Harry’s prediction of rain at 11am was ridiculously accurate, though I mocked it at the time. A new route for the race caused by forestry operations started with an unfortunate constriction early on that saw queues at a steep narrowing of the path, spreading the field out and making it a start line lottery in the competition. In such a short race you can’t catch up so my sights were set on one of the 119 bananas promised to the finishers. Once past this point the rest of the course was a lovely run. The rain duly appeared and lashed us as we climbed the spectacular gully to Castle law where for me the rain cleared (though the fast runners were still in the clag here). Shreds of clouds clung to the tops and the vista suddenly appeared. The views from the Ochils are always amazing, if you can see them. A fast descent with the odd slippery patch saw some falls but I survived to claim my banana.
On a more serious note the final finisher, running a hill race for the first time on the encouragement of her personal trainer, was clearly unfit from the outset to partake of or finish the course in a reasonable time. Advised by the sweepers to withdraw she took off her number and told them to leave her alone. The sweepers felt they still had a duty of care and refused to leave her, but her actions left marshals and sweepers on the hill for a very long time, putting them at risk. And I would argue that having clearly withdrawn from the race she had no right of care. But well done sweepers for continuing to look after her and many thanks to the organiser for a well marshalled and clearly marked course. Results here
Digby