Photo by Michael Philp Photos
In a slight deviation from its usual 2nd January slot, the conditions for Greenmantle Dash on 3rd January couldn’t have been better. Clear skies, firm underfoot conditions and not too much ice on the tarmac sections. In another deviation from tradition, an unexpectedly locked gate at the primary school meant no jumping over the wall and a diversion via the public toilets instead. Then it was back to the traditional icy burn crossing, icy boggy field and onwards up and down the hill.
Burn crossing
100 runners took part in the race and 25 in the fun run. It was great to see so many kids taking part this year, a real family day out! Our race winners were Thomas Hilton of Edinburgh Uni Hare & Hounds and Heidi Ross of Carnethy. The Michael Greens trophy (awarded to the runner who best embodies the spirit of our late, great club mate) was given to Kat Brack of Musselburgh & District AC (unlucky/lucky? bib number 13), for taking a spectacular tumble on the downhill but styling it out like a pro. We also had some runners in fancy dress, so well done to Santa and Indiana Jones for slogging it out in costume!
Indiana Jones and the Greenmantle Crusade! Photo by Michael Philp Photos
Santa dashes! Photo by Michael Philp Photos
At the post-race gathering in the village hall the soup from Penicuik Storehouse went down a treat, and the home-baking stall raised a whopping £185 for Youth Vision. Thanks to everyone who baked and donated. There was also a keg of Hopo from Broughton Brewery to enjoy, for those not doing Dry January. Thanks to Broughton Village Store for putting together the first prize treat bags, and to Broughton Brewery for loaning us a dispenser for the keg free of charge.
Cool down in the burn!
Thank you to everyone who came to run and support this year, it really helps keeps this wee race alive. A massive thank you to all the volunteers and marshals who made the day go so smoothly. A special thank you (and apology) goes to our wonderful kitchen crew, who had to defrost some very stubbornly frozen soup which almost meant we were serving smoothies rather than the hot stuff. This year we had additional helpers from Moorfoot Runners and Carnethy and we are so grateful for their support. Thank you also to our local supporters and landowners, without whom this race would not be possible.
The dream team!
Results have been uploaded to SHR: https://www.scottishhillrunners.uk/RaceResults.aspx
Fun run results are here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UkYskPbiZLgaGXCp2DujaGli6lM3-gp0/view?usp=sharing
Photos of the category prize winners are here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCFC3E
Michael Philp’s photos are here: https://lightroom.adobe.com/shares/cfc7279e5c5545a6b58cbafd9dae4906
(please consider buying him a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/MichaelPhilp
See you next year!
Fab report Jan and well done everyone that volenteered and helped out. I’ve helped couple of time, but still I’ve still to run it, maybe next year.
A perfect day for the Dash. Great report Jan, every base covered. Well done to you and your dream team.