After one cancellation and two postponements, just over 300 runners from across Scotland finally got their chance to head over the sea to Skye for the island’s Half Marathon on Saturday (11 September).

As frustrating as they were to all involved, organisers Skye Events told runABC Scotland that they felt the unavoidable delays made race day – when it finally came – all the more special.

Sam Crowe told us, “It was so lovely to see the runners back. Everyone was so excited to be racing again, and the atmosphere was amazing.”

In addition to being the first race in two years, the 2021 Isle of Skye Half Marathon also marked the start of the event committee’s drive towards creating a more sustainable run. 

As Crowe told us, “We’re keen to change the way we run events and reduce the impact they have. This has meant a lot of changes to the Isle of Skye Half Marathon, including carbon reduction measures, the removal of race t-shirts, sustainable merchandise and the removal of single use plastics.”

As part of their new initiative, runners were encouraged – via a prize draw – to carry their own water. To the delight of the organisers, over half the participants chose to do so. 

This year’s medals were designed and made by pupils at Portree High School out of wood – after a prize competition organised by event sponsor Scottish Salmon Company offered a prize for the winning design. The medals themselves were topped off with yarn dyed on the Island, using locally picked tansy, and can be repurposed as coasters. 

The race itself was won by Calum Phillip of Central AC – who only started running half marathons two years ago. His time of 1.10.40 marked a 14-minute improvement on his 2019 time for the challenging course (1.24.42).

Local runner Sarah Attwood was first female home, clocking an impressive 1.28.47. Although a regular to the event, Saturday marked her first win.  Attwood said, "This was a fantastic, well-run event. I absolutely loved it! It’s been so amazing to see the race back after two years and so fabulous to see so much support from the local community.” 

She added, “It was brilliant to see so many people getting PBs with the weather being absolutely perfect. A huge thank you to all those involved.”

Results for the Isle of Skye Half Marathon are available via runABC Scotland's comprehensive race listing.