It’s official: Grimsay measures up!
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The Grimsay Race welcomed runners and walkers from across the Western Isles and beyond on May 14th. The starting line may have moved over the years, but the enthusiasm has remained, with 34 hardy souls taking on the challenge this year.
The competitors began at Ceann na h-Airigh, and looped around the island before returning to the Centre for some well- earned refreshment provided by Lachlan and Sandra Maclean.
Those walking began their trek at 10.30am, while the runners set off at 11am, and all were supported along the way by local paramedics and members of the police and coastguard.
The results were impressive, with a new course record being set by the first place female finisher Muriel Macleod, who completed the route in 42 minutes and 4 seconds, while in the men’s division, the previous course record was equalled by Johnathan Fairgrieve, who came in at 35
minutes and 25 seconds.
The race has been termed a
‘Run Around Grimsay’, although the exact distance has remained somewhat of a mystery until this year.
As part of plans to expand and promote the race, Race Director Ronald John Maclean and volunteers Robert and Cheryl Taylor decided to licence the race with governing body Scottish Athletics. As part of this process, they had to apply for a road race licence which required an official certificate of course measurement issued by The Association of UK Course Measurers (AUKCM). The requirement presented a handy opportunity to finally resolve the argument over whether the race is in fact longer than the 10k it has been assumed to be.
On a cold and windy February day, the matter was finally put to bed when the team measured the course alongside Mike Burns, the Area Measurement Secretary for Scotland.
The exercise confirmed Grimsay Race as ‘a little longer than 10k’, coming in at exactly 27.3m over the mark.
The experience was a successful one, as not only did the team decide to measure other events happening locally, including the Benbecula 10K and Half Marathon, but were also inspired to take on the course measuring for themselves. The team are currently training to qualify for the Association of UK Course Measurers, with future plans to tackle the measurement of the Berneray Half Marathon, the Daliburgh 10K and the Three Island Marathon.
Next year will be a banner year for the race, marking its 20th year. The team has many exciting plans for the anniversary, including new eco-friendly and sustainable wooden medals and trophies. They also hope to find major sponsors for the community event.
