Tinto Hill Race took place on Saturday, in what turned out to be much better weather than last year. After a turbulent week of logistics problems, it ended up running pretty smoothly on the day, with lots of fantastic volunteers from Carnethy and Tinto Hill Runners. A big thank you goes out to Malcolm Lord and Duncan Davis who picked up and drove a minibus to shuttle runners, along with all those who also offered their services to do so. Without the option of a shuttle, the race looked doomed early last week, and may have had to be cancelled before the roads department eventually relented and told us that people could go from registration to the start on foot.
The new registration and car parking area was an improvement on the previous location, and the Damn Delicious shop seemed popular with runners after the race. There was a short walk to the start, less boggy than the previous route.
157 runners set off, one less than last year despite the improved weather conditions on offer. The skies cleared and the wind dropped as they set off, and those of us left at the start line enjoyed a moment of peaceful contemplation, along with some snacks, before getting into action and turning the start line into a finish line.
Soon after the seniors set off, Jonny Muir sounded the starting horn for the Tinto Tiptoe. A new route for this year made it more of a hill race, finishing on a downhill muddy section to bring them to the finish line. They all crossed the finish line with smiles on their faces and mud everywhere, with times ranging from 11:11 to 22:19. Arielle Muir and Effy Coakley were the only junior athletes to have taken part in last year’s race, and seemed significantly happier this year than they were in last year’s storm. When they’re older they’ll understand more about Type II fun.
As the final junior runner approached the finish, we started to see some bigger people working their way down the hill.
An excellent run saw Finn Lydon win, and come very close to the course record. Heidi Ross led home a dominant field of Carnethy women, with 6 in the top 7, including 1st FV40 Nicola Duncan in 5th (and first to the top, I think she mentioned this once or twice!).
Andy Macrae came flying down the hill in 10th place, to win the V40s, despite being in his 50s, and looking like he’s in his 30s. It made my prize giving (and general inability to read properly) even more confusing, and deprived Andy Lamont of a 3rd V40 jar of honey, so we’ll be hoping you just marshal at next year’s race Andy!
Thanks once again to all the marshals, Tinto Hill Runners, and Michael at Damn Delicious. Hopefully Michael will have us back, and I look forward to seeing many of you there again next year.
Alex Coakley