Hunters Bog Trot Saturday, 16 April 2016

Distance 6.5 km
Climb 240 m

Michael and I parked some distance away from Arthurs Seat and with only about 15 minutes until the start we were still looking for registration. The gazebo where this was happening was tucked behind a little hill. We were just about to turn round and go in the other direction when we spotted it. The weather was changeable and there had been hailstones as we left Penicuik. As we got our numbers on the sun began to come out and we stripped down to our race vests. There was time for a quick picture and then we were lined up at the start. The race is fast and furious with a couple of steep hill sections and the aptly named ‘radical road’ to contend with. This is a fun race with plenty of tourists to dodge and of course great views over Edinburgh. Its no nonsense and for £3 for SAL members and £5 for non SAL, its a steal. As such there are no niceties like water at the end, and I was cursing my lack of preparation at the finish. Luckily Daniel was meeting us and brought us a big bottle of water as I was parched. As the prize giving went on the hailstones came on again and Gill and I were huddled under an emergency bothy bag belonging to one of the HBT. At this point I put on all the layers I had. At least I had brought clothes even though I had forgotten to bring anything to drink. Duncan and Gill both came first in their categories and won some beer. Well done folks. 🙂

Results:

POSITION TIME NAME CATEGORY
20 32:05 Duncan Ball MV50
40 36:46 Gillian Cairns FV40
46 38:03 Allan Dunbar MV40
54 39:50 Michael Greens MJ
63 42:06 Chris Downie MV50
66 42:47 Sadie Kemp FS