New England in the fall: cool nights, warm days, hillsides painted in scarlet and gold, perfect conditions for running. Inspired by Jim Hardie’s transatlantic foray earlier in the year, I was keen to check out the U.S. running scene as part of a late summer holiday. The Joe English Twilight Challenge Trail Half Marathon coincided with our arrival in the US, and Anna and I were more than happy to add some international glamour to this distinctly local affair. As I checked out the competition before the race I was hoping that the small field promised the chance of placing well. A wiry looking local named Dave strolled up to admire the Carnethy vest, upon hearing it hailed from Edinburgh he commented: I raced in Scotland once. In the world mountain running championships…
The race started at six and we headed off on the first of five laps of an undulating course as the sun slipped below the trees. The pace felt fast from the off and the clock at the end of the first lap confirmed this, 16.20 for 2.62 miles seemed like more than I could maintain on this course. So it proved, and though I held on to second place for the next lap and a half I eventually succumbed to Dave’s superior pacing and my own tired legs. In the end I was more than happy to finish third in 1.26.55, two and a half minutes off the leader and 90 seconds behind Dave.
An alternative take on the race from Dave Dunham here. Results here.
Chris Busby