Old News: Jan-Mar 2008
- 31st March 2008
A Long Training Run
Some Carnethies escaped the city at the weekend and went for a long training run - and they didn't get wet!
Not quite true, there were patches of heavy rain and our feet were soaked.
Report here
- 30th March 2008
Images from World XC at Holyrood Park
Here are a few images of the weekend's racing at the World XC Championships, snatched whilst marshalling! The seemingly effortless speed and grace of the racers was awe-inspiring. Then, the fact that Bekele won comfortably, after stopping to put his shoe back on, was really impressive. In fact, over the last few days, I don't think Arthur's Seat has ever has seen so many sleek, well-attired joggers. Fortunately the higher slopes of the hill were left well alone by the races - so it's back to normal for those doing their training runs...
Saturday Lyn Wilson ran in the Home Countries International round the World XC course. She was 6th overall and 2nd Scot with the English dominating the race, as expected. Inevitably the sun is shining from a clear, blue sky today and the shivering in the wind and rain whilst marshalling is just a memory.
This event could not have worked without solid commitment from local runners and running clubs, not least of all Carnethy. Marshals braved cold and heavy rain, but were rewarded by highlights including the parachute display, superb, and the lone piper (a lassie, we're told) up on the knowe, and the wincing sight of runners in bare feet, thanks allegedly to terminal 5. Bekele lost a shoe and still won! Good report in the Scotsman here.
- 26th March 2008
Drumming a new route
Seven set off up Craigmillar and thence to Hawkhill. At that point we were down to six, one lost his pod among the killer brambles and determined to find it! The others shot across unkempt fields, crossed the Niddrie Burn, and up to try to retrieve the Drum route. At Edmonston Mains we took the fields across to the Drum estate, passing right in front of the mansion, a good alternative route. And we got back with dry feet, a first for 2008.
- 25th March 2008
Everest Marathon Talk
An audience of around 40 people at Run-4-It in Edinburgh enjoyed Angela Mudge’s fascinating story Tuesday of how she ran the Everest Marathon in December last year. For the 80 or-so race competitors the most arduous part was the trek up to the start at Gorak Shep, 5184m above sea level. The multi-day walk in followed the route of the Marathon in reverse, so providing a useful reccy. But the biggest problem seemed to be not fitness, nor even altitude sickness, but tummy bugs which caused many competitors to become ill and some even to drop-out before the start. Luckily doctors were present at all times, so almost everyone was able to complete the race, sometimes with medical backup! The Marathon followed narrow paths, sometimes blocked by snow or yak-trains, with an undulating 6mile loop to make up the marathon distance.
Overall the race climbs 1000m and descends more than 1700m between start and finish. The times show just how tough it was; the winning man finished in 4hrs 12mins, while Angela set a new female record of 5hrs 3mins. Also amazing were the Sherpas who accompanied the party, going to bed later and getting up earlier than the visitors, cooking and carrying, and being unaffected by the altitude or the bugs. Some of them even ran the race, and the winner was a local man, showing that acclimatisation to this hostile environment is key. Angela’s brilliant photos illustrated the talk wonderfully, the flags, religious buildings, brightly coloured clothing all sparkled under a permanently bright blue sky (except on race day when it was cloudy!). Angela said she wouldn’t go back, as she just wanted to do the race once. However she then revealed she’s planning another trip out there later this year…
- 19th March 2008
The Presidential Gullane Night Run - Wednesday 19th March
No report yet from the President, but one photo has arrived of this run along the beach.
- 17th March 2008
Edinburgh Half Marathon
The offer of a last-minute place tempted me out to pound-the-tarmac from Cramond to Musselburgh in the Run-Edinburgh Half Marathon. Apart from the wind-assisted first mile to the turn at Cramond point, we were running into a chilly north-easterly all the way to Musselburgh. I’d assumed the race started at Cramond; in fact it started 1.5 miles down the prom, so after a quick sprint I started just behind the back-markers as they crossed the start line (luckily the Tyvek chip does the sums). From then on I gained 1966 places before the finish at Musselburgh Race Course, 1hr 32mins later. This allowed me to check out the field for Carnethies, only spotting Carl Winkler and Brian Waldie, plus supporters on route Rod Dalitz, Kate Jenkins and Brian Marshall (resting from Chapelgill the day before). Highlights for me were the lovely sea views, running in company all the way, and the great chocolate shortbread in the goody bag. Results are here, and click here for photos soon.
Willie Mykura
New member Bob Johnston also ran in the Edinburgh Half Marathon, sporting the club vest, but registered as unattached. He came in at 1:27, 116th overall, placing him as first Carnethy (if only he'd registered as Carnethy !)
- 16th March 2008
Chapelgill Hill Race - Saturday 15th March
A biting northeasterly greeted this years entrants at Glenkirk and it reduced the sultry five degrees centrigrade air temperature somewhat. However, this didn't seem to dissuade anyone too much and forty four hardy entrants gathered at the start. Five Carnethies were interspersed amongst the crowd in the shape of Adam Anderson, Cameron Scott, Mike O'Connor, Gregor Heron and Derek Paton.
After the free range attack on steep slopes, Brian Marshall (HELP) loped in first in 20:18, two minutes and sixteen seconds (!) ahead of Tom Smith (Lochaber). Adam had a great run to finish in 5th place (23:59) with Derek 20th (28:02), Gregor 28th (31:28), Cameron 32nd (32:11) and Mike 33rd (32:27).
The ladies were dominated by HBT with Eilidh Wardlaw first (28:35), Rachael McIlwraith (Lothian) second (30:16) and Debbie McDonald third (31:23). First MV was Alan Smith and the SV winner was Martin Hulme.
If all that wasn't enough, a number of daft souls (namely Martin H, James B and Derek P) took on Culter Fell after the prizegiving. Unsurprisingly, the latter of these runners poor legs seem to be protesting a bit the day after. However this appears to be much more preferable than the loss of an appendix two weeks and five days before the race! Results are here.
Derek Paton
- 12th March 2008
Last golf of the season
On a brilliantly cold and fine starry night Willie G led a superb tour up the local hills for a round of golf. Alas no photo could do justice to a pack of mud spattered runners speeding through total darkness, no more than vague reflective shapes. Willie, Philippa, Tom, Lindsay, Hilary H, Oz, Paul R, Richard, Micheals O'c and W, and probably others lost in the darkness - missing persons email webteam (a} carnethy. A thin moon tried its very best to illuminate the proceedings. Even so, our knees hit our chins on hitting sudden bumps in the dark. While the circuit timing was fast, hill runners are utterly unable to bowl a wee golf ball into a hole from a couple of yards away, as our trials proved. Aye, cross-training is needed. All safe and happy home, though some explored mud-immersion therapy on the descent from the Braids. Good to see Kate, Andy and Hilary who showed up at base-camp.
- 8th March 2008
Deuchary Hill Canter Race, Dunkeld
Angela finished 3rd for the 3rd time in 3 days in the Deuchary Hill Canter (and first woman, of course, in all ! ), the last of the Highland Boundary 3 day race series. The race was won by Ross McLennan,who had won the Friday night race and was 5th (behind Angela's 3rd) in the rougher Birnam Hill Race on the Saturday. Quite a few other Carnethies ran the Deuchar Hill Canter : new member Richard Martin was 4th, Bruce Smith 8th, Cameron Burt 9th, Jacqui Higginbottom 14th, Richard Hessey 22nd, Joan Wilson 26th and Colin Wilson 31st. Results here
In the overall results for the 3 race series, Angela was 1st woman and 2nd individual, Richard Hessey 5th (3rd man), Colin Wilson 9th and Joan Wilson 10th (and first Over 40 woman). Overall results here
- 8th March 2008
Birnam Hill Race - Saturday 7th March
The Birnam Hill race was the middle one of the 3 race Highland Boundary Series held over Friday, Saturday and Sunday, organised by Adrian Davis. The rain let off for this lovely, new 4 mile race but left the paths quite slippy. A steep climb from Birnam to the summit was followed by a descent to the south and round the hill back to Birnam. From a field of 40, Glentress winner, Prasad Prasad (Clydesdale), narrowly held off Brian Marshall (HELP) to win with Angela Mudge in a clear 3rd. Other Carnethies running were Adam Ward (4th), Adrian Davis (6th), Andy Spenceley (8th - after losing his navigational street cred and going off-course in a quarry), Richard Hessey (18th), Colin Wilson (20th) and Joan Wilson (26th). There was excellent soup provided at Adrian's B&B afterwards. Results of Birnam Race here.
Angela had also come 3rd in the Friday night race, which was a flat race along the banks of the Tay (in the dark!), with Richard Hessey 4th and Colin and Joan Wilson 14th and 15th resp. Results of River Tay Dash
- 5th March 2008
Band on the Run
Willie's email - the Pentlands or else - may have deterred some, as surely did the cold winds. But Willie Gibson, Tom Harley, Philippa Headley, The Michaels (bis), Richard Lathe, Paul Ritchie, Joanne Anderson, and of course Chris Henty, hit the long trail through the Braids and up to Swanston. Forget the cold, in the event we were steaming. Over the top of the skislope and through to Mortonhall, where we split into two groups to try alternative routes. The up and over through the mud won by seconds over the roadies. A solid 9.5 miles.
- 4th March 2008
Hill Running with someone else's legs The Glentress Duathlon
It was a cold clear day for the final (Long) Glentress Duathlon last sunday. Quite a few Carnethies missed Bishop Hill to enjoy a tough day of mountain biking and running. I found that 64 minutes of cycling meant that my legs were not doing anything I told them. When I start trying to run I felt like I was on rubber legs inside smarties tubes. After a Mars Bar and 15 minutes they seemed to recover enough for me to make up a few places. I finished in 2:07:38, it was a very hard race!
I did have a moment of fame however, Sandy Thomson a former employee of mine put his race number on his bike upside down and his 98 turned into my 86. I was 15th fastest cyclist for a few hours!
The course for the Long was designed for the leaders to take 40 minutes for the cycle and 40 minutes for the run. In fact Ross Creber was the fastest cyclist in 42:38 but then left the running to his dad Chris. Chris headed off in the wrong direction and did the second lap first. This caused the fast runners some concern as they never seemed to catch up with him. The other half of the Creber family Hamish and Maggie also did well with Hamish 5th in the cycle.
Lars Ottemoller was the first Carnethy finisher in 5th Place Adam Ward was 6th and first over 40. Garry MacInnes and Andy Patience were 2nd and 3rd over 40s. Bob Waterhouse was 2nd MV50 anc Cali Ingham was 1st FV50. Olly Stephenson was 22nd while Mick James got lost for a while on the cycle but had a good run to make up 15 places and finish in 38th.
In the series adam finished 2nd MV40 , Bob was 1st MV50 and Cali was 1st FV50.
Willie Gibson
Results are on the Glentress Duathlon Website.
- 4th March 2008
The Deerstalker - Sat 1st March
For something different to do on a saturday night Kate James and I sampled the Deerstalker event at Traquair. If you are wanting to spice up your hilllrunning and like getting wet this could be the event for you! Its friendly, local and there's beer, food and music to finish. After the 10k course with a difference (which took us 2 h 40!) , the final challenge is getting your car out of a very muddy field. Other Carenthies taking part included Geraint Florida-James in a superb 4th place and of the 600 field.....more details
Joanne Thin
- 2nd March 2008
Bishop Hill Race - the 1st Scottish Champs race of 2008
There was a massive turnout for this very short, steep race at Scotlandwell. 180 toed the start line in a hidden dip in the forest (passing walkers must have wondered what obsure rites were happening !), this was 80 more than the previous largest entry for the race ! Jethro Lennox (Shettleston) barged his way through the pack at the start, to storm to a very impressive win and a new record (for this route, anyway). Simon Peachey had a superb run for 4th place in the very strong field (scalps included Brian Marshall, Joe Symonds, Tom Owens, ....Andy Spenceley!), while Stewart Whitlie just beat an inform Colin Donnelly (Lochaber) to win the Over 40s. First Women was Elke Schmidt (Bellahouston) who passed Clair Gordon (HBT) on the descent. Jacqui Higginbottom had another good run for Carnethy as she was first Over 40 and so leads the Scottish Champs (and 5th woman) and first home for the club. Shettleston narrowly won the team prize from Carnethy and Carnegie. However, Carnethy won the Men's Over 40 Team - a good start to the Scottish champs ! Good to see such a large number of Carnethies turning out (though could have done with more women). We had: Simon Peachey (4), Stewart Whitlie (10), Steven Fallon (15), Adrian Davis (26), Jon Ascroft (33), Bruce Smith (35), Andy Spenceley (36), John Blair-Fish (62), Derek Bearhop (72), Gordon Cameron (74), Jacqui Higginbottom (84), Colin Wilson (94), Bill Henderson (106), Gregor Heron (113), Joan Wilson (118), Joanne Anderson (120), Phillipa Headley (150), Michael O'Connon (158) & Peter Walker (159). Well done to Lomond Hill Runners for staging this opening race in the championship and somehow coping with the numbers. Results.
- 27th February 2008
Portobello Beach
Wednesday run and we headed for the shore. 9 Carnethies shot down along the Braid Burn. Some "tricky" spots - impromptu wall climbing, fighting with carniverous killer brambles, and squeezing through chain-fencing - leaving the road clear for a fast run down to the sands. To Portobello, once just a cottage on the coast, named by a seafarer who served in Panama, where we dallied on the beach. Back over the railway, find Niddrie Burn, and head west where a massive fire not far off covered the sky with smoke. Trad route back (Inch, double-hedges) to KB (9.5 fast miles) to meet up with late-comers and an especially well-deserved pint.
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24th February 2008
Borders Journey Run
The weather held out for another of Nigel's splendid Journey runs at the weekend, scarcely a drop of rain fell all day.
Report
- 24th February 2008
National Cross-Country Champs - Saturday 23rd Feb
Lyn Wilson continued her great winter form by finishing a magnificent 4th in the "National" at Falkirk on Saturday and Jacqui Higginbottom was not far back in 40th. Official report here and results here.
- 24th February 2008
“Running with Snowshoes”
The CRASPADA DOLOMITI RACE - San Martino to Lago Calaita
My second venture into a winter variety of hill running.
Did an acclimatization run up and down a red ski piste in mountain snow shoes and walking boots but the 7.5 Km race course turned out to be an easier steady climb on well covered trails so most runners used simpler lighter snow shoes (“Ciaspole” or “Craspe” in dialect) and trainers. We had to cross two busy downhill pistes so to reduce the chance of wipe-outs you could take time to cross and this was subtracted from race time by electronic timers sited each side of the piste. Great after race facilities in a farm building with a large open fire and enormous pans of tea,soup and brule and mounds of local cheeses salami and bread.
The winner took 49mins. I finished in 1 hr 11mins in 15th position from 150 starters though a good number of these were fun runners. No prize for that but one for being the oldest- a pair of hand made traditional Craspe. and another for coming from furthest away- a 150 Euro voucher for hotels in the locality!
Brian Waldie
- 20th February 2008
Spitz of the Aiguilles - the Wednesday run!
It's that time of year. Cold, rainy, the full moon hidden behind clouds, and there was a dream..... So we left the historic stone-built chalets at the Fusia dello Kitzbuhel to run through olive groves, scattering wild goats, to chase up a firm chalky trail then to skirt a cool mountain lake before heading upwards through sparse woodland, scenting the moutain pines. At 2000 m the light was intense, by 3000 we reached the snowline, ultra-dark glasses essential as we sped through crisp fresh snow to the very tip of Les Aiguilles (3900). Breathtaking! The deep blue of the high altitude, views extending far across the summits to the distant sea beyond. Scarcely breaking pace we hit the fast descent, over screes so steep we were skiing, at the col splashed briefly in the warm Lac Abraida, to return mountain-burnt by sun and sky to alpine pastures deep in the valley, with dazzling Edelweiss and the sound of cow-bells, succulent oranges to be plucked from the trees as we passed. A translucent sun was already setting over the sea as we ran the final mile down, though gullies with bickering streams, air rich in the intense citrus of wild rosemary, finding a terrace overlooking the shore where foaming steins of local brew await our parched throats. Cicadas sing as the patron brings out olives and fresh-baked loaves, lights at the harbour flicker below us, a violin plays in the distance... If that doesn't cheer you up...
(Webteam official comment) A wee element of inaccuracy seems to have crept in to this report. Reliable witnesses report a group of cold runners heading up Arthur's Seat in the dark.
- 17th February 2008
The 38th 'Tiso' Carnethy 5 Hill Race - Saturday 16th February
An all day blue sky, though with a strong cold wind, encouraged the 461 runners that finished with some fast times. Lloyd Taggart from Dark Peak showed exceptional form, coming in at 47:11, the second fastest time ever ! Race holder, Rob Jebb (Bingley), was a minute behind at 48:13, with Andrew Symonds (Carnegie) chasing all the way at 48:28. Al Anthony had a good run to be well under the exclusive 50 mins time in 4th place.
For the ladies, Angela Mudge (Carnethy) did her magic again, coming in at 55:13 (21st overall), to take the first slot and her 11th sub hour win, despite her race number (13). Sharon Taylor (Bingley) was second lady at 60:14, just in front of Fiona Maxwell (Mournes) with Jill Mykura (Carnethy) homing in 61:58 for 4th.
A spectacular result for the juniors - Douglas Tullie (Ed Uni Hare and Hounds) stomped back in an amazing 53:59, 14th position overall.
First M40 was Jim Davis (Borrowdale) and first F40 was Fiona Maxwell (Mourne). As well as picking up the veteran's prize and 3rd place in the ladies, Fiona became the first female ever to win the Overseas award, the Abernethy Quaich !
Both Team prizes went to the host, Carnethy. Simon Peachey just got the first Carnethy finisher prize after a close battle with Stewart Whitlie.
There might not have been records broken today, but it was a day of seconds. As well as Lloyd Taggart running the second fastest time, Jim Davies ran the second fastest Over 40s time; there was the second largest field ever and the second largest number of female finishers, 102 (the record is 103) !
Jimmie Jardine (M60 Lochaber) with 37 races under his belt strode back safely, but applause to the first M70, Jim Buchanan, who made a sterling 81:58, ahead of many younger runners. For more winners in all categories see results and Organisers report here.
Carnethy 5 Photo Report
Scald Law Junior Race results and report from race organiser
Video Clips up to 62 minutes, 62-70 minutes 70-78 minutes 78-87 minutes 87-108 minutes .108-112 minutes
- 17th February 2008
Carnethy claim two prizes at Borders XC Series Prize Giving
Sunday’s Lauder cross country race attracted 114 runners for the final of the 6-race Borders X-Country series. The 4 mile course began with a loop of the football field, then onto footpaths for a figure-of-8, and then a long steady climb up the Southern Upland Way into a cold west wind. Very soon we were descending steeply to the burn; this burn then required to be vaulted over several times before a steep climb up a muddy slope and a nice descent to the finish. A nice fast x-country course on firm going, which seemed to be finished much faster than my half-hour time suggested. Three Carnethies turned out for the race. Well Done to Graeme Carracher who was second in the MV45 category for the series and Robin Sloan who was third in MV60 category for the series. Carnethy finished in 11th team place, a far cry from our frequent firsts of previous years; how about a few of our ‘racers’ turning out next year?
Results
Willie Mykura
- 15th February 2008
Carnethy 5 Pre-Race Report
Read the pre-race report in this week's Midlothian Advertiser
- 13th February 2008
Night Run from Flotterstone or recce of Carnethy 5 descent in the dark !
Conditions were good for Wednesday's night run from Flotterstone. Skies vere fairly clear and there was a half moon. There was enough light for some but others used head torches to avoid those too-easy-to-find tussocks and rocks to trip over. There was an exciting run down the scree slopes which needed a long shoe-emptying stop at Charlie's Loup the bottom. An indeterminate number took part in the run as people kept popping up out of the darkness all the way round. The final sting in the tail was the dense fog which came up out of the burn at the bottom of Turnhouse Hill - this caught several people unawares. There was then a mad dash to get to The Steading before the kitchen closed. Good food and drink rounded off a successful evening.
Nigel Rose
- 11th February 2008
Apples produce large turnout for Ladies run
On an evening of thick fog, 15 set off from Mayfield Road and all returned for soup and apples (cooked) ! In between the run went round Mortonhall followed by a climb to the top of the Braids, where we burst out the fog to get a superb inversion and a look across fog covered Edinburgh, before dropping back into the cold, damp cloud in the Hermitage. Details of the fortnightly Ladies Runs here
- 11th February 2008
Lyn wins Scottish Masters Cross Country at Irvine - Sat 9th February
Lyn Wilson won the Ladies Masters Cross Country title at Irvine on Saturday beating the second placed runner, Sue Ridley (Edinburgh AC) by almost a minute. This is her second major title this winter having already won the East District X-C Champs. Report here
- 9th February 2008
Ben More than enough
17 Carnethies set out from Loch Na Keal to climb Ben More and then head back to Salen over the tops, using it as a backwards reccie of the Mull Monsterette. But strong winds and bad vis made it an up and down. Although there were a couple of first Munro's and a 14th.
Seven left the safety and warmth of the cars to run back to Salen via a bronze age fort.
The evening was spent enjoying good food and good banter at Mediterranea restaurant in Salen. Report.
- 7th February 2008
Juliette supporting Maggie's Cancer Centre - report in The Herald
One of Carnethy's newer members Juliette Camburn is interviewed in the Herald as she is due to take part in Maggie's Monster Bike and Hike, which is launched today - in aid of Maggie's Cancer Centres. Full story here
- 6th February 2008
Up the Electric Brae
A cold clear evening for a grand run, nicely paced, attracted a dozen runners over Blackford Hill and up the Braids. After a visit to Mortonhall it was back towards Liberton Tower where some new electric fences at the stables caused a re-route over rough farmland (a couple of thousand volts for a few millisecs is enough to send a thick-skinned horse scampering: bare-handed runners with wet feet beware!) - but then as if by magnetism we found the kiddies playpark.
- 2nd February 2008
Boundaries of Edinburgh
Michael O'C, Richard L, with John B-F for the first half, ran the 50 k circuit of Edinburgh town on Saturday. Report.
- 29th January 2008
Olly is a Tough Guy Again - Sunday 27th January
The Tough Guy is billed as an ‘Extreme Adventure Experience’, combining a fast cross-country run with a full-scale assault course, set on a rambling and extremely muddy farm in the West Midlands.
If you like running, climbing and mud then this is the race for you.
The race starts in timed ‘pens’, and anyone who sneaks up a pen or two gets dragged out and locked in stocks (yes, medieval-style stocks) at the top of a small hillock for public naming and shaming by the organisers, and a jeering from all 5,000 competitors. The Carnethy 5 race organiser is planning to implement this approach for kit checks at this year’s C5.
Runners are set off with a series of explosions and smoke bombs, and the pace is fast throughout the obstacle-strewn woods, up and down steep hillsides and in and out of muddy rivers.
Before I knew it I’d completed the run and was into the obstacle course proper, savouring the delights of 40’ climbing frames, and dodging through the curtains of electric tape on the far side. I was lucky and got through unscathed; a guy near me was jolted and flung clear across the course.
Beyond this lay another 20 or more obstacles, the most notable being several runs through burning straw, interspersed with swims through freezing pools kindly put there by the organiser to extinguish our flaming clothes.
Mud features quite prominently throughout the race, and perhaps that’s why the organiser sent us wading and swimming up the river, ducking through underwater tunnels. I found this rather exciting, but probably less so than a guy near me who could not swim (about as sensible as entering a hill race unable to put one foot in front of the other).
I completed in c.1 hour 9 minutes, finishing in the top 50-100 competitors (results are still to be posted). The really good news is my neoprene t-shirt saved the day, and it was my pal Mike Rudden that got hypothermia instead of me!
It’s a great race, truly one that everyone has to do at least once in their life. And if you’re scared of heights, rope walks, drops, mud, electricity, fire, tunnels, freezing water and barbed wire… you get to conquer all your fears in one go!
www.toughguy.co.uk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w98yfeRwt4M (3 minute video from the race in 2007)
Olly Stephenson
- 27th January 2008
Lyn Wilson is 3rd in National Short Course XC
While Bellahouston RR were showing us that they can run on the hills as well as the roads (4th and 1st in the Devil's Burdens) Lyn Wilson reminded us that some Carnethy hill runners can also shine on the flatter but just as muddy cross country (3rd in the short course national XC in Glasgow). The main cross country event, the National XC Championships, is in Falkirk a week after the Carnethy 5. Will anyone run in both?
- 27th January 2008
Borders XC Series, Berwick
Berwick Harriers hosted the fifth and penultimate leg of the Borders Cross Country Series at Spittal, across the Tweed from Berwick, on Sunday. An out and back course along the beach then up and along the grassy cliff top, with a little "eye of the needle" at the far end. The day was warm, dry and sunny, though the wind blew strongly, particularly noticeable on the final section of soft sand, where the sand was blown into the eyes of runners. There were 102 finishers, including Robin Sloan (66th) and myself (10th) from Carnethy. Provisional results and details of the final race of the series (Lauder on 17th February) are here.
Graeme C
- 26th January 2008
Devil's Burdens Relay, Lomond Hills, Fife
The storms of the last few days abated somewhat - but the ground was extremely boggy and those not wearing studs were slipping all over the place. As usual the Devil's Burdens was a fantastic event, with 100 teams of 6 taking part and with some great close racing and lots of excitement.
Carnethy entered 6 teams (that's 36 runners !). The men's 'A' team led after 2 legs and were only seconds behind Shettleston at the start of the last leg (helped by a Shettleston mix-up!). In the end, Shetteston won narrowly by just 4 secs from a spirited challenge from Ochils, with Carnethy in 3rd in 2:32:13. In the ladies race there was another close result as Bellahouston RR led from the start to win by just 50 secs from a fast finishing Carnethy team who did 3:03:34 (and were 25th overall). The other Carnethy teams were a Men's Over 40 (finishing 15th overall in 2:56:50), a Men's 'B' (44th overall in 3:19:19), a Men's Over 50 (68th overall 3:48:18) , and a Mixed team (76th in 3:55:44). Full results are here.
Bottom row of photos courtesy of Alan Young (except last one)
- 23th January 2008
Carnethy Burns Supper - £3 entry fee, this can't be true?
Wow! What a wonderful evening of fantastic entertainment! Willie Gibson’s “To a Haggis” was combined with such energetic acting that folk had to take a step back to really appreciate how well he worked the stage. Followed by the Selkirk Grace from Jules Camburn with our hearts still palpitating from Willie’s performance. After an expertly cooked meal we were treated to a well-researched Immortal Memory from Michael O’Connor and a toast from the hobbling Keith Burns. Keith proclaimed how proper it is that the women compete directly with the men in the sport of Hill Running. Lindsay Ovens responded by amusing the audience (40 people) with nitpicks from during the year. The musical entertainment and its accumulating atmosphere was really unique in the Cameron’s house. Not a word from the appreciate audience could be heard while they basked on the carpet listening to songs from Mark James; Richard Lathe on guitar and Margaret Forrest on the flute; well rehearsed pieces from Bill Gauld on the fiddle; Paul Ritchie on the piano; song from Willie and Moira; and such a cheerless and dismal song from Shane that Gordon’s bottle of Jura on the sideboard had never seen such rapid consumption. The evening finished with the floor calling for Hilary Spenceley's Tam O'Shanter, which keeps getting better. A smartly dressed Eric Brown wound down the supper proceedings for 2008 and wished us all well.
Shane
- 17th January 2008
Maestro of the Munros – Steven in the Herald
A lovely piece in the Herald Magazine last week (5th January) is a reminder that club captain, Steven Fallon, holds the Scottish/British/World record for most Munro rounds compleated, 13 to date and he's working on the 14th. Many ordinary mortals take a lifetime to do just one. The Scottish Mountaineering Club reveals that Steven has “walked a total of 21,500 miles”. Walked?? That's new. Read the piece here (try to ignore the daftest title ever).
- 17th January 2008
Castlelaw Night Run - a navigational experience - Wednesday 16th January
Billed as a night run involving 'navigation' this promised to be a bit different from the usual Carnethy forays, not least in that it was competitive and there was beer and choclates to find on the hill ! Organised by Bob Waterhouse, (you could tell he is a teacher by the long instructions and clues that needed solving), it certainly aroused interest as about 25 people showed up on the clear, frosty night for a very enjoyable and different night run. Read the full report, here , written by Nick. The trouble is, it sets the standard for the next person who organises a night run !
- 17th January 2008
The Wee and Big Shepherds of Etive - Saturday 12th January
A quick phone round on Friday found that most folk were aiming to Arthur's Seat on Saturday to watch the XC Champions. However a few folk were cajouled up north-west to bag some munros. The Shepherds of Etive were chosen as Stewart and Lucy hadn't been up either and Simon hadn't been up the Wee Shepherd. We had a brilliant time - on ice, in deep snow, in sunshine and under blue skies all day. Observant readers out there, will notice from the pics that we were wearing mere fell shoes / trainers - we were moving pretty fast, though our ice-axes were out for most of the day and needed in particular for ice-breaking as we glided down off Stob Dearg at the end of the day. Great fun ended up with a visit to the Real Food Cafe in Tyndrum for excellent chips !
Steven Fallon
- 14th January 2008
Scottish Woman on Top of the World: The Times
Angela is in the news again, and this time on the front page too. Monday's issue of the Times carries a great story of her Everest Marathon where she broke the ladies record by 13 minutes. Read it here. The story has sparked quite some interest - with further pieces in the Scotsman, Guardian and the Mail.
- 13th January 2008
Quiet Sunday in the Pentlands
The trad Sunday run didn’t quite work out, in a massive Sou'Wester, understatement, with Carnethies ending up on different hills. Report here.
- 12th January 2008
BUPA Great Edinburgh International Cross Country
A brilliant frosty sunny day for three elite races – circuits around the park at Holyrood and a spur up around Haggis Knowe where the club was marshaling the crossing points on Queen’s Drive. While the competitors steamed along, out of the sunshine around 16 club marshals froze in sub-zero conditions.
The first race, the men’s 4km, was won narrowly by Andy Baddeley (Harrow) at 12:52, a second ahead of Andy Vernon (Aldershot) followed briskly by Tom Lancashire (Bolton) at 12:56.
In the ladies 6 km race Gelete Burka (Ethiopia) sped home alone at 19:58, well ahead of Linet Masai (Kenya) in 20:13 and V Cheruiyot (Kenya) 20:34. Carnethy's Lyn Wilson, continuing her great form on the country from before Christmas, had a superb run to be 3rd Scot in 28th place, not far behind Kathy Butler and Freya Murray.
Then the men’s 9.3 km. From the start the elite internationals stuck together in a tight band ahead of the rest of the field, and so it was at the finish, with Kenenisa Bekele (Ethiopia) coming in at 27:42, making it a hat-trick, but just one second ahead of Zersenay Tadese (Eritrea), Eliud Kipchoge (Kenya) and Joseph Ebuya (Kenya), all at 27:43. The American challenger Dathan Ritzenheim (USA) was a brave fifth in 27:56.
Results here
- 9th January 2008
First Wed run of the year
A relief to get back to normality after the Xmas excesses. Willie G led 15 worthies (later becoming wetties, slitheries and muddies) over dark and sodden trails to Mortonhall and back over the top of the Braids. In among the trees ice and patches of snow made for a skatey surface. Some head-torches rivalled the floodlights on the driving range. Amazingly slimey mud on the drop down to the Braid Burn provided some entertainment as runners gavotted uncontrollably, downhilling on foot-sized skis, before returning to KB to meet up with a journal-bashing team surrounded by envelopes and pints in abundance.
- 7th January 2008
Aonach Mor Uphill Race - Tuesday 1st January 2008
This race is a quick tough dash from the bottom station Aonach Mor Ski Lift up to the Snowgoose Restaurant. We'd been staying at Corran for the week, so this seemed an ideal way to start off the year. Colin and Joan Wilson were the other Carnethies taking part - was this to be the first part of a plan to do 26 races in their 26th year together ? They say no, but let's wait and see ! HBT fielded lots of runners and they all posed for a team photo – so we had to do likewise ! Heading off on the race with its record field of 109 runners, we all jostled for a position before the track narrowed and turned uphill. I was with a group of 5 or 6 runners and we constantly changed positions depending on the terrain and level of ascent. Dan Whitehead from Cosmics kept his front position from the start and won comfortably. His partner, Clare set a new female record of 27:26min. I ended up 9th, being overtaken by John Hepburn of Lochaber on the last bit of flat, but managed to hold off a late challenge by Manny Gorman a few yards before the line. Colin breezed home in just over 33 minutes, with Joan a mere 4 minutes behind. They both looked quite relaxed approaching the line. I felt quite nackered – must have been the food and booze over the last few days.
Steven Fallon
- 7th January 2008
Borders XC Series, Peebles - Sunday 6th January
The fourth instalment of the Borders Cross Country Series took place at Hay Lodge Park near Peebles on Sunday. The weather was good for running - sunny but cool - although the ground was muddy underfoot. For any who hoped the start in the park might be nice and flat, alas not. After a hilly circuit of the park, the course set off westward along the river, before crossing over into forest track for a while. The prolonged uphill section about three-quarters of the way round wouldn't of been out of place in many a hill race. 138 finishers, including Robin Sloan and myself from Carnethy. The next in the series is along the beach at Berwick on 27 January.
Details and results here
GC
- 6th January 2008
Junior / Senior Fun Relay
A cold windy but sunny morning saw 18 Runners turning up for the annual fun event... Full report here
- 2nd January 2008
Greenmantle Dash
Photo courtesy of
Chris
Upson
James Tullie won the dash, with Judith Turner for the ladies minutes later, in inclement border weather. First run of the year! Carnethies on the hoof were Cameron S., Derek P., Gordon C., Rod D., Robin S., Ian Mc., Malcolm Mc., Steve H. and Ian N.. River was medium full, temperature was pleasant enough, but the wind from the east was a bit cutting while waiting for the start. The hill was not too slippery, though several people slipped - perhaps my relatively new PBs helped. Results
Rod
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