Harris Mountain Festival Hill Race, Rhenigidale, 15/9/12

This new event kicked off the Harris Mountain Festival Week. This is an 11km race following the old postman’s route, with several steep and challenging sections. Starting at Urgha, the race will follow the trail to Rheinigidale Hostel and back. Further information: Stuart Simpson on 07774398719 facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RhenigidaleHillRace Start: Urgha - NB 184 004

View across to zigzag descent and ascent!!

A very successful first Rhenigidale Hill Race at this years Harris Mountain festival and a big thanks to Hebrides Search and Rescue and the staff of the North Harris Trust for helping it to happen, in particular Matt, Chrissie, Calum , Robin and off course Ethel. The Organiser Stuart Simpson set a brisk pace but was overtaken after about 5 mins by 18 year old Cumbrian Cyclist Charles Knoery who despite the organizers best efforts to catch him on the descents was proving too strong a climber with Charles holding his lead out to the village and gaining another minute on Stuart on the climb back up the zig-zags, so there you go, get on your bikes, not that any further proof is needed on that one.

First lady home was Abi Vander Heerver with V50 prize going to Niel MacRury in a closely fought battle with old rival/friend the ‘Bomber,’ Iain MacKay. It was excellent to see some fine performances by local runners, a third place for Tarbert’s John Coghill in 82.09 and Scalpay runner Donald Morrison clocking a respectful 92.59. Rumour has it that a local youngster aged 17 has run the course in 74.11 , but I’ll believe that one when I see it. Keep your eyes open for the date of next year's race cause I’ll be back for more and so will all of you if you have any sense.

Cheers

Stuart