Todays Craig Dunain Hill race proved to be one of the best in the races long history.  The last 8 years have seen this race bathed in glorious sunshine, however this year it was not the suns rays but the icy blast of the north east wind which accompanied runners on the 5.6 mile up and down route to the Craig Dunain Radio Mast. 68 runners braved the icy blast with special mention going to our Moray Road Runner and Highland Hill Runner friends (more about them later) who provided 30 runners in the field.

In keeping with the recent tradition of Inverness based races being shorter than their advertised distance, todays race was approximately 106.43 metres shorter than previous years which meant that PBs were out the window for a second week in succession.  Some thought that the start line was moved to accommodate the large number of runners and that the top mast was out of bounds due to ice, but actually it was entirely human error and the club will be printing a full page apology on the Inverness Half Marathon/5K website by way of compensation.

The presence of defending champion Gordie Lennox of Forres Harriers in the field had some of the top runners so disturbed they were mad enough to follow Paul Miller into one of his favourite canal side bushes 800 metres into the race.  After quickly realising their mistake they were soon back on the chase of the in form Lennox, with the deviation unlikely to have affected the final standings. As it was Gordon Lennox completed the shortened course in 31.27 and with the adjusted distance factored in, Gordon is reckoned to have beaten the course record with todays performance.

Second was Dave Wilby of HHR in 32.46 narrowly beating 2007 Colin Donnelly of Lochaber into 3rd place in 32.53.

The female race saw Harrier Roma Shepherd retain her hill race title with a time of 38.44 2nd was Morina MacDougall of HHR in 39.16 and 3rd was Karen Lyons of HHR in 39.52.

It was great to see so many people from different clubs making the effort to support the race and the Club would like to thank everyone who participated.  Massive thanks to Billy Skinner, all the Marshalls, helpers, timers, sandwich makers and cake providers for making today such a sociable and enjoyable race.  It was great to see the club hut packed with smiling cake scoffing athletes.

In the side race Billy Skinner was kind enough to re-engrave one of the many football trophies he had in his shed to put up as the prize for the IHAAC versus HHR trophy.  Totalling up all the times of the runners from each club HHR had an average for the 20 runners of 39.25 whilst IHAACs 14 runners averaged 40.10.  This means that Dougie MacDonald of HHRs Cocoa and Beetroot Juice will have a faint taste of chromed plastic as he sips the sweet drink of victory from the prestigious trophy.  The trophy will be fought over again at this years Ord Hill Trail Race in June (date to be confirmed)

Full results HERE and Photos HERE.

Thanks again to everyone