Gala 10K run and 3k run/walk - 09/08/2009

Caithness AAC once again joined forces with the Town's Improvement to put on one of the more energetic events as part of the Thurso Gala programme. The Gala 10K run and 3k run/walk took place at Thurso Riverside, making use of the newly completed pedestrian bridge. The 10k was run over 3½ laps of the Riverside over what is a predominantly flat course.

Due to the multi-terrain course, the race times were not as fast as athletes can expect in road 10K races, but the scenery and enthusiastic support from the crowds made for a great atmosphere for the runners. The 3k run/walk took place over 1 lap of the Riverside and afforded the competitors, young and old a chance to mingle with the 10k runners, leading to lots of encouragement as athletes were passed by the faster 3k runners.

With 49 10k runners and 38 3k runners/walkers, there was plenty to keep spectators inspired as some athletes made their races look effortless, whilst others were achieving personal goals in completing the course.

The 10k race very quickly settled down with Austin Hughes taking the lead early on and using the distance to extend that lead to an overall advantage of just under 2 minutes. Phil Adshead coming home in second place, had a tussle early on in the race with Ewen Mackay who eventually came home in 3rd place.

The ladies race was won by local, Franky Farquhar, coming home just 24seconds ahead of Shirley Hay. Another local athlete who now stays in Inverness, Kyla Reid, combined a holiday at home with a well deserved 3rd place in the 10k as she prepares for the Inverness Marathon in October.

In the 3k race, the honours went to:-

• Emma Dunnett (11.09min) some 40seconds ahead of her twin sister, Oonagh (11.50min). Dean Britton (13.36min) was first under 15 boy home, coming in third with Hannah MacLeod (13.59min) close behind him, taking the 3rd girls place. Tim Ridgley (14.50min) in an unusual distance for him, placed a credible 2nd ahead of James Reynolds (15.20min) to complete the prize winners for the 3k.

Spot prizes were also presented by the Thurso Gala Queen, Laura Mackenzie, to Stephanie Eyers and Lucy MacIntosh who completed the 3k course dressed as pirates and also to our two convicts, Yvonne Gunn and Kimberely Loomes from the 10k race.

The full results for the 10k were as follows:

Following on from the success of the inaugural Castle of Mey 10k and the ongoing high level of participation in the winter trail running series, the senior runners are keen to look at forming a club. This would allow senior runners of all abilities access to information on training and competing as well as insurance cover through Scottish Athletics for all races. The club is hoping to offer runners a common identity if they are competing locally or racing further south.

It is envisaged that the Club will reinforce relationships with the existing Caithness Amateur Athletic Club and provide a focus for the older youths within CAAC to move on to if they wish to pursue cross country, road, fell or trail running. An initial meeting is being held at 7.30pm at the Thurso Caravan Site Pavillion on Thursday 3rd September to determine the level of interest. All interested athletes from beginners to more accomplished are welcome. If you have any questions please contact Dave Hall - dave.trailrunner@googlemail.com

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