The winning man and woman crossed the line of the Dunoon Ultra Marathon in record times this month. Donald McPartlin, 35, of Garscube Harriers, ran 16 minutes faster than last year’s winner Michael Tweedley to finish the 55km race in 3:54:53.
In second place was Michael in 4:12:14 (in a faster time than last year), while Grant Mackellar came home in third position in 4:24:21. Both are members of Dunoon Hill Runners.
Winner Fiona is presented with her trophy by Ian Campbell Marshall of Dunoon Hill Runners.
Read Donald’s race report.
The first woman home was Fiona Ramsay in 4:36:19, beating last year’s winning time by Madeline Robson of 5:03:23. She also smashed her own time for 2016 by nearly 30 minutes and came home in sixth place overall. Read Fiona’s race report.
Second lady was Katherine Ullrich in 5:26:47 and third lady home was Shona Young in 5:36:10.
The winning ultra relay team was Suzie’s Girls in 5:29:20. I enjoyed the Dunoon Ultra relay event last year.
Dunoon Ultra 2017 start line.
Dunoon Ultra hailed a big success
The Dunoon Ultra marathon and Relay was launched last October. It was the second edition of the sell-out race held on the Cowal Peninsula and entries were up almost 50%.
Colin Moulson, of Dunoon Presents, which launched the event with the support of local groups, including Dunoon Hill Runners, was delighted with the feedback from the second ultra.
He said: “It has been fantastic to see entry numbers grow so strongly and to see so many people racing. It’s been a big success for the town.”
Last year’s winner and runner-up in 2017, Michael Tweedley.
Donald was the winner of Dunoon Ultra 2017.
Fiona Rennie was running her 68th ultra. He twin sister Pauline Walker was on her 99th ultra!
Fiona Ramsay was the first female home.
A Facebook message from Dunoon Hill Runners stated: “We were proud to be involved in another hugely successful Dunoon Ultra with runners from around the UK, as well as Europe and across the world.
“Dunoon is being placed well and truly on the ultra map and Dunoon Presents has shown once again with its backing and support that the town is attracting an increase footfall in the area.”
In addition to the race weekend, many runners stayed in Dunoon in the weeks before the event so they could recce the course and this is seen as a welcome boost to the local economy.
Other Facebook messages included:
Graeme McKenzie: “Great Ultra and again brilliantly organised. The volunteers were awesome. I will do again next year and make it three in a row (god willing).”
Angus Alston: “One of my favourite moments of today was the compere at the finish line going up to ultra legends Pauline Walker and Fiona Rennie with the microphone asking if it was their first ultra? …. ‘No,’ they replied … It was Pauline’s 99th ultra and Fiona’s 68th! It was a great day today… Thanks to all the people involved in pulling it all together.”
Kevin Taylor: “Thank you so much to everyone involved. It was a remarkable day. Thanks to my wonderful wife Kate Taylor for your organisation and support that got us round in style. We will always be in your debt.”
See Dunoon Ultra full results and keep an eye on the Dunoon Ultra website for entries opening for 2018.
Pic credit: Alan Forsyth Photography.