Post event report

The Cairngorm Charmer Sat Oct 8th 2011

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/