TWO Irvine Running Club recruits, Liz Colquhoun and Karen Figgins, made the trip across to Dunoon to take part in the recent 33-mile ultra marathon.

After competing as part of a relay team in last’s year’s inaugural event Liz and Karen decided to take on the challenge this year of completing the full distance, which entailed a total elevation gain of 4012 feet over the course of the race.

The event started at 8am at Benmore Gardens and quickly began to climb up through the picturesque Pucks Glen. The route continued on trails through forested land before descending into Glenbranter.

From there, the runners headed along the south side of Loch Eck and then back towards Benmore Gardens. The last section of the course took them through Glenkin Forestry and Bishops Glen before finally turning onto the esplanade to finish on Dunoon Pier.

Liz was first home in a time of 7 hours 31 minutes, with Karen not too far behind - crossing the line in a time of 7 hours 51 minutes.

Both enjoyed the race and hope to return again next year.