5 of us headed across to the Wee County for this classic midweek Bog and Burn race. The weather was perfect for running, if somewhat muggy, and the flies were making themselves known too. There was a slight route variation this year, due to erosion, so rather than returning off Andrew Gannel via the valley track from Maddy Moss, we were to follow the fence line that runs between Andrew Gannel and King’s Seat, until it intersected with the King’s Seat. The distance seemed the same though, at 6.2 miles.
There was a strong turnout for a midweek race, especially from Westies, and when Joe Symonds hove into view at the start you knew your SHR %age was already ruined. As so it proved, as he built an unassailable lead very quickly as we climbed from the Gannel Burn up the Law and onwards to Ben Cleuch. As we turned towards Andrew Gannel I saw the first Carnethy appear (Andrew Normand) looking strong and well placed, quickly followed by Andrew Gilmore who was neck and neck with Alan Smith of Deeside. Harry followed soon after and Duncan Davis and myself were swapping places up to the climb to the turn – I won out there but it was short-lived as he blasted past me on the descent.
We took the aforementioned route variation and it was a fast descent all the way to the steep finish and water station. A great race and now on my ‘must-do-again’ list. Male and female winners were Joe Symonds of HBT and Madeline Robinson of Helensburgh respectively. Harry was 2nd MSV.
As an interesting footnote (well, interesting to me anyway), I chatted briefly to Gordon Bulloch before the race. Gordon was capped 75 times for Scotland as hooker and played for the British and Irish Lions and is now turning out for Westies since retiring from top-level rugby, and progressing nicely! For some, I guess the competitive fire just never goes out.
Results here: http://www.ochilhillrunners.org.uk/resultsDetails.aspx?id=1387
Mike Lynch