Sutherlands Grove Report

The second race in the Atlantis 5k series took place at Barcaldine forest on Wednesday evening. The short but challenging multi terrain route gave the runners some tough tests with steep muddy climbs, fast rooty trails, rocky quad tracks and a gorge crossing for good measure.

26 athletes toed the line and from the off visitor Paul Thompson from Helensburgh made his intentions clear and gapped the field. Mountain bike mad Mike Bossard along with Tim Brand and Gregor MacGregor worked hard to close the gap, with Mike coming through the strongest over the roughest sections and taking the win in 19.01 with Paul second in 19.25 and Gregor having a strong finish passing Tim to claim 3rd in 19.33.

An equally fierce battle was developing in the ladies' race between last weeks Fearnoch 5K winner Arlene Rowan, whose form has soared lately and Lizzie Rose who usually favours a 2 day mountain marathon race but Lizzie made short work of the course crossing the gorge then the finish in 24.15 clear of Arlene in 24.41. 3rd was Claire Treasurer also drawing on her hill running experience to complete the course in 29.42.

It was encouraging to see many new faces from Oban out running and racing at Barcaldine. It looks like Lizzie's Jog Scotland group has taken off. Many of whom seem to be developing a mean competitive streak!