More than 80 runners take to the Lews Castle Grounds for annual WIIGA 5K

With all monies from the 5K going towards helping athletes from the Western Isles compete on the international stage of the Island Games the event is as important as it is fun for all who take part.

This year’s event saw organisers map out a new, and far more gruelling route, than last year which this writer can testify was not for the faint hearted.

Setting off from just short of Cuddy Point the pack of more than 80 runners snaked their way around the shore road towards the Creed before branching right for the steady ascent up Gallows Hill. Next the route took the pack down alongside the iron well and back to the path by the Creed towards Marybank Lodge, with another leg burning climb for good measure.

The home straight took the runners along the Deer Park road back towards Cuddy Point again before the welcome sight of the finish line on the Castle Green.

First home was the irrepressible Connor Maclean who sprinted around the course in a spectacular time of 17 minutes 41 seconds. First woman past the post was Marina Murray in 22:10.

A spokesperson for the race commented: “We were absolutely delighted with the turnout on the day and the weather remained favourable too.

“The course proved quite difficult but there was some tremendous performances on the day.”