The Pentlands Seven Reservoirs Multi Terrain Half Marathon, or ‘7R Half’ to make it less of a mouthful, was on Sunday 6th of December.
Organised brilliantly by Harmeny Pentland Runners, starting and finishing at Threipmuir, passing the reservoirs Loganlea~Glencorse~Bonaly~Torduff~Clubbiedean~Harlaw. It was a wet one underfoot this year with the start being diverted slightly as Threipmuir was brimful after Desmond left his mark on Saturday. The actual weather was almost ideal, bright, chilly and a fair breeze. The ‘multi-terrain’ description was apt, along with tarmac, mud, hard packed trail, the path through Green Cleugh to Loganlea was practically one long stream. Not a route for a half marathon PB, but fun all the same.
96 runners, Dessie Flanagan (Carnethy) first home in 1hr 24:56 for the hat trick, the three-peat win. David Fulton (HBT) 2nd in 1hr 25:32 and Nigel Shekleton (Carnethy) 3rd in 1hr 29:31. I crawled in in 7th at nearly the same exact time as last year. The post race spread is always a highlight, and the weather seems to respond in kind, with campfire soup, tea, cake and sandwiches, with (non booze) mulled wine bubbling away.
The event always raises a good amount for local charities (£ tbc this year), the main charity nominated this year for the race was the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland.
Results and the website http://www.pentland7reservoirs.org.uk/
Matthew Curry