More than 260 runners and walkers turned out on Saturday for the return of the Kirkcudbright Academy Half Marathon.
Race director Richard Nash, who announced that he was standing down from the post, said he was just delighted to get the event re-started before he finished.
He said: “It went really well and we’re delighted. A lot of the runners were delighted that the race is back on the calendar.
“We had 268 entries in the end, which is fantastic. The weather was kind, although it was a little bit too hot.
“I’d like to thank all the marshals and volunteers for their help and also to Liz Kettle, who did the lion’s share of the work for the parent council.”
The annual event, which includes a 10k run and a 13.1 mile walk, was last held in 2019 when the half marathon was won by Euan Craig from Kirkintilloch Olympians.
But this year he had to be content with second place as the winning honours went to Stuart Donnachie (unattached), who finished in a time of 76m.56s.
Euan was more than four minutes behind the winner in a time of 81.12 with Tom Flood taking third place in a time of 83.31.
Because of the dangers from Covid-19 which is still affecting many parts of the country, the stalls which normally fill the academy grounds, were absent.
But spectators had plenty to see with 76 walkers setting off from the Academy on the 13.1 mile course followed two hours later by the half marathon runners and those taking part in the 10k run.
The winner, Stuart, said he was delighted to win the half marathon at his first attempt and added: “This is my first time down here and I’ve really enjoyed it. I’ve just run the Barcelona marathon at the start of May so that was a great experience.
“This is a great half marathon with great scenery, especially when you come down and get a view of the water. I’ll definitely be back here next year.”
Second placed Euan, who finished in 81.12, said: “I won this event in 2019 which was the last time it was held but I had to be content with second place today. It was very hot but it’s a great race and I really like it. It’s a great town and very encouraging.”
Third place went to Tom Flood who is also unattached, and he was another two minutes adrift in 83.31 with Dumfries Running Club taking the next three places.
Graham McLellan took a good fourth place, just 14 seconds behind in 83.45 while fellow clubmate Alan Baxter finished in 85.39 to claim fifth place with Kevin McCaig just behind in 87.05.
Bellahouston Roadrunners member Louise Ross took the top honour in the female section and finished the half marathon in 91.57 and was ninth overall.
She said: “This was my first run here and it was a beautiful one.
“It’s an undulating course, it was quite hot and there was a bit of head wind in some places on the way round.
“There’s some stunning
views and it has been really good and really friendly and I’d recommend it.
“I do a lot of running and it’s nice to find local races when I’m down here in this part of the world.”
Second in the female section with a time of 100.17, was Elen Austin, from Ringford, who said she was quite happy with that: “I felt good until I got to the Dhoon and then it was awful. However, it just shows what going to Kirkcudbright Running Club can do. I’ve done the course here before but this is my best time and I’m pleased with that.”
She said“It’s my first time here and it was a beautiful day and it’s a lovely course.”
