High winds and cold fail to dampen spirits at winter run

WITH a biting wind and a threatening sky over Arthur's Seat, it was hardly the weather for a walk in Holyrood Park, let alone a run.

Nonetheless, Saturday afternoon saw around 2000 determined competitors pull on their thermals and grit their teeth to complete the 5km Bupa Great Winter Run.

It was a record field for the race, with another 300 runners taking part in the Junior Winter Run.

First across the line in the adult race was Neil Thin with a time of 16 minutes, 38 seconds, with first woman home Toni McIntosh in 18 minutes, 13 seconds.

Winners in the Juniors' 2km race were Alana Boggan and Adam Scott in the seven-ten age group, and Linzi Cowen and Robbie Lorraine in the 11-13s.

The high winds meant the start gantry had to be taken down for safety and competitors had to battle into a strong headwind in the middle of the course.

The blustery weather meant a change of plan for Colin McRae, 30, and his friends Malcolm Jack, and Robin Fallas, both 31. They had planned to complete the race in a three-piece, 12ft high Loch Ness Monster costume to raise funds for Cancer Research UK and Scottish Love in Action.

However, as the wind picked up, they made the decision to ditch the rear two sections of the outfit. Instead, they took it in turns to run wearing the head, with the others holding onto the costume.

Mr McRae was inspired to run for charity after his father, Kenneth, died of cancer in 2002. He said: "The reaction has been brilliant. We've had a few people come up to us and give us donations too."

Also running for a cause close to her heart was Sandra Chilton, who completed the race in a Pink Panther costume.

She raised £1000 for the road safety charity Roadpeace in memory of her brother, Steven, who died in a road accident.

Miss Chilton, from Haymarket, said: "It's my 30th birthday today – it's been really emotional. I really didn't know what to do for my birthday but I just thought, 'try and do something positive and spread the word'."

The money she has raised will now be boosted by £500 from her employers, RBS.

Laura Elliott, spokeswoman for race organisers Nova International, said: "We've had a record number of entrants who've braved the cold."

The events were followed by an afternoon of professional racing at the Bupa Great Edinburgh International Cross Country event.