‘Storm Dennis became one of the most intense extratropical cyclones ever recorded’ (Wikipedia), and this is certainly how it felt as it slammed into the summit of West Kip during the 50th anniversary of the Carnethy 5 hill race on 15th Feb 2020.
Marshals wearing ski goggles, competitors literally crawling on all fours to reach the tops, and any running only being possible at a 45 degree angle. At times the sum total of your forward momentum was consumed simply keeping you stationary, the air moving so quickly across your face there was none left for your lungs, and any exposed skin whipped raw from fat rain droplets being fired horizontally into you at 65mph.
Why would any rational person want to do this?
But into this maelstrom 510 hardy souls started, and judging by their enormous grins and saucer-sized eyeballs at the finish line, I got the answer I was looking for. There definitely seems to be a correlation between wild conditions and people’s enjoyment, and the feedback so far has been nothing but glowing.
The race was only made possible in such conditions with the input of over 150 volunteers, many of whom had to endure much worse hardships than the runners. Sincerest thanks to each and every one of you.
As part of the 50th race celebrations we were honored to have six participants from the very first race present, two of whom, Bobby Shields and Ewart Scott, ended up competing in both events, which is a mind-boggling achievement. Meanwhile Angela Mudge and Robert Cranston received their Quaichs for completing 21 races.
The race was also notable for having its very first male winner from the host club, Alexander Chepelin, in a conditions-defying time of 53:17 (NB the race has had several female Carnethy winners already!). First woman this year was Hannah Russell of Helm Hill in 1:01:58. And this ordering was reflected in Carnethy and Helm Hill winning the men’s and women’s team prizes respectively.
Anniversary celebrations included a delicious curry, a commemorative mug, specially brewed beer (5 hops, 5 malts no less), beer mats, an optional t-shirt, and a Ceilidh in the evening too. Thanks to everyone that helped organize all of this, and roll on the next anniversary!
On a personal level it felt amazing to be part of the race again, my 14th and final as race organizer, and a marked contrast to the health issues I was facing one year ago. Give me a battering from Storm Dennis any day over lymphoma and six rounds of chemo. How very lucky I am to be back to health, surrounded by such a great group of people, and involved in hill runs like this again.
It’s been an absolute honour and privilege to have served the race since 2007, I‘ve met some amazing and inspiring people, and I wish my successor John Ryan every success during his tenure. Hopefully conditions next year will be a bit kinder, although maybe that’s exactly what makes a mid-winter race like this so memorable.
Olly Stephenson