Wednesday 12th August saw the Tain Highland Gathering Hill Race. An international field consisting of competitors from Toronto, Suffolk and Elgin, as well as locals, set off up Tarlogie Hill from Glenmorangie Ground. It was touch and go whether the Gathering would go ahead but a sterling effort cleared away the water and the organisers worked hard erecting tents and getting ready for the games while we got ready to run up the hill.
A field of 26 was joined by numerous midges in a run which covered tarmac and track with some wet and stony surfaces and a sprint finish on grass. The route was well signed and marshalled and it was enjoyable – on the way down! This was my second hill race after taking part in the Jean Carr Challenge a few weeks ago in Fochabers. The distance was approximately 5 and a half miles (according to GPS) and my unofficial time 45:49 (25 up, 20 down). I think I have road legs rather than hill legs though and really struggled on the steep bits.
The race was won by Gordon Lennox for the 3rd successive year. Heather Johnston from Avoch was first lady. The winners received a large bottle of whisky and all competitors who stayed for the prizegiving received a miniature of Glenmorangie. The prizes were presented by Connie Ramsay, chieftain of the gathering this year. Connie won a bronze medal in judo at last year’s Commonwealth Games.
Report by: Chris Smith