David Gardiner (Kirkintilloch Olympians) defeated a record field of 305 competitors to win the fifth Deeside 33-mile ultra-distance race on Saturday.
The Motherwell-based runner recorded 3hr 37min 5sec for the testing course which started at Aber- deen’s Duthie Park and followed a route along the old Deeside railway line almost to Banchory and back again.
He was delighted with the result which has given his confidence a boost ahead of an even more demanding challenge later this year.
He said: “I’m aiming for the 95-mile West Highland Way race in June. I did it in 2012 but things didn’t work out on that occasion. Now I’m really focused on it and everything I’m doing at the moment is geared for getting me into peak fitness for this year’s race.”
Gardiner paced himself perfectly over the Deeside course, gradually working his way through the field after making a steady start.
He said: “Grant Jeans went off very quickly but I just ignored that. I was 10th at the first checkpoint and moved up to about sixth by the halfway point.
“I kept a steady pace and moved into the lead at about 25 miles and gradually extended it to the finish.
“It’s the first time I’ve done this course and I have to say it was fabulous. It was also an extremely well organised race.”
North-east athlete Mike Raffan (Cosmic Hillbashers), who is one of a handful of runners to have completed all five Deeside 33 races, turned in his best performance when finishing just 93sec behind.
He had been 11th in 2012 and fourth last year and until the 25-mile mark it looked like he might have been heading for victory.
He said: “I am pleased with my performance. It wasn’t really a surprise when David Gardiner went past me as beforehand I had predicted he would win. I am working towards a bigger event later this year when I’ll be running in the 106-mile Mont Blanc race.”
Aberdeen-based Stuart Macdougall (Bellahosuton Harriers) did well to finish third in his first ultra-distance race, recording 3:39:34.
Former Great Britain 100km international Alan Reid (Peterhead Running Club) turned in a remarkable performance to finish fifth in 3:44:43.
The Banffshire athlete has been suffering from chronic injury problems in recent years and in 2011 survived a serious road traffic accident, all of which has left him unable to do too much in the way of serious training.
Elgin runner Jeans, the course record holder and two-time previous winner, did not make it to the finish. The Scotland international has been suffering from troublesome back, Achilles and nasal problems over the past couple of years and is still on the comeback trail.
He has vowed, however, to be fit and ready to go when the British 100km championships take place in London in May.
Jeans said: “I was in trouble just before the seven mile mark and didn’t finish.
“On the positive side my back was fine and the nasal operation I’ve had has been successful. I just need to fix my Achilles tendon and not pick up any other injuries then I’ll be on fire in May.”
Takayuki Kurata, who finished seventh in 3:51:22, led Metro Aberdeen to the men’s team prize. He was backed up by Clifford Leith (30th in 4:28:53) and Roddy McLeod (146th in 4:28:53).