CROWDS came out in force in Beauly to cheer on athletes who completed the 2023 Highland Cross last weekend.

A total of 727 competitors signed up to take part in the event, with 716 athletes completing the 50-mile duathlon between Kintail and Beauly and 11 people forced to retire.

Athletes were cheered across the finish line at Beauly Square in sweltering conditions after finishing the 20-mile run and 30-mile cycle as temperatures reached 25 degrees.

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WATCH: Ross Gollan successfully retained his Highland Cross title as he won it for a second time as he crossed the finishing line in a time of three hours, 31 minutes and 26 seconds.

He was 11 minutes ahead of Daniel Ashwood from Edinburgh who completed the course in 3:42:07 with Peter Fenwick from Inverness third in a time of 3:44.04.

WATCH: Beauly junior doctor Catriona Graves powered her way to victory to claim the women’s title at the Highland Cross for the first time in her career.

The Highland Hill Runners athlete, who is originally from Glasgow but now lives in Inverness, claimed victory in four hours, three minutes and 20 seconds.

She was 11 minutes ahead of Kirsty Skye Dickson from Edinburgh who finished in second place with a time of 4:14:03

Fortrose vet Caroline Marwick finished in third place with a time of 4:17:52.

Peter Fenwick, who finished third overall in the Highland Cross, picked up the veteran gents title with a time of three hours 44 minutes and three seconds.

Caroline Marwick won the veteran ladies title with a time of 4.17.52.

Neil Davidson claimed the super veteran gents title with a time of 4.20.02 with Lesley Hansen winning the super veteran ladies title in 4.28.34.

Robin Burnett won the senior gents 50+ title in a time of 4.20.44 with Tracey Murray winning the senior ladies 50+ title in 4:37:15.

Paul Moody won the senior gents 60+ title in 5.05.36 and Ann Cummings took the women’s title in 5.52.32.

Colin Murray won the ambulance service entrant award in a time of 5.56.31. Rory Swann was this year’s recipient of the special endeavour trophy.

In the team competition, Carenthy Men, with the trio of Daniel Ashwood, James Taylor and David Walls, won the men’s title.

Carnethy Goes North (Catriona Graves, Kirsty Dickson and Lizzie Knox) claimed the women’s title.

Sunday Seshers won the veteran’s men title with Chaffing the Dream the veteran’s ladies title. Fenhargeo claimed the local team title with Over the Hill winning Business team title.

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