Castle of Mey 10k

Last weekend, I travelled back home to Caithness to take part in the 3rd annual Castle of Mey 10K, the most Northerly 10K on the British Mainland. Since it’s inception in 2009, this race has grown in reputation and size with over 300 runners from across Scotland taking part this year.
The race started from the scenic grounds of the Castle of Mey (former home of the Queen Mother) and immediately headed down towards the Pentland Firth and a 2.5K coastal route along a track before turning South-East and crossing the John O’Groats to Castletown main road. The route then become pretty tough climbing up hill for about 4-5K along a mixture of country tracks and single-track roads before an out-back at the highest point at the edge of a forest. It was then pretty much down hill for the last 2-3K along single-track roads. The finish was at the main entrance of the Castle of Mey where all finishers were cheered on by an excellent crowd. Although one of the most challenging 10K’s I’ve ever run (it made the Nigel Barge feel quite flat!), it had some stunning scenery of the Orkney Islands to the North and the South Caithness Hills). Special mention to the North Highland Harriers for a very well organised race. The first race I’ve ever done where on crossing the line and passing on my chip, that I’ve been given a print-out immediately of my time. At the finish line, we were all given a medal, t-shirt and goody bag that contained among other things, two packs of Castle of Mey shortbread! I should also say that it’s not very often I have people cheering me home in a race and so I would like to thank the many members of the Clan Sutherland who turned out in force to make the day one to remember……….
Anyway, the race was won by Jack Trevelyan of the North Highland Harriers in a time of 36.12. The first women home was Carolyn Milne (unattached) in a time of 41.30. I completed the course in 41.15 and in 12th place overall (9th Senior Male). For full results, see:
http://mey10k.co.uk/Castle%20of%20Mey%2010K%202011%20results.pdf