HILLTOP RUNNERS HEAD FOR STIRLING

Runners from all over Scotland will converge on Stirling in May to test their stamina in the annual Dumyat Hill Race.

The gruelling but scenic contest is now in its 35^th edition, run from the University of Stirling to the top of the hill and back again, and includes a climb of around 390 metres (1,280 feet) over the 8 km (5 miles) course.

Last year’s race saw new records set in both the men’s and women’s races, with Stirling sports studies student Iain Donnan posting a lung-busting 32 minutes 52 seconds, while perennial champion Angela Mudge retained her title with an outstanding time of 36 minutes 46 seconds.

Iain (22) has been studying and running in Colorado over the winter while Angela (37), another former University of Stirling student, remains in fine form and recently set the world record for the Everest Marathon. 

Dumyat Hill Race was created when a university psychologist, propping up the Gannochy Bar, laid a £1 bet that “no member of the University could, without mechanical assistance, do the return trip from the Gannochy Pavilion to Dumyat in less than an hour.”

On Graduation Day 1972 the £1 was lost by three minutes. The first “official” race was held in 1973 and it has been held annually on the first or second Wednesday in May ever since. About 200 runners complete the race each year and there are entry categories to cater for all ability levels.

The 35th Dumyat Hill Race will take place at 7 pm on 7 May 2008. Entries will be taken in the University of Stirling Sports Centre from 5.45 - 6.45pm on the evening of the race.