Reports
2025 REPORT
In Applecross, the week of our 20th Duathlon featured wind and rain and a forecast of worse to come on Saturday. We were considering how bad the forecast needed to be before we warned entrants of possible cancellation. Heavy rain continued on Friday night, but then, on Saturday, mercifully, came a window of excellent conditions before wind and rain returned on Sunday.
This year saw the introduction of bike racking at Transition, an impressive Finish gantry (on loan thanks to John Whittaker of CXTri fame) and, also at the Finish, Linzi’s Lolly ice cream van by Lyndsay Dacker from Shieldaig and music by our resident professional DJ, Ben Encanti.
We are probably biased, but we believe that our Duathlon course is the most scenic of any in Britain, and in combination with the friendly atmosphere, the facilities at Hartfield Hostel, the post finish provisions and the Saturday evening ceilidh, it offers a superb package. Nevertheless, we are always looking for ways to improve, and suggestions regarding what we can do better next year are very welcome – please send them to Agnes Rymowicz at applecrossduathlon@gmail.com.
93 started the Race and 47 the Challenge. There was just one dropout. The Junior contest for the ‘Architect’s Trophy’ (donated by Greig and Kathleen Munro) was fiercely contested by representatives of Strathearn Harriers (SH) and Ross County AC (RCAC). The five finishers were: Fraser Hume 14, RCAC, 2.26.22, Callum Crawford 14, RCAC, 2.27.12, Harris Turnbull 12, SH, 2.34.13, Robin Perez Reid 12, SH, 2.59.44 and Eilidh Hume 12, RCAC, 3.00.27. The trophy goes to the ‘best performance’, taking into account age and gender. It was a difficult decision, which just went in Harris’s favour. Harris notably battled hypothermia and exhaustion to get to the Finish in last year’s appalling weather – a brave effort for an eleven-year-old.
The Local prize winners were Iona Drysdale 3.06.35 and Alan Gillies 2.56.31, whilst Bronny Glover beat Rowan Fairweather-Graham for the exclusive Walled Garden Bistro staff prize!
At the other end of the age spectrum, the F Vintage winner was Jayne Teale in the excellent time of 2.37.39. The M Vintage category produced the outstanding performance of the day. In 2014, Stuart Whitlie, Carnethy HRC, at the age of 52, came fourth overall, in a time of 1.41.32, setting outstanding records in the Veteran and, of course, SVeteran categories. This year, now 63, he returned to set a perhaps even more remarkable record in the Vintage category with a time of 2.02.41. He now holds three of the four men’s records.
Fiona Kelsall Ochil Hill Runners holds the F SVeteran record (2.17.11) but reported a lack of training this year due to injury. Nevertheless, she won once again in 2.36.54. The men’s SVets produced a titanic battle between Robin Burnett and Jamie Paterson. Robin, with 2.03.01, edged it by just one second to retain the title he has now won an astonishing five years in a row.
The Veteran category was dominated by ‘Bog Trotters’. Claire Gordon, HBT, won for the second year in succession in 2.08.54. She is our most frequent winner with a phenomenal six Open successes before her two Veteran wins. Peter Gardner, HBT, like Claire, has been a great supporter of the Applecross Duathlon and has been ‘on the podium’ innumerable times without ever winning. This year, he put that right at last, winning by a considerable margin in 1.53.43.
Holly Page joined her Carnethy HRC clubmate, Stuart Whitlie, as a winner, coming first in the Open with a time of 1.59.52. So, for Edinburgh’s rival clubs, in terms of winners, it was HBT 2 Carnethy 2. Sasha Chepelin won the ‘Ben’ race the previous Saturday, but still had enough energy to win the ‘Garry Innes’ Open trophy in 1.43.32.
Finally, top marks for effort to Louise McBain, who showed immense determination to battle on and finish in 6.13.52. One of the features of the Applecross Duathlon is that it embraces all ages (from 10 to 81 so far) and all abilities, from racers finishing in under two hours to walkers plodding round in five or six.
The ’Hornsby Trophy’ (donated by Charlie and Carla Hornsby) is awarded to a person or persons who have made an outstanding contribution to the event. This year it has gone most deservedly to Jon and Elaine Glover, who run the Walled Garden Bistro and, with great generosity, provide the medals and catering for the Duathlon. Many thanks, Jon and Elaine.
Around 40 local volunteers are involved in the running of the Duathlon. A big thanks is due to them all. Thanks also to ‘Spook’ Munro and SiEntries for the timing system, to the Applecross Brewery for helping with the cost of providing free beer to all finishers, to Tery McCowan (Clement Design) for the very popular Applecross Duathlon T-shirts, to Ben Encanti for the music, to Lyndsay Dacker for the ice cream, and to Jess Whistance for giving us the run of Hartfield Hostel. Finally, a massive thanks to Agnes Rymowicz, who took on the big challenge of running the Duathlon this year and, as everybody agreed, gave us our best Duathlon yet. Her ability to enlist helpers is phenomenal, as is her energy and work ethic – she tells me it is to do with being Polish!
2024 REPORT
The 19th Applecross Duathlon featured by far the worst weather we have had for the event (apart from 2019, when Hurricane Dorian forced us to cancel). It rained throughout the afternoon, but the big problem was the wind, which gusted at over 40 mph. It was from the south, helping on the run but causing massive difficulties on the cycle. 146 brave folk started, and all but 17 heroically struggled through to the Finish. The finishers included Mairi Rathjen, aged 14, and Harris Turnbull, aged just 11 – a fantastic effort by them both. A huge ‘thank you’ is due to all the Marshalls, particularly the eight on the run section who faced the wind and rain for three hours or more.
Start of the race
Cameron Young, The Mac Milers, won the Men’s Open in 2:02:30, repeating his 2022 success. Csoban Balogh, Edinburgh Triathletes, was second in 2:04:38, and Peter Gardner, HBT, was third in 2:06:05. Csoban was actually quicker than Cameron on the run, whilst Peter beat him on the cycle. Remarkably, Peter has made the podium in five out of his six Applecross Duathlons without ever getting first place. He becomes a VET next year, so maybe his luck will change.
The Women’s Open was won by first-timer Aoife Carr, Shettleston Harriers, in 2:16:52, with Juliet Downs, Highland Hill Runners, 2:27:13, and Matilda Cornall, also HHR, 2:33:56, second and third.
Aoife looking ridiculously relaxed after finishing – despite the conditions, she did it all in shorts and singlet
Defying advancing years, he is now an SVET, Drew Sharkey, Carnethy HRC, was the Men’s VET winner for the third time (previously in 2016 and 2023) in 2:16:30.
Claire Gordon, HBT, has given the Applecross Duathlon great support and is our most successful competitor, with five Women’s Open wins. This year, Claire was the first FVET in 2:36:22.
Rob Burnett is another serial winner and, along with numerous members of his family, a tremendous supporter of the Applecross Duathlon. He repeated his 2023 SVET win in 2:28:13.
The McLuckie family, Moravian Orienteers, had a good day. Morag, 3:10:10, was the first FSVET, whilst Finlay shared the Junior trophy with last year’s winner, Douglas McDonald, at 2:24:09. They had sportingly finished together.
At the other end of the age range, Duncan Ball, Penicuik Harriers, was the VINT winner in 2:52:51, whilst Margaret Jones, Muir of Ord J S, was the first FVINT in 3:57:47.
Thanks are due to the many people involved in running the event – around three dozen on the day and others in setting up the course and in the planning and admin work required over the preceding months. Particular thanks are due to Sarah McCowan, Race Director, to Jon and Elaine Glover of the Walled Garden for providing the food and Tery McCowan for the Duathlon T-shirts that have proved very popular.
Many changes have been made to the Duathlon over its 20 years to provide a bigger and better event. We are always pleased to receive suggestions and constructive criticisms. This year, we have had some gratifyingly positive feedback, including,
“Thank you for all your work and to all the team on the duathlon yesterday. In those weather conditions, it was a challenge for volunteers and participants alike. Thank you for all you did to keep us safe.”
“Please send our appreciation to the Walled Garden for the food – I have rarely appreciated hot soup so much, and the lamb broth was truly delicious, as well as all the cakes.”
“We will definitely be back next year. We loved the event – xxx & xxx as participants and myself as spectator/ support crew! The after-race set-up was perfect, and the ceilidh was great fun.”
The Applecross Duathlon brings considerable benefit to local businesses, whilst the location of the run and cycle means there is little impact on the activities of local residents. It also generates valuable income for our Community Hall from the Ceilidh and to the recently formed Applecross Sports and Wellbeing Association (ASWA) from the entry fees. ASWA hopes to raise enough funds for an all-weather pitch which would be a great asset to our schoolchildren and to the community. Hopefully, many of you will be back next year to enjoy the 20th Applecross Duathlon and help us towards the all-weather pitch.
2023 REPORT
The best yet was the overall verdict of those involved in the 18th Applecross Duathlon. 164 took part – 98 in the Race and 66 in the Challenge – our biggest field so far.
Conditions were excellent – warm sunshine, dry ground, and a light northerly breeze facilitating no fewer than seven new records. Kirsten Glover, 2.32.53, and Charlie Taylor, 2.07.49, improved the ‘fastest local’ records. Douglas McDonald, won the Architect’s Trophy for the best Junior performance, with a superb time of 1.57.43 – just 21 seconds outside Hugh Morrow’s record. Douglas is only 14, so, hopefully, he will have another go at the record next year. The more senior ladies also excelled. Super Veteran Fiona Kelsall, Ochill Hill Runners, 2.17.00, took nearly eight minutes off Moira Murray’s record, whilst Veteran Lesley Hansen, Inverness Harriers, 2.03.00, bettered Shona Robertson’s record by more than a minute. However, the standout performance was by Ewan Brown, Corstorphine AAC, winner of the Garry Innes Open trophy. His time of 1.36.51, smashed the record Cameron Young set last year by four minutes. It was a good day for Corstorphine AAC with Ewan’s clubmate, Anne Ewing, 2.00.07, winning the Ladies Open. Inverness Harriers also had a successful day. Super Veteran, Robin Burnett, joined fellow Harrier, Lesley Hansen, as a winner, with a time of 1.58.09, 14 seconds faster than his winning time last year. Finally, the Men’s Veteran title went to Drew Sharkey, Carnethy HRC, with a time of 1.53.14, and the Men’s Vintage title went to David Croll, Deeside Runners, 2.12.14.
Ewan Brown Men’s Open winner
A feature of the Applecross Duathlon is the high percentage of competitors who stay over the weekend. For many the fun continued into Saturday evening with the Duathlon Ceilidh in the Community Hall, featuring the very popular Black Rock Ceilidh Band. A further new record was set with the longest Strip the Willow yet seen in Applecross.
To speed up establishing the results and prize winners, we employed a firm that provides electronic chip timing. Unfortunately, as documented in the Results section of the website, gremlins afflicted their system. Consequently, some finishers’ times were lost, and there were several errors in the list of winners they provided for the prize giving. Hopefully, these have all been resolved.
We are always looking at ways to improve the event – feedback and suggestions are most welcome. This year we made an important change, moving the Finish close to the Start, at Hartfield. This means that accommodation, registration, the Start and Finish, changing facilities, showers, refreshments, and prize giving are all in the same location.
Thanks to continued sponsorship by the Applecross Brewery, all finishers received a bottle of Applecross Ale and, in addition, they were presented with a handsome engraved wooden medal. We also expanded the catering provision and made food available from 2.30.
The Duathlon gives welcome support to our small community. This year nearly £3,000 has been divided between the Community Hall and local sports facilities. A big thanks is due, to the local businesses who support the event, to our many volunteers, and to all our entrants.
2022 REPORT
For a number of this year’s entrants, the toughest aspect of the event was the journey up the A9. Remarkably, there were two road closures: the first shortly after midday near Dunkeld and the second in the evening at Slochd – each lasted around eight hours. Some were caught in both but in spite of these problems an impressive 17 Hunters Bog Trotters and many others from Edinburgh made the start. In all there were 60 in the Challenge and 78 in the Race.
The weather was also tough. It was a dreich autumnal day. The temperature never got above 10-11 degrees, there were prolonged showers and a moderate wind – certainly a hard shift for the Marshals out on the run course. The north-west wind helped on the cycle but given the overall conditions, it was a surprise to see two records broken. Congratulations to Cameron Young, of The Mac Milers, whose time of 1:40:51 shaved ten seconds off Ewan Taylor’s Open record, and to Duncan Ball, of Penicuik Harriers, whose time of 2:09:10 improved Ray Wilby’s Vintage (over 60) record by nearly four minutes.
Cameron Young
As always, the entrants featured a wide age range with two 12 year olds, Anna Meek and Mairi Rathjen, and 15 over 60’s. Several families had multiple entries, notably the Burnetts with six. All did impressively good times: Sam, 16, 1:57:56, Robin, 52, 1:58:18, Tom, 18, 2:19:04, Kirstin, 15, 2:35:20, Hugh, 13, 2:51:40 and Maureen, 52, 2:54:12. Dad won the Senior Vet prize but the family bragging rights definitely go to Sam. In last year’s report, I wrote,
“Sam won the prize for the outstanding performance by a Junior (under 16) with a time of 2:14:12 and Robin was the second Super Vet (50 – 59) with a time of 2:10:20. I suspect Dad will be pushed to stay in front for another year”.
I was right!
Apart from the two record breakers there were a number of other impressive performances. The prize winners were: Best Junior Jessica Taylor, 14, Edinburgh#3, 2:14:49, 1st F Vintage, Jane Maloney, Easingwold Running, 3:11:12, 1st F SVet, Paula Ross, Highland Hill Runners, 2:30:49, 1st M SVet, Robin Burnett, 1:58:18, 1st F Vet, Nina Walkinshaw, Howgill Harriers, 2:23:14, 1st M Vet, Rob Brookes, Cosmic Hill Bashers, 1:52:07, and 1st FOpen, Katie Williams, Hunters Bog Trotters, 2:01:40. The two ‘Local’ winners were: Jess Whistance, again, and Charlie Taylor.
An innovation this year was the Duathlon Ceilidh in the Community Hall with the BlackRock Ceilidh Band performing. It proved highly successful and was notable for the surprising vigour displayed by many dancers, after their hard day, and for the longest Strip the Willow yet seen in the Applecross Hall.
Thanks are due to many for making the event possible – over 30 volunteers are involved on the day. I am personally most grateful to my niece, Sarah McCowan for taking over the running of the event and to her committee of Jess Whistance, Tery McCowan, Barbara Gillies and Jon Glover. I am still allowed to give out the prizes and help with event administration! Thanks also to the various Applecross businesses who generously donate prizes: the Applecross Photo Gallery, the Applecross Inn, The Coal Shed gift shop, Tery McCowan’s Clement Design and the Walled Garden Bistro.
Each year the Hornsby Trophy is awarded to somebody who has made a special contribution to the event over the years. Since the beginnings of the Duathlon in 2004, Transition has almost invariably been cheerfully supervised by two of the most popular men in Applecross, Kenny Maclean and Jimmy Fraser. Until just a month ago, Jimmy was expecting to be helping again this year but sadly he has become critically ill. I was pleased to present him with the Hornsby Trophy at his home on Sunday.
Jimmy (on left) and Kenny
Finally, many thanks to all the competitors for supporting the Applecross Duathlon. We hope to see you all again next year.
Gerry McPartlin
2021 REPORT
After the hiatus due to Hurricane Dorian and Covid, we were due some luck. We duly got it. The day of this year’s Duathlon proved to be a wee window in some dismal weather. Apart from a 5 -10 mph headwind on the cycle, conditions were about ideal. 66 took part in the Challenge and 81 in the Race.
Two features of the Applecross Duathlon are the wide age range of the competitors (11 – 75 this year) and the number of families involved. The family record goes to the Burnetts with six entrants. Sam won the prize for the outstanding performance by a Junior (under 16) with a time of 2:14:12 and Robin was the second Super Vet (50 – 59) with a time of 2:10:20. I suspect Dad will be pushed to stay in front for another year.
The stand-out performance was by Tom Martyn, of HBT, who won the Men’s Open in 1:43:20 – just 2 minutes 19 seconds outside Ewan Taylor’s course record. Ewan was third overall and the first M Vet in 1:52:47. Claire Gordon, also of HBT, won the Women’s Open in 2:10:17, her fourth consecutive victory and this in spite of being four years into Vet status.
Iona Robertson, Highland Hill Runners, was the first F Vet, in 2:22:09, whilst Fiona Kelsall, Ochil Hill Runners, was the first F Super Vet, in 2:32:29. The first M Super Vet was Mike Stewart, Keith & District AAC, in 2:03:24.
Alasdair MacSween, Skye & Lochalsh Runners and Skye MRT, was the first M Vintage (over 60), in 2:31:53 and Jo Polak, Highland Hill Runners and Torridon MRT, was the first F Vintage, in 3:00:47. The Men’s record holder in the Vintage category, is Ray Wilby of Dundonnell MRT (2:13:04). It seems there is something about MRT work that preserves fitness.
For reasons of safety, the Finish was moved this year from the main village to the road up to the Walled Garden, which was closed for the afternoon. Registration and the Tea / Prize Giving were also moved, to Hartfield House, next to the Start and less than mile from the Finish, giving a more compact as well as a safer event.
As always, I’m indebted to a team of over 30 volunteers who give up a chunk of their weekend to help and to various local businesses for help with the prizes, in particular the Applecross Inn, the Applecross Photo Gallery, the Coal Shed gift shop and the Walled Garden bistro.
Gerry McPartlin
2019 REPORT
I guess that after 16 years we were due for some problems outside our control. First the Highland Council announced the closure of the A890 Stromeferry bypass road for the whole of the Duathlon weekend making access impossible from the Fort William and Skye directions. Then, after devastating the Bahamas, the tail of hurricane Dorian whipped across the Atlantic, lashing Wester Ross with maximum impact exactly on the afternoon of the Duathlon. Fortunately, the forecasters gave clear and early warning and we were able to advise all entrants of cancellation at 9am the day before the event.
XC Weather Forecast for Applecross
It was the first time the Duathlon has been cancelled in 16 years, so we can hardly complain. I am most grateful to the many folk who wrote to support the cancellation, making a lot of complimentary remarks in the process eg
“For my part, and I’m sure most people, I don’t want a refund. For all it is anyway, best value event I’ve ever entered, and it’s to a good cause. Sorry it isn’t going ahead though but will look forward to next year, thanks very much”.
“Thanks for all the hard work preparing the UK’s best duathlon! Such a shame. Sorry we won’t be there”.
“No refund necessary. Glad to support the applecross community. The applecross duathlon is a great event and is at a fantastically low price for what it is”.
One of the attractions of the Applecross Duathlon is that it offers a serious race for the club athlete yet can be done as a fun run or walk by any reasonably fit person. As one “regular” commented last year,
“Thank you for another fantastic Duathlon! It remains the most inclusive, friendly event on the calendar and it was a joy to see so many youngsters getting the chance to take part”.
The inclusive nature of the event was reflected this year by the number of family entries (including 6 from one family), 15 entrants under 16 and 11 over 60. We also had our youngest entrant yet, aged 9!
Let’s hope for better weather next year.
2018 REPORT
With Typhoon Mangkhut battering the Phillipines and Storm Florence hitting North Carolina it was a worrying time to be running the Applecross Duathlon. Happily the local weather was surprisingly good, with just a moderate headwind affecting the cycling section. All but one of the 123 starters (62 in the Challenge and 61 in the Race) completed the course.
One of the outstanding performances was by Hamish Loftus, from Ullapool. Hamish, aged 10, was the youngest competitor but recorded the fastest time by a Junior, 3 hours 6 minutes. At the other end of the age range there was a record 23 entries in the Vintage category. The winners were the husband and wife duo, Angus and Jean Bowman, Lomond Hill Runners, in 2 hours 31 minutes and 2 hours 59 minutes. Jean gained the distinction in June of becoming the first lady over 60 to complete the Celtman extreme ironman.
The Men’s winner was, once again, Ewan Taylor, from Fife, in a time of 1 hour 48 minutes, seven minutes slower than his course record. Claire Gordon, HBT, completed a hat-trick of Women’s Open wins, in 2 hours 10 minutes.
The Veteran winners were Robert Bacon, Deeside Thistle, 2 hours 6 minutes, and Sara Henry, Deeside Runners, 2 hours 31 minutes. The Super Veteran winners were the same duo as last year, Alec Keith, HBT, 2 hours 6 minutes, and Katy Boocock, Highland Hill Runners, 2 hours 34 minutes.
Once again I am indebted to the local community and, particularly, the Community Hall committee. Their support makes it possible for the event to run on a small budget with the entry fee at just £6. Jack Marris who runs the Applecross Photo Gallery, www.applecrossgallery.com, donated nearly £200 worth of prizes.
I am also most grateful to the many volunteers, including 5 members of the Torridon Mountain Rescue Team, who helped on the day. Their friendly welcome is commented on by many competitors. Special thanks are due to Annie MacDonald. Annie succeeded in photographing all the competitors at Transition and recording their split times. Annie’s photos will be on Flickr sometime next week – the link is on the Gallery page of the website.
Entries for next year will open, as usual on the first Saturday in June. Places in the event and in the local accommodation usually fill up rapidly.
Gerry McPartlin
2017 REPORT
The days leading up to the Duathlon featured horrendous weather. The Transition area was particularly depressing with deep mud, standing water and large quantities of cow poo! Mercifully, Saturday brought improvement with just brief showers and a light wind, from the north, making for good times.
There was only one new record but a notable one. Hugh Morrow, aged 15, finished 12th out of 87 in the race, with a time of 1.57.22, improving the junior record by nearly 20 minutes! The Morrows are great supporters of the event. Twin sister, Beth, 2.12.35, was also well inside the previous record and, remarkably for a junior she was 3rd in the Ladies Open (unfortunately her “Junior” category caused me to overlook her as a candidate for a prize in the Open). Not to be outdone, mum, Jill, 2.10.01, won the Veteran prize even though she is now a “Super Veteran”.
“Team Morrow”
Jill – first Vet
Hugh – new Junior Male record
Beth – new Junior Female record & 3rd Open
Another lady who defies the years is Claire Gordon. Claire is now a Veteran but continued her dominance of the Ladies Open, winning for the fourth time in five years, with a time of 1.58.51. The Mens’ Open was won for the third time by Ewan Taylor in 1.42.25, just one minute 24 seconds outside his own course record.
Claire Gordon, first Open, & Drew Sharkey
Ewan Taylor – first Open
The first Men’s Veteran, making his debut in the event, was Mark Harris, 1.50.41. The Men’s Super Veteran winner was Alec Keith, 1.52.26. Alec is another “evergreen”. In August he won the Open category in the Great Wilderness Challenge, setting a new record for over 50’s. The first Ladies Super Veteran, also competing for the first time, was Katie Boocock, 2.19.49.
Mark Harris – first Vet
Alec Keith – first Super Vet
Katie Boocock – first Super Vet
The Vintage, over 60, category was well supported this year. The winner was another debutant, Angus Bowman, 2.18.27, just 5 minutes outside Ray Wilby’s superb record.
Angus Bowman – first Vintage
The Challenge, with 47 entrants, saw more outstanding age related performances. Zoe Sharpe, who is just 11, managed 2.45.41, whilst, at the other end of the age spectrum, John McNally, who is 80, achieved a truly incredible 3.20.06. John has been a great supporter of the Applecross Duathlon but his knees dictate that this will be his last competitive appearance. He was, without doubt, the appropriate recipient of the Hornsby Trophy for the outstanding contribution to the day.
John McNally – Hornsby Trophy
My thanks are due to the numerous participants who have already given positive feedback, for example,
“Huge thanks for a great event yesterday. We were taking part for the first time and had a fantastic day on a brilliant course. Please pass on our thanks to everyone involved, it was superbly well organised and everyone was so friendly.”
And Judith Fish, in the Applecross Inn, wrote,
“Dear Gerry, Just to say, thank you for such a great day, lovely people, fab atmosphere, lots of business and a wonderful aura all day and well into the evening. We all enjoyed your Duathlon. 14 residents had already booked for 2018 but on departure they booked for 2019 ……no rest for the wicked !! Thanks again and well done to you and all the helpers, Judith and the team.”
And a big thanks from me to the forty plus folk who contributed to, what many commented, was the “best Applecross Duathlon yet”.
Gerry Mcpartlin
PREVIOUS REPORTS
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Applecross Duathlon 