After a couple of years break due to politics the Glenshee 9 race ran again this year. Ten Carnethies turned up to enjoy good weather for the start of the race. Everyone herded across the vast carpark following the fasties to the track at its lowest point, confusing many who normally head straight up beside the ski tow. There were 101 starters and 87 finishers with some not making the cut-off at 3.5hrs at the road crossing, and others abandoning the race in torrential rain in the late afternoon. Waterproofs were worn by most at some point. The men’s record was narrowly missed by Graham Gristwood who beat the marshals to the furthest hills and was ahead of schedule at the road crossing. Hero of the day was Jasmin Paris who smashed the women’s record coming in 7th overall in 3hrs 37mins just ahead of Andrew Normand. This followed a quite busy period completing a fast Tranter’s Round plus the 3 Skye ridges: Cullin, Bla Bheinn and Trotternish in the last few weeks.
Those who reccied the route got faster times (mostly) with 6 of us under 5 hrs and the Carnethy finishers got places 7, 8, 24, 42, 45, 51, 63 and 77. I bettered my 2011 race retiral and last year’s reccy by 1hr 45mins so was pleased, if very very wet at the end. Tea and medals at the finish for all!
Results at: http://www.scottishhillracing.co.uk/RaceResults.aspx?RaceID=RA-0215&RaceYear=2014
Mark Hartree