Stornoway Running and Athletics Club

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SRAC Gazette

TIORGA MOR HILL RACE
August 13, 2005
(5 miles with 2200 feet of ascent)

Race Report

In 2003 the North Harris Trust acquired fifty-five thousand acres of mountain and moorland and in 2004 the trust decided to encourage people to use the mountains for recreation by organising the Tiorga Mhor Hill race and associated mountain walks.

The second running of the race saw it move to August and thirteen runner's take part. The age range was significant with a gap of over 50 year's between the youngest and oldest competitors!

The morning of the race saw low cloud and torrential rain but by race start time the sun had come out and the clouds had gone - perfect conditions!

The runners assembled at the dam in Glen Chliostair and prepared for the five miles and 2200 feet of climbing (and descending) that was to follow.

Stuart Simpson (Ochil Hill runners) immediately took the lead with Ross Munro (SRAC) in hot pursuit. The first mile and half was up a beautiful stalkers path to Loch Aiseabhat and Roddy Gillies, Coinneach Morrison and Gavin Earons (all of SRAC) worked hard up the trail to try and stay with the two leaders.

As they left the track for the ascent of Tiorga Beag (570m), Stuart pulled away from Ross, while Gavin moved through into third place. After Tiorga Beag, there was a welcome respite as they ran down easy grassy salopes to the bealach of Lag Glas before starting the final rocky climb to the summit of Tiorga Mor (679m). Stuart went over the high point with a lead of just over three minutes over Ross. Gavin had closed to within 50m of Ross and pulled away from Roddy and Coinneach. The most remarkable placing at this stage was young Lewis Robinson who went over the summit in 6th place (he is 38 years younger than Gavin!)

The race down from the summit is seriously steep (500m descent in 1500m) and very slippery. Ross and Gavin had their own personal battle on the descent with Gavin finally getting ahead at the bottom of the slope.

Stuart had by this time had powered his way to finish in a time of 55m 43s. Gavin raised a final sprint to beat last year's winner Ross Munro across the final 400m of heather and bog.

Coinneach Morrison came through strongly to take fourth place and finish as the first Hearach home. This "Active Schools Co-ordinator" certainly sets a fine example to the pupils he is encouraging to become more active!

Another Hearach was the first lady home - Ethel McNally. She finished in 1h 49m 40s, another amazing performance from the road running super veteran!

As you can see below the race had an optional swimming section!

North Harris Trust Chairman Calum MacKay presented the trophies and expressed the Trust’s satisfaction at another successful race. It is hoped to have the race details in the Scottish Hill Running calendar next year and that the numer of entrants will increase as a result.

North Harris Trust are to be congratulated for organising such a fine race. We must also thank the Coastguard and other marshals who were there to ensure our safety and those that prepared and served the post-race refreshments.

Results