About the route: ‘predominantly quiet B roads in Strathearn, starting and finishing at the Cultybraggan Camp just outside Comrie, with about 1500 feet of ascent. The route initially heads south west up Glen Artney before a turn back to the east and then south on the B827 towards Braco. This stretch of the route gets up to a height of nearly 800ft. Just after the 10 mile mark, the route joins the A822 north for a short stretch before carrying on along the route of the old Roman road, and then joining quiet back roads into the southern edges of Crieff. At the 18.5 mile mark, the route turns west along the South Crieff Road to Comrie, before returning to Cultybraggan. The Strathearn Marathon is organised by Strathearn Harriers with assistance from the Comrie Development Trust, owners of Cultybraggan Camp.’
Route profile:
I think this is the fourth time I have completed this marathon and I am sure I will return another year. I love the friendly and relaxed atmosphere and the real character of the race. Although I was a few minutes slower than last year it didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the beautiful course. John and Adam got super times on such a hilly route. The weather was kind to us too with only a few light rain showers and the sun trying to break through the clouds. There was a downpour just after I finished so I made a hasty retreat back to the car and didn’t stay to enjoy the lovely spread of food that is always on offer. The marshals were so supportive and I like the fact the race organisers are trying to become more sustainable by providing compostable paper cups at the water stations. The medal was fantastic this year being made of local pottery.
About the medal: ‘We commissioned fantastic local pottery artists MoKa (based at Cultybraggan Camp) to design and create a stoneware squirrel medal and with support from our friends at House of Tartan in Crieff, have teamed this up with a very smart Strathearn tartan ribbon (yes – the very same that Kate Middleton has sported at various royal events)! We think they look fabulous and we hope you do too. The best thing is that they are all unique and are in keeping with our ethos of supporting local businesses and products.’
Results:
Pos Name Time Cat Pos Gen Pos
2 John Gibbs 02:48:04 Top 3 Overall 2 2
4 Adam Gray 02:51:26 1 4
53 Sadie Kemp 03:49:25 4 11
102 Tracy Philp 04:17:12 7 32
It was fantastic to have Michael Philp among the photographers and he got some great shots of all the runners. Here are some of his:
Great report Sadie, it sounds like a very informal and relaxed event which might have tempted me “in the day”. Well done to all and Johns’ podium finish, fantastic!