Kevin Anderson and Gordon Campbell were representing Penicuik at this fifth road grand-prix race.
The conditions were perfectly great with sunshine, mild and calm air.
Runners lined up in the starting pen in the grounds of Loretto school playing fields. The starting gun went off at 10:30 which took a few runners by surprise and we were off over the timing chip mats. A lap of the playing field then out towards the streets of Musselburgh. I did not spot Kevin at the start but Dave Cairns and family shouted us on from over the wall from the school grounds at the parkland tarmac path we were on, so I knew he was not far behind. The Marshalls were organised and helped point out the route very well which was reassuring. Round about 3.5K on the road section I was overtaken by Kevin who remained in visual distance. Then on from the roads to more parkland areas. From there was a nice cool but slightly pongy breeze as we left the parkland area to run along the rough coastal track with cooling air. Lots of Bird watchers were out with there telescopes gazing across the forth. Then on to the board walks felt springy under foot as we ran through the nature reserve area. A hydration relief from the water station with helpful helpers to make sure we got our bottle of water with the lid off, which was great.
The next section was my favourite with the grass of the Race Course. The drink of water gave me my second wind together with short good to firm grass was the perfect combination with the great weather. I was off and started to overtake runners for the remainder of the race. I think I did very well from there on as no one over took me and I even managed to overtake Kevin to my surprise. Over the timing chip mat and helpers were out in force to make sure we got our goodie bag and ice cream cone which was an original and refreshing idea as it was hotter after the race and that was not from just running. The cakes and tea in the building was very well laid out and presented. The organisers went to great lengths to make sure us runners were kept happy.
There was only two points that may need improvement for next year to this otherwise well run and organised race, which I will say now since I did not see a feedback form. The first was very minor, that I could not hear what was being said at the presentations since there was a big crowd of us runners and no voice amplification. The second was more serious being that there was only one sit down toilet only for us bloke runners. Not the kind of situation you want with a long line of runners waiting for it 5-10 minutes before the start of the race!. According to a lady who said that they had the gents toilets, Please give us the male toilets with the other changing room for next year. That would keep things equal as public toilets towards the town centre should not count as an extra facility. I should however end this write up to this otherwise very professionally and well executed race by saying that the times for the runners were very fast due to the excellent course layout and helpful marshalls.
Gordon