- 30th
March 2006
The Presidential STAGger
  
The
normal Wednesday night run became the abnormal run in wedding attire
last night as the Club celebrated the stag night of our President
Robin Haynes.
As people arrived at the Steading there seemed to be
a reluctance to don the suits until Moira arrived in top hat and tails
with fishnets on. Then everyone dived to the bags and pulled on all sorts
of posh clothes and three-piece suits before heading off into the hills.
Many
whiskies were imbibed on the way to Cali and Bob's house where we had
a few bottles of bubbly.
  
Then it was up to Allermuir and back along the
ridge and down to The Steading for a good few pints.
The Stag Reports
"Thanks for a grand night out last night- only
a slightly fuzzy head here today but nothing a couple of bacon rolls
won’t fix. Best dressed
runner of the evening award to Moira, best cleavage award to Bob and
special
mention to Willie G for obtaining a 3 piece suit specially for the occasion.
Very dapper.
For those of you that were not able to join us on the run,
I can only evangelise about the joys of looking over Edinburgh and the
forth at sunset from the summit of Allermuir with several drams and a
few glasses of fizz on board. Hic.
So a big thanks and I look forward
to seeing you all after Easter. "
Cheers,
Robin.
- 26th March 2006
The Alternative
John Muir Way
A large contingent of Carnethies headed out
for an exhilerating and exhausting outing on Saturday.
 
The
team (for all, or parts):Colin Pritchard, Murdo McEwan, Richard Lathe,
Karen Meikle, Alan Hogg, Ian Jackson, Paul Ritchie, Hilary Spenceley,
Andy Spenceley, Nigel
Rose, Jane Robertson, Joanne Anderson, Moira Stewart, Tom Harley,
Philippa Headley, Rod Dalitz, Bill Gauld, John Littlewood, Willie Mykura,
Joanne
Thin, Cali Ingham, Bob Waterhouse, Willie Gibson, Rodney Royles,
Kate Jenkins, Keith Burns
Read Keith's Article
- 26th March 2006
Edinburgh Forthside Half Marathon
Race Director Ian Ladbrooke took a bit of a gamble in putting
on the race, but he was mightily pleased with an entry of around 4300
and
an anticipated 3500 actually running.
We were stationed around the Scottish
Gas HQ: an unattractively bleak and windswept spot, with not a spectator
in sight, the only sound the
restful padding of thousands of feet. Jethro Lennox chose to
stay on his own in an admirable fifth place, whereas Don Naylor kept
the leading lady company the whole way round. Lars Ottemoller, eschewing
his Carnethy vest given the flat, hard terrain looked set for a top-twenty
finish, with Ollie Stevenson running cheerfully not too far behind.
The Carnethy vests of Maggie Keegan and Michael Wilkinson were further
back in the bulge.
Once the last two ‘runners’ had passed (chatting on their
mobile phones!), all that remained was the litter - a couple of thousand
discarded bottles of water plus tops, three tee-shirts – and
one packet of cigarettes. Welcome to the smoke-free Scotland.
  
- 20th March 2006
Borders Winter Cross-Country Series - the last
race, Norham - 19th March
Two days before the official start of spring and
it still feels like winter, even down to running cross-country races
(for those who gave
Criffel a miss) ! This was the 7th and last in this winter's series,
held on a muddy course at Norham, with lots of steams to jump, viaducts
to run over and under and fences to hurdle - all typical for the Border
Series, which are low-key races on interesting courses (and only cost
a one-off fee of £6 to run the seven races - and no SAL levies
! ). Adam Ward, running for his "other" club, was 2nd and first
Carnethy home, while Willie Mykura had a good run to get in front of
Kate Jenkins who
was
first woman.
Results
1. Damen Rodwell (Gala) 26:44
2. Adam Ward 27:09 - 1st over 40
10. Willie Mykura 28:59
15. Kate Jenkins 29:25 - 1st Woman
43. Karen Meikle 33:44
54. Bill Gauld 35:51 - 1st Over 65
56. Phillipa Headley 36:13
81 finishers
Being the last race, it was also the series decider. The best 4 races
out of the 7 count (and all who completed 4 got an engraved horse-brass).
Carnethy runners won three titles - 1st Senior Woman : Kate Jenkins;
1st Over 45 Woman: Hilary Spenceley and 1st Over 65 Man : Bill Gauld.
Also we had 2nd Senior Woman : Lucy Colquhoun;
2nd Over 40 Woman : Karen Meikle and Carnethy came 3rd Team.
- 20th March 2006
Criffel
Tough conditions underfoot at Criffel this year
with deep inconsistent snow and gloopy mud making it an adventurous outing.
On the higher
slopes, the snow was firm enough to support only the under-nourished;
the rest
of us stumbled and staggered, ripping shins open on the sharp granular
edges of the deep slots of our footprints. Lower down, the forest track
soon became a muddy helter-skelter requiring a bold approach and agile
footwork – difficult with numb feet. Brian Marshall found the course
to his liking for the umpteenth time, with the pack some way behind.
Adrian Davis and Adam Anderson were well placed and Jill Mykura won the
ladies race comfortably. There was a sprinkling of other shiny red Carnethy
vests (and a few weary yellow ones!) throughout the field. Times were
understandably considerably slower than in previous years but all finishers
could take some satisfaction from completing a hill race in genuine winter
conditions. Spare a thought for any walkers visiting this particular ‘path’ over
the next few weeks. Sorry folks!
Results
Derek Bearhop
- 18th March 2006
Chapelgill
    
We’re having what’s said to be the
coldest March for twenty years and the 32 runners (plus two marshals)
reaching the top of Chapelgill on Saturday would surely agree: a biting
easterly, Broad Law behind dressed in pure white, and Culter Fell to
the left using the snow to show off its dark ribs. They would also confirm
that Chapelgill’s the steepest race in the calendar, with 1400
feet of climbing in a round trip of only one-and-a-half miles – it
ought to be sponsored by the manufacturers of arnica.
Euan Jardine
(Gala) clearly thrives here: first by several minutes in the storm of
2004, he was second by a second in the warm spring
of 2005, and this year overtook Stewart Whitlie near the finish to
win by five seconds. Carnethy would have won the prize (had race organiser
Robin Morris awarded one) for the Club with the greatest number of
runners – five. A piratical Douglas Shiell was the second counter,
and Keith Burns (putting his trust in glucosamine) first M60.
Debbie MacDonald (HBT) and Rosie Crockard (Westies) scooped up all
the loot for women, being the only two in the race.
Results
- 15th
March 2006
Club weekend at Laggan - 11th/12th March 2006
Over 30 members converged on the Pottery Bunkhouse
at Laggan at the weekend for what turned out to be a very enjoyable
and successful club weekend, despite everything the weather could throw.
Saturday was wild on the tops with white-out conditions, but people
still did
a variety
of hills ranging from Adrian Davies leading a group on hills on the
south side of
Loch
Laggan,
to John
Coyle, Willie and Jill Mykura having an epic cycle from the bunkhouse
to Culra bothy by Ben Alder and back. Other groups were up the Monadhliaths;
bagging Corbetts from Garva Bridge or trying to run from the bunkhouse
to the Fara and back. This was followed by a meal so good
that Eric Brown drove all the way from Edinburgh just for the meal
and left
early
the
next morning (on the only road open which was heading north) ! The
Sunday dawned with deep powder snow which kept falling. With only the
road
to Newtonmore open and that by 4 wheel drive, it looked for a while
as though
we might
not
get
back
to
Edinburgh
that day. Hilary Spenceley was the best prepared as she was the only
one with skis - great for the deep snow in the forests. Otherwise it
was walking or running from the bunkhouse round the forests (including
running the Wolf-Trax mountain biking route - as bikes couldn't move)
and building some enormous snowmen. Thanks to Kate Friend for organising
a brilliant weekend.
Photos here
- 13th March 2006
Lairig Mor Race - 11th March 2006
This small but very well formed event
this year got rather bigger numbers and generally quicker times than
previously. The freezing-point air temperature was enhanced by a biting
cold wind as we milled around the start outside Mamore Lodge, above Kinlochleven.
Maybe folk were in a hurry to get warmed up, maybe because we were (for
the first time ever) running with the wind thru' the Lairig Mor, the
challengingly-rough-underfoot trail nobbled a number of ankles as we
scuttled the 14 miles towards Fort William. From halfway point Lundavra
there's been considerable forestry clearance - opening up the views,
but leaving a scorched earth wasteland of tree stumps and cuttings, not
so easy on the eye. With snow level @ c 1,500ft and steelly grey scurrying
clouds, it wasn't the day to dally in leisure enjoying the scenery. All
very low key, and without any of the London marathon type razzmatazz,
it's a really well organised and enjoyable event.
1 John Hepburn (Lochaber)
1:27:27 - & First MV40
19 Dawn Scott (Lochaber) 1:44:32 - First Lady
24 Murdo McEwan (sole Carnethy representative) 1:47:09 - First MV50
68
finishers
- 7th March 2006
Lasswade 10 mile - a Carnethy double
7 Carnethies and one new member (Ailsa Davis -
she's gorgeous!), turned out for a trot through the lanes south of Lasswade
on a beautiful
sunny Sunday. The Pentlands were looking their best with a good snow
covering but the all-tarmac (not even any grass verges to run on) route
was snow and ice free. The race was pretty speedy with plenty of undulations
and even the odd supporter to shout us on. There was some confusion
at the prize-giving, but the published results show our 3 boys (Adrian
Davis,
Stewart Whitlie, Paul Ritchie) and 3 girls (Kate Jenkins, Karen Meikle,
Maggie Keegan) winning the two team prizes - the first double ! Marie
Elaine Maguire also finished. Kate
then went on to race at Bishop Hill for another double. Results.
Paul Ritchie
- 7th March 2006
Is this the way to Torness?
 There
have recently been unsubstantiated reports of a radiation leak from the
nuclear
power station at Torness, close to the John Muir Way. The reporter
sent to investigate the claims was unable to find his way to the
building because all the road signs had mysteriously rotten away.
He said, "I just couldn't find my way there and my editor was very
annoyed that I couldn't file a report. Since then I've been much
more successful at reporting as my third arm and hand are growing
very nicely. They also glow in the dark, which is very useful for
night-time reporting."
Nigel Rose
- 5th March 2006
Bishop Hill
Unlike last year, and some people's
expectations, there was no snow on the ground. It was falling from
the sky, though,
as the
runners set
off. Alasdair Anthony's winter cross country training must have gone
well because he was a clear winner in a new record for that course.
Brian Marshal (HELP) was second ahead of Dan Whitehead (Cosmics). The
prize
for most successful family (had there been one) was a close-run thing
because Claire Whitehead was first lady, whilst father and son Stevenson
(Ochils) were second MV40 and first junior. There was a good showing
of Carnethies (on the hill but not on the podium!). Results
   
- 2nd March 2006
O’Ryan points the way on the last night run of
the season
 Tension continued
at Aberlady Bay between the lampers and the unlit stealth group. It was
a very bold move to tackle the Labyrinth through the prickly sea buckthorn.
No moon. No Borealis. The stealth group led, with The Navigator steering
from the back shouting “head for the tank traps on the skyline”. It didn’t
work. We were soon trapped in a tangle of culs de sac, trying to keep
the Great Irish Navigator in the sky, O’Ryan, on the starboard beam.
We were stuck. The Navigator went ahead with his buckthorn-penetrating
beam to demonstrate the folly of relying on carrots. He found the Tank
Traps and the Big Cliff with growing confidence. His position was not
secure though. He plunged headlong over a 2 ft. step into a sand hole
that the Beam had missed, concentrating on the distant view, his unjustified
confidence driving him to secure the moral high ground for the lampers.
Undeterred, his attempt at the more challenging Gullane Bents Labyrinth
led to total confusion as we lost the sweepers and traced a complete
circle. The Navigator’s plan was coming apart. We eventually emerged
at the far end of Gullane Beach like soldiers staggering back to Dunkirk
for the boats. The return was straightforward – keep the sea on your
right and the dunes on your left, until the wide track to Aberlady. We
still got separated, to cries of “Here’s a better way. I’ll see you on
the other side of that dune on the left.” We counted thirteen out, and
we counted thirteen back, with no injuries other than pride and scratches.
It was a good meal at the Kilspindie in Aberlady.
Clocks go forward on
26th March. Great!
Keith Burns
- 26th February 2006
Gentress Duathlon, The Long Race
There was a large Carnethy turnout for the last of the winter duathlons
at Glentress, perhaps it was the muddy conditions for the cycle or the
chance to run through snow high on the running route that drew the people
or perhaps it was the long awaiting unveiling of Andy Spenceley's new
machine !
The long duathlon has a notional time of 40 min cycle (a very
tough two lap
course) and 40 mins run (to the mast above the forest and back) for the
fast guys. Many results were the same as for
the
short
duathlon
a
few weeks before. Prasad Prasad was first home and won the series. Adam
was 5th individual and won the over 40s, Andy Spenceley was 8th individual
and 2nd Over 40. Even Andrew Patience had the same result - his bike
broke down ! Other Carenthies competing this time were Geraint Florida-James
(7th individual), John Colye, Garry MacInnes, Chris Davies, Willie Mykura,
Ewan Gowrie (2nd over 50), Adam Anderson, Bob Waterhouse, Keith Adams,
John
Blair-Fish,
Willie Gibson, Tony Westbury, Paul Morris, Alastair Hind. In the team
event Hamish Creber had a brilliant cycle to hand over to Adrian Davis
and
leave him
an easy victory; Jill Mykura cycled and handed over to Hilary Holding,
who had a great run, while Susan Gray in her brand new club vest did
the running for her team. An excellent series of three race, thanks to
Peter Baxter for organising them.
Results and photos are here
- 24th February 2006
Binevenagh
Mountain Race
I went home last weekend and raced in the Binevenagh
Mountain Race which is just outside Limavady (NI) where I grew up. The
race is
about 7 miles
with 500m climb, is a mixture of paths, trails, woods and cliffs. An
excellent wee race and one that I would highly recommend if you were
looking to run somewhere different to the Mouurnes in Northern Ireland.
The views are absolutely fabulous over the coast towards Donegal and the
Atlantic beyond. Description of the race and results are on the NIMRA
website:-
http://www.nimra.org.uk/
Geraint Florida-James
- 21 February 2006
Musselburgh 105km Audax
The annual 100km Tour of East Lothian usually
presents challenging weather. But this year wasn’t bad at all.
The main challenges were getting the insulation right for the cold, and
staying on the
bike at speed on very muddy roads. There was a gentle but raw (6C)
easterly breeze off the North Sea.
The start was staggered over about
40 minutes (but it isn’t
race). A steady climb from sea-level out of Musselburgh takes you
through Pencaitland and East Saltoun to Gifford. There, the climbing
really starts, with some vicious switchbacks that test your ability
to keep the chain on. The crux is an Alpine hairpin near the summit
with a keen easterly in your face. The reward is a high speed cruise
down to Whiteadder reservoir before you resume climbing back over
the scarp to Garvald. The descent from White Castle hill fort was
tricky enough with the sharp bends and gravel. So when we hit the
slurry of mud and cowshit near Nunraw Abbey the novelty of these
challenges was wearing thin.
By comparison the rest of the route to
Dunbar was a relaxing cruise through the back lanes of leafy Lothian
via Garvald, Pitcox and Stenton
to a very welcome refuelling stop in Dunbar. As usual, the sun
was shining there. The return leg takes you back through Pitcox, Biel
Mill and (this year) north-about Traprain Law along empty lanes
to
Haddington and another welcome café. From Haddington there’s
a straightforward climb over the shoulder of the Garleton Hills
(for more of these, join the Alternative John Muir Way expedition),
then
a fast return via Longniddry and the Prestonpans urban sprawl.
Cali and Bob were out testing their new on-board tandem GPS system
that involved a kind of music stand attached to Bob’s shorts
and a lot of shouting between the flight deck and the boiler room.
The system wasn’t up to the challenge of getting out of Dunbar
or going around Traprain Law the correct way though. Eric had an
impressive new cyclo-cross machine that had more brakes than a
40 ton Eddie Stobart truck - and power unit to match judging from
his
pace up the big climb from Gifford to Whiteadder. Elsie Baxter
was on her new racing machine testing yet another trendy saddle
from
her saddle wardrobe that eclipses Imelda Marcos’s shoe cupboard.
Some of the Carnethy team failed to get entries in time and had
a relatively relaxing cruise around Aberlady and Haddington instead.
Hill
runners participating; Eric Brown, Paul Ritchie, Rod Dalitz, Keith
and Barbel Burns (tandem), Bob Waterhouse and Cali Ingham
(tandem), Jamie Thin, John Donnelly, Louise Burt, Pete and Elsie
Baxter.
- 19th February 2006
National Cross-Country Champs, Falkirk
    
(Thanks to Chris Upson - Westerlands - for photos)
On an absolutely gorgeous day the hill runners
amongst us would rather have been bagging a few hills than running round
the
excellent XC course.
A nice variety of fast running, mud and (baby) hills.
Lyn stormed home in 3rd place, behind Freya Murray (1st) and Collette
Fagan. Angela tucked in behind Lyn in 4th and Joanne Anderson was our
final counter, a bit further back!
We finished 8th team overall and thanks
to Joanne for throwing herself in at the deep end. Her 2nd ever XC!
Mark
managed to scrap in the top 50 in the men's race finishing 49th.
Other
Carnethies spotted were Brian Howie and Aidy wearing their other club
colours.
- 14th February 2006
Carnethy Loss
Friends and Club mates
will be shocked and saddened at the news of the sudden death of Ian Frost's
partner, Melanie Johnson, on February 6th. Melanie was well known to
many of the Club having worked with Dave Peck, Anne Curtis and Dick Wall.
Our condolences and thoughts are with Ian, Amy and Rafe at this difficult
time.
- 11th February 2006
'Tiso' Carnethy 5 Hill Race
    
A freezing-cold wind kept the runners moving and
the marshals' teeth chattering. Despite this extremely strong wind and
a rutted, icy surface on the summits, which caused many falls, the race
was won in a very fast time by Rob
Jebb
of Bingley
Harriers
(48:50). Joe Symonds of
Kendal
was
second
in 49:46 and
last year's winner Murray Strain of Edinburgh University H&H was third
in 50:59.
The ladies race was won by Angela Mudge of Carnethy (for the 9th time
!) in 56:19 with Jill Mykura (Carnethy) second in
just under
the
hour
(59:59!) and Iona Robertson of Bellahouston Road Runners third in 62:43.
Kate
Jenkins
was 4th and helped Carnethy ladies to the team prize.
The young guns of Edinburgh University really went for it this year and
won the men's team prize, scuppering the host club's attempt to make
it three
in a
row.
There was a near record number of finishers, 459 against the record of
460, but considering the weather, this was impressive. The special
prize for the 10,000th finisher in all the 36 Carnethy hill races went
to Murdo Macleod of Westerlands in 160th place and the special prize
for the 1000th finisher from Carnethy Hill Running Club went to the 10th
Carnethy runner home, Paul Ritchie in 51st place. Finally, thanks to
the race sponsors, Tiso and Run 4 It for supporting the race.
Results: Carnethy
5 and
Scald Law
Photos (more
added 14/02/06) and
Photo Report
- 10th February 2006
Kings Buildings Hill Handicap
Jane Robertson showed that she is getting back
to fitness by winning the handicap today. There were 9 runners on this
fine sunny day. Willie
Gibson limped round in 2nd place and Luke Wadsley (soon to join Carnethy)
was third.
Full results are here
- 9th February 2006
Wednesday Video Night
 
Yesterday's
Wednesday night club run from KB ran over a few golf courses and on to
the top of the Braids. It was followed by a 'DVD'
night showing the DVD of last year's Brittish Championships starring
Jill Mykura,
Stewart Whitlie , JBF and many others.
- 4th
February 2006
'Tiso' Carnethy 5 Hill Race - Preview
There were a lot of people out on the route
today. Here are a few photos taken on Saturday morning between 10am
and 11am. I hope next week's weather is as good.
    
Entries are now closed with a record 550
(and it could have been 650 with the rate they're still coming in -
another 24 arrived today - too late!). Sorry, we just can't cope with
you all. See final entry list on Carnethy 5 page here.
The race organiser says - ' It's looking to
be a cracking race as entries received include former winner and British
Champion Rob Jebb;
top Scot
in World Trophy Joe Symonds; Scottish Champion Brian Marshall; runner-up
Cameron Watson; last year's winner Murray Strain; 2003 winner Dave
Rodgers; dark horse Matt Whitfield; 2001 winner Jim Davies to name
but a few !'
If you didn't get in, it'll be a great race
to watch and please enter early next year.
- 2nd February 2006
Blinded by the Light
About 18 of the Carnethy faithful turned out for
the night run form Flotterstone, over Turnhouse and Carnethy and back
traversing the flanks
of the hills. The hills were rimed with Frost, the moon was occluded
by freezing fog and the ground underfoot felt like corrugated iron.
Magic!
With a six thirty start it was inevitable that some would be
late. Gordon and I, running late, phoned Willie to let him know. Pity
as
he and Hilary H were literally running late – across the fields
to Flotterstone – causing Willie to do a face plant in the turf
whilst trying to run and talk at the same time. So later than planned
and yet as expected we set off, with Willie hanging back for Joanne
Thin who was running even later than the rest of us. Willie and I made
last minute arrangements – they’d just head directly for
the col if we were too far ahead – and off we went.
Despite the
fog and the lack of moon, there was enough ambient light to see beautifully
as long as you kept away from those running in the
pools of light thrown out from their head torches. These things are
personal preference but more often than not it’s easier and more
enervating to let your eyes adjust to the darkness than run along in
ever decreasing circles of light. So partly to avoid the torch light
and partly to look back for Willie and Joanne, I hung back until the
other were some 50 metres ahead or so before running on through the
nightime landscape of the hills with the lights of towns and villages
spread out in a twinkling carpet below. Soon we were at the top of
Turnhouse where quite a few were feeling the effects of the cold now
we were out into the wind. There was no sign of Willie or Joanne following
behind, so after a quick council we decided to head down to the col,
which was the alternative rendezvous point.
It’s a great descent
to the col and it was all the better running down the white backed
hillside in the dark. We regrouped. Still with
no sign of Willie and Joanne, the others set off up the hill whilst
Nigel and I hung back, looking back down their expected approach path.
Just as we set off, I spotted someone moving and as Nigel run up the
path towards Carnethy I waited although I could see only one figure
approaching. It turned out to be Paul who had been huddled by the wall
waiting for everyone to move off and he and set off to catch the others.
About three quarters of the way up we saw a figure catching us up but
it was Ronnie, not Willie. We carried on to the top to where the others
were waiting.
We waited a bit longer for Willie and Joanne but again
there was no sign, so we set off down towards the screes. Well, that
was the idea
but after 20 or 30 metres, I couldn’t see a thing for head torch
glare and great shadows leaping around in their beams. The obvious
trod disappeared in a flattened and truncated landscape in which I
could see not a lot. Still in the kingdom of the blind the one-eyed
man is king and so confidently and courageously I led everyone off
in the wrong direction and on to the main path which still took us
down but by-passed the screes. We regrouped at the col then a horrible
run down with everything in front obscured by my own shadow and everything
around obscured by bobbing lights. I think I moaned a lot at this stage.
So much so that I almost drowned out Gordon moaning in front.
At Charlie’s loup we met up with Willie, Mick and Olly who’d
come by the screes then set off on the traverse back. At some point
Willie – in front – took the unilateral decision to drop
off the traverse and take the direct route through the bog which turned
out not to be as frozen as the rest of the hillside. After we’d
climbed up onto the side of Turnhouse, there was a realisation that
we’d need to push it a bit to get back for our meal at 8:30.
We decided to split into two groups with the fast descenders bashing
on whilst the others followed on behind. “No head torches in
the front group, though”, I told everyone.
We sped off along and
then down the hill. For me it was so incomparably better running
in the natural light, letting your eyes, senses and
feet adjust to what unfolded in front of you. At one point, Gordon
and I heard someone cry out but looking back, everyone seemed to
be ok and coming on. Beside us Steve let out a similar cry as he
tripped
over a hole he’d tripped over on the way up. We battered on down
the hill and along to the pub. 8:28, we’d made it on time.
Aye,
but unbeknownst to us, Lucy had either failed to see the remnants
of a dry stone dyke or tripped over it anyway and fell quite badly,
although still able to run down the rest of the way. Probably cursing
me for putting the embargo on torches.
As usual, the rest of the night
went well as we ate a hearty meal in the Flotterstone Inn. Thanks
to Nigel for organising and apologies
to anyone within earshot whilst I bemoaned the invention of the head
torch and especially to Lucy who is probably thinking twice now about
asking me for descending “lessons”.
Nick Macdonald
- 28th January 2006
Carnethy Double at Devil's Burdens !
With over 80 teams of 6 runners taking part, the
Devil's Burdens Relay could be considered one of the biggest hill races
in Scotland! Fife AC do a fantastic
job organising the event and it's one of very few relays in the
hill running calendar - so thanks to them from everyone in the five Carnethy
teams taking part.
We
won the open men's (retaining their title from last year) and open ladies'
races, the men finishing 3 minutes ahead of Shettleston with Ochils in
3rd,
Fife 4th and Edinburgh University 5th. Lothian Mixed team was 6th overall.
The Carnethy ladies' team was almost 15 minutes ahead of Westerlands
with Fife in
3rd place
and
Deeside
Runners
4th. The Carnethy Vets team was 3rd behind Fife Vets and Ochils Vets.
Fife won the ladies'vets.
Provisional results & Photos
- 26th
January 2006
'Tiso' Carnethy 5 Entries
Over 450 entries now for the Tiso Carnethy 5
including many previous winners ! Please enter in the next few days
if you want
to be guaranteed an entry. We are likely to be full before the closing
date. See entry list on Carnethy 5 page here.
- 22nd
January 2006
Glentress Duathlon, The Short Race
There was another good Carnethy turnout at the
second race in the series held on a mild, almost too warm day. With only
a 20 min cycle and 20 min run
the pace was brutal all the way. Prasad Prasad, who had won the first
race, moved from 2nd at the end of the cycle to win overall. First Carnethy
runner was Adam Ward in 5th place and 1st O/40, followed by Andy
Spenceley in 8th
place
and
2nd
O/40,
while
Jill
Mykura
in her
first
race of the winter showed she is on great form to be first woman. Chasing
her in (not that he needs to do that now !) Willie
Mykura also had a great result to make it a Carnethy 1-2-3 in the vets
by taking the 3rd O/40 position. More unfortunate were Geraint Florida-James,
who missed a left turn on the run and went on an interesting diversion,
and Andy Patience, whose chain broke at the top of the climb but was
able
to free wheel
and push
the descent and finish the cycle stage so he could still do
the run and record a place in the series. Other Carnethies who finished
were
Garry
MacInnes, Olly Stephenson and Ewan Gowrie.
Results here
- 21st January 2006
Maspie Den re-run
   
This
was supposed to be a re-run for the few who missed the run the first
time. On the day 16 runners arrived at
Craigmead
car park for the journey.
Before starting, Mike Browne took us to a nearby quarry for an impromptu
geology lesson. Joanne and Ben arrived so late that they got ahead
of us so we had to start rather suddenly. Confused? So were we! The
weather was much better than last time as we ran to West Lomond then
down to see the rocks of the Devil's Burdens. There followed a rather
wet path to Harperlees Reservoir then good paths through the forest
and over the fields to Ballo Reservoir. On the way up from the reservoir
we passed a falconry centre. Although it was closed, some went into
a barn to see owls. We headed over the fields to the lime kiln on
East Lomond. The arches of the kiln made good shelter for a lunch
break.
We continued over East Lomond and for a brief moment saw real sunshine. Down
the other side, we ran through the centre of Falkland and by back
streets towards Falkland House. There was even a motoring interest
for Willie
who spotted a car that had run off the road and crashed through a
wall. We continued up the spectacular gorge of Maspie Den, including
a shuffle
through the darkness of the tunnel. At the top of the Den some people
went under the overhang behind the waterfall. They were not reassured
by Mike who noticed a piece that had fallen off since his last visit.
We ran on across the fields and through forest to see the Tyndall
Bruce monument - the large stone tower halfway up the hillside.
After that
it was a gentle run on a delightful forest path back to Craigmead.
The day seemed to be enjoyed by all.
Nigel Rose.
- 19th January 2006
Scotlandwell Night Run
15 Carnethies met up at Scotlandwell for the Fife
Night run. It was rather wet on the journey but luckily the rain went
off before the start of
the run. We climbed quickly into the mist as we aimed for Bishophill.
I think we got there but to be honest I had no idea where I was most
of the time. Thanks to Adrian for leading us safely over the hill.
We
had a fine meal in The Balgeddie Inn afterwards.
Here is a message from Ronnie: 'For those of you
at that end of the table taking part in the "Oh cherry, oh cherry, oh
baby" discussion, here is
a link to the said lyrics, with the name of the band: The Stones, right
enough!'
Or was it? Message from Olly Stephenson: "Oh cherry,
oh cherry, oh baby" - sorry
to be anal about this, but the song was written and performed by Eric
Donaldson in 1971
as a classic reggae track (it was not written by the Rolling Stones or
UB40!).
I think we should stick to running the Hills!
- 17th January 2006
'Tiso' Carnethy 5 Entries
300 entries now for the Tiso Carnethy 5 ! At
this rate we will be oversubscribed. See entry list on Carnethy 5
page here.
- 14th January 2006
Great Winter Run - Holyrood Park
Edinburgh turned on a benign day for the impeccably-organised
Great Winter Run. The Carnethy team of marshals was early on the scene,
earning smart jackets for themselves and a generous financial thank-you
for the Club. Most were deployed around the Palace for the Junior Run,
Willie Mykura taking it on himself to scoop up whatever dog dirt he could
find, presumably in case Royalty was taking part. It wasn’t, but
several Camerons and Jameses were. Two Nimmos brought up the rear, conspicuous
in “Last Runner Marshal” bibs.
The team then moved
on to the Great Winter Run itself: one lap of Arthur’s Seat, with
well over one thousand runners (and a few walkers). What looked like
a new Carnethy vest flashed by near the
front, but it didn’t have a Clansman on the back, just the word “Coventry”.
There was a genuine vest rather further down the field: the Last Runner
Marshals had turned into competitors. In between a cheery individual
padded by - MSP / Health Minister, Andy
Kerr.
The televised races followed. The Carnethy marshals were pressed
into service around the one hill on the long course (the Half Haggis
Knowe),
to keep the swans from joining in and the spectators from obscuring
the advertising boards. In the short men’s race the leader did
a Lasse Viren, taking a tumble then getting up to win handsomely. That
was impressive enough, but what followed was even more so, as the top
Africans sped round barely out of breath. Mind you, Lyn Wilson didn’t
seem too far behind the pros in the women’s race, and was the
first District runner to finish. Kate Jenkins was a commendable sixth
Districter, just behind Marbeth Shiell; and they took East to
the title.
    
- 11th January
2006
Borders XC Series 3rd Race, Galashiels - 8th January
Another excellent "real" cross-country
course on a frosty day at Galashiels saw a dedicated group of Carnethy
runners testing their new club vests
and trying to keep them clean
when jumping the several streams on the course. Andy was the first Carnethy
counter
in
4th place,
his
best yet, while Lucy had a great
run to win the ladies in a high standard field and be 3rd counter for
the club (and in the largest field yet in the series with 106 finishers).
With Mark James making up the team, Carnethy are now the leading team
after
3 races
of
the 7
races...can we hang on
? Even the new Captain, Joanne, turned out to try cross-country running
(and to model the vest ! )
1. Brian Marshall (HELP) 21:36
4. Andy Spenceley 23:15 (1st O/45)
15. Mark James 24:20
24. Lucy Colquhoun 25:11 (1st Lady)
31. William Mykura 25:33
53. Paul Morris 27:50
68. Hilary Spenceley 29:32 (1st O/45 F)
82. Joanne Anderson 31:39
Full
results are here
- 11th January 2006
Solo Round Scotland
Read about Alan Rankin's
forthcoming attempt on a new Sailing / Cycling record (a new training
regime for the Scottish Islands Peaks Race 2006), he is going to sail
and cycle solo round Scotland.
His website is www.soloroundscotland.com
- 10th January 2006
Carnethy Calendar
A free Carnethy Picture Calendar is now available
to download and print from our
funpage.
- 9th January
2006
Carnethy 5 Entries
Updated list of TISO Carnethy 5 entries here.
- 8th January 2006
Junior Senior Fun Relay
The Fun Relay
was a great success this year. There was a huge turnout of juniors (15)
and enough seniors to make up 10 teams. The older junior girls helped
the younger juniors round the course (Thanks to Julia, Claire, Katie
and Ellie), and everyone had a great time in the beautiful sunshine.
The
race was won by the team of Alice Hogg , Ben Bate and Gordon Cameron
(Team Name: Alice's Restaurant) and Alice left most of her breakfast
on the hill.
Full Report to follow.
Results Photos
- 2nd January 2006
Greenmantle Dash - new records set
The temperature was just right for fast
running. Scott Fraser (Lothian) took 3 seconds off Iain Donnan’s
course record whilst Brian Marshall (HELP) was only 5 seconds outside
it. Kate Jenkins, wellie boots and all,
was 17 seconds inside her own ladies’ record. She didn’t
do quite so well in the fancy dress contest, however, having to share
first place with HBT’s 'Ima Stroller' (DM).
The
New Year brought out the New Generation: there wasn’t a V40 in
the top ten. Pride of place surely goes to the Inglis trio: they must
have less than 50 years between them and yet
their aggregate time was under 64 minutes. The Fun Run was well-supported
too, with around thirty certificates handed out at the end. Bill Bennet
(Penicuik) got a special mention for having competed in all but one
of the 24 Greenmantle Dashes (or something like that!).
The
field warmed up by inspecting the burn, and what it saw was good: no
need for Sir Walter Raleigh this year. The flood
plain was as muddy and smelly as ever, but Trahenna soon blew that
away, keen to add to the goodwill that’s particularly abundant
on 2 January. There’s not much else to say: even for those of
us at the rear of the field the race was over rather too quickly.
    
Results
- 2nd January 2006
One O'Clock Run
This informal run from the Castle to Holyrood
park has been held for four years. You must run in the T-shirt provided.
It is not a race as you have
to stay behind the marshall's van which police escort to clear the
street. It has always been a jog to welcome in the New Year. However
this year the van shot off ahead and it was a mad dash for the Palace
with no holding back. By the time I realised that a race was on I was
quite far back but I clawed my way through the 400 or so field and
finshed in 6th.
Scott was in top 50 and Kirsty just behind. We then
watched the serious competitors in the Triathlon in perfect conditions.
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Gordon Cameron
- 1st
January 2006
New Year's Day Triathlon
 
Inspired by the exploits of various
Carnethies in duathlons at Glentress and Tinto, but warned
off the mountain biking bit by the walking wounded, Anne and I
decided to have a go at the New Year’s Day Triathlon
round Arthur’s
Seat.
Competitors start off at 10-second intervals, the slowest
swimmers first, down lane 1 then zig-zagging their way along the
other seven lanes
until they reach the end of lane 8. Clever. My starting position
was 35, exactly one hundred ahead of Anne’s, which says little
for my swimming. Even that was flattering, for various people proceeded
to flail past, causing me to test the efficacy of pool water as
a novel sports drink.
Then came the cycling - which had one hairy
moment. My shoe lace caught in the chain, then wrapped itself round
the
pedal – tightening
its grip on my foot with every revolution. Luckily this was on
the steep climb up
so I was able to hop off and throttle the offending lace.
The run
was enjoyable - the main hazard being a very low sun which made
it difficult to see what lay ahead. My new Club vest attracted
several shouts of “Come on Carnethy Five” – was
this a new way of promoting the race? – and I even managed
to run past a cyclist struggling up the climb.
Definitely
a good way to spend New Year’s Day (and therefore
thanks to all those who organised it). Better still, Anne was the
first in her category. My start number just missed the spot prize
(easily the biggest cheque of the day) – it went to
135, not 35!
Ian Nimmo
Results on the Edinburgh
Triathletes website
|
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)