Author Archives: dhr_admin

Morven Walsh

  By dhr_admin • January 27, 2016 ,

Morven WalshHow/when did you start running, in particular hill/trail running?

David (husband) suggested it and I don’t think he even guessed how much I would fall in love with this sport. I had never run so, nearly 7 years ago David suggested we go  for a run … of course this was not on the road or flat but up Glenkin. To say I found it hard was an understatement, but it pushed me more and more. When I could run Glenkin all the way, I then joined the all female running group in Dunoon and met my lifelong friends, Jean Bryson and Kirsty Mundell. The rest as they say is history as I then found my passion in trail and hill running with Dunoon Hill Runners.

Why do you run?

Because I am lucky to be able to, and it’s my passion, my freedom, my time out, my head space. It’s my challenge exploring new trails and hills that you can only reach on foot. Oh and I love rivers and mud and being out with my buddies – Jean, Michelle, Clare and Kirsty have joined me on many runs where laughter is very much on the agenda. When Ricky joins me on long runs he just wants to bury me with a shovel and leave me on the trail!! Think my enthusiasm grates after 20 miles …

What is your favourite running route?

In Argyll, we are so lucky to be able to enjoy what is on our doorstep and it is all beautiful. I never tire of the Loch Eck loop.

What have been your favourite races?

The Devil o’ the Highlands Ultra – 43 miles from Tyndrum to Fort William, a stunning route where you are running through what has got to be the most magical place, Glencoe.

The Cateran Trail Ultra – 55 miles through the Scottish Highlands (even though Jean said my feet looked like tripe at the end!).

The Carnethy 5 – a mad 6 mile hill race in the Pentlands.

What is your greatest running achievement?

I ran my first marathon in Lochaber with Jean Bryson in memory of my mum Violet who sadly lost her battle with Ovarian Cancer 11 years ago. I ran for the charity The Eve Appeal and raised nearly £2,000. Since then I have raised money for Breast Cancer and Cystic Fibrosis charities all from my running.

What are your goals/ambitions?

To run my seventh Ultra but my first solo race in a few months in the Lake District. As Bryan said to me, I’ll always find someone to talk to and I love that I return from every race with new friends. Also running with our club and enjoying old and new challenges together.  Watching our club grow and develop and having this amazing bunch of friends who really are the best.

Who is your running hero?

I admire anyone who gets up one day and takes action, pulls on their trainers and starts running because that really is the hardest part.  I also love Simon Pegg who plays the character Dennis  in the movie “Run Fat Boy Run”. It tells the tale of what every non runner goes through to become a runner and the challenges faced – and also because his shorts are more micro than our very own coach’s! You have to watch,  and run with the coach in the summer 🙂

What is your most essential piece of kit?

My shoes – I have a lovely variety for all different terrain (say nothing, Pup!), Shock Absorber bra ( girls know why),  my mobile phone in case Ricky did take me out with a shovel, snacks and £10 just in case – although on a beautiful hot race last July in the Lakes it almost got spent as Jamie and I passed a beer garden and the temptation was nearly too much!

Do you have other interests/pastimes?

My brilliant family and watching my daughter Bethany develop her own love for running. Our working spaniel, Jess, and friends and our running club. I’m happy being with them all and having fun on my runs.

What is your favourite inspirational running quote or piece of advice?

“It’s  just a wee tootle” and, “It’s just round the corner”. You’ve all heard them and you’ve all said them back 🙂

Annual General Meeting and Prizegiving – 27 February 2016

  By dhr_admin • January 26, 2016 ,

The Dunoon Hill Runners AGM and Prizegiving will be held on Saturday 27 February 2016 at Kirn and Hunters Quay Bowling Club, starting at 7 pm. Please forward any agenda items to the Club Secretary – secretary@dunoonhillrunners.org.uk.

Following the AGM, a presentation of trophies and awards will be given. Renewal and new memberships will take place between 7 and 7.30pm.

Beginners’ Disclaimer

  By dhr_admin • January 13, 2016 ,

Please take note of the following conditions before joining any Beginners’ runs.

  1. Each runner will be provided with a JogScotland Membership Form. This is free to join and will provide a stepping stone to the Dunoon Hill Runners, but it does have a Par-Q attachment which MUST be completed and returned to Kirsty Mundell. This highlights any medical conditions that any of the leaders need to be aware of. If you are unsure if this affects you, then please contact Kirsty. This information is confidential and will not be disclosed to any other member unless they are leading a run. When/if you decide to join the Dunoon Hill Runners, this information will be destroyed and you will then fall under the Membership Rules of Dunoon Hill Runners. Leaders are not permitted to accommodate anyone who has recently given blood, had a transfusion, given birth within the previous six months, attended the dentist and had a tooth removed within the last 7 days, or had any recent surgery. There are varying other reasons, so please ask Kirsty if you feel you fall into one of the categories either mentioned above or you have a condition you feel may put yourself or other runners at risk.
  2. If these forms are not completed and returned, you will not be allowed to join in any run.

Dunoon Hill Runners 2nd Annual Charity Quiz Night

  By dhr_admin • November 20, 2015 ,

The Braes hosted Dunoon Hill Runners 2nd Annual Charity Quiz Night on the evening of Saturday 14 November 2015, which again was a completely sold out event! The club, now boasting nearly 70 members, enjoyed a fun-packed evening involving 20 teams all aiming to be crowned champions and, with last year’s winners present, it was going to be a close run affair.

After 2 hours and 9 rounds of hilarity – sorry, questions, plus the need for a tie-break question to split the top two teams, surprisingly it was the smallest team on the night that emerged the winners! Iain Cairns of Argyll Financial Services proudly stepped up along with his wife and in-laws to collect their prizes. Some would say his team had a distinct advantage as they had a retired geography teacher on board, given that Kenny Taylor who set the questions is also a geography teacher. Last year’s winners placed 3rd and, interestingly, they also had a geography teacher in their midst!

Teams also enjoyed a curry and their generosity was plentiful as they delved deep into their pockets to buy up large amounts of raffle tickets with over 20 prizes on offer, the greatest majority of which were kindly donated by local businesses who were nothing short of generous and supportive to the club.

The two charities chosen this year lie close to the club’s heart as both affect some of our members on a daily basis. The first charity chosen is Samuel’s Smile; it aims to help children diagnosed with rare forms of life limiting diseases. Founded by Samuel Bell’s parents, Samuel himself was born with an extremely rare disease called Total Interstitial Hirchsprungs disease and now at 17 years old is the oldest surviving person in the world with this condition. More information can be found here. The second charity to benefit is the local Multiple Sclerosis Society. Dunoon Hill Runners recognises that sometimes local charities can get lost amongst their bigger counterparts and, being mindful of this, we remain determined that monies raised would also benefit those locally affected. A grand total of £876 profit was raised on the night allowing the club to donate £438 to each of the two nominated charities.

Dunoon Hill Runners would like to extend their thanks to everyone who paid a ticket and attended the night; it is only through your continued support and generosity that makes events like this possible. We also wish to acknowledge all of the local businesses that kindly donated the raffle prize gifts, Argyll First, Bookpoint, Cothouse Garage, David Shields Joinery, Elite Clothing, Juno, Kennedy Chemist, Lorraine Community Fitness, Pink Fizz, Timothy Sharp Jewellers, Walkers Garden Centre and West Coast Motors. Thanks also to Jennifer and her staff at the Braes for their patience and great hospitality.

Charity Quiz and Curry Night – 14 November 2015

  By dhr_admin • October 31, 2015 ,

Dunoon Hill Runners is holding a Quiz and Curry Night at The Braes, 1 School Brae, Dunoon on Saturday 14 November 2015 at 7 pm.  Members and non-members are cordially invited to form a team or find a table. Ticket costs £8 per person. Half the ticket proceeds will be allocated to local charities, and the other half buys your curry. There will be lots of opportunities to win some of the excellent prizes lined up for the event!

If interested, please contact a Committee member.

Sponsorship Opportunities

  By dhr_admin • September 19, 2015

We are actively looking for new sponsors as we start to think about season 2016. Without sponsors we would not be able to keep membership fees low or subsidise costs for members which we really want to do. Sponsorship money has this year helped:

a. Reduce costs of new vests for members
b. Provide trophies and medals
c. Pay for race entry for members competing in prestigious events 
d. Subsidise the purchase of branded race flags

We currently offer 3 sponsorship packages outlined below. If you, your organisation or any of your contacts are interested please contact a member of the committee who would be delighted to discuss options.

Option 1 – Member Discount Scheme (No cost)

A number of local businesses currently offer discounts to our members. Details of your business will be posted on our website and in the annual newsletter which goes to all club members. This encourages members to support these local businesses. Typical discount is 10%

Option 2 – Sponsor a Trophy for a Year (£60)

Last year we were able to buy two trophies and prizes for the first prize giving. If you sponsor a trophy your name will be attached to that award at Prize Giving that year and you will be mentioned in local press and on the club website

Option 3 – Club Sponsorship (£100 for a year)

These sponsors would have a club run race named after them that year. E.g. the Mundell Volcano Run. They would feature in local press and on the club website. We currently organise 4 club races. Kilbride, Spooky Salomon, Club Handicap and Volcano Run

Option 4 – Kit Sponsorship (price on enquiry)

Sponsors can have their logo featured on club kit – e.g. Hoodies, Training Tops, Shorts etc.

Once again many thanks to our current sponsors for this year. Details are here.