SAM Milton claimed victory at the 2025 Highland Cross at his first attempt of the 50-mile duathlon from Kintail to Beauly.<\/p>\n
Sam Milton wins 2025 Highland Cross. Picture: Will Clark<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The 37-year-old was over three minutes ahead of his nearest challenger as Kyle Greig <\/a> from Alford took second place in 3:39:08.<\/p>\n 2019 Highland Cross champion Peter Fenwick<\/a> claimed third place in a time of 3:39:42.<\/p>\n Speaking after his victory, Milton says he was delighted to take top honours in tough hot conditions in what was an unknown course for him.<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t really know what to expect to be honest,\u201d said Milton.<\/p>\n \u201cI have been building back up at the moment and have been doing a lot on the bike. I hoped to pace the run as conservatively as I could and leave some legs for the bike which I was able to do.<\/p>\n \u201cI pushed a bit harder on the run than I intended to and on the bike I was in survival mode from the first pedal stroke.<\/p>\n \u201cSix of us went out on the initial run and then it splintered after the climb. It was myself and Kyle Greig who ran together towards transition. On the bike I pushed hard and managed to keep off at the front.<\/p>\n \u201cI had to keep on top of the hydration and nutrition early on and filling up when I could. Credit to the volunteers at the stations today because it was really warm.\u201d<\/p>\n Milton hadn\u2019t signed up for the event until 10 days ago when he was encouraged to take part by one of his friends.<\/p>\n He has experience of taking part in duathlons and triathlons in the past, but predominantly takes part in running events.<\/p>\n He says that the Highland Cross had always been an event that he wanted to take part in and was delighted to mark his debut with victory.<\/p>\n He said: \u201cI got a message from one of my friends to answer an SOS that a team member had left.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is an event which has always been on my radar as the multi sports side of it appeals to me. It was a sufferfest and my calves were cramping from the get go. But I saw it over the line.\u201d<\/p>\n Milton says he already has 2026 in his head and is keen to defend to his title and be in even better shape going into next year.<\/p>\n He said:\u201cI would love to come back next year and be even fitter for the run and have better legs for the bike. It is a great event and credit to everyone involved.\u201d<\/p>\n