RunFest back to put runners through their paces
THE SECOND annual ZE RunFest took place last weekend with a packed schedule of races and education keeping runners entertained.
A testing hill climb, a town 10k race and a new team event around the Clickimin loch were all included this year.
Thursday started with a short technique session, focusing on form and mechanics.
The Podiatry Shetland hill climb followed, in challenging conditions that led to a very close race.
Grant Gillie was first, followed by Neil Arthur and Michael Arthur. Jasmin Smith was first home for the ladies with Monica Moncrieff and Laura Kain in close attendance.
Friday brought the BML Accounts 10K, with the same town loop as last year chosen.
Neil Arthur was the winner for the second successive year, with James Anderson and Seth Travins completing the podium.
For the ladies Michelle Sandison showed her class with a dominant run, followed by Monica Moncrieff and Leanne Gear.
Saturday saw the introduction of a new race, a team 3K event around the Clickimin Loch.
It proved to be the most popular event of the weekend with the handicapped system ensuring everyone had an equal chance of coming first.
Laura Kain was first over the line, with the team event going to Shalders (Emily Johnson, Kevin Lyons, Michelle Sandison).
Beaten into second place were the Whiteness Primary School team of Diane Forsyth, Monica Moncrieff and Colleen Henderson.
RunFest also heard from some knowledgeable speakers over the weekend, delivering talks and seminars.
Bruce McCulloch spoke about “common foot conditions impacting the runner” giving the runners some actionable points, while Michelle Sandison talked about her 30-plus years of running at a national level and highs and lows that come with it.
Russell Gair talked all things marathons, and the final talk was from top US coach Greg McMillan, joining on Zoom from Arizona.
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The weekend was rounded off with tea and homebakes, giving the runners a chance to recover and reflect.
Linda Gair thanked everyone for supporting the event, especially the marshals.
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