The 2012 Stuc a'Chroin 5000 results

Local lad doesn't come un-Stuc

A 25% increase in runners this year, both male and female, saw some good times posted. Prasad Prasad, our first local winner, came in just over the 2:10 mark (2:10:34) in his first race here, ahead of Craig Mattocks on 2:24:15. Prasad's time was the best non-British Championship time for at least 8 years. Our old friend Stewart Whitlie, who's won this race several times before, came in 3rd with 2:26:02, and also clinched 1st Male Vet 40+

Another old hand at the race, Angela Mudge, had her best time here for years of 2:28:36 to finish 1st of the Females and 1st Female Vet 40+ once more. Sarah O'Neil finished 2nd (02:35:38) and Claire Gordon finished 3rd (2:35:38).

Alan Smith from Deeside and Beryl Junnier won their respective Vet 50+ and Murdo MacLeod clinched the MV 60+. Carnethy again picked up 'best team'.

Results as follows

Male

Female

As forecast, it was considerably cooler which contributed to the faster times but all in all another great day out. Once again, the marshals did a great job of carrying all that water from our new sponsors ASDA (Robroyston) and Bookers (Stirling).

Some early comments :

".. privilege of enjoying a well-supported hill race in stunning scenery and immaculate weather ... Many thanks to the organisers of this epic hill run which was well-organised and well-supported. We will definitely be back next year." - Duncan, Penicuik

"Brilliant views and perfect weather conditions for this (my favourite) hill race." - Kate Friend, Carnethy

"Stuc is a great race and is really well supported, I think I managed to eat about a full bag of Jelly Babies and half a bag of Fruit Pastilles dished out by the numerous marshalls." - John Denovan, Westerlands

The 2012 Stuc a'Chroin 5000

Now in its 24th year, the race is run annually on the Saturday before May Day Bank Holiday Monday. This year, 2012, it falls on May the 5th. Called the Stuc a'Chroin 5000 because of its approximate total climb (in feet!), the race is 22k long and the course record is 1:59:22 for the males, and 2:22:47 for the females. Organised under British Athletic Rules and classed as a Category A Long Hill race, in its 21st Anniversary (2009), it was a British Championship event with over 300 runners.

Usually blessed with good weather, its timing at the beginning of May does mean that there may be a variety of conditions - consult the forecast before your journey ... and don't forget the midge repellant! There will be an up-to-date forecast of local conditions right up to the start on this web site in the Stop Press section opposite.

Our hotels take it in turns to support the race - this year you can register in the Inn at Strathyre Hotel at the South end of the village from 10:30am - 12:30pm, admission fee is £6. The race is well marked all the way to the top; (marked maps available @ £2 before the race), stewards and water stations are aplenty and well supported by the local community. Renowned for its plentiful supply of water all along its 22k (courtesy of our new sponsors, ASDA Robroyston and Bookers Stirling), jelly babies and chocolate, rumours that some runners actually put on weight during the race are to be treated with caution!

Some of last years comments from the runners

"Thanks for a great race , the marshalling and organisation was first class as usual and along with the weather made it a great day !"

"despite the torture of running this course again it's still one of my favourite events on the hill race calendar."

"the best organised and marshaled race I've been to" (we did check, they had been on more than one)

Note that this year (2012), the prizegiving will take place on the field. In case of inclement weather we are setting up an extra Marquee

The village has a small shop, a car park, and toilets available in the Inn. There is music in the Inn at Strathyre from Voice Box kicking off at 9pm .

One word of warning though - traffic through this popular tourist area, and especially Callander (A84 Stirling - Strathyre ) can be very busy on Bank Holidays so please allow an extra 30 - 60 minutes to pass through.

The race starts at 1300 hrs.

We look forward to seeing you this year.

June 13th The Ben Sheann Hill Race

Ben Sheann, Ben Shian, Beinh an t-Sidhein, however you spell it, there's a race up it on Wednesday 13th June. Click here for details or follow the Ben Sheann link at the top.