More than 260 runners and walkers take part in Kirkcudbright Academy Half Marathon returns

More than 260 runners and walkers turned out on Saturday for the return of the Kirkcudbright Academy Half Marathon.

Race director Richard Nash, who announced that he was standing down from the post, said he was just delighted to get the event re-started before he finished.

He said: “It went really well and we’re delighted. A lot of the runners were delighted that the race is back on the calendar.

“We had 268 entries in the end, which is fantastic. The weather was kind, although it was a little bit too hot.

“I’d like to thank all the marshals and volunteers for their help and also to Liz Kettle, who did the lion’s share of the work for the parent council.”

The annual event, which includes a 10k run and a 13.1 mile walk, was last held in 2019 when the half marathon was won by Euan Craig from Kirkintilloch Olympians.

But this year he had to be content with second place as the winning honours went to Stuart Donnachie (unattached), who finished in a time of 76m.56s.

Euan was more than four minutes behind the winner in a time of 81.12 with Tom Flood taking third place in a time of 83.31.

Because of the dangers from Covid-19 which is still affecting many parts of the country, the stalls which normally fill the academy grounds, were absent.

But spectators had plenty to see with 76 walkers setting off from the Academy on the 13.1 mile course followed two hours later by the half marathon runners and those taking part in the 10k run.

The winner, Stuart, said he was delighted to win the half marathon at his first attempt and added: “This is my first time down here and I’ve really enjoyed it. I’ve just run the Barcelona marathon at the start of May so that was a great experience.

“This is a great half marathon with great scenery,