HEB3 (5+1)

Report…Margaret Rose MacPhee tours the Hebridean Half Marathons.

The Heb3 Race series is organised by Stornoway Running and Athletics Club and aims to boost overall entries to the five half marathons, by encouraging runners to run at least 3 of the 5 races in the Western Isles. In 2013 and 2014 I completed 3 of the 5. This year I decided to give all 5 a go. Sandra Hervo joined me in completing 3, namely Benbecula, Barra and Harris. Inverlochy local Ruaraidh Campbell won the series overall but Ruaraidh wears the colours of Arbroath Footers.

First up was Stornoway, it was hot and sunny, the course had changed slightly from previous years but was well marshalled. My time for the run was 02:00:05.

Benbecula was next, another warm and sunny day. Sandra and  I were joined by Tarq Gunn for this race, Sandra’s time was 02:18:36 and my time was 02:00:57. Afterwards we enjoyed the soup, sandwiches and cake in the school canteen.

Isle of Skye was next where 800 participants had registered including runners from as far afield as Denmark.  My companion was Anne Boistelle who teaches at Inverlochy school. Spectators were entertained by pipers and dancers.  Water stations were well received roughly every 3 miles on another warm day. My time was 02:03:09.

Two weeks later the Barrathon on the Isle of Barra was race number 4. Lochaber Athletic Club was well represented (previous report June). My time for this was 01:59:12. The food and ceilidh afterwards was brilliant as ever.

Isle of Harris was the final race in the series. Roddy my husband and driver took Sandra and I to Uig at 6am for the ferry in very wet weather. Would you believe, it was another lovely day when the race started. Buses take the runners to the start to return past stunning scenery to finish in Tarbert.  David Wright from Ireland who ran for LAC in the 2014 series joined us on the start line.

Presentation

Sandra was presented with a HEB 3 t shirt. I received the “Rinn mi an coig” t shirt for finishing all 5 half marathons.

Huge thanks to my poor husband Roddy who travelled to each race with me, was there supporting me at start, during and waiting patiently at the end of all races. Also Stephen, Mairead and Katrina my children who all managed to be at one race each.

Why stop at 5?

On Saturday the 27th August we travelled up to Berneray for the Two Islands Half Marathon which finishes in Lochmaddy on North Uist. My time for this event was 02:03:46 which gave me the 1stFV 50. Again the race was well supported and anyone who enjoys road half marathons with stunning scenery should head out to the Western Isles.

Meall a’ Bhuachaille

Well done to Lochaber runners at Meall a Bhuachalle on Saturday. Finlay Wild won the race ahead of Tim Gomersall (HHR) and Graham Bee(Inverness Harriers) Result

Thanks to Phill Hindell for photos on Craiggowrie summit.

Meall nan Tarmachan, Manor Water & Pentland Skyline

Niall-Richard-Ray-Susan Jane-Michael-Stephen-missing Stephen Burns

Last weekend our runners had a choice of hill races, seven went to Tarmachan ridge where Stephen Burns finished in 3rd place behind Sam Alexander Westies and Stephen Rawlinson Lochtayside. Richard MacLeod in 10th place won the under 23 prize. Others taken part were Stephen Monk, Michael Slezas, Niall MacBeath, Susan Jane Ross and Ray Murdoch. Thanks to Dan and his team of marshals and the ladies for the fine spread.  Result

Meanwhile at Manor Water Andrew Barrington finished in 3rd place in a time of 01:13:36. Andrew followed this up at the Pentland Skyline race with an 18th place and a time of 02:45:11 which secured him THE MAN trophy in the Man or Mouse competition. Other LAC’S taking part in the Skyline were John Yells 02:59:26, Isla MacKay 03:44:13 and Callum Fraser who unfortunately had to pull out with an injury. A record number of runners 295 completed the Skyline. Thanks to Charlie Ramsay for Skyline photos below.