Hundreds of hill runners worked up a sweat at this year’s Dumyat Hill Race at the University of Stirling.
As temperatures soared, determined competitors donned their sunscreen and running shoes and took to the 8k sun kissed track that leads up from the University campus to the overlooking hills.
The run, which covers a 390m climb and started as a bet between a lecturer and a student 43 years ago, attracted a wealth of runners and competitors spurred on by the good weather.
Joe Symonds from Shettleston Harriers running club in Glasgow took the top spot, crossing the line in a sweltering time of 34 minutes 38 seconds.
Joe said: “This is my first time taking on the Dumyat Hill Race and it was fantastic that the Scottish summer arrived just in time. I loved the race – it’s well organised and it’s great to see so many people spending their Wednesday night running up the hill in the sun.”
One of the first over the line for the University of Stirling was fourth year Conservation Biology student Ian Gilmore.
Ian bagged a personal best on the track after his fifth consecutive year taking on the challenge.
Ian said: “I first took part in the race the year before I came to University and have ran every year since. I graduate next month so I’m delighted to get a personal best this year.”
The University's highest placed racer came in the form of David Fulton, who reached an impressive 12th place.
In the women’s results, it was Edinburgh University student Georgie Cottle who led the way, narrowly beating team mate Charlotte Watson.
Georgie said: “It’s a beautiful day and there was no wind so it made for a lovely race. I was looking forward it, although it was tricky to fit training in between studying and exams so I’m really pleased we were able to take first and second place.”
Stirling staff were also out in force for the event, with PhD researcher Isabel Jones using the opportunity to raise money for charity Street Child, while health and exercise science colleagues Calum Arthur, Angus Hunter, Ian Walshe and Stewart Jeromson supported each other up the hill.
No competitors managed to beat the current record, with Murray Strain’s 32 minutes and 23 seconds time still holding for strong for the men. In the women’s race Angela Mudge managed to hold onto her 2007 record time of 36 minutes and 36 seconds.
Rhona Hendry, from the Sports Participation team at the University, said: “The sun was shining down on our racers at this year’s Dumyat Hill Race which made for glorious, if not hot, conditions to run in.
“It was great to see so many people take on the challenge this year, including our winning runners whose victory was much-deserved. Well done to everyone who came along and completed the course.”
Full results and photos are available to view now at: www.stir.ac.uk/dumyat
Media enquiries to Corrie Campbell, Communications Officer on 01786 466 169 or c.r.campbell@stir.ac.uk.
Notes for editors
- Background information
The Dumyat Hill Race was first created when a University of Stirling psychologist laid a £1 bet claiming the return trip from the University’s Gannochy Pavilion to the top of the Dumyat was impossible in less than an hour.