I camped with my family at the Glen Nevis campsite, we travelled up on the friday evening to make a weekend of it. This meant on the saturday I had time to go and check out some of the route.

The race starts at 9.30 from the Nevis Range (Ski centre) car park where there is a coffee shop and plenty of room to get parked. The route starts with an uphill on gravel track and this meanders through the forest, every now and then you get a glimpse of Ben Nevis between the trees. The track is wide for most of the way apart from a couple of little sections where you are being tickled by the ferns. There was one boggy patch where I sank into the marsh and started to question my choice of road shoes over trail. Once you reach Spean Bridge there is a short road section where traffic was being stopped to let us cross followed by a couple of miles on narrow forest track up to the Commando monument. From here we were on road for a few miles and this section is mostly down hill allowing for some faster running. This is where you reach the 13 mile marker which always gives me a lift as I know I can soon start counting down the miles to the finish. The scenery is fantastic at this point with the rolling hills and Ben Nevis in the distance. After a while you reach the Caledonian canal at Gairlochy and I was pleased to be handed an isogel as well as water at this station, I had brought some of my own but wasn’t sure if they were going to last me. I had a bit of a sore stomach the first half of the race and couldn’t face the solid food I had brought. Running by the canal is just lovely. The tow path is very smooth and the coolness and tranquility of the canal was very soothing. This is quite a long stretch of the race and I settled into a comfortable pace and even passed some of the runners that had overtaken me in the early miles.

Once you get to Neptune’s staircase the route is back on roads and takes you back towards the Nevis range. At one point you are running along a road straight towards ‘the Ben’ and this took my mind off my legs which were starting to complain at this point. Once you pass the Fort William golf club its not much further before you take the road that leads to the North face car park. After this you are back on forest track and quite a lot of it is uphill. I was feeling really tired by this point and had to dig deep to keep running as quite a few people had started walking. Runners were encouraging each other and there was a real sense of camaraderie in this last section of the race. The trail comes out again at the car park and just before the finish someone shouted ‘don’t forget to smile as you cross the line!’. I was very happy to be finished and get in under 4 hours. This isn’t my best marathon time but due to the hills and the challenging terrain I was happy with my time and glad to see Billy, Daniel and Michael waiting for me at the finish. You get a t-shirt, medal and a miniature of ‘Ben Nevis’ Whisky as well as a tunnocks caramel wafer and the standard banana and bottle of water. I didn’t carry any drinks as there were water stations every few miles and gels available in the later stages of the race.The race was very well marked and marshalled and chip timed. The weather was great for running with a little cloud cover and no rain. I finished in 78 out of 292 in a time of 3.55.35. This was a new race and I think the organisers did a great job, this is one I would recommend. 🙂

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I have been wanting to run this race for a while, but as it is north of the Cairngorms, it’s a real hike to get there. However, as Andrea was away I decided to take the plunge and go on a road trip north.

To ensure I did not have a 4 hr drive and get up super early (race start 12pm), I drove to Aviemore yesterday, stayed at the Youth Hostel and undertook some Guinness sponsored carb loading with friends at the Old Bridge Inn. After a 7.30am continental breakfast and then at 9.30 a full “English” break at the mountain café, I waddled to the car for the final hour drive to Dufftown (you don’t pronounce the w).

The Ben Rinnes Hill Race is part of the Dufftown Highland Games (http://dufftownhighlandgames.com/) – a true traditional Scottish games with pipe bands, track races, traditional dancing, tug of war, caber tossing, loads of food and of course the fell race. Ben Rinnes is also part of the Scottish Long Series (http://www.shr.uk.com/Championship.aspx?ChampionshipID=C-006) and due to my knee, I have missed all of them so far this year. High time to see if there is still life in this old dog yet!

Ben Rinnes route

At about 22kms with 1500m of climb, on paper, it is similar to Stuc a’Chroin but in reality is much easier – much less technical. Although the contours look close together on the map and the profile looks scary, this is one of those races that is annoyingly runnable. Even on most climbs I bounced between short bursts of running mixed with walking. Maybe I was burning all that fried fat off from the 2^nd breakfast.

The route is an out and back race with 3 peaks, but two of them you have to do twice. I generally don’t like out/back races, but the views were stunning and the terrain (a path all the way) varied from tracks, peaty trails to granite steps and somehow seemed different on the return. Weather was perfect. Bar one heavy shower 10 mins before the start, the race was dry and the sun kept popping out long enough to remind the runners what a summer could be like.

Ben Rinnes Profile

Most of the route was relatively easy going. There were two arduous sections: (1) the initial descent of Ben Rinnes itself where the path has been layed with granite steps. When going up, I thought this would be a nightmare but in the end, rather than zig-zagging down, most runners just went straight through the heather dodging the rocks; (2) The other tough surprise was the climb out from the road crossing. Bloody steep but thankfully not that long. I did not even remember coming down it.

Having never run this race before, I had no idea how long it would take me. However, when looking at past results, I saw that Hillary Holding had been 1^st lady in 2007 with 2:48:42 and last year Madeline Robinson had ran it in 2:37:26. So my two friendly nemeses were close in time, so I felt a 2:45 was worth aiming for although, being ever competitive, I kept looking at my watch the whole race thinking, can I beat them?

And what did I do it in?

2:36:31 (27^th – no idea how many runners though).

🙂

Amy had recommended this race and very kindly drove some of us through to Muirkirk in her ‘pocket rocket’. The weather was a little chilly when we got out of the car and we had some debate over whether or not to wear a tshirt under our club vests. I didn’t bother and was glad as I got too hot as soon as I started running. The race has a relaxed atmosphere and we were given sticky numbers (new to me) to put on. The race is an out and back route and is marshalled and there are road cones marking the way so very easy to navigate. The ground at the beginning and end is a real quagmire so you need to choose carefully where to place your feet to avoid going in knee deep. This makes it quite tiring as your shoes are soaked from the start. Once you get on to the uphill section the ground is drier with some rockier sections and when you get to the large cairn at the top the views are gorgeous. I was managing to keep close to Chris Downie and Amy until this point but as we made our way back down the hill they both seemed to get further and further from me (I really need to work on my descents!). I was very happy at the finish to be handed a bottle of water and a medal. All in all a very enjoyable race and the weather stayed dry apart from a little shower which was quite refreshing at the time.

Distance 7.2 km
Climb 330 m

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results:
20 Mike Brooks 0:40:09
53 Christopher Downie 0:49:11
59 Amy Kerr 0:51:08
60 Sadie Kemp 0:51:47

This is a lovely coastal route which is pretty flat and is on grass, path and track. Very well organised and marshalled. It is chipped timed and this year you were able to get a print out of your time immediately at the finish.

Great turn out again from the harriers and lovely to have Dave there to support us too. Quite windy conditions with the threat of rain but it stayed dry while we were running. The wind was quite blustery and when you made the return part of the race that’s when you really felt it working against you. Nice goody bag at the end and a generous buffet and a free ice cream were also enjoyed by all.

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There are more photos here : https://picasaweb.google.com/113562417702657933373/MUSSELBURGH10K2015 thanks to Bob Marshall

Results: Finish position, chip time, finish time

132 Michael MCCOMB 00:46:43 00:46:59
147 Michael GREENS 00:47:27 00:47:42
148 Sadie KEMP 00:47:28 00:47:44
161 Tracy PHILP 00:48:03 00:48:17
163 Ian FORREST 00:48:08 00:48:26
175 Melanie DUNBAR 00:49:07 00:49:22
194 Ezmie MCCUTCHEON 00:50:30 00:50:45
195 Michael PHILP 00:50:33 00:50:48
205 Alan Black 00:51:24 00:51:41
213 Pamela NEWPORT 00:52:08 00:52:23
227 Lynne Stevely 00:52:57 00:53:14
228 Dyane HARVEY 00:52:54 00:53:15
263 Julie YOUNG 00:56:37 00:56:53

Well this is my 1st race report on the page. Tracy and I arrived in Moffat early afternoon as we were staying in the campsite for a couple of days. Plenty parking in and around the town centre although the Main Street is closed off at 4pm to accommodate the junior and main race. Registration at the town hall was easy and ran by friendly volunteers, also spaces available on the day for late entries. The race started at 7.15pm and had a fantastic turnout of around 180 runners from various clubs and individuals as well. The Penicuik team including Yan Horsburgh, Tracy Philp and myself.
The 9.3 mile route left the town along a beautiful undulating B road for about 3.5 miles to a farm at the base of the famous Devils Beef Tub, here you faced a fantastic climb for approximately 1 mile up a farm track to the top (thank you for Thursday Hill Training Bill Bennet), I only wish I had my camera to take some pictures of the fantastic view.

This only left a fantastic 4 mile run back down the Beef Tub via the main road back in to Moffat town centre, the route was well marshalled and also drew out a lot of spectators along the way at the numerous cottages and farms along the way. The highlight was running back in to high street to be met by what seemed like the whole population of the town. Fantastic goodie bag with T shirt, hat, mars bar and a slate plaque to commemorate the event, not to mention cake made by the local Jogscotland members at the finish line too. I for sure will definitely do it next year.

Results
Yan Horsburgh 19th 62.08 (2nd super vet)
Tracy Philp 78th 75.41
Michael Philp 117th 82.01

Billed as ‘Possibly the best, and generally the longest time-wise, of the mid-week Bog and Burn races’ I was expecting a challenge, full body cover was required so I went prepared with map and compass. The map I had printed wasn’t correct as the course had been altered slightly to follow the red route on the map above, but this was made clear at registration. As it was an evening race I toyed with the idea of putting my head torch in my pack just in case but then decided this was probably overdoing it. As it happened the visibility was great apart from a slight bit of cloud at the top of Ben Cleuch and I was never alone on the hill. I was glad of this as someone had made the ill advised decision to wear a bright orange morph suit plus a mask which I found a little disturbing and had I met him alone in the mist I might well have freaked out and used my whistle. The race begins on a uphill so there isn’t much time to warm up before you are puffing and panting your way up the track towards Ben Cleuch. There was 157 runners competing and the track very quickly narrows so you need to settle in at the pace of those around you running and walking according to the terrain. There are a couple of points where I found myself clambering over rocks and there is a very pretty little stream to cross near the beginning. As you gain more height the path opens up and allows for some overtaking but I was happy to go at a fast walk until the hillside levelled out a bit. At this point I was able to run again and as you near the summit you are passed by the faster runners in the opposite direction, I saw Gillian Cairns looking strong as ever. The hills were quite peaty with some boggy sections where you need to choose your route carefully. The route undulates but most of the uphill is done in the first section, before you know it you reach Andrew Gannel hill. I made use of any ascents to take a drink of water as it was pretty mild weather. The views were fantastic back towards Tillicoultry and there is a nice section of running on a gentle downhill which I particularly enjoyed, I was thinking what a nice way to spend a wednesday evening. As I headed towards the steep downhill section Chris Downie went flying past me saying this was the part he had been looking forward to. Well this was the part I had been dreading as I have had a few falls recently and was feeling nervous. Sure enough a few people passed me as I tentatively made my way to the finish. There a couple of routes through the ferns and I tried to take what looked like the most straightforward and hoped it would bring me out at the right point. I think they mostly join up at the end so it probably didnt matter which one you chose. At the bottom my fellow harriers were being eaten alive by midgies so we headed straight back to the cars.

Results:
40 01:05:19 Mike Brooks
41 01:05:22 Rob Wilson
79 01:13:24 Gillian Cairns
134 01:25:33 Chris Downie
140 01:27:29 Sadie Kemp

I camped at Aviemore and a fellow runner gave me a lift over to Braemar which took a good hour and a half. The weather was very wet in the morning and I was glad by the time we got to jthe start it had eased. The race begins at the old police station and we got our numbers there and had our kit check done. After a quick brief we were off. the weather improved and after the first mile I was too hot and struggled to remove my waterproof and stuff it into my backpack as runners streamed by me. The first few miles are on road and allow you to warm into the run. Soon you cross a bridge and on to trail. It’s a pleasant run through the trees and out onto more open ground and the start of the Lairig Grhu. At this point the terrain becomes more difficult with some boggy bits and the path narrows and becomes rockier.

The route begins to climb towards more dramatic scenery and there is a river to wade through. Some people were stopping to wring out their socks but this was futile as much of the coming route was waterlogged. The path was increasingly difficult leading up to the boulder field. I was glad to get there as it meant I could walk with no guilt. I was tiring by this time and although I had been eating cereal bars and taking gels I was feeling a bit light headed. At the other side of the boulder field I began to try to run a bit but fell a couple of times and cut my knees. I was feeling pretty sorry for myself and another runner asked if I was ok as there was blood streaming from my knees. I had run out of fluids by then and stopped at a stream to fill my water bottles and this along with the awesome views lifted my spirits. I hobbled on and the path became less rocky as I headed into the forest. I was able to pick up speed and was enjoying the downhill.

Navigation was pretty straightforward with only one crossroad which was signposted for Aviemore. As I came into Coylumbridge there was water being handed out which I was very glad of. Billy and the boys were there and Michael ran the last couple of miles with me which really helped. As I ran through the town there was shouts of encouragement and I reached the Mountain cafe in 5hrs 29 mins. I was just glad to be finished within the 6hr limit. This has to be the hardest race I have attempted and I wasn’t prepared for how little of it was runnable for me. The marshalling of the race is kept to a minimum and the course is unmarked but I didn’t have any problems, runners are expected to be self sufficient apart from a couple of water stations early on. A very rewarding experience and a fantastic challenge in an incredible location.

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This was definitely the hardest hill run I have ever attempted and in terms of mph, the slowest. However, I can still almost walk today and am quite chuffed at having survived without any permanent damage (so far) and I am feeling quite ‘achieved’.

The Arrochar Alps epic is about 15 miles in length and starting from Arrochar (to the west of Loch Lomond) takes in four munros – Ben Vorlich, Ben Vane, Beinne Ime and Beinne Narnain. Being some of the furthest south munros, they are quite grassy except near the tops but are exceedingly steep and the climbs are monstrous.

I had originally planned to do the Glenshee 9, but it doesn’t seem to be organised this year, and the ‘next best’ run was obviously Arrochar. I had also planned to do some more proper hill walking in preparation, but had managed only Ben More and Stob Binnein back in April. I found to my cost that running even 14 miles in the Pentlands on a few Saturdays is not adequate training for these huge mountains.

Anyway, after a longish drive via Glasgow of 1 hour 45 mins, I arrived at the Arrochar car park and looked around for the sign-on. Amongst the scores of hill walkers I located a runner-looking type who told me that sign-on was back in the Community Hall. Not bad, £10 for an on-the-day entry. I filled two small bottles with Carbo drink, one with just water and stuck them in my rucsac along with two gels and the usual kit required for hill races – the most important being map and compass. The weather forecast was quite good, but looking up at the hills, I couldn’t see any tops due to mist, and what I could see seemed an awful long way up.

I didn’t bother with much of a warmup for such a long run and actually just walked the 200 yards to the start. With only about 40 runners, the count-through was nice and brief and kit check even briefer, and just after 11 am, we were on our way. The first 4 miles we headed north along a very pleasant flattish trail and then tarmac road to within half a mile of the Loch Sloy dam. We then turned right up a pretty steep track leading up to the first munro. The track degenerated into a steep, soggy, grassy climb which went on for ages. The scenery opened up gradually, but we still couldn’t see any tops. At last I could see the runner in front disappear over a lump and the terrain thankfully changed into a drier, rockier and less steep path winding up to the summit. We by-passed the trig point and continued on to the real summit, a third of a mile to the north in the mist. Runners were now coming back down and I counted about thirteen going past (not that I’m competitive).

I couldn’t see anything at the summit cairn, but one down, three to go. Back down the path and I knew that I would have turn sharp right downwards to find the dam. I must have overshot a bit, as I could see the runner behind me galloping down a hundred yards to my right. He looked as though he knew where he was going so I converged on his line. Ah, there was the dam! We arrived at the same time and crossed the bridge beneath as the dam top was closed. It transpired that he had done the race a couple of times before so I thought that keeping up with him for as long as possible would take the pressure off navigation.

This was definitely not the tourist route up Ben Vane and we just went straight up again. It was incredibly steep, slippery, wet and with numerous crags to avoid. I was grateful to follow the expert and listened carefully to his tips on later parts of the route. Two thirds of the way up another runner passed us and I stupidly tagged on to him and left my helpful guide behind. The top was again very misty and I had to resort to map and compass. I hadn’t done this for a while and I was quite apprehensive, but struck off downwards on a westerly bearing. The other runner started off slightly more northerly, but I stuck to my own route. The descent was quite technical and very uneven – not much galloping. As the mist cleared I spent a few minutes again with the map picking out crags and streams and then headed down to Gleann Uaine. By this time my legs were burning and starting to get wobbly. Ah, a group of people! With all this map-reading, my ‘guide’ had caught up and all three of us arrived at this small bunch of marshals at the same time.

The route up Beinn Ime was a bit more obvious with a large corrie and ridge to our left and a well defined gully leading up to the summit ridge. And I could see a couple of specs of other runners up above. It was not quite so steep this time but no less endless and the snow patches had recently melted leaving soggy mats of brown slippery grassy stuff. After another huge slog and grovel up the steep gully, we arrived on the ridge and made for our third misty summit. I was getting severely tired at this point and beginning to wonder whether a fourth munro was realistic.

At the top, I saw the runner in front disappear back down in the mist, but I still got out the map to check the SSE bearing and slurped down a gel. I was half way through my rations so had probably judged it right. Three down, one to go!

On the way down the legs started to cramp. Although I had added a few drops of concentrated electrolyte (very salty water to you and me) to my water bottles, I had an attack of paranoia and actually took a sook directly from the bottle of electrolyte. Yeaauuk! But magically after only a few minutes, no twinges of cramp! The descent this time was a lot less steep, but still too uneven to blast down comfortably.

At the bottom stood an orange tent and some cheerful-looking marshals who enquired as to my well-being and how I had found it so far. I said OK (not exactly true) and apologised for being so slow and doddery. Conscious of my cramping legs I stuck a few more drops of salt into my last water bottle and set off for the last hill. The west side of Beinn Narnain is far more straightforward with a firmer path and not particularly steep. (It must have been even mistier one year as one runner had gone up The Cobbler by mistake!) But by now everything was very sore, including my back, and it was still a painfully slow slog. Phew, at last the top! But again frustratingly misty and I couldn’t see a thing.

The last descent is pretty much SE towards a plantation above Arrochar, but it was probably the most technical of them all – starting off steep and very rocky and becoming horribly boggy, slippery and bouldery, not helped by very wobbly legs. Then that painful transition from hillside to forest track and a mere one and a half miles to survive to the finish.

It had taken me a record 4 hours 48 minutes but at least I could still walk. The timekeeper at the finish noticed my Penicuik Harriers vest and enquired after Bill. Unfortunately I have forgotten his second name – Drew somebody! The winning time was an incredible 3 hours 21 and puts things into perspective (results on Scottish Hill Runners). Well, a good excuse to go and do some munro-bagging.

Many thanks to Westerlands CCC, the organiser and marshals for a highly memorable event.

Duncan Ball.

I didn’t manage along to this race last year, but those who ran it last time said it was a great short race, so I was really glad to run it this time. Just three hilly Harriers – me, Rob and Chris, travelled to Largo in the gorgeous weather. As usual I was running late and almost forgot my shoes, which just added to my pre-race nerves. We arrived with plenty time for warm up and stretching, (and for me, time to worry about what might lie ahead!). It was a good turnout this year, with 75 runners starting. Thankfully there was a little bit of cloud cover so it wasn’t too hot. We were assured in the pre – race briefing that the route was a straightforward out and back and was well marshalled, which was a relief for me as I had the ‘getting lost’ fear too!

We started up a short tarmac hill and were then quickly off the road and on to a trail which was very runnable, and then our first stream crossing. After that, my memory is as usual a little vague, but I just stuck with my default setting of ‘run fast, keep sight of another lady runner and pass her if you can’. We carried on through a field and then I pretty much disappeared into eye – height grass on either side of a very narrow path. Eventually it opened up as we ran up an initially gradual incline and then up a steeper hill to the foot of the Law. Then my favourite bit – the uphill! I don’t know why, but this is always the bit I find the most enjoyable – probably the change of pace after the fast run. However, I realised pretty quickly that the downhill was going to be a bit steep for my liking.

I had managed to pass the lady I’d been chasing, and then I spotted Rob a couple of places in front – a pleasant surprise, but to be short lived because then came the downhill. What can I say other than that I didn’t fall, and I was only passed by two folk, frankly a miracle with my cautious downhill approach! Rob quickly disappeared from sight, and I met Chris on his way up. My legs felt pretty done by the time I was down but I had sight of the lady who’d passed me again and I caught her as we moved into the flat ground again. Then I was basically a mad fast run all the way back, past a very nice family providing water and a very welcome soaking with their hose, and through the two stream crossings. The final sprint down the road to the finish was tough on the legs but made for a fast finish.

Great race – fast, mostly very runnable and lots of encouragement from the lovely marshals. I was very happy to be placed 2nd lady – or was that Rob?! :-). Good company and a fab way to spend an afternoon!

13th Rob Wilson 56:10
16th Gill Cairns 57:40
49th Chris Downie 1:08:37

At 7.2kms with 480m of climb, this is a surprisingly tough little race. I last ran this back in 2009 when it was a “2” hill race of 5.5kms (400m) and the new route is a nice improvement as it adds in some runnable sections.

Conditions: almost no wind and once the clouds cleared, it was hot. 21 degrees. Too hot!

Harriers in attendance: Me and newbie Sean Swindells.

Eildons “3” Race route

The route starts with a quick loop around a small park within Melrose before heading eastwards along the high street and then southwards under the main A road. Soon after the route takes a sharp left between some buildings, down some steps and up through woodlands to the south of the town. Initially the path is a series of wooden steps covered in chicken wire which is just dandy for your studs. Once leaving the wood, the route opens up and there is a slow steady climb for about half a kilometre before the beginning of the main steep climb up the 1^st main peak. This steep narrow path is bounded by gauze allowing no chance to pass anyone at this point. I was directly behind 2^nd lady at this point and with sweat pouring into my eyes, my memory of this section is a little blurry but it was a tough climb.

A sharp 90 degree right turn on the 1^st peak heads you SW down to the saddle between the two main Eildon peaks. This is fast and just lovely to get the legs going. Contouring around to the SE of the 2^nd main Eildons peak allows one to finally get into a nice rhythm although the heather on either side of the path does not make overtaking easy. The climb up to the new southern peak is relatively tame and I managed to pass quite a few people between these two peaks. From the southern peak, the route then heads north for another fast section until the final climb up the final hill. Admittedly, by this point, my legs were starting to fatigue, but the climb did not feel as bad as the 1^st peak. The descent is quite gnarly and the track is more scree-like than path, but once down at the saddle the route is plain sailing back down towards the town. Fast – with two Carnethy dudes and 2^nd lady (who I had passed earlier) breathing down my neck. Alas the Carnethy boys passed me, but I did cross the line as 2^nd lady! 🙂

69 runners.

24^th: Rob – 00:47:28

67^th: Sean – 01:09:35 (well under Bill’s 80 minute prediction)

This will make a great Grand Prix race for next year

Rob

Sorry Sean – could not find any pictures of you.

This was a first for me and I really enjoyed the event. It is held on the East Linton gala day and the gala queen sounded the horn to start the race, which was a lovely touch. There was plenty going on including stalls and a stage where singing and bagpipes could be heard to keep you occupied while waiting for the race to start. The route is a gradual climb taking you through the woods and through a river (you will get wet!) and along the riverbank to Traprain law, where we clambered over the rocks to reach the top. Then down the steep side of the Law and back along the edge of fields and through the trees again back to the start. There are some road sections so trail rather than hill shoes are probably best. The paths are quite narrow in places with tree roots here and there one of which I tripped on and did a superman fall grazing my knees and getting a bit muddy. Its a small race with only 72 runners, maybe because it clashes with Durisdeer. Worth a wee trip through though. (Thanks to Bob Marshall and Dunbar running club for the action shots)

Results:
13 Stuart Sanderson 0:44:10
53 Sadie Kemp 0:55:51

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Lovely to see so many Harriers in this race on such a beautiful evening!
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The route was changed slightly from the website due to the Promenade being busy so most of the race was ran on the beach. The tide was quite far out so the sand was quite compacted and we didnt have to jump over the wooden groynes. The weather was glorious sunshine with quite a strong wind. There was plenty of juice and cakes afterwards. Thanks to Bob Marshall for the action shots. A very fun race 🙂

I came in place 39 in 32.19, fourth female 🙂
Michael came in 52 in 34.10.

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This is a fast race with a lot of club runners, the description on the website is: ‘the route is on the open winding starting from the end of Turnhouse Road and circling Turnhouse Golf Course and Cammo. There is a fast downhill start before doubling almost towards the town and round Cammo, a good uphill is quickly followed by a sharp downturn in the road to the 3mile mark. Just before the 4 mile mark there is another incline before the course drops to a fast finish just off Turnhouse Road’. There seemed to be more uphill than down, but maybe thats just me 😉

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Results:

50 31:51:00 Derek Newport 50M
54 32:05:00 Duncan Ball 50M
72 33:29:00 Amy Kerr 40W
104 36:04:00 Michael Greens SM
116 37:13:00 Sadie Kemp SW
124 37:56:00 Ian Forrest 60M
129 38:36:00 Pamela Newport 50W
134 39:37:00 Tracy Philp 40W
149 42:26:00 Rachel McGavin SW
160 45:26:00 Julie Young 40W

Team results :
men:
9 Penicuik Harriers 208 Derek Newport Duncan Ball Michael Greens
women:
4 Penicuik Harriers 379 Sadie Kemp Pamela Newport Tracy Philp

Very well done to Amy Kerr for winning the W40 category, even though she was wearing a Portobello top! 🙂

Purely in running terms, Sunday was not a great day for me. Some things were within my control and others not. Quite simply, I found it flippin’ hard work and to be absolutely truthful, I was far more relaxed and devoid of any stress on the Fling which was double the length and on considerably harder ground and with huge elevation. Of course that this was just 5 weeks ago, may have something to do with all this. And then there was the wind – those who were there all testify that the constant headwind with big gusts over the last 7 miles or so were a big challenge. And so it was that while I did come in much when I thought I would, there was most definitely nowt left. And then I remembered I had to cycle more than 5 miles to get back to the car and yes, you’ve guessed it . . . it was uphill and into the wind – lol !

But wait, I’m always an optimist and there was an awful lot to enjoy about the weekend – there was (in no particular order):

• a fantastic AYE Club annual dinner and pre-race photograph with our Everpresent running legend guest, Chris Finill
• a great buzz amongst the crowds of runners at the start
• dryness – I never got rained on
• lots of sunshine
• the pleasure of running 5 miles with Jules
• cheers at Joppa from my mother, Aileen and Jennifer (who had made amazing flapjacks)
• big hugs from Gilly
• a huge boost from the ever inspiring Susie not just on the way out but again on the way back!
• waves to and from loads of marathon and relay Harriers
• much needed support from the likes of Gillian and many others
• the opportunity to wear my Harriers vest with pride
• the (very small) consolation that I was not last in my age group (403/555)
• the realisation that I am still in the AYE Club
• not one, but two huge bacon rolls waiting for me back at my sisters house

And if all that was not enough, I even stopped to do a very small amount of work along the way (checking that two runners who were flat on their backs were indeed only suffering from cramp – thankfully).

And finally, I had the chance today to have a wee rummage in the ‘Bling Box’ and say hello to my 16 marathon medals – as ever folks, Run and Become / Relentless Forward Progress!

Congratulations to all the Harriers who took part – I know Dave is compiling the stats (subject to verification of course) but I think the story so far is (usual apologies to anyone I have missed):

Full Marathon:

• Tim Darlow 2hr 58m 30s
• Sadie Kemp 3hr 39m 13s
• Mike McCombe 3hr 49m 49s
• Mark Dawson 3hr 54m 14s
• Tracy Philp 3hr 56m 28s
• Chris Burns 4hr 45m 37s
• Sean Swindells 4hr 48m 32s
• Vicky Doc Lyon 5hr 08m 14s

Half Marathon:

• Louise Campbell 1hr 45m 43s
• Ezmie McCutcheon 1hr 52m 57s
• Mike Philp 1hr 56m 20s
• Michelle Cooper 2hr 29m 27s

Relay Teams (the following names were Harriers who were part of these teams whose numbers were made up up by others):

• Rob Wilson

• Fran Jones
• Pam Newport
• Julie Young