An impressive performance by British Champion, Carl Bell of Keswick, who won the Carnethy 5 at his first ever attempt and by over a minute as well. Despite not knowing the course, he took on the pace right from the gun, though said afterwards he was taken by surprise by how tough the course is. Previous winner, Murray Strain (HBT) just managed to get in front of the chasing pack to claim second place. That also only took second place in the Strain household boasting stakes as his wife, Tessa, won the women’s race when she just sneaked under the hour to keep in front of Sarah McCormack of Ambleside. It was a first time win for Tessa, but the 4 women behind her were all previous winners with 18 wins between them (admittedly most of these being by a particular one of them!).
We were a bit apprehensive about the weather forecast but it turned out not bad. A random selection of Carnethy runner pics and other views – my fingers were too cold to take more!
Four runners were awarded a 21st race Quaich this year to join this exclusive list; these being Win Rampen (Carnethy), Robert Walker (Penicuik), Jack Holt (Clayton-le-Moors) and Stewart “John” Whitlie (Carnethy). Nikki Maclean got a special prize for being the 2000th finisher from Carnethy HRC (the club first took part in 1984). Results here. Gender equality received a tremendous boost with the creation of a marvellous new claymore for the ladies team winners, crafted by Billy Elliott. And even better, it’s bigger than the men’s trophy! This superb new trophy was fittingly won by the hosts, Carnethy. Hunters Bog Trotters convincingly won the men’s claymore.
The juniors had their own version of the race – The Scald Law Junior Race – and the results are here
Digby and Andy
Jonny Muir’s view of the race here.