The Dumyat Dash was a shorter route this year, 4.8km with 440m of ascent, instead of 8.8km and 550m ascent as in the previous 4 years. This may of accounted for the reduced field, down a third to 66 runners.
The start was unchanged at the Menstrie scout hall, however instead of heading East and up the Menstrie Glen, we headed West, and soon followed a narrow trod onto the hillside. The course was marked throughout with white arrows, so no excuse to get lost. A slow start meant I couldn’t overtake on the single file path (lack of acceleration), and by the time I reached the landrover track the leading pack were a good 150 yards ahead, Going flat out I managed to close the gap, but my the time the steep climb started I had shot by bolt. The climb up the Burnwarroch was a snot induced struggle, and the leaders disappeared over a chilly windy summit. A fast descent took us back to the slippy muddy narrow trod and then back to the scout hall.
The race was won by Al Anthony, Ochils, in 29:58, with Andrew and Iain Gilmore in 2nd and 3rd place. First female was Katy Baxter, Ochils, in 42:17. Scott Craighead was 5th, which with my 9th secured the team prize for Carnethy. Joan Wilson was 48th and first F50, Colin Ledlie 49th.
There was tea/coffee and biscuits in the Dumyat Centre afterwards, and loads of prizes (1st three in each age category). Only nine females in the field and not enough for a ladies team prize.
Well organised race, although I spotted several runners without the mandatory safety kit, and whilst it was warm (for October) at sea level, any mishap on the summit would of left a runner without full body cover exposed to the cold wind.
A nicer route than the old course, but perhaps could be improved further my adding a mile or so when up on the hill. Much improved weather than last year too, when several runners were looking hypothermic at the finish.
Full results here:
http://www.scottishhillracing.co.uk/RaceResults.aspx?RaceID=RA-0265&RaceYear=2014
Graham Nash