From a distance it looked like the perfect day – cloudless skies and a mild breeze, but on the beach it was a steady 20 mph with gusts of 26 and “white horses” on the loch.

Unfortunately the canoe leg had to be cancelled. Some were delighted and relieved, many including ourselves and Keith and team at Loch Morlich were disappointed but safety must come first. The race was to be a duathlon – a run, bike, run with a mass start on the beach.

Nigel Holl took an early lead and held his position for the bike and run, to finish the race in 1hr 50 min 35 sec. First team home were “An Auld Alliance” (Moraig Lyall and Graeme Campbell) in a combined time of
4 hours I min 39 sec. 

It was great to have so many more people cheering on all who took part this year and encouraging to see those who gasped in horror at the thought of having to run twice, smiling and delighted that they had finished. 

The wind did ease sufficiently by the afternoon for a fun canoe race and five teams took up the challenge. Lynn and Brian of “Big Mac and Small Fry” arrived home first but were very honest and admitted they had missed one of the buoys. Brian and Alan of Team Strachan arrived a few minutes later winning in 29 minutes 38 seconds.

As well as prizes for category winners, we had plenty of spot prizes and air cadet Danny did a great job of pulling numbers out the hat. The fine weather and wonderful burgers encouraged many to stay.

We are delighted with encouragement we receive from so many of you. “Big thanks to the committee for all their hard work in organising and running one of the best events
in the Highlands, your hard work is greatly appreciated”. – Lynn Humphreys. Thank you all most sincerely for a fantastic event yesterday – Perth Tri Club.

Numerous people make the CAT happen. As always Keith and Team do a sterling job in allowing us to use the watersports centre and providing safety cover. Annie and all the staff in the café for the excellent barbeque - many thanks.

We are always indebted to our happy band of marshals, including for the first time this year, Kinloss Air Cadets who all did a great job of assisting where needed and giving constant encouragement.

Local Businesses were particularly generous in their support by donating prizes and these included Bothy Bikes, Mikes Bikes, Mountain Spirit, Ellis Brigham, Fat Tread Bikes, Ace Adventure, Splash, Cairngorm Hotel, Cairngorm Mountain Sports and Cairngorm Brewery .

Other organisations who helped by lending equipment were Badaguish, Boat of Garten Hall Committee, Cairngorm Mountain, Carrbridge Community Council and Spey Valley Hire. We also appreciate the support of local landowners Forest Enterprise, and Pityoulish and Rothiemurchus Estates. St Andrews Ambulance first aid did an invaluable job providing medical cover.

We hope to see you all back next year and we’ll do our best to put on that perfect combination of blue skies and just a gentle breeze!