A record field of runners has pounded some of the Cairngorms’ most scenic routes to help raise life-saving funds.
Nearly 700 athletes competed over the stunning 10K course that began at Glenlivet Distillery to raise cash for Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland (CHSS).
Yesterday organisers revealed that they expected to raise more than £19,000 from the race, which will celebrate its 10th anniversary next year.
Fears had been raised that the annual event on the Glenlivet Estate may have been in doubt following heavy snowfall on the route in the week leading up to it.
However, last night organisers paid tribute to the contribution from nearby farmers and other locals who helped clear roads and fields for the run to go ahead.
The field of 697 runners left the distillery yesterday morning to head towards Glenlivet Primary School.
The enthusiastic competitors then turned to complete an arduous climb of nearly three miles up Gallowhill. The course then returned to Glenlivet Distillery following a loop at Tomnavoulin.
Despite mild conditions yesterday, runners could still enjoy the sight of snow on the summit of some of the Cairngorms’ most stunning peaks.
Steve Buchan, from Aberdeen, blasted the field to be the first runner home with a time of 37 minutes 27 seconds – more than 20 seconds ahead of his nearest competitor. Sarah Leahey was the first female to cross the line after 39 minutes 50 seconds.
Paul Corrigan, north fundraising manager for CHSS, who organises the annual run, explained the contribution from locals helped make the race a popular event every year.
He said: “There really is tremendous buy-in from everyone in the area. Not just from the distillery who host us, but from farmers who clear the course to the people who are out on the course.
“We were under about three inches of snow here last week so it’s been an incredible effort from everyone to get it on.
“We had a great entry, a record for us, with people from Orkney, England, California and France taking part. The scenery really makes it.”
Results
First male: Steve Buchan – 37mins 27secs
First female: Sarah Leahey – 39mins 50secs
First veteran male (40 to 49 years): Steve Buchan – 37mins 27secs
First veteran female: Julie Thomson – 43mins 45secs
First super veteran male (50 to 59 years): Fraser MacKintosh – 39mins 54secs
First super veteran female: Maureen Mackie – 47mins 54 secs
First vintage male (over 60 years): Alex Sutherland – 43mins 28secs
First vintage female: Sarah Houston – 53mins 40secs
First local male (AB37 postcode): Gary Woodcock – 50mins 11secs
First local female: Kay Jaffray – 1hr 12mins 22secs