Head For The Hebrides This Spring
Stornoway Half Marathon & 10K is open for entries...
Fancy a trip to the Outer Hebrides next spring? How about taking part in a UK-based half marathon that feels like you've travelled abroad to be there? The Isle of Lewis is renowned for its beautiful scenery and stunning beaches making it the perfect place to visit for a springtime half marathon (or 10K).
Scheduled for 27 May, the Stornoway Half Marathon has been taking place annually since 1984 making 2023 the 38th edition, now with a 10K race (since 2016) there is even more reason to travel to this beautiful part of our country for some race action.
The route is an exciting mix of road and trail, firstly taking runners on a tour of greater Stornoway then onto the beautiful forest trails of the Lews Castle Grounds. Organisers say: "Don’t worry the trails are very runnable and suitable for road shoes!" The Half Marathon starts and finishes right in the heart of the town centre on the inner harbour next to the marina which is always full of cheering fans creating a great atmosphere and both races finish there too.
The event is organised by Stornoway Running & Athletics Club with all profits used to develop running and athletics on the island. A spokesperson said: "By entering the Half & 10k you are directly supporting the Club to train coaches, buy equipment, hire facilities and support the expensive travel costs of our young athletes competing all over Scotland all year round!"
No Hebridean race would be complete without the post-race ceilidh! So those taking part are urged to pack their kilts and grab tickets at race registration or on the door. Organisers say: "Experience island hospitality at its best with a post-race buffet and epic ceilidh - it's always great craic and there is a friendly warm welcome for all! Ticket sales from our post race ceilidh are donated to a nominated local charity each year."
There were 119 finishers in 2021's half marathon with Ewan Crawford of Hunters Bog Trotters taking the victory in 01:16:13 and Jonathan Fairgrieve of Stornoway Running & Athletics Club taking second in 01:16:32. Third place went to John Hamilton also of Stornoway Running & Athletics Club in 01:20:42.
In the women's race Sarah Attwood of Skye & Lochalsh Running Club ran an amazing time of 01:23:23 to take the victory and sent a new course record! Second and third place went to Muriel Macleod of Stornoway Running & Athletics Club in 01:30:38 and Holly Smith of Garscube Harriers in 01:34:50.
There were 60 finishers in the 10K race with Tom McWilliam winning the race with a time of 40:29. Alice Du Vivier Ellis was first woman home, but also third place runner over all in a time of 44:35.
If you'd like to know more you can visit the Stornoway Running & Athletics Club here, or enter online here.
