Race to the top: Best pictures of Dumyat Hill Race
The University of Stirling host the 49th Dumyat Hill Race, doubling as the Scottish Student Sport Hill Running Championship and Scottish Hill Running Race. Our photographer was there to capture the action.
Runners take on the 49th Dumyat Hill Race. Image: Eve Conroy / DC Thomson
The University of Stirling’s Dumyat Hill Race took place on Wednesday evening.
The challenging race, described by the University of Stirling as it’s ‘flagship running event’, took place in the university campus for the 49th time.
The Dumyat Hill Race also doubles as the Scottish Student Sport Hill Running Championship and Scottish Hill Running Race.
The popular fixture was first created when a University of Stirling psychologist laid a £1 bet saying it was not possible to reach the top of Dumyat Hill from the University’s Gannochy Pavilion and come back down within one hour.
On Graduation Day 1972, the £1 was lost by three minutes and, following the first ‘official race’ in 1973, it has been held annually in May ever since.
The Dumyat Hill Race now attracts around 450 entrants annually, each tackling the 390m climb across 8km of tough terrain.
Dumyat Hill Race Record
The race record stands at an incredible 32 minutes and 23 seconds, set by Murray Strain. Former World Mountain Running Champion Angela Mudge is the women’s record holder with a time of 36 minutes and 36 seconds.
Our photographer, Eve Conroy was there to capture the action.
A view of the National Wallace Monument from Dumyat.
Competitors make their way down the hill.
Fred Davies leaps over a gate as runners emerge from the trees and onto the hill.
Christine Caldwell during The 49th Dumyat Hill Race.
Graham Kelly, number 202, makes progress up the hill.
Ellen Astley makes easy work of the rough terrain.
Matt Sweeney of Ochil Hill Runners keeps smiling as he makes his way up.
The route takes the runners through stunning scenery.
Scott Findlay, number 116 and Simon Philpott, number 314 during the Dumyat Hill Race.
Colourful runners stand out against the green grass of Dumyat.
A competitor keeps the music going to help him up the hill.
Ellen Astley, number 14 and Jose Leon-Rojas start to feel the strain.
The view of Dumyat from the Stirling University grounds.
Left to right – Sam O’Neill, Naomi Lang and Neil Sillence run the Dumyat Hill Race. Naomi was the highest placed woman.
Race winner, Matt Knowles completed the run in just 32 minutes and 13 seconds.
Runners Colin Shore and Chris Watson after completing the race.
Sandy Gilholy of Glasgow University Hares and Hounds finished the course in just over 45 minutes.
