Archives for December 2015
Kirk Craigs Christmas Cracker
Seven Carnethies headed for Tillicoultry for the inaugural Kirk Craigs Christmas Cracker Hill Race to burn off the turkey and mince pies on the day after boxing day. The Law Breaker Hill Race was originally run on this date, but after the wintry conditions of 2010 and 2011, which made for a lower level bad weather alternative route, the race was moved to mid summer, and now forms part of the Bog and Burn midweek series. This left a gap in the racing calender for those who need a racing fix over the festive season.
After a month of heavy rain, the day was settled and bright with a touch of warmth in the low sun. The underfoot conditions were however very wet and the going very heavy.
A field of 88 assembled on the slopes of Kirk Craig for a short race briefing. John Hammond took the lead from the off, avoiding the muddy spray that splattered all those behind. A fastish flattish flooded half mile through fields led to the gate up Kirk Glen, and the path steepened to slow the speed of the runners. By the summit of Kirk Craig the field was well spaced out, and the pace quickened through a rough trod across the summit to reach the Mill Glen path (last part of the Maddy Moss Hill Race route). A slippery, rocky descent to reach “the big stone”, where Al Anthony (Ochils) had taken the lead and it was about turn to retrace the route back to the start.
Al Anthony extended his lead to finish first in 38.36 (new course record!). First lady was Catriona Buchanan (Ochils) in 45.12. First Carnethy home in 5th place was Iain Gilmore in 41:09, followed by John Hammond (41:16), Andrew Gilmore (41.36) and Graham Nash (43.35) to claim 4 out the first 8 places, but no cigar. Harry Gilmore was 21st (49:51), Lindsay Doig 58th (60:32) and Paul Nash 61st (61:47).
An ideal race for the time of the year, which should be runable in most conditions, if the winters of 2010 and 2011 ever return. Plenty of marshals along the route and plenty of mince pies at the prize giving.
Results: http://kirkcraigscc.simplesite.com/420471884
Graham Nash
December Arthur’s Seat handicap
Apologies for the lateness of report – December was a hectic month.
Mild but slippy conditions.
Jill started a little late, but beat her handicap by over a minute, so is the official winner.
January handicap will be the 11th, as the first Monday will be a holiday.
Have a great Christmas and see you in the New Year.
Mike Lamont
Cockleroy Chaser
When dulled and jaded by the excesses of Christmas Day, what better way to enliven the soul than a bracing jaunt up a hill? Well that’s what I thought, although the Jones youngers begged to differ as they fell asleep and/or felt sick on the way to Beecraigs Country Park for the Cockleroy Chaser. Organised by the inimitable Martin Hyman, this fun run is a brisk 1km dash, firstly through woodland, then up to the Bronze age hill fort at the summit of Cockleroy Hill. And obviously back down again for juice and sweeties (and extras for muddy patches). Matt and I were too lazy/disorganised to sign up to the concurrent Festive Handicap, but it looked ace. Maybe next year!
Mary
Photocompetition
First entries in. See the Photo Competition page.
Xmas on Allermuir
The annual gathering on Allermuir. Graham’s raspberry vodka was a treat, and Willie’s whisky mac was very warming.
East District Cross Country Championships, Livingston
This end of season event is always a good one – tough and fast, with a strong field, and this year was no exception. The course was at Deans High School in Livingston, and had elements of the Dechmont Law Trail Race about it. Carnethy managed to field enough (male) runners to actually post a score this time, in both Senior and Masters teams, but the only female runner was Helen Bonsor. We really must try harder in 2016!
The course was 3 laps of 2 miles for the men, with 2 times round for the ladies. GB International Andrew Butchart was first home in a very quick 30.37, with Andy Fallas first Carnethy in for 16th place in 32.45. The rest of the team score was made up of Michael Reid (29th and 3rd Master) in 33.49, Mike Lynch (140th in 40.00), Bruce Smith (163rd in 40.59), Simon Titmuss (170th in 41.15) and Allen Flockhart (173rd in 41.28), for a team position of 13th. Helen completed the course in 25.59 for 27th place.
The Masters positions were 3 (Reid), 41 (Lynch), 62 (Smith) and 106 (Titmuss), for a team position of 11th.
An album of pictures from Steve Adam is here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/89560570@N06/albums/72157660021791174
Hopefully Konrad and Jasmin can encourage more runners to take part in the East District and National XC events in 2016.
Mike Lynch