Started in 1986 by the Abbey Runners, 600 entrants embarked on the course from the city centre upto the Cistercian Kirkwall Abbey and back. Fast forward 31 years and just under 10,000 runners took on the same course this Sunday hoping to raise over £200,000 for Age UK.
Fast and flat, runners are encouraged to “smash the dash” Two of those 10 000 being our super duo Michael and Ashleigh Douglas.
Beginning at The Headrow, our dynamo duo made their way along Westgate into the city centre before turning onto Kirkwall Road for the out and back section upto the Abbey before returning to the city centre and the finishline outside the Town Hall.
Michael powered his way around the course. There was no sign of fatigue from his phenomenal performance at the Great South Run only 2 weeks ago. He knocked almost a minute of his previous best to secure himself yet another PB in a super speedy 35.14.
Ashleigh has suffered from a groin injury all Summer and was therefore understandably lacking in confidence in the run up to the event
“That was mentally a hard run for me” says Ashleigh “I felt the struggle before the race even started. I nearly dropped out more than once”
But despite her misgivings, Ashleigh smashed it, crossing the line in 49.17. Looks like her injury is behind her and she will back to her best soon enough.
Another great performance from team Douglas!
