With no Christmas shopping done, I was faced with the prospect of fighting the crowds on Princes Street, or going running, so sensibly I chose the latter, and headed to Tillicoultry for the Kirk Craigs Christmas Cracker Hill Race. This is the 4th year of the race, organised by Ochil Hill Runners, sponsored by Harviestoun Brewery, and at just over 4 miles with around 1,800ft of climb is ideal for the time of year. The starting point had been moved further up the hill from previous races due to cows and a frisky bull in the usual field. 103 other runners had similarly decided to avoid the Christmas crowds, which meant for a frantic sprint from the off on a trod beside an old wall. The climb up the Kirk Craigs was lung busting, before we headed across the tops to the path from Mill Glen, where we descended at pace to the turning point at The Big Stone, and then retraced our steps back to the start.
The weather was very pleasant with some warmth in the sun breaking through the clouds. We headed to Centenary Hall for the prize presentation, and hot scotch pies, mince pies and cakes, served with tea and coffee. The race proceeds of over £400 plus donations were donated to Play Alloa. The winner was Josh Boyle from the Ribble Valley in 36.50 with a new course record. First female was Carnethy’s Angela Mudge. Last year’s female winner, Michelle Hetherington was 3rd. Colin Ledlie was 76th. I finished in 8th picking up the MV40 prize of 2 cans of Harviestoun’s Bitter and Twisted, plus a mini Panettone cake, which I’ll wrap and give to Nicola for her Christmas present – such an efficient use of time; running AND Christmas present shopping at the same time. The beers I drank, obviously.
Merry Christmas to one and all.
Results: http://www.scottishhillracing.co.uk/RaceResults.aspx?RaceID=RA-0330&RaceYear=2018
Graham Nash