Old
News:
January - March 2005
- 26th March 2005
Road Relays at Livingston
The faster hill runners can sometimes be seen doing some speedwork on the flatter surfaces. Ian Nimmo cycled to Livingston to see how a Carnethy Ladies team fared on the roads.He reports:
'There was an east-coast haar on Saturday, enveloping the summits of West Lothian’s shale bings: as good a day as any for the scottishathletics Road Relay Championships at Livingston. Except of course this was Easter weekend, which made it difficult for some Clubs to muster full teams (six for the men, four for the women). The course had its scenic parts and cinder paths, with one or two sharp turns. (With the race organisers’ usual attention to detail, obstructions on the outside of the latter were covered, rather like the rugby posts at Murrayfield, for the comfort of those who hadn’t checked their speed sufficiently.)
Carnethy Ladies ran steadily for fifth place (behind City of Glasgow and Central) – except for Lyn Wilson, who tore round the short leg (3.15 miles) in the second-fastest time ever. Maggie Keegan ran the other short leg, with Kate Jenkins and Jill Mykura taking on the long one (5.8 miles).
The men’s race was won by RH Cambuslang, with Central again in second place. HBT had led at the end of the second leg, but their remaining four runners evaporated into the mist.'
Women's results
Men's resullts
While cycling along the canal to Livingston our reporter spotted one of the 7 relay runners carrying the flame in the Sri Chimnoy-inspired World Harmony Run. The run started in January in Lisbon and is expected to visit 45 countries round the world. Their intention is to spread the idea of friendship across cultural boundaries.
- 23rd March 2005
Aberlady Night Run
It was a lovely night when the 14 of us met at Aberlady Bay in the fading evening light. After waiting for the normal extra ten minutes for the Mykura's to arrive, we headed out across the nature reserve and golf course heading for Gullane Point. After a few regroups and the odd fight through whins we hit the beach and had a good sprint along the sand. We turned back and visited the sand dunes for a wee bit of sub-gorse exploration before heading back past a number of interesting signs. After the run we retired to "Duck's at Kilspindie" for excellent food.
Thanks to Keith Burns for the organisation.
- 22nd March 2005
Scottishathletics Championships are on May 14th
This year there is just one race for the Scottishathletics Championships. Several age category races will take place at Alva on May 14th. Hopefully the weather won't be as freakish (hot, airless and sticky) as 2 years ago. Some details are now on scottishathletics website.
- 20th March 2005
Criffel
Adam Anderson was 7th in the Criffel Hill Race on the beautiful south coast of Scotland. He was Carnethy's only representative among the forty racers. Results are on SHR's site
- 19th March 2005
Chapelgill
Last year Chapelgill coincided with a considerable gale. It was down to all fours on the summit, and one junior spectator was pinned into her car unable to open the door against the wind! Saturday was very different: warm spring sun, flat calm at the cairn, and our photographer arriving on a bicycle made for two.
New club member Esmond Tresidder reckoned he was OK going up (thanks to serious winter climbing) but his downhill skills were rusty. And so it transpired: he led last year's winner, Euan Jardine (Gala) and Des Crowe (Shettleston) to the turn, but lost out to them on the way down. Further up the hill Brian Howie was running a solid race, whilst Margaret Forrest achieved perhaps the most notable Carnethy performance: second lady.
There were yellow vests scattered all over the hill, but they mostly came from the Campsies not the Pentlands (the race was a Westies' counter). There was a good showing of browns too - there to support a notable birthday. Happy fiftieth, Dick!
Results
IAN
- 15th March 2005
Haworth Hobble / Wuthering Hike
A clear, cold day meant a fast pace over the moors round Hebden Bridge. The ground was pleasantly hard and only a few hardy soles opted for shorts... No other Carnethies were out, but a few HBT travelled South. Claire Gordon put in a strong solo run and Duncan Baker did a sterling job of cheering people on. Chris Upson (Westies) was there too and had a hard time of it by all accounts compared to last year. Having been injured myself too, it was good to do some distance again and I thoroughly enjoyed the day - especially the tea and scones at Mankinholes checkpoint before the Stoodley Pike climb! 'A grand day out' as they say.
Russell Stout
- 14th March 2005
Loch Ossian Weekend
It was a full house for this year's Loch Ossian trip. Twenty Carnethies braved the cold to make their way by varying routes to the Youth Hostel at Ossian. Arthur Harkes and Colin Pritchard walked in from Rannoch over a few hills while John Littlewood took an early train. It is well seen who the retired folk in the club are! The rest of us had to do a day's work before meeting the train and arriving at the hostel laiden with food and wine for the weekend.
There were a few groups heading off in different directions on Saturday morning. Howard, Paul and Roy headed over Beinn na Lap and Stob Coire Sgriodain, Colin and John headed for the Easains, Willie, Nick, Moira, Cali and Margaret headed for Aonach Beag (via the plaque to Peter Brooks), and the rest went Corbett or Graham bagging. Some were successful while others gave up in the wild, cold weather. But we all made it back to the hostel for a wonderful evening of good food and good craik.
The next morning there was the usual run round the loch, as some more of us tried to join the "Under an Hour" club. Paul Ritchie, Howard Chambers and Colin Wilson were new members while Willie Gibson and Colin Pritchard added another round to their tally. Joan Wilson had a good attempt but failed by 12 or was it 11 seconds (or could it have been a bottle of wine and a few whiskies). A good try though. Thanks to Gillian and Rachel for their support!
The rest of the day was spent either relaxing or heading for the hills or just having a nice easy walk. We headed for the 6:30pm train and home to have a rest.
A great weekend. Many thanks to Hilary Spenceley for orgainisng the weekend and coordinating the food.
- 13th March 2005
Inverness Half Marathon
The dog had exploded all over the house, it was blizzarding snow, then the dog ate my lunch, before almost getting run over. It was going to be a good day. I was 2 hours early and it was 1 degree and snowing. Two hours later the atmosphere was building with over 1000 runners bustling. With pluke-sized goose pimples I lined up, bare armed and wooly hatted. Marietta Van der Linden proved valuable company as I hung onto her good pace which was almost two much with 2 miles to go, until she spotted Alison Higgins ahead, so I challenged myself to catching her. …I managed, but only for a few seconds when she quite rightly sprinted off into the stadium, leaving me gasping and nursing my now numb zinging hands. A very enjoyable, if somewhat freezing day on a good fast course. 1087 ran.
Kate Jenkins
Results
Men 1. Simon Pride Metro Aberdeen 1.11.15
2. Lars Ottermoller City of Edinburgh 1.13.18
3. Graham Beal City of Edinburgh 1.13.20
10. Adam Ward City of Edinburgh 1.15.23 (3V40)
Women
1(83). Alison Higgins JW Kilmarnock 1.24.58 1F
2 (85). Kate Jenkins Carnethy HR 1.25.04 2F
3 (92). Marietta Van der Linden City of Edinburgh 1.15.50 3F, (1FV)
- 13th March 2005
Pentlands Long O
This orienteering/hill running event was based in Dreghorn with short (10k), medium (15k) and long (20k) courses on offer. The distances reflected the straight line between checkpoints off course so the courses weren't as short as you'd think, and it was quite easy to make them even longer by going the wrong way!. Navigation was mountain marathon style, not too many checkpoints, which allowed for lots of nice running in between. Good fitness training for the orienteers and good navigation training for the hill runners keeping everyone happy. I opted for the short course which traversed the nooks and crannies (re-entrant and spurs in orienteer-speak) on the north flank of Allermuir and then across onto Capelaw, Bonaly Reservoir and White Hill. Bill Gauld also ran the short course and I spotted Jamie and Olly getting their money's worth on the long which went as far south as Scald Law. Maybe more Carnethies were there (and might still be out there??!!). An excellent event which will hopefully be repeated next year. Thanks to Ronnie Nolan and his team of organisers.
Mark Johnston
- 10th March 2005
Kings Buildings Hill Handicap
there was a good turnout of 11 for this months handicap. It was won by the new slimmer Me in a time of 34:42, almost 5 minutes (and 14lbs) less than last month. Win Rampen pushed hard for 2nd place. Piere Garnaud, Evelyn Freney and Andy Welland were late to the start, but that didn't stop Piere and Evelyn from posting PBs.
Andy Spenceley was the fastest runner in 32:43.
Willie Gibson
Results
- 9th March 2005
Club Championship Ladder 2005
The ladder is now on the web. We have adjusted a few of the scoring parameters this year to add a green tinge and incorporated a "Lucky Race" Bonus. One race a month, from April to September, will be chosen at random (on the last day of the month) from the SHR calendar and anyone claiming for that race will gain an extra 3 points. Hopefully this injection of a bit of luck will make this year's ladder 'Bearhop-proof' (he's won 2 years in a row), unless of course he is psychic or runs every race on the calendar..... I wouldn't put it past him! - (...he missed Bishop Hill)
Claim Your Points or View the Ladder
- 8th March 2005
Lyn is 28th in the Intercounties XC
"Always loads of folk at this cross country - both runners and spectators - and you get to rub shoulders with the UK's best runners. Course is scenic and enjoyable with a mixture of short steep climbs and fast running (if you like that sort of thing and your legs are up for it). Beautiful weather when we arrived, however it soon deteriorated into freezing blizzard like conditions and the usually firm course vanished into a muddy sludge. Marbeth had an excellent run in the fast & furious 4 km, hardly seeming to notice the mud. Not everyone's cup of tea but if the opportunity presents itself it's well worth going down to."
Lyn Wilson
- 7th March 2005
Lasswade 10 mile - 6 March
I decided to have a go at this race, having not done it before, and had pre-registered weeks ago. Thank goodness all the snow and ice had disappeared from the roads and come race day the sun was shining and it was perfect running conditions. The route had been described as “undulating” which suited me fine – plenty of ups and downs through Roslin Glen and Auchendinny, but I must confess my eyes did wander towards the Pentland Hills.
I can recommend this road race for those hill runners that fancy a bit of tarmac every now and again. The tea, sandwiches, home made shortbread and fruitcake was very welcome at the end. Just a shame they ran out of water at the drinks station!
Other Carnethy runners spotted were Kate Jenkins, Ian Forrest, Emily Hargreaves and new member-to-be Marie-Elaine Maguire. Results
Kate Friend
- 6th March 2005
Glentress Duathlon 3 (Long)
The last in the winter duathlon series saw nearly 60 competitors taking part. The cycle route had to be low level to miss the snow, so it consisted ot two loops round a shorter course. The run was also shortened by a small amount to avoid large drifts at the summit. It was a glorious day for the race though, with hardly any wind and sun most of the time. Every one had great fun (except Fraser whose bike failed on him again!), Jill Mykura won the ladies race and the series and Adam Ward won the vets race, and the series.
- 6th March 2005
Bishop Hill in sun and snow
The sun and snow, the fact that it was a Championship race, the promise of one of those prized mugs at the end of the year - whatever it was this normally low-key short race attracted an unheard of 100 runners. The challenge had been set for competitors at Glentress Duathlon to 'do' Bishop Hill too. Not surprisingly there were no takers but Kate Jenkins ran the Lasswade 10 mile at noon and managed to come 3rd at Bishop Hill running in her flat trainers! The mixture of snow and mud must have made it a slippy course for those not wearing studs. There was a great showing from Carnethy - 15 runners, and we won both the team prizes. Stewart Whitlie was 2nd behind Brian Marshall, and Adam Anderson and Graeme Carracher were the other two counters for the team prize. In the ladies event Maggie Keegan was 2nd behind Eilidh Wardlaw (HBT) and just ahead of Kate Jenkins and our other team counter was Joan Wilson. Snowballs at the start, bum-sliding off the summit, fantastic views and spicy soup back at the hall made the race something special. Thanks to Lomonds. Results
AN
- 28th February
2005
Tinto Hill Run - Sunday 27th February
Three runners set off from the Fallburn car park to explore "the other side" of Tinto Hill. We started in sunshine and went up the the normal race route. Higher up there was progressively more snow on the ground and near the summit there were spectacular growths of wind-blown rime on the fences. The sun came out again at the summit and we enjoyed a two mile grassy ridge run down over Lochlyock Hill. Halfway down we met a couple of hang glider pilots preparing to fly their craft off the ridge. At the bottom of the hill, on the forest road at Howgate Mouth, we thought we met a group of backpackers but they were more pilots carrying their gliders up the hill. Quiet farm roads took us round the side of the hill back to Fallburn. As we looked back at the hill we saw the first glider sail away over the ridge.
Nigel Rose
- 27th February 2005
KB 5 and 10 Mile Road Races
A few Carnethies were spotted in both the 5 and 10 mile Kings Buildings Road Races on Sunday. Jill Mykura was 3rd lady, Mark Johnston finished in the top ten and Ian Nimmo managed to finish the 5 mile race before Phil Mowbray won the 10 mile! These are hard races (viz. the ground and the speed) and all finishers should be 'well satisfied'! Photos
Next Sunday is the first SHR Championship race, Bishop Hill (3pm start -Short category). If you're really quick it may be possible to do the last of the 3-series Glentress Duathlons and get to Scotlandwell in time - but you'll have to move some! There's also the Lasswade 10 miler on Sunday for those prefering a 'hilly' road race.
- 23rd
February 2005
Bruce Winter Triathlon Race 2, Sunday 20th February
3km Run/19km Cycle/400m Swim
This is a gentle 'fun' Tri for the inexperienced or the unfit. Garry fell into the first category since he has only learnt to swim in the last year, whilst Angela fell into the latter as she hasn't run fast since last April!
On the run Garry finished 5 seconds ahead of Angela, but after a sneaky transistion Angela was on her bike and away. In seconds Garry flew past and increased his lead going into the swim. In the pool controversy reigned - Garry finished the swim in 4 mins?!! After a judges' inquiry his time was changed but he still managed to beat Angela by 7 seconds - odd as when she finished Garry still had his head in the water.
The prize of the day goes to Alex McGuire of Fife AC, who reached the bike/swim transition and had to unlock his locker before changing into his swimming trunks!
- 20th February 2005
Carnethy Bicyclists tour the East Lothian hills
The Carnethy HR Chain Gang was out on Sunday for the 100km East Lothian Audax event. A forecast of snowstorms off the North Sea was, thankfully, inaccurate and the circuit of the best of the East Lothian landscape was done in sunshine and a light but bitterly cold, northerly wind. The self-handicapped staggered start in Musselburgh had the Carnethy Chain Gang well dispersed from the outset. We launched into an undulating route through Fordel Dean and Pencaitland to Gifford. Fraser had a pit stop at Gifford to re-attach a mudguard. From Gifford, the long climb to Whiteadder Reservoir took us into an arctic wind that was head-on for the return ascent over the watershed to Garvald. Just above Nunraw Abbey the transmission on the Gibson-Stewart 4-cylinder flying-gate self-destructed (no doubt from the abuse it suffered on the Gifford climb). They scootered the crippled machine to the East Linton cyclists' rescue service.
There was a brief re-group of (most of) the team at the Dunbar cafe stop. Concentration lapsed for Willie M and Jill here. They got lost in the labyrinthine lanes of Dunbar, but recovered. Keith sneaked a valuable 4 miles of draughting behind the Bicycle Works ladies' triathlon team but couldn't do his bit at the front because he was desperately hanging off the back trying to force feed on his tuna rolls. Fraser, having lost his personal broom wagon at Garvald, punctured near Haddington with no money or repair kit and was put back on the road by the (now augmented by Willie G and Moira) East Linton cycle rescue service.
Tandemists Nick and Paul were calmly ignoring all the chaos and enjoying long, relaxing refreshment stops. Jane and Andy rode as a solid team of two, marred only by acute bum paralysis of one of the pair. Jamie gave his vintage racer a spring outing and was caught enjoying a picnic with Mark J riding one of his many multi-purpose environmental shopping machines. Rumours that Mark called in at Tesco's in Haddington to do the weekly shop are unfounded. Trevor C was well in front of all these goings-on, having given himself a ridiculously generous handicap. But it wasn't a race anyway ' although you'd never have guessed.
A superb event well-organised as usual by Musselburgh Road Club.
- 19th February 2005
Carnethy Ladies 2nd in National Crosscountry
Lyn Wilson, Jill Mykura and Kate Jenkins, running for Carnethy Hill Racing Club, were 2nd in the club competition of the National Crosscountry at Irvine on Saturday. Lyn was 2nd, Jill 12th and Kate 17th. All three must have had great runs in the crisp, cold conditions to beat last year's club of the year, Central AC. Ladies winners were City of Glasgow. Marbeth Shiell, running for her track club Edinburgh Southern Harriers, was 2nd in the under 20s race. Her concentration on training is really beginning to pay off. Strength in depth showed with Hunter's Bog Trotters clearly winning the men's title. Results
- 12th February 2005
"Tiso" Carnethy '5' Hill Race
There were 452 finishers in this year's Carnethy 5 Hill Race. A strong, cold wind penetrated the marshals while the runners finished muddy and (some) bloody but with only their feet wet - unless it was from sweat.
In a reversal of the Greenmantle Dash result last month, Murray Strain of Edinburgh University Hare and Hounds beat Brian Marshall of HELP. Stewart Whitlie, first Carnethy and 1st vet, helped Carnethy win the team prize with Adam Ward, Adam Anderson and John Coyle.
Jill Mykura of Carnethy was first lady and got close to the magic 60-minute barrier. Ilkley won the ladies team prize, and HBT came 2nd and Carnegie 3rd.
Report from the organiser:
So popular has this early season race become that the entry limit was exceeded and we had to turn people away. Of the final number of 534 entrants, about 460 turned up to brave the cold winds on Saturday (Alun Morton-LLloyd recorded an average wind of >35mph on Carnethy, with gusts to over 50mph and a wind chill of -10) and 452 finishers is exactly the same number as last year ! (See web page under Races for all previous results) The course and conditions made for a hard race this year. Every year the flagged route is slightly varied, at the request of farmers to avoid erosion, and this year it meant more deep heather and a longer descent off Carnethy. That, along with the strong head wind from Scald Law to the Kips and very boggy conditions meant slow times. Thanks to all the helpers (more than 50 !), the farmers, the marshals, the race sponsors -TISO, the school and may others who are needed for this logistically challenging race. The idea of busing 500 people to the Pentlands for a hill race in winter is probably mad, but if we were all sane the world would be a boring place and you all seem to enjoy it and keep coming back for more !
Andy Spenceley
Full Results
Junior Results
Photo report (more photos added 23/2)
- 11th February 2005
KB Hill Handicap
There were only five runners in this months handicap. Two days before the Carnethy 5 must have been too close for most people, but with four of the runners using it as a training run it was a more social event than usual. Evelyn Freney and Colin Pritchard finished together in joint first place and Any Welland, Piere Garnaud and Willie Gibson finished together in joint 3rd.
results
- 10th February 2005
Flotterstone Night Run
It was not a nice night when 16 of us met at Flotterstone for Nigel's "Carnethy Reccie" Night Run but it was good to have Pete and Elsie from Westies and Evelyn and Piere from Lothian joining us for the evening.
The rain was falling and the wind was blowing, but it didn't dampen our spirits as we headed off up Turnhouse. About a third of the way up a trailing head torch was spotted and by the time we reached the ridge, Paul had caught up.
The wind grew more ferocious as we passed the cairn and headed into the teeth of the gale for the relative calm of the Turnhouse-Carnethy col. The climb up Carnethy was surprisingly sheltered but the summit was wild. Ronnie appeared out of the wilds to inform us that there were some stragglers but we were all too cold to wait so we staggerred off down the screes to Charlies Loup.
After a quick regroup we contoured back round the hills crossing the bogs above Lawhead where the two stagglers, Nessa and Sionaid, who had been held up in traffic in Edinburgh were shepherded into the fold by noble Ronnie.
Then it was back to the Flotty for a pint or three and some well-deserved food.
- 5th February 2005
Marbeth Shiell wins Cross Country on Corstorphine Hill
Marbeth Shiell won the East District XC on Corstorphine Hill on Saturday by quite a margin and Carnethy's captain, Jill Mykura came home for the weekend and squeezed in a run to come 3rd.
post script : We've had complaints from our also-rans about elitist reporting . Paul Ritchie, Michael Browne and Keith Burns made up the men's A Team and turned in creditable performances. Keith Burns was particularly grumpy because his re-launch on the cross country scene went unnoticed after over a decade in the wilderness. He wants it known that he came close to pasting Jim Knox but was a bit short of a finishing sprint. He plans other occasional comebacks.
If you haven't entered why not come and watch or, better still, help (contact Andy now)? The top Carnethy men are running well though......
- 30th January
2005
Scottishathletics XC at Bellahouston
Lyn Wilson was 4th, Marbeth Shiell (running for her XC/track club, ESH) 5th and Kate Jenkins 16th in this cross country on Sunday. Cross countries are one of the best ways to improve your speed so look out for their names in hill race results this summer! Jill Mykura sensibly took a recovery day after running two very fast legs in the Devil's Burdens on Saturday.
Results
- 29th January 2005
Devil's Burden Relays
What a great race on a great day and Carnethy, (who had 5 teams entered) won it. 72 teams took part and there were many good runs in perfect conditions. Adam Ward and Stewart Whitlie got a new record on leg 1. The other Carnethy teams battled it out and Carnethy 2 and vets were side by side most of the way round. Carnethy ladies just beat Carnethy mixed, after a second storming leg by Jill Mykura (she ran leg 1 for the mixed team and leg 4 for the ladies).
The Carnethy men led the whole way doing enough to hold off a challenge from Lothian on the final leg. The ladies event was won by Fife. Fife fielded an almost unbelievable 17 teams! Carnethy ladies were well beaten by Fife and Deeside. (They could have sneaked second place on a technicality but graciously conceded to a deserving Deeside.)
The new changeover for leg 3/leg 4 earned a big thumbs up and that means that all winners set course records! Huge thanks to everyone involved in the organisation - it seemed to go very smoothly. A brilliant day.
Photo Report
Results
- 26th January 2005
Burns Supper
The Pritchards hosted an excellent Burns Supper with young and old, fast and slow runners and Scots, English and German recitals paying tribute to Rabbie Burns. Alex Menarry spent 4 weeks reading the works of Robert Burns before giving us a question sheet on the great man! The Mykuras did a great double act for the Toasts and about a dozen others entertained in a variety of poems (some home-made), an Englishman's view of the Scots (Howard) and music and singing. A great evening. Thanks to Anne and Colin.
- 22nd
January 2005
Fife Duathlon
It was a glorious sunny but cold day for the Fife Duathlon at Falkland on Saturday. With most of the stars away at Glentress, this was a lovely low-key event consisting of 2 mile run, 5 mile cycle, 2 mile run, mainly on forest tracks and paths (a mountain bike was needed) around the Falkland Estate (where the last leg will run next weekend in the Burdens Relay). Two Carnethy runners took part, and Lars, who virtually lives on the route, had an excellent win with Andy, in his first ever duathlon, finishing 12th. A recommended event.
1. Lars Ottemoller 44:59
12. Andy Spenceley 51:32
- 23rd
January 2005
Glentress Short Duathlon - Hamish Creber wins Junior Quaich
Another thrilling duathlon at Glentress, made more dramatic by the short timeframe for the bike transition and run and the icy conditions which made parts of the route challenging. This was the second race of this winter’s series, and leaves all of the senior trophies up for grabs. The male, female and veteran trophies are not yet finalised, but Jill Mykura and Stuart Whitlie must be favourites for the female and veterans Quaichs respectively.
First finishers were a Team comprising Chris Ball and Barney Phillips. They were well ahead in 38:27. First individual was Alasdair Anthony, closely followed by winner of the Medium race, Bruce Duncan. This sets up a great head-to-head decider in the final long race in March.
Jill Mykura was first lady in a time of 47:09, closely followed by Caroline Wallace. As they finished in the same order in the last race, Caroline will have to pull out a good performance if both turn up for the long race. Third lady was Katy Boocock (V40).
The Junior Quaich was awarded to Hamish Creber for a second in the medium race and first place today. Juniors are only allowed to do the shorter races, although they gave the seniors a run for their money in both races.
Veterans were well represented with Stuart Whitlie in first (6th overall in 42:28), Adam Ward (8th in 42:41) and Iain Bell in third place. First V50 was Peter Ferguson with Adam Anderson first V60.
Marshals from Peebles Cycle Club and Scottish Hillrunners were supported by the presence of Tweeddale Mountain Rescue. All helpers were provided with lunch courtesy of Emma and Tracey from the Hub in the Forest, which accounts for the plentiful supply of marshals!
The next, and final, event is the long race (40min/40min for the winner) which will take place on Sunday, the 5th of March 2005.
Thanks to Villeneuve, Walter the Jeweller, The Hub and PMS Limited for support. Results
Peter Baxter, Elspeth Scott and Jon Muhl
- 23rd January 2005
Strange Obelisk Discovered During Mull Weekend
A
Large contingent of the Club headed for Mull this weekend to visit
John and Serena Coyle. We
stayed in Salen and had a wonderful time. Saturday was spent running
half of the route of the infamous Mull Monster Hill Race in wonderful
weather, during which we came across a strange Ice Obelisk on the Hill.
After the run
we spent
a lovely
evening
in Mediterranea (The Coyle's
Italian restaurant) where we ate and drank lots to recover our strength.
What a great weekend.
Thanks to John and Sere for all the organisation.
More Photos Report to follow
- 23rd January 2005
Haunted House Journeyrun
Eight brave souls made it to the haunted Windgate House on a frosty journeyrun. The wispy spirits seen rising from the ruins turned out to be steam from Bill's tea, brewing nicely on his stove. Thanks to Nigel for sussing out another interesting route and getting us to the tearoom before it closed!
- 19th
January 2005
Hillend Night Run
There were 14 souls out on a wild 'Windsday' night run from Hillend. We headed off from The Steading round the west of Hillend to Boghall Farm, crossed the Burn and climbed to Woodhouselea. We contoured to the col between Castlelaw and Allermuir and followed the track to the north, off Allermuir, and then contoured to the ski slope. It was windy for most of the run but EXTREMELY windy on the descent from the stile above Hillend.
Cali (of the recent knee operation) and Cathi walked from Cali's house to The Steading over the reverse of our route.
It was exhilarating.
- 15th January 2005
BBC at Holyrood Park International XCs
The 3 televised races were a men's 4k featuring some top British 1500m runners, a men's International 9.2k which also incorporated a Scottish Districts Championship race, and a ladies International 6.3k which again incorporated a Districts Race (and some Carnethies!). The international races featured several World title holders from Africa, Australia and Ukraine and they produced some thrilling finishes but there was just as much cheering and encouragement for the local runners round the course. Top junior hillrunner, Kyle Grieg was lapped by the front speed merchants - who are in a different league from the amateurs. It was quite amazing to see the pace and stamina of the world's top runners. What if they discover hillrunning?
The weather was mild for the spectators and I'd give the course a lowly 1-2 star mud rating but the powers-that-be moved the finish of the 'peoples' multi-terrain, Great Edinburgh Winter Run (whether to save the Park or our feet I'm not sure) so that we kept to the road from start to finish. AN
Photos
Results
- 14th January 2005
KB Hill Handicap
The first KB Hill Handicap of the year was won by Evelyn Freney of Lothian Running Club in a time of 39:29, Glen Marion was second, and Al Mathewson was third.
There were 10 runners this month on a surprisingly nice cold day. The Braid Burn was a little deeper than normal and the slopes muddier and slippier. The first 3 beat their handicaps but the back end of the field were suffering from too much Christmas Pudding.
Results
- 13th January 2005
Good Luck Jill, Lyn and Marbeth
Good Luck to the Carnethy runners Jill Mykura, Lyn Wilson and Marbeth Shiell who have been selected to run in the Edinburgh International Cross-Country on Saturday at Holyrood Park against probably the best cross-country field ever seen in Scotland ... other runners in the field include stars such as the European Cross-Country Gold and Silver medallists, the World Cross-Country Champion, the World 5000m Champion, the Olympic 10000m Silver medallist, the Olympic 5000m Bronze medallist to mention but a few !! The Women's race is at 14:00, at the end of the progam. Of course the men's race is rather classy as well ...!
(Note also some of us are running in the 'people's race' after the main televised event - a 5.5km run round Arthur's Seat.)
Spectators welcome. Races start in the morning with junior age group cross countries.
- 10th
January 2005
Gibson appreciated!
Below is a huge thank you to Willie Gibson for all his junior work, put into words by Win Rampen and endorsed by many parents and ex-juniors.
'Willie Gibson once again organised the Junior Hill relay race at Flotterstone and made it a great success -enjoyed by all. Even the mud and the exceptional wind on the tops didn't compromise the experience. The event has just the right mix of fun and competition for both adults and kids and little things like choosing team names add to the enjoyment.
Many club members may not be aware of the Junior runs that Willie (with Moira's help) has organised for alternating Mondays over the past 6 years. Willie's enthusiasm and inclusiveness has made it a wonderful introduction for dozens of children -some of whom have now grown to adulthood. I for one would like to publically applaud his efforts and thank him for a job well done.'
Win Rampen
- 9th
January 2005
Junior/Senior Fun Relay
There were 11 juniors and 12 seniors for this morning's fun relay. The juniors were paired up in teams of 4 (2 Juniors and 2 Seniors). The teams set off from the 'Hillocks' on the way up Turnhouse. Each team keeps together till just above the tree line. Then the juniors peel off north and run down the gully to the main contouring path and run back to the start. The 2 remaining team members continue up Turnhouse to the ridge where one senior runs north down the ridge to the biscuit van then back to the start. The final senior heads over the summit and on to the col below Carnethy and then heads south and contours back to the start. All the times are added together to give the winner.
This year's race was won by The Fast Snails, Scott Cameron and Owen Wilkinson (assisted by Anne Nimmo and Win Rampen) in a time of 115:39.
The runners-up (and down) were Jacob Wilkinson and Julia Rampen (assisted by Moira Stewart and Paul Ritchie) in a time of 116:56
Full Results
- 9th January 2005
Pentland Puzzle 4th January
Colin Pritchard celebrated his birthday with a fun score event from Flotterstone on Tuesday morning. There were lots of controls to visit on varying contour heights with points escalating the more you got on each contour. Great fun but only 5 people!
Gordon Cameron and Paul Ritchie won.
- 5th January 2005
Festive Duathlon
The Mykuras took part in a festive duathlon on Sunday 2nd January in an attempt to rectify the damage done by the booze and turkey Christmas monster! The race toook place in the beautiful Pitmeddan Forest, about half a mile from the start of the Pitmeddan race that had taken place in December. The duathlon was a run-cycle-run format, with the cycle being cut short to cope for the typical wintry conditions. S. Clark of East Fife Tri club stormed in first in 33.34. Jill Mykura was first lady home in 36.52 and Willie Mykura was 3rd veteran in 38.24. There were 33 who took part in this free race, but we didn't know anyone else!!
You can see the full results on www.fifeac.co.uk
- 3rd January 2005
Greenmantle Dash
Rod Dalitz gave the course a 2-star mud rating (over the shoes and up the legs) but it was nearer 3-star if you counted the smell! Nevertheless the gloop was easier to run on than ice and snow and as a bonus you had the river to wash in at the end. Martha and Evie Aitken ran in the senior race and were well placed. Ian Nimmo ran his 2nd race of the year (he ran in the Portobello Promethon along with/behind Kate on New Year's Day) and can boast that he still hasn't come last! But where were all the faster Carnethy runners? Training for the Devil's Burdens or the Carnethy 5 perhaps?
Results
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