Following on from last year’s cancellation due to the Beast from the East, this year Rat Race offered the option of running the Mighty Deerstalker twice which I took up in a fit of eagerness or stupidity, with a start 2 hours before the main field. Luckily the weather broke and there was no rain or snow for the event itself, but the after effects of Storm Gareth meant the ground was so sodden that the tracks to and from Traquair House were very gloopy. Rising water levels on the Tweed and Leithen Water meant that not only did the traditional upstream water section have to be dropped, but by 5pm a replacement wade across the Leithen, plus part of the route down from Pirn Craig, both had to be removed after the first lap. Apart from the water, the challenge here is mainly the steepness of the climbs / descents, coupled with lack of grip underfoot, plus the inevitable queuing in some spots and doing most of it at night. It was poignant to see the flowers planted at the spot where a participant died early in the 2017 event.
Based on Strava (not knowing anyone else at Carnethy yet), some others did the main event but I think I was the only club runner in the Double. Probably the only time I’ll be first Carnethy ever. 5 hours exactly, and 44/76 finishers was better than I hoped for.
Overall, recommended for something different to usual hill events. Not cheap though! Tweed optional.
Angus Johnston