News April - June 2007
- 28th June 2007
Lucy's West Highland Way Report
Lucy's account of her record breaking performance has now been added to the WHW news item (plus the write-up she got in the press!)...click here
- 27th June 2007
Another 1-2. This time in the South Black Hill Race!
The new Wednesday evening Pentlands Ridge Race Series started with the South Black Hill race, which included Scald Law, Charlies Loup and scrambling around an old quarry plus lots of running through heather ! A lovely little race on a sunny evening (even if the wind was cold). Stewart Whitlie led from the start and was never headed despite having to run directly into a blinding sun on the climb of South Black Hill that stopped you seeing the route - or perhaps this was to his advantage as the chasers couldn't see how far in front he was. Steve Fallon passed Des Crowe (Shettleston) half way up the climb to move into 2nd and kept that until the end for another Carnethy 1-2. Andy Spenceley was next Carnethy finisher in 5th. Bob Waterhouse was first Over 50 in a race where Carnethy supplied almost half the runners. Results here
Don't miss the next in the series - the Carnethy Race on Wednesday 11th July.
At the same time - Hospital Run
Though South Black Hill snared many Carnethies, an alternative band elected for a longer run. Started on the Hospital route, passing through a fully fledged coniferous forest within a mile or so of KB, to the steep muddy bank at Craiglockhart which then proved a challenge, we only lost one runner. Some breeks were then muddied from tobagganing down the descent through the woods with a scrape or two. Hermitage and the arete, to meet up with the racers (at KB to continue at the Braidburn). Fast, muddy, and ouch! the myriad nettles are thriving.
- 24th June 2007
Adrian Davis and Lucy Colquhoun shine at West Highland Way in Carnethy 1-2 !
Adrian was first home in the 95 mile West Highland Way Race with a time of 17:04 and Lucy was second home with a time of 17:16:20 - over 20 minutes inside Kate Jenkins' ladies record !! Murdo McEwan was 8th in 20:12, and first Over 50, and Colin Hutt was 10th which meant there were 4 Carnethies in the first 10. Olly Stephenson was 32nd with a time of 23:22 and Russell Stout was 46th, so all the Carnethy runners who started completed. Lucy's run must be another contender for achievement of the year along with Es's Cuillin Ridge record!
Results here and Report from Adrian here and Report from Lucy's record run here
As also featured in the press
- 24th June 2007
Carnethy 1,2 at Falkland
Lars Ottemoller and Mark Higginbottom were first and second in the Falkland hill race on Saturday. Dougie Shiell also ran, but most noteworthy were some fine performances by Fife juniors. Results here
- 24th June 2007
Jill Mykura wins at Eildons - Saturday 23rd June
Jill Mykura easily won the ladies Eildon 2 Hills race from Claire Gordon on a wet and slippy course. Alasdair Anthony won the men's race from Grant Stewart. John Blair-Fish (17th) and Peter Walker (55th) were the other Carnethies running. Results here.
- 23rd June 2007
Highland Cross Duathlon - Saturday 23rd June
Another race, another record ! Angela Mudge smashed Gilly Pollard's 1991 record in this 50 mile duathlon through Glen Affric from Kintail to Beauly (20 mile run, 30 mile cycle) today. She had first won in 1995 and this year recorded her 4th win in a time of 3:48:09 to knock over 3 mins off the record (she also was first veteran lady !). She finished 8th overall (out of 600 ). Also having an excellent run was Garry McInness in 17th place in 3:53:38, while Steven Fallon was 38th in 4:11:10. The Carnethy team of Angela, Garry and Adam also managed to win the first team prize.
Results here
- 22nd June 2007
Carnethy Midsummer Night Runners
Just as half a dozen Carnethy runners were nervously preparing to start the gruelling 95 mile West Highland Way race at 1am on Saturday morning (and they all did exceptionally well !) ), another group, at 11pm on Friday night, were less nervously preparing to start the midsummer Pentland Skyline traverse to mark the shortest night, though in the thick haar covering Edinburgh, it was likely to be darker than expected. They were less nervous as had had some fortifying alcohol at the Steading before heading out into the darkness.
Report and photos
- 21st June 2007
Angela smashes record in Bog&Burn race at Cort Ma Law - Wednesday 20th June
On a midgy night, Angela Mudge cruised across the bogs of Cort ma Law to take 1 minute 20 seconds off Tracey Brindley's 1999 record, finishing in 5th place overall in 53.17. This has moved her into second place overall in the Wednesday evening Bog & Burn race series, after 6 races, behind John Stevenson of Ochils. The only other Carnethy runner at Cort Ma Law was Mark Higginbottom in 10th place.
Cort Ma Law results
There are 4 Bog & Burn races left and you only have to do 4 to count, so there is still time if you haven't done any yet, particularly as three of them are local .. Turnhouse (new race), Caerketton and Red Moss (new race at Balerno).
Bog & Burn league after 6 races here and details of the series here
- 20th June 2007
Ravensheugh Handicap
Don't get fooled by the weather in Edinbugh. It may have been torrential rain all day and en route but Ravensheugh was bathed in sunshine. Keith had the fire started as we arrived. Handicapper got lost en route so we started Michael, Cali and Janet without him and adjusted later. Everyone was running apart from Berbel who was on twins duty so Scott took over the results timing. It was high tide so the route was shortened to avoid a swim! The turn was marked but pretty obvious. It was a fast run with no respite on the rockclimbing part which was beyond the sea. Not sure about the adjusted handicaps as the first 8 or so all met around the turn. Soft sand and slippy rocks/seaweed as usual but it was less smelly! Richard hung on with Willie and Gordon chasing him all the way to the finish line where he promptly collapsed. The leader's top is going to get stretched again! A few gashed legs but no serious injuries. Excellent BBQ in the sunshine, good banter and some football. Shane and Andy turned up for the meal which Cody got the remnants off. As Bill was absent it was Michael who provided the fruit. Kirsty found a butterfly. Another great night but a disappointing turnout. As The Who said "Won't Get Fooled Again"
Gordon
Richard (Winner) said afterwards: Cali and Jane yelled, near the checkpoint - "if you keep it up you'll win" - really not my thing, but why not try? The long beach out was tough, soft sand, but routing across the very mouths of the burns paid dividends. The middle kms on wet rocks and slime were something else, as Simon and Eli discovered, Michael bravely put his injuries through the paces, but I found new innovs with soft rubber soles gave purchase unlike before. At the turn around, if splits were recorded, Keith should have won a medal. Soft sand is exhausting, on the way back there was sometimes a gap, inches wide, between the high tide wash and the receding water - that provided firm footing absent on the way out. Last couple of miles looked back, Bob and Willie seemed to be gaining, Gordon not far behind, little dots on the horizon seemed to grow into bigger dots --- run!, increase stride, lean, lift heels. Move... Two umbrellas marked the finish
Results
Photos
- 17th June 2007
70 Wild Miles - 47 mile cycle, 10 mile canoe and a 13 mile run
Joanne Thin completed the 70 wild miles charity event on Saturday 9th June in scorching hot sunshine. Big thanks to Jamie, Oonagh and Sinead without whose support it would have been impossible! I came down with a stomach bug on Wednesday night and was off sick Thursday and Friday so my even starting the event was extremely touch and go.
The cycle was wonderfully sunny and fast on my new bike! After a good rest the 10 mile kayak up Loch Etive was hot and I was 3 or 4th last! The run was excruciatingly hot with many runners walking at times and water running out.
Thanks to all who agreed to sponsor me (for children with cancer and leukaemia) money is now due!
If anyone else wishes to add to this please feel free!
Joanne
Joanne that's brilliant, well done!!
- 17th June 2007
Moonwalk
There were quite a few events on in Edinburgh over the weekend. About 10,000 people did the Moonwalk marathon round the streets on Saturday night, starting at midnight. I guess there weren't many spectators - but the big pink tent on the meadows advertised the event well enough!
Message from Gordon: Many thanks to all those who supported Debbie in the Moonwalk on a wet Saturday night. She finished at 6.15 am tired and sore but raised over £400 for breast cancer. Thanks again.
- 17th June 2007
European Trials for GB team - Lyn is 2nd Brit
Lyn Wilson had a fantastic run to finish 3rd, but 2nd Brit, in the European trials race (up Snowdon) for a place in the GB team to run in France on July 8th. The first two places are automatically selected so she looks to have sealed her place in the team. Another Scot, Joe Symonds, finished 2nd in the men's race and therefore should also be in the team.
- 17th June 2007
Carnethy wins at 27th Seven Hills of Edinburgh Race
After a wet Saturday, late night and 0530 start to collect Debbie from the Moonwalk I could have prepared better for the 7 Hills Race. But it was dry and the day looked promising so decided to go for it. Less than 10 Carnethies running at the start and Jill only lady so we picked 2 teams Simon/Olly/Chris/Jill and Willie/Mick/Gordon/Michael. Good choice as it turned out. Stewart (thanks for photos) was supporting as he was not well. Warm and muggy and Castle closed leaving a few options--Gardens/Princes Street/Castle Terrace. I made it to Craiglockhart in 59.30 but struggled in second half with cramp coming off Arthur's Seat to finish 31st behind Willie 27th. Simon was first in 1.44 with Olly 5th, Chris 7th and Jill 8th so team prize was in the bag again.Results
Photos
Gordon
- 17th June 2007
Carnethy success at Glenrosa
This year's race wasn't a Scottish Championship. That combined, with other events this weekend and the pretty poor forecast, meant numbers would be well down on last year. Although cloud was down to below 500m, weather wasn't nearly as bad as I expected. 5 Carnethies had turned up for the event : Es, Jon Ascroft, Doug Shiel, myself and new member Gregor Heron.
Setting off from the gate by the finish (which meant the route was ever so slighlty longer than last year), 27 runners ran along tarmac, then track, Es and Andrew Symonds slowly pulling away from the rest of us. Apon reaching the river, a decision is needed as to which direction up. This could easily set the runners positions for the rest of the race. Into the mist and along the ridge, I was glad to meet the marshalls on the first checkpoint. A real pea-souper, you couldn't see the runners in front to follow. The route to Goatfell is over every kind of terrain possible - maintained paths, boulderfield, narrow ridges, scree runs, bog and waist deep heather. Jon and I ran together for a fair bit, then at the start of the North Goatfell climb, he started to pull away. I only knew he was in front by the occasional Mudclaw print on the path. The descent off Goatfell is on a haphazard path, I guess out of the £800,000 that has been spent on path maintanance in Arran recently, very little was spent here. It was slippy and required care, but once into the forest it's onto automatic pilot. The runners came down to the finish with fairly long gaps between. The day had taken its toll - quite a few knees and legs needed minor first-aid attention, some runners had got lost on sections and Es had to pull out with a twisted ankle.
Jon Ascroft won, I was second and first vet and Owen Bass from Ochils was third. It was a close call for team prize - had it been counters, we'd have easily won, but timings were used. But Gregor came in well under the time needed, so Carnethy took the team prize. A good deal of thanks must go out to Paul Emsley for organising the race and to all the marshalls that hung around on the cold, windy summits.
Results are here
Steven
- 16th June 2007
Minimalism at Cairn Table
2 Carnethies showed for this delightfully low-key event on the highest hill in Ayrshire. Heavy rain held off but most of the run was in thick mist. After visiting the distinctive summit cairn a deep bog trap on the fast trail down gave some nasty bruises among the 30 or so starters. Shane was back in 41:18, Richard in 49', possibly - details of times, finishers, affiliations, genders etc were de trop for this minimalist event. Not even sure if the hill (pic) is Carn Table (593 m) or a neighbour. But a fine short run.
Richard
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- 14th June 2007
Ben Shean Race, Strathyre - Wednesday 13th June
71 runners were attracted to race up this little hill on a cool Wednesday evening. 5 Carnethies were present, Angela, Mark Higgingbottom, the Wilsons and myself. The Wilsons were on their 14th counter towards their 25 race tally. Gathered by the school for the start, the runners were being eaten alive by the midges - it was like being in Torridon on a balmy summer's evening ! We seemed to be held there for ages before the start-gun set released us from our tormentors. The route reverted to the original course after last year's detour to avoid the wind-felled trees. After a short section of road, the route turns abruptly up onto the steep uphill path through the forest. Angela had a good run uphill, reaching the summit in third place. On the summit, there's some bog and heather, before the path turns back to re-join the forest. From there, it's fast downhill running avoiding rocks, tree-roots and branches - so much fun ! I managed to catch the front three runners on the downhill, but couldn't overtake on the narrow path just before the school. Jamie Stevenson finished first with the scrabble for 2nd, 3rd and 4th place just behind. Angela was first lady (7th overall), I was first vet (4th overall) and Joan Wilson was 2nd FV40.
Steven Fallon
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- 13th June 2007
4 / 7 Hills Recce
With cool clear weather auguring well for the upcoming Edinburgh 7 Hills Race at the weekend we headed on a wee recce from KB via Arthur's Seat, Carlton Hill, Castle and Blackford Hill. Nick, Shane, Michael (back to running!), dark peak Matt, Michael O'C, Richard. Not the full 7 monty route, but fast and fun, despite losing our way in the Grassmarket, and we returned to the Braidburn (KB closing early) to meet up with latecomers.
- 9th June 2007
Traprain Law Hill Race
Race Report, more photos/videos and Results
- 7th June 2007
Kilpatricks
This race in the Bog-and-Burn series was one that I hadn't done. That combined with the fine weather in the west, meant I had to give it a go.
Travelling there, I recognised Stuart Simpson from the Ochils in his Volvo, so stuck behind him and got my nose out of the Google Map that I'd printed off to find the place. At the sportsground, there were lots of yellow Westies vests, a few Ochils and others, but I was the only Carnethy in 50 plus runners. The race starts along a long stretch of tarmac before turning sharply and heading fairly steeply uphill. I was shocked at how quickly Stuart Simpson and John Stevenson from Ochils with a few other runners pulled away from everyone else on the tarmac. I led the chasing pack. After the first summit the route travels on minor tracks and indistinct paths through heather, grass and thistles over gentle inclines and descents around two reservoirs. Some nice evening views to be had - if you're not racing and watching how you place your feet in the bog and between tussocks. I managed to pass the other runners in front of me, but couldn't close the gap between John and myself. I therefore finished third, John was second, Stuart first, giving Ochils the team prize.
Steven
- 6th June 2007
Routing Arthur's Seat
The sun shone on a determined band of Wednesday runners (Joanne, Shane, Simon, Oz, Richard, Willie M), thrusting a new Arthur’s Seat route after years of pummelling the tarmac back from the old volcano (and while Willie G on holiday is resting his feet in the Rockies). First, a most unlikely leap over the wall under the railway at Cameron Toll junction, taking us into Peffermill sports grounds. We then crossed the road to weave north through dense trees to catch a trail by Prestonfield house. Sticking close to the foliage, the golfers on Prestonfield course scarcely noticed us, and by another sturdy jump over a high wall, into an old muddy millrace (?), we reached the Innocent Railway. Plain sailing up the steps by the railway tunnel to the circuit road, and along the traverse above Hunter’s Bog where the hardies sprinted for the summit, the handicap route. 45 min from KB to summit. From our vantage point poor weather coming in from the east, and we were starting to chill, so a quick down by the standard up-route – Crow Hill, Dunsapie, and through meadowfield where the boys discovered a new play-area (Joanne was not impressed).
Though a first time run, worked out well.
Richard
- 5th June 2007
Marshal's Report of SIPR (Mull)
I have writer's block....but here are some photos to enjoy!
Kate F
(There are more photos and results on the SIPR website)
- 5th June 2007
Yetholm -Sunday 3rd June
The atmosphere of Yetholm race had a very relaxed, country feel about it - kids and dogs playing in the burn and folk picnicking by their cars. However, the race itself was varied and quite tough, constantly changing - uphill, downhill, flat, tracks, tussocks. Adam won it comfortably, though given another hill or two, Bruce may well have caught him with the late spurt he put on. Even with 3 Carnethies in the top five, that wasn't enough for the team prize as only Moorfoots fielded 4 runners. The route is to be run in reverse next year !
Steven
- 5th June 2007
Glas Tulaichean (uphill) Race -Saturday 2nd June
This turned out to be an international selection race, so a nimble footed array of runners gathered at Glenlochsie Farm, up the road from Spittal of Glenshee. At 4 1/2 m & 2,200' ascent most of the route is up rough landrover track with a couple of river fordings early on, finishing on Glas T. summit. The fairly thick mist from about half way left us ascending in our own little worlds until the trig point and a huddle of well wrapped up marshalls appeared out of the gloom. But its a great wee race, and a good way to get to do a Munro quickly. I then took up Steve Fallon's gentle pre-race hint, and trotted off somewhat more slowly to tick Beinn Iutharn Bheag. Meanwhile the race honours went to Matt Whitfield (Bingley) in 34:57, and for the Ladies to Edel Mooney (Lothian) in 42:34. Carnethy's Stewart Whitlie finished 1st vet (4th) in 37:14 (MV40 record). Carnethy vests also worn by John Blair-Fish (20th; 43:56), Colin Hutt (25th; 45:54), and myself (28th; 48:39). 47 finishers. Full results on Scottish Hill Runners website.
Murdo McE.
I entered the Duddon Fell Race but decided against it for a number of reasons including my sore shoulder from the Jura cattle grid, numbers, parking, threats of rain and last but not least the Green Party agents' election post mortem. Attending the post mortem for 45 minutes in Perth enabled me to make all the points I needed to make about forms and forms and reach Glas Tulaichen registration with five minutes to spare. I was wondering if I could beat all the other men aged 56 and a half or thereabouts and win a Scottish vest at the World Masters. Ewan Patterson was there so I asked him if he was thinking of going to Bludenz. The "perhaps" meant that almost certainly I would be wearing my own vest but after the race I would remember that everyone knows JABF or JBF so I did not really need a Scottish vest.
It was the usual fast start along the flat landrover track. The stones seemed bumpier than every and the river crossings at speed even more hazardous. As the serious climb and my passing manoevours started we went into the mist so it was hard to estimate how far in front everyone was.
Of those I recognised I passed Colin Hutt, then Jim Stevenson, and Craig Love near the finish. Disappointingly there were two others over 50 in front of me as well as Ewan. The consolation was that Stewart Whittle, myself and Colin got the team price. As might be predicted there were quite a few runners wearing Scottish Athletics garments. Matt Whitfield from Newcastle and Bingley was first home and Beverley Whitfield was second lady.
Bob Whitfield, Matt's father, was always out there at the front of many races I did 20 or 30 years ago......
JBF
- 4th June 2007
Double at Duddon Valley
Two Carnethys (Es and Kate) turned out for the Duddon Valley British Champs (very long!) race on Saturday…it was a terrific day, where were you all !!? Joanne and I camped on Friday night in Seathwaite, I was beginning to wonder when this rain, forecast from the west, was coming in but luckily on Saturday we were blessed with sunshine and clear views. There was a huge turnout for the event (349 finished), even the start was moved to a larger field to accommodate the numbers. A big thanks go to all the marshals for being there at the 8 checkpoints and to the welcoming water and sweets at the Three Shires. And thanks also to Joanne for supporting me on the ridge!
Ian Holmes won in 2:42:35, and first lady was Janet McIver (Dark Peak) in 3:18:43
Es Tresidder, hot from his Skye Ridge epic, was 18th finishing in 2:59:40 and I was further down the pack finishing in 4:57:13.
Results coming here
Kate F
- 30th May 2007
Es makes the Sunday Papers !
The fame of Es Tresidder is spreading since he smashed the Cuillin Ridge record - there was an interview with Es in the Sunday Herald last weekend. Read it here.
For fascinating podcast on previous attempt, with Es explaining the background, see here.
- 30th May 2007
Coast to Coast Run
The run with the Wye Valley Runners on part of Wainwright's Coast to Coast path (Lake District and North Yorkshire Moors) went very well. I was the sole Carnethy representative who travelled down to Shap to meet up with the others. It was raining heavily when we started, not helped by the dismal roar of traffic as we crossed the footbridge over the M6. Once we got up onto the fells it started to brighten up and the day became more enjoyable. A missed turning on Crosby Ravensworth Fell gave us a large detour from the planned route. It also gave us our first taste of rural footpaths across the fields to reach Orton village and a rendezvous with the minibus. We left the village by devious little alleyways and continued by farmland and moors towards the lunchtime rendezvous near Sunbiggin Tarn. Soon, black clouds came swiftly up behind us and we got to the bus just in time before the weather broke. Heavy rain battered against the windows and the bus rocked in the wind but we were safely lunching inside.
The weather cleared for the afternoon and we had a gloriously sunny run for miles over the fells & moors before coming down to more farmland by Kirkby Stephen. The minibus then took us to the Black Swan Hotel at Ravenstonedale. They coped very well with sixteen muddy runners and soon we were all cleaned up and ready for a most enjoyable evening of eating, drinking and socialising. The next morning we parted company - the Wye Valley runners to continue eastwards for another day and a half and me to go back to my car at Shap. I had a good run in excellent weather conditions although navigation was difficult. There were more indistinct footpaths across the fields than were marked on the map and many of the fields were bounded by five foot high stone walls - it wasn't like running across the hills of home. At one point I couldn't find the path out of Orton and had to be directed through someone's garden to get out. I had an interesting diversion to see some limestone pavements on top of Orton Scar. Elizabeth had also asked me to get some rock samples from Shap quarry. When I eventually got there I had to climb over the sign that said, "Danger, Keep Out, Blasting at 10am" but it was very interesting inside. Overall, I got the impression that I had come back by a completely different route from the previous day although it was supposed to be the same way. It was a great weekend and good to meet up with friends from the Wye Valley runners.
Nigel
- 28th May 2007
Glorious sunshine at Bens of Jura Fell Race - Saturday 26th May
While Edinburgh suffered from rain, Jura had perfect conditions for the fell race, apart from some muddy sections from the recent rain. A sunny bank holiday weekend, no less, and even enough breeze all weekend to keep the midges away ! Seven Carnethy ran this year and enjoyed the good weather. Adrian Davis, Adam Ward and Jura virgin, Jon Ascroft, were all under 4 hours and won the coverted engraved whisky glasses (Adam managed this even after quite a bad fall coming off the 3rd Pap, Beinn Shiantaidh), while a tired (and human ! ), Angela Mudge took it a bit easier and for once was well outside her record, but still first woman. Hilary Spenceley was the lantern rouge this time and won a walking stick for coming last woman ! The other Carnethies running were Andy Spenceley and Brian Howie. The race was won by Ian Holmes of Bingley in 3-18 from Lloyd Taggart of Dark Peak (3-20).
Race results are here
- 28th May 2007
Carnethy cleans-up Edinburgh marathon
7:30am on a miserable, cold, wet Sunday morning (no sign of global warming today) and at least a dozen Carnethies huddle round Gordon Cameron's car at the bottom of the mound. We've been given the responsibility of marshalling the start of the 2007 Edinburgh marathon. By 8am most of us are sodden, but some girls come up with coffee and MacDonalds McMuffins - a nice touch (although some marshal's bibs might have been more useful!) The start seemed to get underway OK - with or without us. We then got down to picking up all the bottles, bin liners and discarded clothes littering Princes Street. By the time the Sunday shoppers come out the sun will be shining and Princes Street will be cleaner than ever before!
Kate Jenkins was near the front, heading into the driving rain (but it's a case of the tougher, the better with Kate!). Karen Meikle also ran past up to the start. If you ran, let us know and tell us what it was like...
- 20th May 2007
Marooned marshals explore the Raised Beaches of Jura
Marooned on Jura during the curtailed Scottish Islands Peaks Race, and as the storms subsided, the amazing raised beaches beckoned. Leaving a car at Evan's Path (550 732), Cali and Bob dropped us at the standing stone by Tarbert (605 823). We took a short paved track over to the bay at the other side of the island. The route followed the coast westwards through rough marsh, heather and bracken to the spectacular raised beaches at Lochan Moal an t-Sornaich (544 806). Awesome. At the end of the last ice-age the Highland icecap during the Loch Lomond re-advance was 2 kilometers thick, sufficient to depress the earth's crust and raise sea-level relative to the land for long enough to create new beach lines on a new coastline. When the ice-cap melted, the land recovered (glacio-isostatic uplift, foremost protagonists of this paradigm being the Scots geologist Jamieson and more recently Sissons). Sea-level at the peak of the most recent ice-age was much higher than today, and erosion on the then coast produced caves and pebble beaches that are now strangely lost in the dry hillside up to as much as 50m above present sea-level. Typical "raised beaches" are only a few meters above the sea - but at the Lochan there is an immense aggregate of shingle, the stones neatly size-graded by wave-action, more than 20 meters above sea-level, 300m long and as many wide. Though it might not look so (photo) the lochan is well above sea-level. The visible tide-lines are seemingly still there much as they were left by the receding sea thousands of years ago.
There is another array of wave-polished stones about 20 meters higher up, probably much older.
Lunch was at the deserted lodge and bothy at Glenbatrick beach, a mile west, where we enjoyed sunshine on the wall-enclosed lawn, before taking a good track up the glen, past waterfalls and lochans, to Loch na Fudarlaich. Leaving the col (536 758) we hit the "evil bog", a mile of mire often knee-deep, where the marked footpath is non-existent and small children risk disappearing without trace, finally back to the car after 22 km.
A superb trip, thanks to KB's route-finding. If ever in Jura, this is just unmissable.
Richard, Alan, Keith
- 23rd May 2007
Meldons Handicap
Somehow the handicapper's estimated times were about 20% longer than the actuals. Which led to a large advantage to the early starters. But it was a lovely night with glorious sun and warmth. There was a good turnout with quite a few visitors taking part.
The race was won by Simon Fox, and he celebrated by having a meal in "The Countryside" with the rest of us.
Results (and running totals)
- 20th May 2007
Angela dominates in Spain in first Sky Race of 2007
The Buff World Skyrunning series kicked off on Saturday at Berga in Catalunya, Spain with a 42km race and total climb of 2,960m (about 10,000ft !). The race started at Berga at 700m and had a highest point at Gallina Pelada (2,327m). Angela Mudge, who is on outstanding form at the moment even by her standards, completed the course in 5hrs 8mins to win by 11mins from Corinne Favre from Val d’Aosta, Switzerland. Or as the official race report says ... "La escocesa Angela Mudge, del Team SAAB Salomon, ha dominado la prueba desde el primer kilómetro y se ha impuesto con un tiempo de 05: 08:30" ! More info and results here
- 20th May 2007
Carnethy success in SAL Champs at Goatfell - Saturday 19th May
In squally conditions at the Goatfell Hill Race on Arran, which was also the SAL Championship, Stewart Whitlie retained his SAL Over 40s title in finishing 6th and was one place behind Carnethy's first counter who was the in-form Simon Peachey in 5th place (a reversal of their positions at Stuc a'Choin). With Adrian Davis, who luckily withdrew from the boatrace in time to enter Goatfell (unlike Jill Mykura who couldn't get off her boat!) finishing 12th, Carnethy just managed to win the team and SAL Champs in a close contest with HBT and Shettleston.
Results. Photo report
- 19th May 2007
SIPR terminated on Mull
Last
photo: thanks to Damon
Rodwell
The Scottish Islands Peaks Race was stopped after the run on Mull due to the severe gales on the west coast and runners ending up in the water in Salen Bay, and other very difficult pick ups. More details and results of first five finishers here.
- 17th May 2007
Lucy and Bruce shine at Gypsy Glen - Wednesday 16th May
Lucy Colquhorn and Bruce Smith both had great runs at the Gypsy Glen race at Peebles. Bruce was 3rd in 34:10, just 5 seconds behind the winner (Will Hynd of Moorfoot), while Lucy was first woman and 9th overall in 37:37 and also set a new record (yet another one !).
- 14th May 2007
Two Races to enter
The Lowe Alpine Mountain Marathon 2007 (or LAMM) is nearly full
Less than four weeks to go now (9th/10th June) and there are only a few places left. If you are thinking of entering your first LAMM the organisers suggest you look at the 2006 Lamm feedback to get a feel for the event and understand what makes LAMM competitors come back year after year. Enter online as soon as possible. The return of the classic mountain race, the Arrochar Alps, for the first time since 1992 ! The course covers the 4 munros of Bens Vorlich, Vane, Ime and Narnain - billed as the toughest half marathon in Britain ! The race is on 30th June and entries are now open Enter here
- 12th May 2007
Simon bags Ben Lomond and leads Carnethy to the team prize
The calm, wet conditions were good for midges, not photographers, but the tree-felling lower down has opened up the views for those not wanting to climb too high! An on-form Simon Peachey (3rd Bog-Trot, 2nd Stuc a'Choin) continued his steady progression and won this race quite comfortably (by over 3 and a half minutes ! ) after the expected challenge from Brian Marshall disappeared (I saw Brian 'icing' a damaged foot in the loch at the end). The Captain, Steven Fallon, was next Carnethy finisher in 7th and was first Over 40, followed by Bruce Smith in 12th. Simon, Steven and Bruce also won the team award for Carnethy. The scottishathletics junior hillrunning championships took place round the lower slopes just before the senior event. Although their routes are not exposed altitude-wise they did run through 'Martin's Marsh', a grade 4, shoe-sucking bog, which produced several squeals, one lost shoe and at least one 30-second extraction delay. The Wilsons are now nearly halfway to completing their 25 races together for the year.
AN
Club Captain's Report
With the weather being pretty dreich, we were warned to watch out for the slippy rocks - "Better to lose a place, than your life" was the call. Not only slippy, but the de-forestration on the lower sections made for very mucky and wet terrain. The midges were also out early ! Simon Peachey was first to the summit, 10 seconds clear from Brian Marshall and a tussle was expected for first place on the descent. However, unknown to Simon at the time, Brian went over on his ankle at the bottom of the zig-zags and Simon had a clear run back down, finishing nearly 4 minutes clear of the next placed runner. Steven Fallon finished first v40. Simon, Steven and Bruce Smith took the male team prize. In the ladies, Joan Wilson came in second v40.
A huge thanks must go to all the organisers, marshalls and mountain rescue folk stuck out in the cloud and cold for a few hours. I noticed several bloody knees that needed a bit of cleaning up at the finish.
Steven Fallon
Results
- 12th May 2007
Penicuik 10k
Heavy rain moved away in time for the start. David Simpson (Willowfield) won in 33:20. Kate Jenkins running for Gala came in second at 40:27 and Lars Ottemoller running for City of Edinburgh was 4th in 34:32. First Carnethy home was Colin Ledlie at 47:09. Local hospitality and marshaling excellent. Results.
- 9th May 2007
Records at Dumyat
A large turnout of Carnethy and a record field of over 260 (!) for this lovely, fast, Wednesday night race from Stirling University up Dumyat, held in good running conditions, if a bit showery. It must have been good as other records were set. Angela Mudge broke her own record when she won for the 8th time and finished 8th overall in 36:46 - she is faster now then when she became world champion !! Also race winer Iain Donnan (of Lothian and Stirling Univ) broke John Brook's long-standing men's record and got under 33mins. But Angela wasn't the first Carnethy (for once ! ). She was finally beaten by a Carnethy man - Es Tresidder (fresh from his Cuillin Ridge record) finished a great 5th. But Es was on such a high from his fantastic achievement that he probably floated to the top of the hill - he is so high he is on the moon at the moment ! Not only that, but Es was running is his brand new red Carnethy vest, the first time it had been seen in action?
Loads of other Carnethies running including (to name a few) Joan and Colin Wilson ticking off yet another race; Jim and Janet McWhinnie continuing their return to racing; Bruce Smith having another good descent to nip past Andy Spenceley at the bottom of the hill and get into the top 20; Mark Higginbottom still running in his old yellow vest, as befits a classics teacher; Mark Johnston in his first hill race since the Burdens getting the 3rd Carnethy slot etc etc.
Results
This race was the second counter in the 2007 Bog and Burn Series, a fun series of Wednesday evening races and after two races Angela is now leading the overall series - Bog and Burn League Table. The next race is Kinnoull on 16th May.
- 5th May 2007
Es Takes Cuillin Ridge Record
On Friday 4th May 2007 Es Tresidder of Carnethy set a new record for the Cuillin Ridge traverse in an astonishing 3:17:28, beating the 13 year old record by almost 15 minutes. More details and photos see here.
The Cuillin Ridge on Skye is unquestionably the finest mountaineering expedition available in the UK, requiring scrambling and rock climbing in sensationally exposed positions for much of its 8 mile length and Es soloed the whole thing, thereby giving an entirely new meaning to the term 'technical running'.
The previous record for the traverse was held by Andy Hyslop at 3:32:15, set in 1994, and by all accounts this was a pretty stiff record (beating Martin Moran's 1990 time by just 45 seconds). The splits of the run are here and give an idea of the speed you have to travel at - eg Sgurr Alasdair to Sgurr Mic Coinnich in 10 mins !!!
To put Es's time in perspective most 'ordinary' traverses typically take 1-2 days, and as one posting to www.ukclimbing.com said recently 'I find these kinds of times for the ridge just mind-boggling'.
Congratulations Es, this is easily the biggest Carnethy achievement of 2007 (so far!).
Olly
Es' performance is really awesome. Es may recall that the first attempt to run the ridge was by Eric Beard around half a century ago. He ran in a phenomenal 4 1/2 hours, a time then thought to be unbeatable, and a record that remained for a very long time. I mention this because Eric was my instructor on a Plas-y-Brenin course in 1960 and he it was who gave me the idea that running in the hills was not only possible, but the king/queen of sports.
David P
- 5th May 2007
Carnethy triumph at Stuc a`Chroin & 4th win in a row for Stewart
Very well done to all for a marvellous Carnethy turn out. Stewart Whitlie was first male and first vet for an amazing 4th year in a row ! Simon Peachey led for most of the race until Stewart passed him near the end with Simon hanging on to finish close behind and hold on to second place. Jill Mykura was the first lady.
Shane
Results and more photos
Congrats to new member Simon Fox in his first hill race, coming in just 4 minutes after Shane and Colin.
Running conditions were perfect for the first SHR Championship race; a cool breeze and clear views on the well-marked course made route finding comfortable, and the clouds kept the hot sun away. 21 Carnethies finished (some still modelling the old yellow duster...). Congratulations to Jill Mykura and Stewart Whitlie who came in first; Simon Peachey who was 2nd after leading most of the race and well done to Lucy Hailey who ran the race for the first time. A huge thank you to the cheery marshalls handing out water and sweeties all the way round the course; a well-organised race as always. See you there next year!
Kate F
- 2nd May 2007
Club Run - Caerketton
Good turn out for the Wed run. Not a cloud in the sky, Willie leading, and Moi, Elli, Shane, Simon, Matt, Richard, Michael and long-time no-see Paul skirted the Braids and Mortonhall, crossing the bypass at Fairmilehead to pummel up Caer Catell - still not summer, we sweated in bright sunshine but chilled in the shade. At the summit magical views across the firth. Visitor Matt showed some admirable Dark Peak technique down the steep scree under Caerketton. Through lovely Swanston village where the three storey insult continues construction, and back via the Braidburn and over Blackford hill (12 km, 500 m ascent, 2h) to meet up with Gordon, Nick, Michael, Andy and Willie M (who claimed he’d been at KB right on time, em).
- 3rd May 2007
Angela's Training Technique
Some people might be wondering why Angela is running so well these days. Well a day out on the hills with her revealed all (well almost all! – lets not go there!)
First of all, to warm up it was a fast run into the hills carrying little pup Canna – I followed by bike, struggling to keep up.
Next up was a run across the plateau with mum in rucsac – ie Arkle, several times heavier than Canna – Angela pictured here during the only break of the day.
To finish off it was hillreps carrying Granny – ie Rowan, with poor wee Canna now struggling to keep up!
I was most put out when Angela turned down my request to be carried – apparently I’m too heavy!
Canna is apparently trying to emulate Steve Fallon and do multiple rounds of all the hills, not just the munros, so having Angela as owner will certainly help! – as long as Canna is allowed out the rucsac occasionally!
All in all it was a revealing day in the training regime of a world champion!
Adam Ward
- 30th April 2007
Yorkshire 3 peaks
An excellent day with slightly overcast sky and cooling breeze once on the tops made for a fairly comfortable run. Apart, that is, from the final descent from Ingleborough which is quite simply a long, painful descent. Only two Carnethy's were present, Jon Ascroft (circa 3:20) and Russell Stout (4:06). Field was around 600. Jon had a superb run and when I met him at the finish he'd just got out the river having revived trashed legs from aforementioned descent!
As a slight aside, the race has been awarded the WMRA World Long Distance Mountain Running Challenge next year. Full results and WMRA details are here.
Russell Stout
- 30th April 2007
Es in sub 4 hour Cuillin Ridge traverse
Es Tresidder completed the Cuillin Ridge in 3hrs 59mins last Friday (27th April), not far off the current record of 3hrs 32 ! Most (average) people take up to 24hrs for this. You have to be a very confident climber and be very fit to go fast. A short report of his attempt here (and he might go faster yet).
- 30th April 2007
Lucy stars in the 53 mile Highland Fling - Saturday 28th April
Lucy Colquhorn had a stormer of a run in this 53 mile ultra distance race from Milngavie to Tyndrum along the West Highland Way. Only a week after breaking 3 hours in the Lochaber Marathon, she was 1st woman and 3rd overall in 8:47:40 knocking nearly 2hours off the ladies record ! Carnethy's exploits didn't stop there as Colin Hutt was first Over 40 in 6th place overall in 9:16:34. That was out of a field of 62 finishers on a very hot, sunny day. Impressive performances. More information about the race (and results) here
- 30th April 2007
Knockdhu International, Northern Ireland - Saturday 28th April
An excellent run by Jill Mykura who finished a fantastic 2nd, only 6 seconds behind the winner, Mari Todd of Wales, in this home countries international. A report and results here
- 29th April 2007
A Trip to the Blue Mountains
Elizabeth and I recently had a visit to Australia to visit our new grandson, Jamie. Although it was really a family visit we all went away for a few days to the Blue Mountains, about 60 miles outside Sydney. It's an amazing area - 10,000 square kilometers of World Heritage site but completely the inverse of what we are used to in Scotland. Although it's called the Blue Mountains it's really a high plateau cut by many deep gorges and valleys. All the towns are along the top edge of the cliffs so a day's walking starts with a steep descent into the valley. Unfortunately the day ends with a steep climb back out again. Elizabeth and I had a long day's walk from Leura. We started in blazing sunshine along the cliff-top path. There were a number of look-out points along the way. There were valleys and hills as far as the eye could see, all in a faint blue haze from oils in the trees. The whole area was covered in bush, apart from the sheer faces of the many sandstone cliffs. We climbed down into the valley and there it was very different. It was gloomy under the cover of eucalyptus trees, tree ferns and all sorts of other strange trees. We walked for several miles through the trees then climbed out again by The Giant Staircase - a mixture of steps cut into the cliff face and steep metal stairs. On the way up we had excellent views of the Three Sisters rock formation then we came out at Echo Point viewpoint.
Another day we went down the Katoomba Scenic Railway. This was an old railway down to a coal mine at the foot of the cliffs but is now a tourist attraction. It's the steepest funicular railway in the world - at a terrifying angle of 53 degrees, over the edge of the cliff and down through a natural tunnel. I noted in passing that the padded bar near my ankles had become a chest-high hand hold by the time we were halfway down. We came back up by a more sedate gondola car. Overall, it was a fascinating area to visit and well worth going again.
Nigel Rose
-
26th April 2007
The Whangie Whizz Hill Race - Wednesday 25th April
Steven's Report
This race was the first in this year's Bog & Burn Mid-Week Race Series has to be one of the boggiest short routes around. After last year's problems with the record turnout, car-parking was arranged a mile away at the outdoor centre. However, if you were early like Bruce Smith (who though the race started at 7pm), or like Angela, used your cute wee dogs as an excuse, you got in to the Queen's View car-park. This year saw an even bigger field, with some top runners and 7 red Carnethy vests present. The weather held out just, and I managed to get a quick view up Loch Lomond as I turned around the trig-point for the descent. Angela set a new record ( in finishing in 4th place !), and Jon Ascroft, Bruce and myself weren't far behind, all in the top twenty. Results and report are here
The next Bog-And-Burn is Dumyat on the 9th of May. Kaim is next Wednesday (2nd May), but isn't in this year's Bog-And-Burn series.
Steven Fallon
Jon's Report
Whangie Whizzed
Half a dozen red vests whizzed around the first Bog & Burn Race of the season. Over At only four miles and never very steep, it was fast and unforgiving. Tricky footwork on the bouldery path and soft boggy tussocks made it difficult to get a chance to take in the great views towards Loch Lomond. The numerous black bullocks munching away didn’t seem too bothered by 150+ runners trampling past. Efficient organization by the Westies included a shuttle bus to ease parking, and the dishing out of prizes at the finish line. Jethro Lennox thrashed everyone by 2 clear minutes, and Angela adjusted yet another women’s record. The next B&B race is Dumyat on the Weds 9th May.
Results
Bog & Burn Series
Jon Ascroft
- 26th April 2007
Wednesday - One Foot Wet
We were warned - Willie's email "nights are lighter, the air is warmer . I am planning a longer run". Yes, you guessed, out of the ordinary. Orient Express crossed with mission drift crossed with bringing news from Ghent to Aix yielded a glorious fast route from KB to the Craigs of Lockhart from whence we galloped all North to pick up the Union Canal spurring West to find the Water of Leith and the delightful Colinton Dell and shifting South-East to discover Bonaly Burn where we ducked our heads under the bypass to reach the open hills alluring in the last of the evening sunshine and passing Howden Burn we turned away from the Pentlands and skirted the barracks to drop down North on wickywacky tracks to find the Braidburn trail completely barred by high wire fences where can do! was the cry but no way to get through without one foot in the stream and a roll under the barrier at the far end.
Very commendable changes at Colinton Mains Park - awful tower blocks now gone, major refurbishment of paths, burns and bridges, will be neat when finished.
We regrouped near the park at Braidburn Valley. Gird thy loins, we shot up the hill and steps to hit the high southside route of the gorge at Hermitage of Braid and galloped along through the trees and down across the bridge and sharp right to clamber up the "arête" where steel pitons set into the rock provide helpful footholds for the passing runner and then over the golf course (looking parched in sections) and back to base, finally, KB, to cool down, with good company, and a pint. Willie G lost 2 kilos on the run (17 km, 11 miles, 500m ascent), probably somewhere in the Hermitage (please return if found) where, though it's still April, the bluebells are beginning to flower.
RL and WG
- 23rd April 2007
Scottish Vests for Carnethy duo
Jill Mykura and Adam Ward have been chosen to represent Scotland in the Home Internationals next weekend, at Knockdhu, Northern Ireland. Good luck to them and the rest of the Scottish Team..
- 22nd April 2007
Anniversary Waltz Race, Lake District & Cioch Mhor, Dingwall
Angela Mudge had another incredible run and seems to be getting faster as she gets older ! She finished an amazing 7th overall in this big Lake District race (262 finishers) on Saturday 21st in a time of 1hr 44mins, knocking 4 mins off her own course record that she set in 1997 ! Other Carnethies running were Adam Ward, Russell Stout and Gavin Thornley.
Photos courtesy of Borrowdale Fell Runners
Meanwhile in at the other end of the country, Joan and Colin Wilson completed another race towards their 25 they are trying to do for their 25th wedding anniversary at the Cioch Mhor Race, Dingwall !
- 22nd April 2007
Lochaber Marathon 2007
Janet McWhinnie and Brian Howie were telling me at the start that the temperature was perfect for running a marathon! There were a few showers but otherwise fine. Janet reached her goal very well of under four hours. My legs tired very much in the last four miles and runners started to pass me out for the first time. Carenthies Brian Howie (3rd MV55, 3:15:37) and Lucy Colquhoun (2nd Female, 2:59:48) both did very well while running for their other club, City of Edinburgh. 402 finished.
Carnethy Results:
Full Results131 Shane Bouchier 3:34:08 169 Janet McWhinnie 3:45:27
Shane
- 22nd April 2007
Hunters Bog Trot, Holyrood Park - Saturday 21st April
Perfect running conditions for this great little race, where brown is the new black and prizes included bottles of brown dye; HBT brown cakes for the Under 15s and Over 60s (the Over 60s in particular almost came to blows over these! ) and if you were (un)lucky enough to come from the west, you got a bottle of Buckfast !
Anyway, from the start at Habbies Knowe, 82 people trotted off across Hunters Bog, though it actually felt like a flat out sprint, to run a two lap course over the Crags (twice) and the Radical Road the hard way (once), making a total of three steep climbs. A leading group of four broke away and these were soon well clear of the rest of the field. Al Anthony of Ochils got away on the last climb to win from Grant Stewart (City of Edin) with Carnethy's Simon Peachey 3rd. Several other Carnethies were running, including Andy Spenceley (10th) Keith Burns (1st O60) and Margaret Forrest (lantern rouge).
Results (and some more photos)
- 22nd April 2007
Flora London Marathon 2007
Carnethy Joanne Thin, held firm in unusually warm weather to finish in 4h 15min. Mark Johnston clocked just over 3h (running for his road club, City of Edinburgh).
Results
- 19th April 2007
Win for Win at Boghall
Soon-to-be member, Oz, was first home but as first Carnethy, Win Rampen used his good handicap to earn him maximum points for the first race of the season. 33 people ran the race, with Adam Ward fastest man and Jill Mykura fastest woman, and 24 followed on to The Steading for good grub and a pint or two.
Full report and results.
Win gave a short interview after the race:
To what do your owe your outstanding victory?
Pakoras
Please explain. Are these an undervalued energy food that the club should know about?
Absolutely, it is a relatively unknown fact that lithe 80-somethings in India gorge themslves on Pakoras before taking in a challenging 150 mile mountain run before breakfast. As a matter of fact they eat pakoras just like Willie Gibson consumes Mars Bars.
So how many did you eat before your outstanding performance this evening?
About four.
How long an interval would you recommend leaving between their consumption and starting the race - after all they might be a little indigestible?
Good question. Personally I'd recommend about two months.
Two months? How can that be?
Quite simple actually. You see about half an hour prior to the Carnethy five I ate four pakoras, thinking that the carbohydrate content would spur me on to great heights. In fact about the time I reached the Howe at the base of Carnethy, my digestive tract reached a new low. This resulted in everyone, including several people with zimmers, passing me on the way up Carnethy. Even once on top my usual hot descent was hampered by the leaden weight in my middle. I finished with an atrociously slow time. But in fact that time worked to my advantage because when I turned up for this race I was given a start time 13 minutes in front of Willie Gibson. So I would have to say that pakoras are an excellent energy food, if a little indigestible. I'd recommend them to all of your friends. In fact, here's a good idea - buy a big bag of them at Makro and hand them round at the beginning of a race you'd like to win. Just don't eat one yourself!
- 16th April 2007
The Alternative John Muir Way
In response to East Lothian Council’s sad compromise over access to the coastline (they routed the John Muir Way off the most outstanding bits of the coast in deference to unhelpful golf clubs and property developers) we celebrated the uncompromising spirit of John Muir by following the best route.
Willie M missed the start and missed the first few kilometres of coastline, chasing us by bike. We started in haar, but it was forecast to clear early. The haar had a different view and played cat and mouse with us until we left the coast at Ravensheugh. As usual the group strained the ability of a single sag wagon to service all the requirements of such a gang of individualists. The Determinists pushed the pace. One young team member ignored the advice of the wise old buggers to conserve energy, and regretted this soon after. After re-grouping with Willie M and Keith A at the North Berwick paddling pool we continued towards the Tantallon cliffs by a mixture of shore and golf course, where a few golfers resented our intrusion onto their precious greens that commandeer every last inch of ground to the cliff edge.
The giant swell of last year was missing this time, but the mid-day peak tide still prevented us passing the shoreline tide-traps at Tantallon. Here, the fulmars were out celebrating the imminent arrival of the sun. We dropped back to the shore at Seacliff. JBF, confused by the haar, was carried away with the good going after the Car Rocks boulder-hopping stretch. He left the coast prematurely at Scoughall and entered an unfamiliar landscape that began to suggest he might be lost. Ever resourceful, he commandeered a passing BMW and directed the driver to deliver him back to the peloton at the Ravensheugh transition. Meanwhile, the rest of us stuck to the shoreline game-plan and enjoyed the ever-growing prospect of sunshine that we had been denied since Aberlady.
At Ravensheugh, the Salvationists took to the bikes, leaving Rod, Karen and Russell to continue the 53km. circuit on foot. We only caught the perfect weather as we entered the Binning Wood labyrinth on the way to our late lunch in East Linton. There, we enjoyed Mediterranean warmth and cuisine that our not-too-prescient hosts had spent good money pursuing by planning a trip to Turkey next week. On this particular day, southern Turkey was many degrees cooler than East Linton.
The post-lunch route followed the River Tyne to Hailes Castle then climbed Pencraig Hill to join the old and rough ridge route past the still uncompleted vaults of Barnes Castle, then across the open grazing of the Garleton Hills to the Monument. This is the section where the runners vie with the bikers to demonstrate who has chosen the best route and mode of transport. It was a close-run thing, thanks to tricky fence crossings and punctures. The runners and bikers almost had a photo-finish back at Aberlady after a superb seven hours or so on the move. Next year there’ll be compulsory penalty loops for the faster runners so that we can keep the group a bit closer together.
Many thanks to Barbel for the catering and to Tom and Philippa for provision of the sag wagon and searches for lost runners.The team: Fiona - - , Juliette Camburn, Karen Meikle, Philippa Headley, Tom Harley, Ben Bate, John Littlewood, John Blair Fish, Richard and James Lathe, Keith Adams, Russell Stout, Willie Mykura, Rod Dalitz, Mike O’Connor, Keith Burns, Bill Gauld.
KB
- 14th April 2007
Clachnaben
Photos courtesy of Ronnie Gallagher
Four Carnethies car-shared to a hot, dry forest in Aberdeenshire for the Clachnaben Hill Race. 97 people started the sweaty 10.5 miler, with 3500ft of climb. Brain Marshall was the first home. Stewart Whitlie was fourth overall and second vet. With Simon Peachey seventh and Jon Ascroft eighth, the guys scooped the team prize. Jill Mykura won the ladies.
Full results and photos
Jill Mykura
- 11th April 2007
Arthur's Seat
A warm spring evening and a good turnout for the Wednesday run. New to the course were Jackie and Os, who did sterling stuff on a trip up Arthur's Seat. Willie M led the pace via Duddingston, DunSapie, over the old cultivation terraces up Crow Hill, only pausing at the trig point at the summit, to find a new gate-hopping route back down through Pollock Halls, better than the iron turnpike we used to squeeze through (or try to) that has now been closed off. Shane came in for a wee birthday celebration. Great evening.
Richard
- 10th April 2007
Two records set at Manx Mountain Marathon
The good weather forecast and the opportunity for a good training run tempted us to the Isle of Man for the Manx Half Mountain Marathon. The great thing about doing the half marathon (13miles) instead of the full race (31miles) is that you have a civilised start time of 12:30 so you can watch the leaders come through the half-way point at Greeba Bridge and then set off to chase them to the finish on fresh legs. Having run the full race twice before, this short race gave me the chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery without being knackered!
Manxman Lloyd Taggart, on a rare visit to the island, broke the race record by 17 mins to great local acclaim, while his partner Jackie Lee broke the women's record by 38mins, held by Carnethy's Karen Powell (who had just showed she is still fit by winning the Trossachs Duathlon). Jill was first lady in the half marathon, finishing 3rd in 2 hours, I was 7th in 2:07.
After an extensive prize giving where we all received certificates and t-shirts, Jill and Jackie met up with their skipper (for the Scottish Islands Peaks Race) who had sailed down from Oban. They set sail from Port St.Mary in a very fast-looking trimaran, heading for a reccy of Jura.
Results
Willie Mykura
- 7th April 2007
Norman's Law
Luthrie is a charming wee village on the far side of Fife with a nice big hill next door. No breath of cooling wind so a field of over 100 sweated up the Law in full sunshine. Anthony Alasdair (Ochils) won in 30.10; Claire Gordon (HBT) for the ladies in 36.15. Adrian Davis (running for his other club) came an excellent 4th, while Carnethy Joan Wilson was 7th lady, taking the prize for second 40+ vet. With glorious weather and hospitality many bodies dallied on the green at the village hall.
Provisional results are here
Richard
1st April 2007
Scottish Road Relays - Carnethy HRC (Lyn Wilson) lead after leg 1
Lyn Wilson ran the second fastest short leg ever in the women's Scottish Athletics road relays on Saturday (3.15 miles in 17:19), putting Carnethy HRC in the lead after leg 1.Sadly that was the end of the Carnethy challenge - she had no-one to hand on to (with the main contingent of Carnethies in Northern Ireland for the weekend - see below).
Report
- 1st April 2007
Carnethy Success in Northern Ireland !
What a fantastic weekend at the Donard Commedagh race in the Mournes in Northern Ireland, held on Saturday 30th March. Captains Steven and Kate enticed 19 Carnethies, including 7 women, across the water for the first race in the British Championships of 2007 and a weekend of sunshine, great racing, followed by wine and beer and working off hangovers by long Sunday runs across the Mournes, which then had to be worked off by sunbathing and eating ice-cream ! So many Carnethies ran, that we won first prize (some wine! ) for the largest team coming from outside N.I., narrowly beating previous winners Dark Peak and Calder Valley ! But to the race and the women did brilliantly with Angela Mudge smashing her own record and winning by over 4 mins from Natalie White of Bingley and the team of Angela, Jill and Lucy, coming second behind Bingley, a very good result. Overall a fantastic weekend and a great welcome, as always, by the Northern Irish runners.
Photo Report here - with latest photos of Kaptain Kate !
Results are here
- 1st April 2007
Forthside Half Marathon
Well done to all Carnethies who started out at Ocean Terminal this morning at 9am. Olly set a fantastic time, but then again, you too wouldn't be hanging about if you were running near your workplace at the weekend! 2756 finished.
Carnethy Results:
Full Results43 Olly Stephenson 01:19:13 (6th posn in M35 category) 143 Chris Durn 01:27:26 (23rd posn in M40 category) 599 Eli Scott 01:38:54 (40th posn in FSNR category) 662 Shane Bouchier 01:40:01 1054 Steven Hibbert 01:46:05 2558 Margaret Forrest 02:18:06 (Didn't bother clicking find next after this!)
Shane
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