Few races can call themselves a classic, but I don’t think there’s any doubt with the North Berwick Law race. It’s been going since the 1950s, expertly organised by Edinburgh AC, and has featured the great and the good from Scottish running. Short, sharp, fast – it’s a cracking midweek romp up the Law, with great chips, ice cream and beer options at the finish. Green too, it’s just a train ride from Edinburgh, no need for cars here. However, all was not well, it was last run in 2019 and has spent the last few years being cancelled and has struggled to get started again. I think a few races have felt this – it’s hard to regain momentum after the couple of years’ break imposed by Covid, and it seems North Berwick Law Race was about to drift into history. Thankfully, a team of local runners resolved to get the race back on. With agreement from Edinburgh AC, the fresh team of locals has managed to pull the race back together and staged the first race of the 2020s. A genuine cause for celebration!
As for the race itself, it’s a traditional Scottish “gala day” style of race – from the town centre to the local summit and back. A good test for the local runners, club runners, perhaps a few parents trying to impress their kids, random tourists, keen beans, elites, and a collection of Edinburgh folk out for a “chips n beer” trip along the coast. I’d obviously be part of that final group. It’s a popular race – just over 300 on the pre-entry list, with around 270 toeing the start line last Wednesday. The start line was stacked, with crowds of supporters lining the first section, a pipe band, enthusiasm everywhere, smiles, cheers and shouts – it was a great atmosphere! The opening 100m or so is flat along tarmac to the Lodge Grounds, bounded by the cheering crowds, a snaking run up past the “Fringe On The Sea” tents, a weaving run along paths to the Law car park, along tracks to the south of the Law, up to the summit, collect a wristband from some cheery children, and then back the way you came. At 3ish miles long, it’s fast, feeling more like a heart attack than a race, but fun. The cheers and shouts along the final run-in are certainly the highlight and just confirms how well-supported the race is.
A great Carnethy turnout, 19 finishers by my count, with some fantastic results throughout. Andrew Douglas (Inverclyde) took the win ahead of local favourite Angus Wright (Team East Lothian). First Carnethy was Sam Hooper (5th), a few seconds ahead of Iain Gilmore and Richie Umpleby (7th and 8th). Further back, a big shoutout to “Bozza Ritchie” who finished strongly in 76th, despite sounding like he was in some discomfort. Anna Aitken (Unattached) won for the ladies, ahead of Toria Reid (NB Runners), first Carnethy lady was Clare McDonnell. Harry Gilmore took first V60. Apologies for any results missed. With the race over, all that was left was to buy some chips, eat ice cream, and then drink some beer in The Ship Inn. A grand evening out!
After the race, I was chatting to Rich L in the pub, and he spoke of the cultural significance of certain races – races that need to continue, and need to be supported because they are important to the running and local communities. He’s right. It’s also, sadly, a hot topic right now. The North Berwick Law Race is one of those races. It was great to be part of the resurrection of this race, even if it’s just by participation, as it’s by supporting and helping that these things continue. All credit to the new organisers for taking it on, and congrats to all who made it happen.
Jim H