19 May 2015: RES RUNNERS AND VOLUNTEERS HAVE A GREAT DAY AT THE KINTYRE WAY ULTRA MARATHON

The Kintyre Way Ultra Marathon is a roaring success

A team of 12 RES volunteers and runners joined more than 80 locals to ensure that the Kintyre Way Ultra Marathon runners received fantastic support as they undertook their long distance runs.

The race, which was sponsored by RES, brought 170 runners to Kintyre along with their family and friends bringing valuable benefit to the Kintyre economy over the weekend.

Volunteers were on hand to help as stewards, marshals, time-keepers and tea-makers as the runners took part in the ninth annual long distance race using the Kintyre Way on Saturday 9 May.

Kirsten Sweeney, RES Community Relations Manager, said:

“RES had an excellent time participating in the Kintyre Way Ultra Marathon. As ongoing supporters of the Kintyre Way, we were delighted to have the chance to be part of this important event in the trail’s calendar. 

“The volunteers who helped out throughout the day with transporting food, helping runners get to start and end points and – importantly - cheering people along the home stretch had a fantastic time. The RES team were in complete awe of the athleticism on display and we would like to congratulate everyone who took part.

“RES also entered a relay team into the race and all our runners had a wonderful time. The team were impressed with the diverse terrain and it was unanimously agreed that the trail was in excellent condition. All the runners RES met throughout the day agreed that it was a great event that had been extremely well organised. A huge well done to the Kintyre Way team – we can’t wait for next year’s race.” 

Idyllic running conditions led to record breaking times with Ian Docwra of Helensburgh Athletic Club the winner of the 67 mile Kintyre Way Ultra finishing in 10 hours and 27 minutes and breaking the course record by 11 minutes. The runner up in the 67-ultra, Stephen Bell is also from the Helensburgh club and has competed in the race 5 times winning it twice. It was Stephen’s enthusiasm that persuaded Ian to compete this year.

Stan Topalian from Arrochar, a member of Westerlands cross country club was the 35 mile winner with a time of 4 hours and 50 minutes  setting a new course record and breaking the existing time by 29 minutes.  Winning female in the Ultra-35, Sophie Mullins from St Andrews, running for Fife Athletic Club, now holds the female 35 course record smashing the existing record by an amazing 42 minutes. The 67 mile relay was won by “Stonehaven Top Dogs”  with a time of 8 hours and 31 minutes  which was also a new course record taking into account the slightly increased distance in section 3.   “Forest Fairies Fae Gourock” were triumphant over the 35 mile relay in a time of 6 hours and 5 minutes. 

RES' team of six runners was delighted with a third place finish in the relay with a time of 10 hours and 51 minutes.

Race organiser, Rob Reid said “Conditions on the course were excellent leading to new course records being set and runners having a first class experience. I would like to thank everyone who helped in so many ways to make the ninth annual Kintyre Way Ultra such a success”.