Records Smashed In Charmer
13 OCT2011
Over 120 competitors from all parts of Scotland braved the wet and misty weather in the Highlands on Saturday (October 8) to take part in the fifth Cairngorm Charmer duathlon. The annual race proved to be highly eventful with seven new course records set in varying categories.
The absence of gale force winds or burning sunshine, conditions that have occurred at the four previous events, meant the terrain was close to ideal for hill running. The event sees teams of two complete a 12-mile lap by running and biking around the Cairngorm and Glenmore forests, with a challenging last mile hill climb back up the Allt Mor trail to the finish line.
The fastest pair overall were Ross Dixon and Donnie MacDonald who set a new record time of 2:19:13, and in the process retained their title from 2010. The quickest female team were Michelle Green and Siobhan Evans from Elgin, finishing again in a record time of 2:47:16. The mixed team title went to married couple Suzanne and Danny Lake, who, like the all-male winners, retained their title with a new course record.
In the veteran's category, the men's award went to Robert Summers and Tommy Lawrence from Dunfermline, while the ladies title was awarded to Mandy MacIver and Julie Wilson. The veteran mixed team award went to Carrbridge couple Iain and Anne MacIntosh, who finished the course in a time of 3:23:44.
Organiser Paul Corrigan was delighted with the day's proceedings and the progress of the race, commenting: "Without doubt this was the best 'Charmer' to date and the very addition of electronic race timing made a real difference to the quality and smooth flow of the event."
With each lap changeover coordinated by race officials and organisers implementing a staggered 1-minute start, Paul was quick to praise everyone involved, adding: "Once again there were numerous comments from the competitors on how supportive, helpful and encouraging the many event marshals and helpers were."
The high turnout for the event meant there was over £3000 raised for Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland, with the proceeds going towards providing key services and support for the charity across the region.
Subscribe to this feed, Email this, Share on Facebook, Add to delicious, Stumble It!, Digg This!, 
Cairngorm Charmer, Saturday October 8, Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland, CHSS, 120 competitors.
Add your comment
Before adding your comment:
- Show good blogging etiquette and keep comments on topic
- If you use inappropriate or offensive language, your comment may be edited or deleted
- HTML is not permitted. Any HTML tags included within the comments will be stripped out.
Facebook
Twitter
Comments
cocktail dresses said...
let me tell you that, your blog is awesome...
you have good collection of information..and spreading the latest facts about the racing..
Thursday 13th October 2011 11.17am
roborun said...
The report on the Charmer's own website was more comprehensive. e.g. The mixed vintage winning time was faster than the mixed veteran time. Copy of report is below:
The Cairngorm Charmer Sat Oct 8th 2011
Post event report
Over 120 competitors from all parts of Scotland completely ignored the wet and misty weather at Cairngorm Mountain on Saturday where an amazing 7 new category records were set at the fifth annual Cairngorm Charmer duathlon event. The event is organised as a fundraising event for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland.
The absence of gale force winds or burning sunshine - conditions which have occurred at the four previous events – meant ideal hill running conditions and the participants certainly made the most of the mild weather as they set off from the start at Cairngorm Ski Centre. The event sees teams of two complete a 12 mile lap by running and biking around the Cairngorm and Glenmore forests with a challenging (but charming) last mile hill climb back up the Allt Mor trail to the finish line at Cairngorm.
Overall fastest time went to Inverness pair Ross Nixon and Donnie MacDonald who set a new record time of 2.19.13 retaining their title from 2010. The fastest female team was Michelle Green and Siobhan Evans from Elgin in a new record time of 2.47.16 and the fastest mixed team was married couple Suzanne and Danny Lake from Dollar who also retained their title in a new record time of 2.34.03 also winning the first married couple team award in a new record for that category too.
In the Veteran category, the men's award went to Robert Summers and Tommy Lawrence from Dunfermline in 2.27.00 a new record and the ladies award went to Mandy MacIver (Inverness) and Julie Wilson (Applecross) in a time of 3.16.34 retaining their 2010 award. The veteran mixed team award went to Carrbridge couple Iain and Anne MacIntosh in a time of 3.23.44.
Well known Aberdeenshire pair Neil Robertson and Richard Burton won the male Vintage prize in 3.21.27 and the mixed team vintage award went to Aberdeen pair Andy Redman and Elaine Stewart in a new record time of 2.51.21 who also won this category in 2010.
Fastest local team award went to Alan Riach and Sandy Grigor in 2.39.00 and the fastest parent and offspring title went to Grantown pair Nigel and Jamie Williams. The fastest Cairngorm Mountain staff team award went to Brian Fishpool and Duncan Ferguson in a new record time of 2.54.54.
Organiser Paul Corrigan said: "Without doubt this was the best 'Charmer' to date and the very welcome addition of electronic race timing made a real difference to the quality and smooth flow of the event. There is always a great social and competitive atmosphere at the event (despite the weather condition…) and once again there were numerous comments from the competitors on how supportive, helpful and encouraging the many event marshals and helpers were. The event is only as successful and enjoyable as it is because of the great support from the numerous helpers we are fortunate to get every year. I also very much appreciate and value the incredible support from CML, FCS, Highland Council, Glenmore Lodge, Spey Valley Hire and many other local businesses and supporters not least the residents and businesses in the Glenmore area.
The event has raised over £3000 for CHSS which will have a real positive impact on our ability to continue to provide key services and support for those living with chest, heart and stroke illness across the region."
Full results of the event can be seen at: http://results.racetectiming.com/default.aspx?CId=33&RId=195
Photos from the event can be seen at:
http://www.action-heroes.co.uk/site/galleryCharity.asp and
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chss_fundraising/
Saturday 15th October 2011 4.10pm