Jan 1000am and 2nd Jan 1000am Wyvis car park

Highland Hill Runner AGM November 2011-12-18
Apologies:
Neil Speight, Ian Meek, Steve Macintyre, Jim Meehan
Present:
Russell McKechnie, Douglas MacDonald, David Gallie, Gordon Taylor, Steve Popple, Jonathan Appleby, John Moffat, Ross Bannerman, Laura Maclellan, Richard Airlie-Gilbert, Kirsten Ailrie-Gilbert, Phil Hindell.
Chairmans report:
Another year with lots achieved-Thanks to Richard and Kirsten for organising the Knockfarrell race. There was a few individuals within the club who did extremely well with Gill Irvine first v50 in the Scottish championship and also 2nd v40. Eilidh Raistrick came 2nd in the Scottish long classic series and Jim Meehan won the inaugural ’10 round the Ben Ultra’. There were also some great turn outs at recent events with the senior team running comeing 2nd at the North District xc relays and our vets team winning the first vets championship. Other team wins came at Bennachie, ahead of the local cosmic team and again at Knockfarrell. Long may the numbers attending races continue in to 2012.
Secretarys report:
Delighted to enter 3 teams at North District xc relays and also in numbers of club runners turning up for races with the ladies also having team success at some races. The increased club numbers means we were allocated 2 london marathon places this year. These have been given to Steve Popple and Rob Shaw – Good luck to them with training and the race itself which will be particularly memorable in Olympic year!
Treasurers report:
Bank balance remains fairly constant
Membership Secretarys report:
We have 74 members with 19 new faces joining. Proposal to change the membership form to include the SAL number for anyone that has one and a section asking for race volunteers of particular club races they are able to attend and help with.
Election of office bearers:
Chairman – Russell Mckechnie
Secretary – Ross Bannerman
Treasurer – Jonathan Appleby
Membership Secretary – Douglas MacDonald
Website – Phil Hindell
Press Officer – Richard Airlie-Gilbert
Committee – Steve Popple, John Moffat, Kirsty Airlie-Gilbert, Gordon Taylor, David Gallie,
Membership fees:
A slight increase to help pay mainly for more equipment at club races
Senior - £12
Family - £18
Unwaged - £6
Junior (under 16) – Free
Club races:
Knockfarrell – Increased numbers for a non champ year and may continue with November date
Cioch Mhor – Steady numbers this year and April date again for 2012
Slioch – A Scottish Champ counter this year with severe conditions meaning a last minute change of route but still retaining similar distance and the summit. June the 2nd date for 2012 as Loch Lochy will not be on next year.
Fyrish – Steady turn out again this year with a likely june date TBC
Meall a Bhuachille – A change of route this year to take in the ridge proved very successful and has become an instant classic. October date for 2012 TBC.
Club Championship:
4 races from 10
Beinn Ratha, Half Nevis, Strath Games, Strathconon, Glamaig, Highland Fling, Ben Nevis, Arrocher Alps, Ochil 2000s, Ben Venue
.
This years winner –Ross Bannerman and ladies was not contended.
Training:
Please use the notice board on the web site for any planned runs
Club Trips:
The big camp in Durness was cancelled twice due to conditions this year but will be attempted again in 2012. There was also a club trip up to the Crask Inn earlier in the year and may be repeated in early 2012 if enough interest.
Other suggestions include running the Sutherland Trail over 3 days with 2 overnight camps.
AOB:
Dougie is organsing HHR club buffs and will be ordering 75 initially for sale to club members at a discounted price. Please keep an eye on the web site for when these unique buffs will become available!

21st November
Knockfarrel Hill Race 19th November – Report

An unseasonably warm and dry November day saw 71 entrants line up on the start line for the 8km, 360m Knockfarrel Hill Race in Strathpeffer.
A particularly muddy first and last section ensured that, despite the class on display, the record was never in danger, but Joe Symonds from Hunters Bog Trotters opened up a lead very quickly and sailed around to come home in 1st place in a time of 38.51.
Finlay Wild from Lochaber came in 2nd in a time of 42.49, having taken a couple of slight route diversions, with Gordon Lennox (43.01) and Paul Rogan (43.05), first male veteran, finishing close behind.
In the ladies’ race, Roma Davidson from Inverness Harriers put in a great performance to come home 1st lady, by just over a minute from 2nd placed Julia Connor of Moorfoot Runners. Morina MacDougall of Highland Hill Runners finished a further 41 seconds behind in 3rd place. First lady veteran Sue Wood, who runs for Ambleside, finished in a time of 57.10.
The Forres Harriers trio of Gordon Lennox, Paul Rogan and Graeme Bartlett easily won the Mens Team Prize, with Morina MacDougall, Claire Piper and Louise Nadin of Highland Hill Runners securing the Ladies Team Prize.

A big thanks to all the marshalls who made the race possible, John MacGregor who allowed us to run across his land (and moved the cattle off the field!) and to Square Wheels Bike Shop in Strathpeffer, Tesco in Dingwall, McColls in Strathpeffer and the Inverness Therapy Clinic, who all supported the race.
Feedback was good and it seems everyone enjoyed the rescheduling of the race to this late date in the year. We’ll be looking to put on either this race or something similar at the same time next year.

Richard Airlie-Gilbert, Highland Hill Runners

Results

Photos - https://picasaweb.google.com/101724702611594699195/Knockfarrel?authkey=Gv1sRgCObfmePB76fDcw
more photos on the Forres Harriers website http://www.forresharriers.org.uk/news.htm

xc champs-forres on 26th nov
entry has to be sent by tomorrow. need a couple more for mens team of 6. 4 for a ladies team

AGM
26th November 2011 7pm
Venue- Clanlan, Baron Taylors Street,Inverness

29th October
Meall a' Bhuachaille
In difficult blustery conditions running on a new route Graeme Bartlett shook of the cobwebs to win in 1.09.14 followed seconds later by local lad Manny Gorman, Julian Warman was third. Just for the record Graeme also won this race 18 years ago. First female was Megan Mowbray in 1.20.05, second was Jacqui Higginbottom, third was Gill Irvine. Highland Hill Runners dominated the team races to win both male and female races. There was also a new course set for the junior race Luke Taylor Highland Hill Runners won in 24.15,Molly William was first female in 35.40. The finish of the race was next to the new cafe at Badaguish where hungry runners feasted on Venison Burgers and home made soup the prize giving was also held in the cafe and for once our new results system got the prizes delivered on time. There was good feedback from the runners about the new route in both the senior race and Junior race so bring it on next year and lets hope the wind has blown away by then.
Results

25th October
Tain Hill Trail Race
10 hhr's competed in a strong field of 39.
Forres Harriers Gordon Lennox and Stan Mackenzie set a rapid pace from the start and comfortably finished 1st and 2nd.
First hill runner was Ross Bannerman in 5th place. After getting dragged up the first climb by his dog.
Karen Lyons won the womens race from hhr new recruit Morina Macdougall.
HHR woman filled the first 5 places! All were delighted to head home with the prized Tain pottery mugs.
Results

Meall a' Bhuachaille.
There is a new longer improved race route-see Scottish hill racing map.
The jnr race is now 5k 180m entry 12 years old on 1st Jan this year and under 18.
The call for race volunteers is now open please contact Russell or post on the message board.

12th Oct
London Marathon 2012
The club has been awarded two club places for the 2012 London Marathon on 22nd April 2012.
Any member wishing to apply for a club place should notify the secretary, Ross Bannerman by e-mail.
The club committee will then consider all applications and then inform the successful applicants .
The allocation of these places is purely at the discretion of the committee and preference will be given to any member who has not previously ran with a club place.

8th Oct Winning weekend.
Dornoch relays-In the senior mens race the club entered 3 teams which was more than any other Club. Our A team, Dave Wilby, Andrew Wilby, Ross Bannerman and Graeme Campbell took the silver medal behind an inform Forres Harriers. It was the first time a masters relay championship was also held and our masters team John Moffat, Russell, Simon Bath, John Mackenzie, took the Gold Medal.
Sunday and most of the runners at the relays also took part in the Bennachie hill race, our leading runners (trying to make up for running second at the relays) had a great run to win the team prize in front of cosmics A. Dave 3rd Graeme 4th and Ross 8th, again there were two Wilbys in the race with Ex world champ Ray making an appearance. Ray finished in 44th place 19 seconds in front of Stuart Forest . HHR females missed out in the team prize and came a close second. First home and in 3rd place overall was new club member Morina MacDougal. Luke Taylor was 6th in the Junior race. Results and pics on gariochroadrunners web site

7th Oct
Knockfarrell Hill Race
Race is confirmed for 19th November and will start at 1pm. Further details to follow and the date for helping clear the course will be sunday 13th november. meet midday at spa pavilion car park - a run afterwards if weather ok - route suggestions welcome.

3rd Oct
Congratulations to Gill Irvine on her first place in the scottish hill running championship in the v50 category and also finishing 2nd overall in the v40 category.
Ben Venue had a big turn out as last counter and John Macdonald finished our top runner in a great time of 1.29 and even managed to keep ahead of Tom Owens (after some suspected detouring!)
XC relays on saturday and any last minute volunteers welcome but need to send entries by tomorrow morning at the latest.
Knockfarrell Hill Race is provisionally arranged for 19th November after Richard and Kirstin have offered to become organisers. More information soon.
We will require as much help as possible please to help clear the route from whin bushes and bracken. A date for this will be posted nearer the time.

12th Sept - Heartbeat Challenge
The Heartbeat Challenge is a duathlon consisting of a 12 mile/2,500ft run over Saddle Hill and Pulpit Hill from Clava to Moy Lodge. Followed by a 10 mile return cycle on the old A9.
Hill runner Dave Cummins won for the 3rd year in a row, but was given a much stronger challenge for the honours this year. Dave lead by about 4 minutes at the transition but Paul Miller had a storming cycle to close the gap to 1 minute at the finish. Other hhr's competing were Dougie Macdonald (3rd) and Steve Worsley (5th).
All 100+ walkers/runners stayed afterwards to enjoy the mountain of cakes, sandwiches and burgers..
Results

Golspie 10k
Congratulations to Laura Mclellan on winning the veteran ladies prize in a time of 44:53.
Results

4th sept - Ironmonster!
Rob Shaw once again took on the Iron monster challenge and after a bike fall at speed and a half hour pitstop in the ambulance, he heroically still finished the race.
The 1st overall team were the Inverness Harriers with a convincing win - undoubtedly aided by their hill running efforts this year!
Results are available on the monsterchallenge web site

3rd sept - Ben Nevis
A record entry of HHR's this year and in very slippy underfoot conditions, particularly on the grass at the red burn but there were still some good times. John Mackenzie was top HHR in 1.51 with Gordon Stewart finishing strongly in 1.57, Alex Brett finished his 28th race in a row under 2 and a half hours!
Great times from John, Ross and Gordon resulted in 8th place team.
David Gallie had a whoopsy on the way down and gained 8 stitches on a head wound at the bellford hospital! many thanks to Sarah Ridgeway (eryri harriers) for assisting and giving up her 3rd place in the process..
Finlay wild wins in 1.29 with English fell running champ - lloyd Taggert 2nd a minute behind.
Results to follow.

1st September - First Monster Duathlon
Place in a team is available for this Saturdays race.
Contact Gordie on 07788126721

29th August - Physio Inverness - 10% discount
Fiona Hogg of PhysioInverness is offering a 10% discount to HHR members. First appointment will be £36, follow ups £27. Email physioinverness@gmail.com for info.
Look out for the ad in the September issue of ICA.

North District CC Relay
The race is hosted by East Sutherland on 8th Oct at a venue near Dornoch. Teams of 3 female and 4 male required. If you want a run contact Ross or Russell

The Big Camp Cancelled Again
The even worse weather outlook has put the damper on it.
A new date will be set before the winter.

Great Wilderness Challenge
Thankfully the rain held of to give very pleasant running conditions albeit with some headwind in places. A technical route underfoot and some boggy sections particularly before the loch! Most runners were caught out here with a waist deep surprise for some including Alex Brett and Alex Keith who even managed to find a rock in here to take a lump out of his shin!
Matt Sullivan put up a strong defence after his win last year and scorched round in 2.20 to win again, with a very strong final descent to pull clear of Alex in 2.28. GWC record holder - Claire gordon also had a very strong run and won convincingly. Other notable runs from HHR's include Mike Cumming who made the long trip from Orkney and finished 5th in 2.48.
Results to follow.
Stop Press- A roadie was airlifted from the highest part of the route, tripped over a rock while trying to tune his bongo.

Assynt Hill Race to another BGR completion!
Graham Briffett completed his BG in 23.03 at the weekend. Apparently he had some navigational issues on leg 2 which
left him way down on time at Dunmail but he clawed it back and finished in fine style.
Well done on a fantastic effort!

New members - Richard and Kirsten ducked out of Tain (a duck being most appropriate on that wet day!) but went up to Lochinver....where Richard stormed of and was leading the field for 2/3rd of the race until, on an apparently "MARKED COURSE", came to a T-junction with no marker! Half the field went one way, half another, a couple of people got lost in the woods....and ultimately, he finished nowhere and Kirsten, who was 2nd lady, stopped to help a young girl of 12-ish who had taken a totally different turn, got herself lost in the woods and was a bit distressed. 'So, a £50, 1st man, 2nd lady day turned into nowt!'

Two Inns
Tricky navigation could not deter another long classics victory for Eilidh with Gill again not far behind in 2nd place and looking a likely winner for fv50 scottish champ. Eilidh also in a very strong position to win the long classic series.

Glenshee 9
Another great win by Eilidh in a scottish classic long race.
No further race details at the moment.
No race results for Creag Dubh yet but a good race report by manny gorman on the westies site.

The Big Camp Cancelled
The weather outlook has put the damper on it.
New date is Sat 27th Aug. Lunchtime at Durness Campsite. Relay race with a difference, football, rounders, beer, fire,
swimming, cliff diving. Free pub meal.

Bob Graham Round -Successful completion on 3rd of July!
Neil Speight conquered his 2nd of the big 3 rounds in the UK
Here is a brief report from a heroic effort!

'BGR was great--really enjoyed all the training--some great long runs--Mullardoch, West Monar--just brilliant.

Didn't go entirely to plan but then didn't have much of a plan really.

Went down one weekend--end of June--but weather rubbish --low cloud--poor vis and damp. Did leg 1--took ages getting off Blencathra in the dark and cloud so bailed at Threlkeld, retrieved car from Keswick and after a kip at Dunmail in the car did half of leg 3 out and back on the Sunday.

With family hols and limited free slots I thought that would be it until August however July 2nd and 3rd forecast too good to miss so went back down for a proper go.

Weather was fantastic--vis. excellent. Could see everything. Left Moot Hall at 6 -21-45pm--lovely evening on Skiddaw section, sun setting on the fells--descent from Blencathra a doddle in good vis. Night fell on the Dodds ridge--almost ran past one of them in the dark--torches ahead on Helvellyn---great runnable terrain. Tough slog up Fairfield but got the descent off to road crossing bang on. Perfect calm night--lights of various Lakes towns twinkling in the distance.

Food stop at Dunmail--thought there might have been supporters there for other teams but no-one about aprt from one van and they didn't come out.

Was glad of last week's recce on Steel Fell bit as this is tricky nav. ground but light was coming back and fells glowing red by time I got to Pikes so all straightforward. Surprised by roughness of ground on Rossett Pike to Scafell bit and was slow here--also getting warmer. Big descent to Wasdale and re-ascent to Yewbarrow hard going.

Wasn't eating properly on Leg 4 but kept up fluid intake OK-- morale low on first bit of this leg and not helped whn I managed to miss Pillar I think it is--slightly outlying top--just a sign of fatigue and not thinking clearly. Went back to do it and thought I might have blown the 24hours as a result but decided to keep on and see how I was doing at Honister. This took pressure off and mood improved on second half of this leg--shook it off. Felt good by Great Gable and the other tops all felt easy down to Honister which I reached with 3 hours to go.

Took on some food at the expense of 10 mins here but felt confident although not quite sure why as I was really tight for time--just don't think I realised how tight until I reached the road and had a clearer idea of what I had to do in the 55 mins or so I had left. Had to tank it down the road as best as I was able and it went right down to the line but got back to the Moot Hall at 6-20-15--i.e. with 90 secs to spare!

Brilliant day out --pleased to have done it--might have a word with Fran about the PB now!'

The Devil 6th Aug
Three devils took part in the Devil of the Highlands 43 mile footrace. Ross, Russell and Deej and their support teams all booked into separate accommodation near the start at Tyndrum. Ross and Roxy were in a hut on the Tyndrum campsite, Russell and Connie at Auchtertyre opposite the wigwam occupied by Deej, Dougie and Gordie. Poor Ross had a disturbed sleep with late night pub revelers, while the rest of the gang had a quite night at Auchtertyre only to be woken at 4am as was half the site by a smoke alarm in deej's wigwam caused by Dougie and Gordie cooking porridge. The race started at 6 am and soon 150 runners were heading North on the west Highland way out of Tyndrum towards checkpoint at Bridge of Orchy, Glencoe, Kinlochleven and the finish at Ft William. Ross ran strong through out the race judging his pace to perfection to finish in 5th place. Deej was our next runner in and managed to finish with a sprint. Russell finished next after suffering in the heat on the Larigmor. Many thanks to the support teams Connie, Roxy, Olivia, Gordie and Dougie who met the runners at the check points to feed, water and encourage and put up with the midges at the first two checkpoints. The guys are already planning their next ultra but the Devil will be a hard act to follow with a great route, great organisation and great company.

Ben Rinnes - HHR ladies 1st and 2nd in scottish champ counter!
Congratulations to Eilidh Raistrick who had a brilliant win at Ben Rinnes in very hot conditions with a time of 2.31, with Gill Irvine 2nd in 2.41. Also, with Laura Mclellan in 10th (3.02), they were first womens team.
Overall winner - Robbie simpson broke the course record, finishing in 1.54 and 9 minutes clear of Jethro Lennox.
Gordon Stewart also had a strong race and finished 3rd v50
Results to follow.

10 in the Glen
Jim Meehan had a great run to win the first 10 in the Glen Ultra Race. The race follows the same format as the mountain bike race. Jim managed 10 laps in 10Hrs07 of the trail and fire track 5.95 mile circular route in Glen Nevis closely followed by second and third places of 10hr13 and 10hr15. And if it wasn't tough enough it rained for the duration of the race.

Strathconon Hill Race
A good turn out of 29 runners but no Gurka this year. Andrew Wilby stormed round and after being 1st to the top he extended his lead all the way to the finish to win by over 2 mins in 38.19. A surprise appearance from Melissa Whyte after encouragement from Russell suggesting the route was more like a road race after a small climb! Despite the heather bashing Melissa had a very fast run to win in 41 mins which I suspect is a course record.
A few club members stayed on and competed in the track events with cakes and beers swilling around in stomachs this produced mixed results..

The Big Camp
Durness camping weekend. Sat 13th Aug meet in the Afternoon at Durness Camp Site. Beach Relay, Football etc and of course
a few beers. All members that turn up get a free pub meal.

Strath Conon 31st July
If any one knows start time post on message board
Will the Gurkha return for a rematch

27th June
Fyrish Hill Race - june 25th.
Fine weather and healthy turnout of 29 runners for the junior and senior hill race this year. The course was changed slightly due to works on the windfarm road and having to take a sectionn out where ther gorse has become impassable. Therefore overall a slightly shorter course by about 100metres or so.

Humid conditions and the sun came out just before the start but not as hot as last year.

Bethan Nadin of Highland Hill Runners was the only Junior and thereforer won the junior female title in 37.36 over the 5.9km to the mini-fyrish monument at Mean Cnoc.

Hector Haines of Edinburgh University Orienteers won the male race in a new course record of 49.04, with Paul Rogan second in 51.35 (and also first MV) and Alec Keith (HBT) third in 52.03. The first female was Kirtsie Rogan of Forres Harriers in 72.39 making it a good day for the Rogans and Forres Harriers who had turned out in force.

First female vet was Highland Hill Runner Louise Nadin in 81.00, and first MSV was Alex Sutherland also of Highland Hill Runners in 61.55.
results

17th June
Run 4 It Scottish Hill Running Championships
Half way through this years SHR championships and two HHR runners are well up in the veteran categories.
Gordon Stewart is leading the Over 50s and Alex Sutherland is 2nd in the Over 60s.
The mens team are currently 7th in the overall championship and 5th in the Over 40s.
Hopefully both Gordon and Alex keep performing well and the rest of the men can help them improve the team rankings!
Championship standings and report

15th June
PHYSIO INVERNESS - www.facebook.com/physioinverness
Physio Inverness is a new sports injury clinic set up by myself, Fiona Hogg at the Peak Physique gym in Inverness. I am a chartered physiotherapist and I currently work full time with Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club. I am pleased to be able to offer members of the Highland Hill Runners 20% off their first appointment at Physio Inverness until the 7th of July (inclusive). Please make me aware of this when booking your appointment.

I will be offering assessment and treatment of various sports injuries. I use a variety of treatment modalities ranging from sports massage, ultrasound therapy, manual therapy, supportive strapping, advice, stretching and also kinesiology taping. Kinesiology taping is a fairly new innovative treatment which you may have seen high profile athletes such as Serena Williams, David Beckham and Tom Daly wearing.
The Peak Physique gym is at Unit 2, 3 Carsegate Road North, Inverness IV38DU. Please wait outside the first black door with the 'Martial Arts Academy' sign. I haven't got round to ordering my own sign yet!

Appointments will be available on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6 - 10pm. Prices outwith the offer period will be £40 for first appointment and £30 for follow ups. If you want to cancel your appointment, please can you allow 24 hours notice.

You can contact me via email on physioinverness@gmail.com (preferably)
or on my mobile 07764477204, please feel free to leave a message and I will get back to you as soon as I can. Appointments may be available on the day so just ask.
You can also find me on www.facebook.com/physioinverness - please "like" the page.

Many thanks,
Fiona

10th June
The Creag Bheag hill race is on again this year!
Saturday 18th June. Registration from 2, race starts at 3pm.
As usual, the fete will be running all afternoon, so plenty of refreshments and fun for all the family!
More info on the website at http://www.wolfhowl.co.uk

5th June
Loch Lochy
Well done to Eilidh - 1st HHR home and choosing her moment carefully before passing Deej in the last 100m.
Results and report

3rd June
Jura Fell race
Simon Nadin romped round jura in a very good time of 4.57, despite windy conditions and very wet underfoot.
No doubt managing some bouldering on the way round!

Ben Wyvis run on monday evening 7pm - meet at car park.

23rd May
Tough few weeks of racing for Alex Munro
Alex has competed in some tough races over the past couple of weeks:-
30th April - The Three Peaks Race - finished in 4:09:50. 237th of 677 runners. Tough race run in hot conditions this year
http://www.threepeaksrace.org.uk/results2011.html
1st May - Fountains 10k - 44:15. 55th of 229. Obviously felt he hadn't ran enough on the Saturday!
His wife Catriona also ran - 49:13. Full results
13th May - Scottish Islands Peak Race. Running with fellow HHR Stuart Malcolm, they finished 4th overall and 2nd in class. Less than 45 minutes behind Jethro Lennox and Joe Symonds. Fantastic result!!
http://www.scottishislandspeaksrace.com/index.html

22nd May
Slioch Horseshoe race report and results.
A race entry of 155 with 150 finishers with very challenging wet and blustery conditions.
There was a weather window of sorts as the race started – however cloud cover and heavy rain returned during the race. Fortunately the wind did not seem to reach the 70mph forecast!
A revised route this year to avoid an exposed section of ridge after the Slioch summit, however the race distance still turned out to be similar and still over 12 miles.
The overall winner was Kenny Richmond from Bellahouston RR in 2 hrs 05 mins, with Will Manners (Strathearn) a minute behind and Mark Harris (Fife AC) a further minute back. First lady was Jasmin Paris from Carnethy in 2 hrs 32 min with Andrea Priestley (Ochil HR) also a minute behind and Eilidh Raistrick (HHR) in 3rd, a further 5 minutes back.
The first mens team were Shettleston and First womens team were Ochil.
Many thanks to all the marshalls that made it possible for the race to go ahead in the conditions and provided excellent support to the runners on the hill with encouragement, directions, punching numbers, wading in to burns to help runners across and giving a general reassurance. Also many thanks to Maddy Killit and her catering team for excellent food and organisation and for use of the village hall which was most appreciated. Also once again a big thanks to Norman and Barbara from the Letterewe Estate for continued support and permission each year.
I would also like to thank Ian from ‘Run 4 it’ for all his help and equipment provided plus vouchers and spot prizes that were generously donated.
Finally despite losing my count before the start when confronted by Simon Peachey’s race attire! – Many Congratulations to him on his big day from us all at Highland Hill Runners.
Results

22nd May
Extract from 'Isles at the Edge of the Sea' by Jonny Muir
‘Number 68.’
I was being summoned to the start line of the Goatfell hill race – eight miles of toil from sea level in Brodick to the 874
metre pinnacle of Arran, and back again: the sort of thing perfectly sane people do for amusement.
‘Yes, me,’ I muttered, reluctantly walking forward to join the other competitors, a throng of lithe, sinewy men and
women wearing little more than club singlets and shorts. I stole an anxious upwards glance at the skyscraper we
would soon be climbing. The imposing impression of Goatfell glowered back, turning my legs to lead. I dreaded
the next minutes of my life; they would involve certain pain.

The Goatfell hill race and the Isle of Jura fell race feature prominently in Jonny Muir's second travel book, Isles at the Edge of the Sea, which is published next week. The travelogue is an account of Jonny's journey from Arran in the Firth of Clyde to St Kilda, the westernmost outpost of the UK, dubbed the 'island at the edge at the world'. On the way, he follows in the footsteps of Boswell and Johnson on Coll, describes the horrors of 'the largest, most vicious midge population on the northern hemisphere' on Rum, and attempts to find his inner peace on Holy Island.

Of interest to hill runners and walkers will not only be his exploits on Arran and Jura, but his ill-fated participation in the Harris half-marathon and his hill and mountain wanderings on Barra, Eigg, Harris, Rum and St Kilda. Topping the lot, however, is his determination to conquer the formidable Inaccessible Pinnacle on Skye's Cuillin ridge.

Jonny, a former Press and Journal reporter and member of Inverness Harriers, published his first book, Heights of Madness, in 2009. The book was an account of his 5000-mile cycling and walking odyssey between the highest points in the UK's 92 historic counties.

Isles at the Edge of the Sea is available on Amazon by following this link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Isles-Edge-Sea-Jonny-Muir/dp/1905207611/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1306069265&sr=8-1

For more information about Jonny Muir and his books, visit: http://heightsofmadness.wordpress.com/

20th May
Slioch Horseshoe Race
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Currently there is an estimated half a foot of snow on top, and snow level down to 1000ft. The forecast is for low cloud and high winds. Runners must take suitable warm clothing as well as waterproofs and anyone without all the full body cover requirements (including hat and gloves), whistle, map and compass, and emergency food will not be allowed to race. I do have some spare photocopy maps which will be available at registration, but please take your own copy. Anyone that does not feel able to cope with the severe windchill and poor visibilty conditions should seriously consider whether to race or not.

12th May
Heartbeat Challenge information:
On Saturday 10 Sept 2011 we will be holding the 5th Heartbeat Challenge at Clava, by Inverness, to raise funds for cardiac care in the Highlands: 12 miles off road run (or walk) followed by 10 mile road cycle.
20% discount on entry fee for SAL/Jog Scotland members (quote SAL number when entering)
For more info, results and photos: www.heartbeatchallenge.co.uk
Come and enjoy a great day out!
Thank you
Karen Lyons
On behalf of the Heartbeat Challenge Committee
karen@heartbeatchallenge.co.uk

4th May
Glencalvie challenge
A great trail race challenge on the 14th of may. you can pre enter by post before the end of next week.
entry and route info here

3rd May
Stuc a’Chroin
The weather could not have been much better for a run in the hills. Clear skies, but with a strong easterly wind blowing across the ridge. Four hillrunners made the trip south to enjoy the weather and huge quantities of jelly babies, handed out by the equally numerous marshalls!
Results

HHR results:-
21st Ross Bannerman 2:44:20
38th Dougie Macdonald 2:56:49
71st Simon Nadin 3:14:05
Unfortunately Louise Nadin had to retire with a calf injury – hope she recovers in time for Jura.

April
Ben Ratha hill race
38 runners , including 8 hhr, took part in this years race. Unfortunately North Highland pipped us to the team prize – so no beer returned south.
In his first hill race Dave Wilby (son of hillrunner Ray) won in a time of 50:55 from Ross Bannerman (51:12). (Ross blamed tired legs from the previous weekends London marathon – but it didn’t seem to slow him down too much during the Portmahomack 10k the next day….). Hopefully Dave will signup to hhr soon, so we can win the beer next time…
First lady was Ellen Homewood (Westies) 1:00:45.

HHR results:-
Pos Name Time
2 Ross Bannerman 51:12
5 Dougie Macdonald 53:10
15 Steve Worsley 59:10
16 Simon Nadin 59:36
18 Stuart Forrest 59:43
20 Ray Wilby 60:23
27 Russell McKechnie 63:11
36 Louise Nadin 74:14

Full results here

Ben Ratha was also the second round of the club championship.
Current standings are:-
Name Birnam Ben Ratha Total
Stuart Forrest 95 96 191
Stuart Malcolm 100 100
Ross Bannerman 100 100
Gordon Stewart 99 99
Dougie Macdonald 99 99
John McKenzie 98 98
Steve Worsley 98 98
Alex Sutherland 97 97
Simon Nadin 97 97
Karen Lyons 96 96
Ray Wilby 95 95
Gill Irvine 94 94
Russell McKechnie 94 94
Louise Nadin 93 93

Beinn Ratha Hill Race
This weekend get up to Reay and run in the Ratha beer case challege against North Highland Harriers
The race starts at 1430 registration 1300-1400 at Reay Golf Club. There is also a 10k in Wick on the Sunday.

April
Dochgarroch Dash
Inverness Harriers are hosting a new multi terrain race on Wednesday 22nd June.
Race starts near Jacobite Cruises and heads towards Dochgarroch on the north side of the canal before heading back.
5.2 mile senior race and 1.75 mile junior race.
Entry form

9th April
Cioch Mhor
A double success for Lochaber on a day of steadily rising temeperatures and lifting cloud saw Finlay Wild and Nicola Meekin win comfortably, with a new womens' record set by Nicola, but Finlay just unabe to dip inside Alec Kieth's course record. Comiserations and best wishes for a speedy recovery to Karen Lyons after her nasty entanglement in some barbed wire, and thanks to those who gave up or delayed their own races to help her off the hill. Thirty one finished, with Highland finally grabbing the team prize, and a close race for the junior title saw Forres Harrier's Kirsty Rogan just hold off Luke Taylor. Full results here.

6th April
Antipodean Hillrunner
Hillrunner Megan Macrae and boyfriend Graham Bee took part in the Avalanche Peak Challenge near Christchurch, New Zealand. Racing through the spectacular mountains of Arthur’s Pass National Park for 25k over the summit of the 1,833m Avalanche Peak.
Graham was 4th in a time of 2:46:18. Megan was 11th woman in 4:03:38.
http://www.avalanchepeak.co.nz/
Thankfully both are safe and well after the recent earthquake.

6th April
Cioch Mhor hill race
This saturday at 12 with race registration from 10.30 to 11.30 at the sports hall in Dingwall
A classic race as featured and described in the pocket 'scottish hill racing and running routes' handbook
Starts on the track behind Tulloch Castle.

4th April
Invershin 6 mile trail canter
An undulating circular route (half road/half trail) from the shin falls visitor centre. A fast start with a descent back down the road, with Ben Livesey and Gordon Lennox disappearing ahead very quickly! Ben eventually pulled away in the forest trail and won by a minute or so with Gordon also finishing very strongly and going well for the London marathon. Ben is also hoping to run a few of the hill races this year.
Ross and Dougie were 3rd and 4th with Roxy 1st lady. Alex Munro also ran well and even Jude finished in a good time despite his face down collapse at the finish.
results to follow

News page information
It would be very helpful if anyone would like race results or any other interesting news posted to e-mail Dougie or Ross and we can then copy on to the news page.

1st April
Updated Slioch Horseshoe race details
here

19th March
Here come the girls.Some great first team running by Eilidh Rastrick 2nd, Laura Maclellan 5th and Gill Irvine 6th in the Newtonmore 10mile.The route is out and back and follows a cycle track between Newtonmore & Kingussie there is also a 1 mile race the next day.

22nd March - Craig Dunain
A good race report and pictures in todays courier. Paul Rogan won again but had to battle hard after a sparkling run from 'Andy the roadie' - Nicola Meekin from Oban was 1st lady. Dougie and new member Karen both came 3rd. Dougie was 1st to the top and Jim Meehan threw his shoe in to the canal when it fell apart after announcing before the start that they were in great nick after 15 years!
Results

22nd March
Fyrish Hill Race 2011 – 25th June
Please note that because the race is traversing ground under the control of a major CDM project we have managed to get agreement to hold the race and RWE NPower and R J Macleod are suspending heavy goods vehicle activities for the afternoon. However, we will need marshals at every crossing point on the whole route – ie at least 5. If you can help Marshall on the day please contact Rob Shaw – rob.shaw@scottishwoodlands.co.uk
Please add your name to the message board also.

17th March
Crask Inn training weekend
Russell, Phil and Ross McKechnie barely survived a jaunt up a hill on saturday afternoon with severe conditions and wiser members restricted training between the cottage and the pub. After eating half a deer and drying of Russell struggled to hit the dart board and was last seen heading of in to a blizzard at 7 in the morning. After the snowplough had passed a quick getaway with Russell still wondering aimlessly around a bealach he thinks before a final retreat.

13th March
Inverness Half Marathon
Ten Highland Hill Runners braved the wintry weather to join 1,100 runners.
Andrew Douglas (Inverclyde AC) won in 1:07:53. Melissa Whyte (Inverness Harriers) won the womens race in 1:20:31. Both won by more than 6 minutes.
Congratulations to Mary Johnson who finished 2nd F45 in 1:37:37.

HHR results:-
Ian Meek 1:23:58
Steve Popple 1:27:54
Stuart Forrest 1:31:18
Iain Macintyre 1:32:57
Jonathon Appleby 1:37:10
Mary Johnson 1:37:37
Laura Maclellan 1:40:30 - pb
Rob Shaw 1:42:21
Alex Munro 1:50:19
Alice Snow 1:53:18

Full results here

6th March
Race Organisers and Helpers
There is a new section of the message board to help race organisers advertise for the help they may need, and also for any who are able to volunteer at races to make their availability known. This does not of course replace email/phone calls etc, but is intented to provide another means of ensuring we have enough helpers at races. Please use it!

6th March - Nairn 10k
Dougie had a great run today finishing in 35.45 and after punching this time in to runners world time prediction - dougie is all set for a 2.44 for his summer marathon. Stuart also took a couple of mins of his time from last year finishing in just over 40min. Winning time was 33.49 by Ben Livesey (Birchhill Harriers) and Melissa Whyte had another strong run to finish 1st in 35.50 and Roxy finished 2nd in 38.01. Windy conditions on the 1st half and helped a bit on the 2nd half.
Results to follow

3rd March - Club memberships.
A gentle reminder to those that haven't paid yet. Subs are due from 1st January.
Membership form

28th feb - Slioch Horseshoe
Please note that this race is entry on the day only - Anyone able to help out on the day please contact Ross
race details
entry form

25th Feb - Cioch Mhor
Cioch Mhor hill race date changed to Saturday April 9th
Registration at Dingwall Sports Centre.
Race starts at noon. Junior race starts at 12:05.

25th feb - Invershin Trail Canter
A new 6 mile trail race on the 3rd of April.
reg info here

23rd feb - Dunrobin Trail race
North Highland Harriers are organising this informal 9 mile race this sunday - 27th feb. Looks like a great course.
details here
race map

18th feb - Crask Inn date change
The date will have to change from the 19th of march to the 12th as the bunkhouse has already been booked.

14th feb - AGM report

1- Chairman's report

Knockfarell:
Organised by Russell and Ross and there was some hard work involved in cutting the prickly gorse bushes and nettles. 58 ran which is up from 45 the previous year. The race start was also moved to inside the station in front of the walkway bridge. Catering was provided by the tea room.

Cioch mhor:
Organised by Aex Brett and this year there were 45 runners – well up from 24 the year before. The race is getting a good reputation and Alex would like to see the numbers continue to increase.

Slioch horseshoe:
Organised by Ross and Roxy Bannerman and this year 60 runners up from 50 the year before. Again there were warm conditions but misty on top. A Scottish championship counter this year and volunteers to help marshal etc will be required.

Fyrish hill race:
Organised by Rob Shaw with 20 runners in 2010 - 30 in 2009

Meall a' Bhuachaille Hill race:
Organised by Russell
Held at badaguish on the same route as year before ‘old route on ridge’ had become site SSSI 116 ran and previous year (a Scottish championship counter) was 219

There was a challenge race at Ben Ratha with NHR and two cases of beer were up for grabs- HHR won.
Probably to be repeated this year with the same result.
The club did not enter any relay events this year mainly through lack of interest.

Outstanding Achievements:
Kenny Riddle won his age class at the Duathlon world Championship held in Edinburgh.That’s the second world champion in the club with Ray Wilby winning age class fell race several years ago. Will there be another one this year?

Web site:
The web site is run on a Voluntary basis and there have been two main contributors over the past year. The web site will be changed to make it easier for people to contribute so lets see a few more people contributing this year.

Club trips:
Club trips in the past have not been well attended by members so do not provide value for money for members who do not attend.
Last Youth hostel trip approx 6
last Inchnadamph 6
last Minibus 3 plus 2 from Lochaber – minibus could take 15
I think the focus has to shift towards providing race organisers with
better equipment with any trips possibly part funded by the club.

Membership fee:
£10 most of that goes to the SAF for affiliation fees so actual membership is £3
Races and relay entry cost have been paid by the club money is also generated from club races.

Kit:
In stock:
16 vests at 17 60 = £281.60
shorts at 10.50 = £105
total £386.60 +£118 =£504.60
Accounts need to be updated to show these assets

2- Secretarys report

We have some junior members who have joined this year and are competing well at the xc league races.
Would be good to see more senior members running at the xc and hopefully we can put in a men and particularly, ladies team for the relays later this year to give the harriers a decent challenge.
Membership fee held again this year offering great value for money!
Expenses for races have gone up considerably with significant rises in costs plus a need to improve race equipment.
Please contact myself or Russell if interested in joining any independently organised trips which are also being planned for this year.

3- Treasurers Report

As per Treasurers email sent out before the AGM.

4- Office bearers

Chairman - Russell McKechnie
Scecretary- Ross Bannerman
Treasurer- Jonathan Appleby
Membership Secetary - Dougie MacDonald
Committee . Alex Brett, Phil Hindell, Steve Popple, Neil Speight, Stuart Malcolm, Stuart Forrest.
Committee and Office Bearers will meet twice a year.

5- Membership Fees

Senior £10, unwaged £5, Family £15, Juniors are free.
Vests £17.50 Shorts £10.50

6- Club races

Knockfarrell looks like being cancelled this year – All other club races will be on this year. Any volunteers to organise Knockfarrell in future please contact Russell or Ross.
Cioch Mhor may have a change of date.

7- Club Championship

Best 2 from 4 which are:

26th March Birnam also scottish championship race series
23rd April Beinn Ratha and North Highland Harriers Challenge. Book into Caravan site Thurso for a Great Weekend.,
30th july ? Strathconon Will there be a Gurka challenge this year? will there be any vests left?
6th August Creag Dhubh, Newtonmore A Forrest Special

8- Club spending

More equipment for organisers. Any club trips could be part funded but will be subsidised by attendees. The committee will decide and agree on amount funded by the club.

9- Other races

Team for FRA relays in Yorkshire. Race in the Lakes (Langdale Horseshoe on the Saturday – week before relays)
Overseas races – recommended races will be highlighted on news or fixture page soon and regularly updated.
Any suggestions appreciated.

10- AOB

Stuart Malcolm can help Phil with any Web issues
Crask Inn Bunkhouse book your place now for Sat March 19th

11- Date of next AGM Nov 11th

14th feb - Ben Nevis Entry
Provisional list is now available on the race web site and a record 14 HHR's are entered for this year.

13th feb - Carnethy 5
A brilliant run by Alasdair Mcleod from Evanton running for Edinburgh uni h&h's to finish in 4th place overall in a time of 52.29.
Stuart Forrest finished in 1.11.53 and John Moffat in 1.21.40
The course was slightly longer this year with heavy underfoot conditions.
results

Dornoch xc
The last race of the league season and some good runs from HHR's in various age groups.
Shane Turney finished a minute or so behind the winner in 11th place in the u11 race. Reka Szaboki finishes in 16th place in the u15. Melissa won comfortably with Roxy and Eilidh 5 and 6th - Eilidh lost her lucky, full of holes 5th place socks beforehand and so kindly let roxy through. mens race was won by Alan Reid from Peterhead with Ross and Dougie in the top 10.
results

Fixtures have been updated for 2011 - look out for some fantastic races in Italy and Madeira.
Who can be tempted to go for the first official 100 miler in Europe?

10th feb - Dornoch xc
On this saturday (usual times) and the last league race of the season. With Dougie now dominating the harriers after their championship race last sunday, can the fireman and Andy get any closer this time?
Good luck to anyone taking part at the Carnethy 5 - also on this saturday.

9th feb - Newtonmore 10 mile race
Entries are now open for this year's Newtonmore 10 Mile race which will be held on 19 March, start time 11am.

Online entries are being taken on the Born 2 Run website. Just follow the link below. If you don't have an account with Born 2 Run, you will need to register first. From the home page, click on the Events tab and scroll down to 19 March to find the Newtonmore 10 listing.
www.born2run.co.uk

3rd feb - Lochaber winter league race - this saturday
Check the lochaber web site for further details for this new winter league race - 'Duror' Approx 8 miles on forest tracks with some diversions on to rougher stuff as well. starts at 11am.

31st jan - Nairn xc
A perfect day for running with no wind and a relatively dry course. Our younger members had a successful day with Shane having a great battle to finish with the same time as 3 others in 7.43 in the u11 race, In the girls u13 race Reaka finished 17th in 12.48 with leading times very close together. Bethan had the run of the day to finish 8th in the u15/17 girls race, only a minute or so behind the winner.

results

AGM
Jan 30th -4pm - Clanlan- 22 Baron Taylors St Inverness IV1 1QG
If you have an interest in activites and plans for this year please attend.

14th January
xcountry
The course at Dornoch tomorrow has been declared unsafe.
The event has been switched to Forres.

11th January
Missing dog at Fyrish - Liver and white spaniel called 'Pollie'. Missing since Saturday near the bridge crossing on main path from Jubilee car park and last seen a couple of miles North nearer the windmills at Novar. If anyone is near the area and see the Dog please contact the owner on 07990572289

14th December
Lossiemouth 10 mile Turkey trot
A great run by Paul Raistrick winning the race in a very fast time of 54.30.
Results on Moray Road Runners web site which can be found on the links page.

21st November
MCofS News Release

19 November 2010 For immediate release

MCofS Urges Walkers and Climbers to Register with 999 Text ServiceThe Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) is urging everyone who walks climbs and skis in the Scottish mountains to register with the 999 emergency text service. This service has been set up to allow people to text 999 when voice calls cannot be made, but where there is sufficient signal to send a text.Heather Morning, the MCofS Mountain Safety Advisor, is urging mountaineers to register for the new service. She said: “You can now contact the 999 emergency services by SMS text from your mobile phone. This is going to be particularly useful for those needing 999 assistance in the hills when mobile phone reception is often intermittent and there is not enough signal to make a call.”
However, you will only be able to use this service if you have registered with emergencySMS first. The MCofS is urging mountaineers to register now rather than wait for an emergency. To register, text ‘Register’ to 999. You will get a reply and will then need to follow the instructions you are sent. The text system is meant to be used only when voice calls cannot be made and the system does not guarantee that texts will be delivered, so users should wait until they receive a reply from the emergency services before assuming help has been summoned. The system was originally set up to help deaf and hard of hearing people. Further details, including guidelines on how to register, can be found at www.emergencysms.org.uk.
MCofS Membership Development Officer Mike Dales said: “This is a great idea that is bound to save lives. I’ve just registered myself and it took less than two minutes.“
For further information contact Mike Dales on 01738 493 942 or go to the MCofS website at: http://www.mcofs.org.uk.
Ends

Druim Fada
Davy Rodgers won with Graeme Bartlett 2nd, very close behind. Dougie, Stuart and Ross made the trip over to enjoy the great clear conditions which perhaps helped towards such a big turn out. Dougie continues his good form taking approx 6 mins of last years time.
results to follow.

18th November
North District xc Champs entries
Please contact Ross with your details asap - entries are being sent tomorrow.

14th Nov
Tain Trail Race
HHR managed to keep the North Highland Harriers challenge at bay . Ross Bannerman won the race in PB of 1.12.16 not far behind in second was Jack Travelyan of North Highland Harriers. Dougie Macdonald was third in yet another PB of 1.14.07 A rare appearance by Eric Duncan got him the third HHR finisher in 1.18.51 Roxy stormed in with a time of 1.20.03 to win the female race by 10min and set a PB. Chris Allen was 21st and Gordie Taylor was 24th Luke Taylor got a 3rd in the junior race. Results http://www.tainrunners.co.uk/2010_results_47.html

15th Nov
North Highland Harriers winter fixtures
A popular series of mainly trail races which are handicapped based on predicted times so everyone has a chance to finish at the front. Fixture list here

Boxing Day Race - Fyrish Circular
Start / finish at Jubilee car park and run round anti-clockwise - approx 4.5 miles.
Any interest on this race being organised? Please post any interest / suggestions on message board.

14th Nov
Tain Trail Race
Another big turn out from all corners of the country for this popular trail race including Heathen invaders from the North Highland Harriers and the annual gathering of HBT's.
Good conditions on the day with the usual muddy bits.
A notable scalp for Dougie MacDonald as he left Deej flailing on the last climb at 8 odd miles and never looked back for his maiden victory over the veginator.
Many thanks to Ali for organising this great race and to all her helpers.
Results to follow.

Nice (france) Marathon
Alice and Rob both completed the Nice marathon with Rob cracking the 3.50 barrier and Alice not far behind in 4.07.
A great course and a good excuse for a holiday next year!

Moray Road Runners - Cross Country
Eilidh Raistrick ran well to finish in 6th place with a time of 27.56. 1st place went to Moira Davie from Forres Harriers in a time of 26.10 with only 3 mins seperating the top 10 in a strong field of runners.
Our new Junior members also competed well in the combined u15/u17 girls race with Bethan Nadin finishing 10th (4th u15 counter) in 21.40 and Reka Szatoki 23rd in 26.02. Moira McLennan won in a time of 19.21.

30th Oct
Meall a' Bhuachaille

Deeside runner Robbie Simpson one of the youngest runners in the race broke the race record by 19 seconds the previous record was held by Andy Symonds . Robbie said there is room to go faster as at the top of the first climb up Creagan Gorm he came out to far to left of the summit and at the path cross junction of Meall and Creagan time could have been saved by contouring lower down.
Dan Whitehead who was chased by Alec Keith for most of the race was second. Craig Mattocks who passed Alec on the final path section was third. The female race was won by Claire Whitehead who finished under the hour again and in 8th overall. With another consistent run - Veronique Oldham was in second place and U/A hazel Sutherland was third. First HHR home was Dougie Macdonald after a tussle in the last mile with Stuart Malcolm, our first female home was Catriona Walker. Luke Taylor won the U16 race. The local grudge match against Inverness Har seen us come out on top by 2 points their first runner was deej 'the veggie' Gallie.
Many thanks to all that took time out to help on the day it is much appreciated and Rhoda your baking was the icing on the cake.

1 Robbie Simpson Deeside MJ 50.35 Record
2 Dan Whitehead Cosmic MS 55.36
3 Craig Mattocks HBT MS 55.49
4 Alec Keith HBT MV40 55.58
5 Andrew Fallas Carnethy MS 56.4
6 Phil Mowbray HBT MS 57.21
7 Rob Brookes Cosmic MS 57.59
8 Claire Whitehead Cosmic FS 59.53
9 John Mackenzie U/A MV40 01:00.01
10 Richie Cunningham Carnegie MV40 01:00.02
11 David Gallie Inverness H MV40 01:00.41
12 Peter Simpson Carnegie MV50 01:01.10
13 George Charles U/A MS 01:01.56
14 Craig Love Hawkhill MS 01:01.59
15 Chris Tomlin Cosmics MV40 01:02.31
16 Oliver Bloomfield Lochaber MS 01:02.40
17 David Berrill Lothian MS 01:03.48
18 Douglas Macdonald HHR MS 01:03.55
19 Stuart Malcolm HHR M40 01:04.05
20 Alan Gilkison Westies M40 01:04.07
21 Owen Bass Deeside MV40 01:04.12
22 Steve Matthews Hawkhill MS 01:05.19
23 Stewart Wilson Inverness H 01:05.27
24 Stewart Caithness HBT MS 01:05.57
25 Veronique Oldham Cosmic FV40 01:06.04
26 Colin Larmour Cosmic MV40 01:06.30
27 Duncan Grassie Cosmic MS 01:06.50
28 Martin Hulme Corstorphine M60 01:07.12
29 Nick Mardall Deeside MV40 01:07.15
30 Stuart Thompson Nairn MS 01:07.40
31 Graham Strachan Metro MS 01:07.49
32 Ian Macdonald Forres MV40 01:08.01
33 Richard Roberts Fell Runners M40 01:08.28
34 Peter Hague Cairgorm MS 01:08.38
35 Stuart Forrest HHR MS 01:08.43
36 Graeme Campbell Inverness H M40 01:08.50
37 Dave Mitchell Hawkhill MV40 01:09.03
38 Bruce Milne Carnethy MV40 01:09.20
39 David Rogers Westies MV40 01:09.21
40 Hazel Sutherland U/A FV40 01:09.41
41 Bob Sheridan Cosmic MV40 01:09.45
42 Tim Pott Forres MV40 01:09.59
43 Ruth Mackenzie Deeside MF40 01:10.15
44 Fabienne Thompson Carnegie MV40 01:10.31
45 Sandy Grigor Carngorm MS 01:10.34
46 Colin Reynolds Carnegie MS 01:10.37
47 Gordie Taylor HHR M40 01:10.42
48 Neil Miller U/A MS 01:10.47
49 Mike Dearman Cairgorm MS 01:11.01
50 Alasdair McDougall HHR MS 01:11.24
51 John Donnelly Westies MV40 01:11.30
52 Frank Mcpartland HELP MV50 01:11.34
53 Ian Robertson Cairgorm MS 01:11.37
54 Debs Shann U/A FS 01:11.38
55 Rachel Armitage Hare& Hounds FJ 01:11.39
56 Chris Davidson Carnegie MS 01:12.08
57 Simon Harrison NHH M50 01:12.26
58 Andy Millard Carnethy MV40 01:12.43
59 Brian Bremnar westies MV50 01:12.45
60 Graham S Macnab Lochaber M40 01:13.04
61 Nick Rennie U/A MF40 01:13.41
62 Grahame Nicoll Tayside MV50 01:13.57
63 Eric Gillies Lochaber MV40 01:14.00
64 David Duncan Ochil MV50 01:14.13
65 Angus Bowman Beacon MV50 01:14.16
66 Alan Renville U/A MV40 01:14.27
67 Colin Wilson Carnethy MV40 01:14.37
68 Paul O' Brian Carstorphine MV50 01:14.40
69 Peter Nimmo U/A MV50 01:14.44
70 John Mill Dundee RR MV40 01:15.10
71 Garry Gutteridge Cosmic MV50 01:15.19
72 Penny Lawson U/A FV40 01:15.35
73 Trevor Shaw U/A MV40 01:15.44
74 David Clark Garioch MS 01:15.49
75 Keith Burns Carnethy MV60 01:16.28
76 Joan Wilson Carnethy FV40 01:16.32
77 Jenny Lewer U/A FS 01:16.34
78 Bjorn Verduiln U/A MS 01:16.47
79 Katy Boocock Cosmic FV40 01:17.24
80 Craig Wallace Vegan MS 01:17.31
81 Helen Bonsor Carnethy FS 01:17.47
82 Alison West Carnegie FV50 01:18.13
83 Jonathan Bellarby Cosmic MV40 01:18.48
84 John Irving Dundee RR MS 01:19.02
85 Melanie Nicoll Tayside O FV40 01:19.15
86 Lesley Clark U/A FS 01:19.24
87 Elaine Stewart Cosmic FV50 01:19.32
88 Ben Maskrey U/A MS 01:20.06
89 Colin Taylor Cosmic MV40 01:21.08
90 Richard Gatehouse Lomond MV50 01:21.20
91 Peter Ferguson U/A MV50 01:22.11
92 Hugh McPherson U/A M60 01:22.19
93 Mike Knippberg U/A MS 01:22.39
94 Charlie Love Hawkhill MV60 01:23.42
95 Catriona Walker HHR FS 01:24.21
96 Alex Munro HHR MS 01:24.22
97 David Oliver Deeside MV50 01:24.52
98 Steve Cromar Hawkhill MV70 01:24.58
99 Kevin Doonan westies MV40 01:25.11
100 Dave Holloway U/A MV50 01:25.58
101 Hannah Kennedy U/A FV40 01:27.32
102 Pauline Larmour Cosmics FV40 01:27.46
103 Fiona Johnson Cairngorm SF 01:28.51
104 Kenneth McIntyre U/A FV40 01:28.51
105 Fiona Mackay Cosmics FV40 01:29.26
106 Lyn Hanlon Hawkhill FV40 01:29.38
107 Lorna Crane U/A FV40 01:31.00
108 Ian McManus Irvine MV60 01:31.25
109 Andy Fuller U/A MV40 01:31.53
110 Muriel Fuller U/A FV40 01:33.25
111 Jane Oliver Deeside FV50 01:33.46
112 Moria Grainger Fife AC FV40 01:34.06
113 Jean Bowman Beacon FV50 01:35.06
114 Nick West U/A MV50 01:41.29
115 Brenda Paul westies FS 01:47.38
116 Alison Johnston HBT FV40 01:50.36

28th Oct
Ultra Challenge for 2011 - Trans Grancanaria
Details here

28th Oct
North District xc Champs - Stornoway 27th November
Anyone that would like to enter - please contact Ross with your scottish Athletics number. If you would like to enter but have no number please contact Scottish Athletics - Tel John Macdonald 0131 5397320
Further info here and here
Race map here

26th Oct
Marshals required for Meall a' Bhuachaille race on 30th Oct
If you can help on day please phone or Email Russell
Tel 01463 237608
Thanks
Russell

4th Oct
Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and 10k
Congratulations to Graeme Campbell - our first runner home in a time of 2.46
Eight HHR's took part in the marathon and times can be found here
Special mention to Dougie Macdonald for taking a minute of his 10k pb with a time of 36.30 and also smashing roadie training partner deej 'the veggie' gallie's pb by a good few seconds!
Also to Alex Sutherland for 1st vet60 in 38 minutes - an inspired run after finally getting hold of a vest!

6th Sept
Congratulations to Duathlon World Champion Kenny Riddle - a good warm up for the Monster Challenge!

Some good runs at Ben Nevis with Stuart Malcolm our top runner this year. Look out for the adventure show which filmed the race and interviewed our very own Alex Brett (thankfully before the race and his annual knee rearrangement on the way down!)
El presidente also filmed at the red burn with some enthusiastic ramblings..
Results on Ben Nevis race site and scottish hill runners.

Tain trail race is on the 13th November. Details here

21st Aug GWC
Great run by Megan Macrae who won the 13mile course in 2hrs and 48sec and I guess as its a new course its also a course record. Its Megans last run in this country as she is away to NZ for a few years and we wish her well. In the 25mile race which was run during difficult windy conditions (half the 13 mile race was windy in your face, but the 25mile was windy in your face the whole way accept for a few miles in the woods at the end) Ross Bannerman was third. Rob Shaw and Struie it finished a tenth GWC not together as Struie beat Rob. There is also a wonderfull picture on page1, page 1.... of the web site showing Alice Snow receiving her third place prize from Charles Kennedy who did not run this year.
Full results are on the GWC web site

28th Aug Glen Challenge
Starts at Old Corrimony House Hump Back Bridge (where else would you start) and finishes 15K Later at Drum games. I have not seen a copy of results but I know Dougie MacDonald won the race in a new course record. If anyone else was there stick your place/time on the notice board. In the hill race later on Ross Bannerman was second in 23min 16sec Dougie also ran in the hill race 7th in 25.34.

19th july
Is a sub 24 possible? Anyone up to the challenge?

Assynt Traverse 12/13 July

Pete Simpson, Colin Brooke and myself completed this route in the far north of Scotland last week. With a low off to the north-west most of the time the weather forecasts were mostly dire - strong winds, heavy showers and low cloud - but we were able to sit it out long enough to catch a ridge of high pressure which briefly gave some stable conditions and reasonable visibility for an attempt.
The Assynt area provides some of the most spectacular mountain country in Britain and is home to a series of illustrious individual peaks - among them Stac Pollaidh, Suilven, Cul Beag, Cul Mor, Quinag - as they rise dramatically from the surrounding tablelands. I had the idea of stringing them all together to make another 60th celebration route. But all credit must go to Pete Simpson without whose knowledge, experience, route choice and spot-on navigation it would not have been a success. Thanks must also go to Clive Lane who provide van support at the road crossings.
It is all fairly difficult terrain ranging from scrambly rocky paths and steep 'grass root grabbing' slopes to extensive sections of pennine-like bog and Scafell type boulder hopping. We maintained a steady but strong pace to clock up 26-59 for 10 peaks, 50 miles and 21000' of ascent. The route starts from Stac Pollaidh car park and finishes just short of Kylescu at Unapool carpark with its panoromic view over Loch Glencoul. The full list of peaks in order is as follows:

Stac Pollaidh- 2011'
Cul Beag 2523'
Cul Mor 2785'
Suilven 2398'
Canisp 2776'
Breabag 2625'
Ben More Assynt 3274'
Conival 3228
Glas Bheinn 2546'
Quinag 2651' (3 tops - Spidean Conich, Sail Garbh, Sail Gorm)

The route will appear on the gofar site in due course as part of the Over The Hill series, but, like the others in the series, it can be completed by any age group.
For anyone with a serious interest in the area I recommend Andy Walmsley's (Bowland Fellrunners)book - Scotlands Far North
Another route in the Assynt & Coigach area is the Inverpolly Round of 36 miles and 15000' - see the SHR site

12th july
Glamaig hill race - another big turn out for this classic up and down race. Another win for Brian Marshall and a superb climb from Emma o' Shea to the top in 4th place! A clear afternoon but saturated underfoot to and from the hill. Happy campers until about 9pm and then all the fools that decided forecast must have been wrong got a good soaking through the night and an evacuation was in order at 1st light!
results

8thJuly
Cross country fixtures for 2010/11 are now on fixtures page
The Cross country championship will be held in Stornoway and the relays will be at Inverness. Check details here

The 2nd Annual THE LEARNEY CHALLENGE Hill Race.
Sat 21st Aug 2010
registration at the race desk by 1.30pm for 2pm start
Entry £6 - 12.5k - over 18's only. Further details & booking form contact:- torphinsgala@gmail.com, Dave on 013398 82097 or doyt.mcgregor@hotmail.co.uk

The Abernethy Games 10 mile race - details here

12th June
A few runners went across to Skye to do the undulating half. Roxy had a great run to win 1st female in 1.28.18 and required a truck to carry all the prizes. Luke Taylor was second in the junior race, other results were Ross 11th 1.21.52 Gordon taylor 48th 1.35.21 and a bit behind Russell 60th 1.39.35. Lynda Johnstone was running for charity team Luckey to be there and finished 85th 1.43.07. We stayed in Kyleakin after the race where the midges were out in force so it was best to stay in the pub and cap the day with a few drams. We had tried to stay in Portree but accommodation had been booked months in advance by competitors. http://www.skyehalfmarathon.org.uk/results.shtml

5th June
Last weekend a few hill runners were in action. Ross Bannerman and Jim Hall were at Loch Lochy Munros a tough race of 21k and 1325m accent. Its good to see Jim running in this country again as his work takes him abroad for long periods of time. Ross finished 10th 2.37 Jim was 33rd in 3.36 Andrew Symonds Carnegie Harriers won the race in a new record time.
At the Glas Tulaichean Uphill up hill race Paul Raistrick was 5th in 40:22 not far behind the winner Jamie Stevens Ochil 38:05. Next weekend see a few HHR competing in a long flat race. Who are they ? guess you will need to scan next weeks results.

26 May
Old County Tops - Englandshire
Jonathan Appleby and Fran Williams headed down to the Lakes last weekend to take part in The Old County Tops - a 37 miles race over Helvellyn, Scafell Pike and the Old Man of Coniston. Despite blazing sun and very high temperatures they finished in 10 hours 16 minutes, well within the 12 hour cut-off. Times were well down on last year so that equated to 30th place (official results not out yet).

The race strip went down very well with a number of female pairs passing favourable comment particularly on the shorts ; 0)

26th May
Coast around Britain
Team are still looking for people to run Ullapool to Lochinver section.
please check details here

22nd May
Slioch Horseshoe Race
A big thanks to all the marshalls including the Torridon Mountain rescue team, also to Russell and Ross McKecknie for marking out the course to past the bridge, Louise and Beth for covering the gates and to Phil for compiling results. Also to Alex Macrae for excellent time keeping, Colin for photography (pics coming soon) and Roxy for catering, assisting timekeeping and basically doing all my jobs at the finish so i was able to run and also to Jackie and Louise for providing home made baking.
Also many thanks to Norman and Letterewe Estate for continued support and allowing the race to take place each year.
The conditions were kinder to the runners this year apart from a misty top which made the navigation a little trickier. There was also a nice tail wind to help them home along the infamous 3 mile stretch after the bridge. Brian broke the record by 2 minutes and Deej the vegetarian maestro took 6 minutes of his time from last year after being led by hand most of the way round! A cockburns black pudding is on its way to him for his efforts!
Susan had a great descent to pull clear at the front and had a comfortable win and Martin Hulme took 10 minutes of the v60 record to finish in 2.52.
race start
prize winners

LOST AND FOUND ITEMS FROM RACE
1 Lowe and Alpine bum bag - colour blue and black (left at finish area)
1 Silva compass with red neck tie (marshall found on race route)
1 casio stop watch with velcro strap which has snapped (marshall found on race route between waterfall cp and bridge).
Please contact Ross.

1 Brian Marshall H.E.L.P. M40 02:08:05
2 Alec Kieth H.B.T M40 02:10:59
3 Stewart Whitlie Carnethy M40 02:12:45
4 Francis Blunt Northumberland Fellrunners MS 02:14:27
5 Dave Cummins Highland Hillrunners M40 02:19:21
6 John Mitchell Carnethy MS 02:23:20
7 David Gallie Inverness Harriers & vegetarian aac M40 02:23:44
8 Ross Bannerman Highland Hillrunners MS 02:23:56
9 Roger Van Gompel Dundee Hawkhill Harriers M40 02:25:01
10 Norman Kelman Unattached M40 02:28:00
11 Keith Blackhall Lochaber AC M40 02:41:40
12 Laurie Anderson Fife AC M50 02:43:42
13 David Bickden Unattached MS 02:44:48
14 Susan Blackwood Inverness Harriers F40 02:46:07
15 Owen Bass Deeside Runners M40 02:50:20
16 Veronique Oldham Cosmics FS 02:51:59
17 Martin Hulme Corstorphone AC M60 02:52:28
18 Amanda Blackhall Lochaber AC FS 02:52:52
19 Tosh Brannan Lothian M50 02:53:40
20 Gillian Irvine Highland Hillrunners F40 02:54:16
21 Jacqui Higginbottom Carnethy F40 02:58:25
22 Douglas MacDonald Highland Hillrunners MS 02:59:06
23 Steve Worsely Highland Hillrunners M40 03:00:44
24 Peter Hague Cairngorm Runners M40 03:02:06
25 Colin Larmour Cosmics M40 03:02:47
26 Andy Millard Carnethy MS 03:03:53
27 Kenny Paterson North Highland Harriers M40 03:06:17
28 Simon Nadin Highland Hillrunners M40 03:08:06
29 Gio MacDonald Carnethy M40 03:08:33
30 Bob Sheridan Cosmics M40 03:08:46
31 Ian Hamilton Cosmics M50 03:09:32
32 Stewart Wilson Inverness Harriers M40 03:10:40
33 Rupert Williams Unattached M40 03:10:58
34 Colin Earnshaw North Highland Harriers M40 03:11:46
35 Richard Bush Carnethy M40 03:12:54
36 Bruce Milne Carnethy M40 03:13:14
37 Graham Arthur Ilkley Harriers M60 03:14:01
38 Graham MacNab Lochaber AC M40 03:15:00
39 Linda MacEwan Lochaber AC F40 03:15:33
40 Mick Tighe Lochaber AC M60 03:16:27
41 Ray Murdoch Lochaber AC M60 03:17:03
42 Peter Henry Deeside Runners MS 03:17:24
43 Alison West Carnegie Harriers F50 03:20:22
44 David Sullivan Deeside Runners M50 03:20:28
45 Brian Brennan Westerlands M50 03:23:15
46 Tilly Smith Deeside Runners F50 03:23:15
47 Jonathan Weir Unattached MS 03:23:16
48 Charles Coull Ochil Hillrunners M40 03:27:58
49 Alan Hunter Ochil Hillrunners M40 03:27:58
50 Matteo Tesser Italy MS 03:31:02
51 Elaine Stewart Cosmics F50 03:31:20
52 Gillian Clunas Cosmics F50 03:42:33
53 Jimmy Stewart Lochaber AC M60 03:45:27
54 John Wilson Carnethy M40 03:47:37
55 Joan Wilson Carnethy F40 03:47:37
56 Jean Bowman Beacon Runners F50 03:58:19
57 Angus Bowman Beacon Runners M50 03:58:19
58 Donna MacDonald Lochaber AC FS 03:59:04
59 Ron Smith Ambleside AC M70 04:03:22
60 Fiona Gardner Lochaber AC F40 04:08:54

1st May
Been a busy weekend for a few HHR members Ross, Graeme and Paul were in action. Ross and Graeme ran Stuc a`Chroin, Ross finished in 13th place 2Hr 35min Graeme still had the London legs so was a few mins behind Ross in 2.47. Not often races end with a fishy story, but these guys just have to get the right fish on the plate at the end of the night or there could be a bit of wrist slapping.
A bit further South, Paul Raistrick was running in the Berwick
20 mile race and finished first in a brill time 1.57. see Pauls report here

24 April
Beinn Ratha
If you like golf this is the place to be, we weren't here for golf as none of us were swingers.
We (HHR) went North and stayed within our border to run in the most Northerly hill race on the mainland, we were also here to win beer against the newly formed North Highland Harriers.
We supplied 24 beers they supplied 24 cans, first team of 4 wins the lot.
To cut a long story short we won (HHR).
To get back to the race, Ross came in second, Ray won the battle on the first hill, Roxy was unsure about the burn, Ales.S was unsure about the club. Simon could see the old man of Hoy.
Stuart had a bad last descent . Alex gasped (dying breath)to Roxy, beat Russell who was seen to gesture. Louise won a prize for the second week in a row.
Anyway, we all got 6 cans each, a great night out (cheers Colin) and will be back next year with a bigger invasion force to make sure we win that beer again.
results

26th April
London Marathon
Congratulations to Graeme Campbell on a great run - his time 2.48.25. A good warm up for 'Stuc a Chroin' this Saturday.

17th April
Cioch Mhor Hill Race
Another win for Alex Keith, just outside his own record and Roxy Bannerman also winning in a new record.
Inverness Harriers sneaked in to win the mens team prize - however our ladies team duly made amends.
Good running conditions with a strong wind on the way to the summit which helped for the return to the finish.
A record turn out with some sampling hill racing for the first time and particularly enjoying the river crossing!
many thanks to marshalls, timekeeper and all those that contributed to the post race refreshments.

1 Alec Keith 2 Dave Cummins 3 Paul McLean 4 David Gallie 5 Johnny Muir 6 Scott Craighead 7 James Jarvis 8 Donnie McDonald 9 Colin Green 10 Norman Kelman 11 Daniel Leadham 12 Gordon Stewart 13 Steve McIntyre 14 David Chapman 15 Darren Urquhart 16 Malcolm 17 Dougie 18 Stuart Wilson 19 Steve Worsley 20 Peter Hague 21 Roxy Bannerman 22 Stuart Forrest 23 George Mitchell 24 Graham 25 Gordon Taylor 26 Susan 27 David Duncan 28 Richard Roberts 29 Gill Irvine 30 Jonathan Appleby 31 Alex Brett 32 Tim Winterburn 33 Alec Sutherland 34 Grieg Rimmer 35 Simon Nadin 36 Doreen Campbell 37 Richard Aitken 38 Jonathan Wier 39 John Moffat 40 Mark Tinsley 41 Colin McGregor 42 Tim Daswson 43 Alan Luke 44 Louise Nadin 45 Ross MacDonald
photos HBT MV40 01:09:50
Highland Hillrunners MV40 01:15:40
Lochaber AC MS 01:16:35
Inverness Harriers MV40 01:16:39
Inverness Harriers MS 01:17:00
Unattached MS 01:17:04
HBT MS 01:18:07
Inverness Harriers MS 01:18:57
Moray Roadrunners MS 01:19:25
Unattached MV40 01:19:34
Moray Roadrunners MS 01:20:09
Unattached MV50 01:20:25
Highland Hillrunners MS 01:20:58
Highland Hillrunners MS 01:21:34
Unattached MS 01:24:18
Dransfield Unattached MV40 01:24:29
McDonald Highland Hillrunners MS 01:25:02
Inverness Harriers MV40 01:25:48
Highland Hillrunners MV40 01:26:30
Cairngorm Runners MV40 01:27:01
Highland Hillrunners FS 01:27:13
Highland Hillrunners MS 01:27:32
Inverness Harriers MV60 01:27:51
Campbell Inverness Harriers MV40 01:28:07
Inverness Harriers MV40 01:28:20
Blackwood Unattached FV40 01:28:38
Ochil Hillrunners MV50 01:28:52
FRA MV40 01:28:55
Highland Hillrunners FV40 01:29:07
Highland Hillrunners MV40 01:29:39
Highland Hillrunners MV50 01:30:33
Unattached MS 01:32:12
Sutherland AC MV60 01:35:02
Dark Peak Fellrunners MV40 01:35:12
Highland Hillruners MV40 01:35:21
Inverness Harriers FV40 01:36:56
Unattached MS 01:37:36
Unattached MS 01:39:04
Unattached MV50 01:39:27
Highland Hillrunners MV40 01:39:34
Nairn Roadrunners MS 01:42:25
Highland Hillruners MV40 01:46:44
Unattached MV50 02:02:05
Highland Hillrunners FV50 02:06:11
Inverness Harriers MV50 02:16:00