Inverness doctor wins Highland Cross women’s title at first attempt at 50 mile cycle and running challenge from Kintail to Beauly
SARAH Hodgson powered her way to the women’s title as she claimed victory at the Highland Cross on Saturday.
The GP trainee from Inverness had the right prescription to win the 50-mile running and cycling duathlon from Kintail to Beauly.
Hodgson (29) took the women’s title in a time of four hours, five minutes and 26 seconds as she was the first female to complete the 20-mile run and 30-mile cycle.
She was almost six minutes ahead of Catriona Fraser from Alness who finished second in 4:11:00.
Sally Wallis from Aboyne took third place, for the second consecutive year, in a time of 4:21:33.
Hodgson only entered the race earlier this week as a replacement for two-time defending champion Catriona Graves, who had to pull out of this year’s event due to injury.
She thought that she might be in contention for the women’s title and was delighted to take the crown.
She said: “It was a really nice day for it, it was a really good course with a good atmosphere.
“I have never done it before and I was actually filling in for Catriona Graves who had won it for the last two years.
“She is unfortunately injured and she asked me if I wanted her spot at the start of the week, so at the last minute I decided to fill in.
“It was tough because there was a headwind the whole way that made part of the run and bike hard. But the sun was out so I can’t complain.”
“I knew that I might be in with a chance. Someone from the Highland Hill Runners said that I might be in with a chance, but the aim was just to enjoy it as it is a cool course to do. I just really enjoyed being able to take part.”
Hodgson, who is working as a GP trainee in Aviemore, thought her days of being able to compete in multisport events had gone. But she said victory in the Highland Cross has proven to herself that she is capable of winning competitions.
She said: “A long time ago when I was a teenager, I was a triathlete, but those days are beyond me now and I haven’t raced my bike for a long time. But maybe I am getting a second wind.”
Hodgson says that she is definitely keen to defend her title in 2026.
She said: “If I can find a team which will have me then I will definitely be up for it.”
In the men’s race, Sam Milton claimed victory at his first attempt of the 50-mile duathlon.
The Hopeman offshore worker took the crown in his debut in the event which saw him run 20 miles and cycle 30 miles crossing the line in a time of three hours 35 minutes and 57 seconds.
The 37-year-old was over three minutes ahead of his nearest challenger as Kyle Greig from Alford took second place in 3:39:08.
2019 Highland Cross champion Peter Fenwick from Inverness claimed third place in a time of 3:39:42.