What a cracking wee race. It helped that the Met Office got it totally wrong and there was sparkling sunshine instead of cloud.
The race is so short it’s practically over before it begins – just 3.57 miles and around 1100ft of ascent. The top is quickly reached via lovely mature pine forest (albeit with clear felled areas – hopefully the rest will remain), and the threatened bog was, compared with nearby Criffel, mere damp patches.
The descent is fast, though you have to be careful of tree roots and a path paved with branches. There’s a small re-ascent, probably to give you a chance to admire the view.
I was surprised to find I was not the only Carnethy – Steven Fallon made an appearance and won the V50 prize. I was 1st V60, this time with some worthy opposition in the form of Brian Brennan of Westies and who knows who else, so I feel I actually earned my bottle of wine.
Some 50 runners took part. Race details and results on Scottish Hill Racing
Digby