HOME GO BACK

Old News April to June 2010

30th June 2010
Lairig Ghru Race, 27miles 2100ft - Sunday 27th June
The category C rating of this race belies how tough this one is mentally and physically. The weather outlook looked good, warm with a light headwind as about 82 runners set out.
The first part of the race is on tarmac road, which turns into a good runnable path until the Luib burn. My usual tactics are to run that section as fast as I feel comfortable, since once I hit the the rough part, my pace drops to a shambling jog as I pick my way through the boulder strewn path. The headwind was quite noticable until the climb up to the Pools of Dee and the notorious boulder fields.
This year the heavy winter snows had left a number of very useful snow patches over the boulders that made it a sheer joy to run across. At this point the wind had changed to a refreshing icy tail wind with some light drizzle.
A quick wave to the Mountain Rescue team and I was off down the slightly more runnable path to the edge of the forest, grateful I'd made it unscathed. This was short lived, since at the sharp turn in the forest I skidded on gravel skinning my knees and shoulder. Well it least it gave me an excuse to stop for a drink, since the cool tail wind had gone and the sun was blazing down.
The run to the main road seems to go on for ever, but I wasn't feel too band and manage to gain a couple of places. The road section is another slog, but I picked up another place.
The finish at Aviemore is unfortunately uphill and I was outsprinted ( if you can call it that) by a couple of runnners I hadn't even seen.
I finished in 4:36:28, about 6 minutes faster than last year, so pretty pleased.
Brian Howie
Selected Results
1 Matthew Sullivan Shettleston M 03:14:26
2 Edward Catmur Thames Hare and Hounds M 03:19:20
3 Graham Kirby Fife AC MV 03:32:05
11 Morgan Windram-Geddes Fife AC F 03:49:40
Carnethies
40 Brian Howie 04:36:28
49 Colin Wilson 04:42:00
57 Joan Wilson 04:59:33
74 Phillipa Headley 5.27.52
Results Pictures
29th June 2010
Scottish Championship Update - Carnethy still in the lead
After Glen Rosa, 3 of the 6 races in the Scottish Championship have been held and Carnethy are leading in all the team categories (men and women, open and vets). Also Ronnie Gallagher is leading the Men's Over 50. Full championship listing here. Next race is Tomnabat on 17th July.
27th June 2010
Carfraemill Fortathon

Dave Peck gave us another opportunity to explore the amazing variety of Iron Age hill forts scattered across our local hills. This time we were in the western Lammermuirs, not yet fully converted to their next role for which wind generators join the old hill forts on this wild landscape. Will Carnethy be organising windathons in 2210, visiting moss-covered decaying concrete plinths with members speculating on what life was like in these hills before people emigrated looking for jobs with the great Mars diaspora in 2050?
Meanwhile, a select few eschewed a busy calendar of other events to slog around their personal choice of route in sultry warmth. As usual, Bill set the standard to match by doing his homework thoroughly and arriving with a full graphical solution of the travelling salesman problem, then carefully following as much of it as was reasonable in 3 hrs on his vintage bike. That’s what makes a world champion orienteer. The rest of us adopted less formal approaches varying from drunkard’s walk to very determined bike/ run sprint that would have passed muster at any top level competition.
Very exotic rewards of exquisite refrigerated chocolates were dished out by Dave and we refuelled at the Carfraemill Hotel. I got home for another beer and - - - , forgot to collect my bloody chocolates from Dave’s portable fridge!! Thanks to Dave Peck for his imaginative competition where speed (at least for me) is incidental to the enjoyment.
Keith Burns
27th June 2010
Scottish 4000ers attempt on bike and foot, 25th June
Thursday. 21:45, Spean Bridge, head swimming with thoughts of tomorrow. 22:25 Bike stashed in woods by Nevis Range, midge hell, lift hitched with Spanish Gas motorcross team to Fort Bill. 00:30 Walk up Glen Nevis....more
Sam Hesling
24 June 2010
Pub 'n Chips Run

With the nights starting to draw in (?!?), this year's pub 'n' chippers gathered at KB for a warm-up jar, and to goggle at the epic tennis match playing out on the big screen - at 42 all in the 5th set when we left KB, Mahut and Isner finally gave up when it got too dark at 59-59...roughly when we were leaving the Stables Bar hours later...more
Ian Ozwald
20th June 2010
Seven Hills Race, Edinburgh
On a very hot day there was a record field of 182 and as usual quite a few Carnethy runners. Lucy Colquhorn finished first woman despite a very relaxed run .. stopping to chat with marshalls etc ! First Carnethy home was Olly Stevenson in 12th place (1:52:39), not far in front of Mike Rudden 15th (1:54:46). Bill Gauld was oldest fininsher at the age of 77 in an excellent time of 2:45:35. Results.
Another 203 people took part in the 7 Hills Challenge - designed for those wanting a less competitive outing Challenge fnishers.
19th June 2010
Glen Rosa Horseshoe, Arran- Scottish Championship Long Race

Jill Mykura continued her comeback with a superb run (after winning at Yetholm 2 weeks ago in her first race for a over a year) to win by a minute from Fiona Maxwell (Shettleston). The race winner was Andrew Symonds (Carnegie), a week after winning the Elite class at the LAMM, from Brian Marshall (HELP). Results
View from the middle - account of the race by Keith Burns
18th June 2010
Club Handicap Number 3 - Flotterstone, Wednesday 17th June

Brian Howie won a bottle of beer by being first back on a very warm and muggy evening at Flotterstone from 38 finishers. Fastest times were from the LAMM Elite pairing of Sam Hesling and Andy Fallas with Sam getting the egde by seconds ..you wouldn't have though they'd raced for nearly 14 hours the previous weekend (see LAMM item below). Club President, Gordon Cameron, fell at the last hurdle and ended up in casualty with 8 stitches in his knee! Everyone but Gordon, who was eyeing up nurses by then, enjoyed a smokey BBQ afterwards ... the smoke being planned to keep the midges away.
Results. Andrew Shepherd now has a narrow lead in the handicap series
18th June 2010
Ben Sheann, Wednesday 16th June
While most Carnethies went to Turnhouse for the club handicap, one sole member (Steven) headed up to Strathyre for the short blast up Ben Sheann. This is a tough, steep and fast little race organised by the Stuc a'Chroin race guys. With much tree-felling taking place on the hillside, the route was changed dramatically. The loop on the summit crest remained, but the climbs and descents were no longer on the tracks up from the primary school - instead locals had gone out the night before with chainsaws and hacked a route up the hill. And what a route - straight up, over old felled branches, heather, through forest and ferns. Even steeper than the old race, this sorted out the road-runners from the fell-runners and was a real hoot ! Such brilliant fun, I was grinning like a cheshire cat after the bound back down the hill. The trip there was made even more worthwhile with the bottle of 12yr old Glenfiddich won for 1st vet and 2nd overall ! With the feedback the organisers got, I reckon they'll have this route for next year too. Results
Steven Fallon
18th June 2010
Carnethy member breaks own World Record !!
Steven Fallon completed a 14th round of the munros on 4th June with the Inn Pinn on Skye..that is move than anyone else has every done ! He's now finally decided to try other hills and is fast rushing through the Corbetts
14th June 2010
Lowe Alpine Mountain Marathon - 12th/13th June

The LAMM this year was in Loch Fyne area, which included the Ben Lui group, the Arrochar Alps and the solitary munro of Beinn Bhuidhe. The start involved mystery bus trips to 4 starting locations and then the Saturday was a superb sunny day, perhaps too hot for running; the mid camp was wild, high (350m) and remote. Sunday was the opposite of Saturday, low cloud and showery, providing quite a test. As usual many Carnethies took part including
Elite class - Sam Hesling & Andy Fallas; Matt Davis & Lewis Grundy (Northumberland FR).
A class - Steven Fallon & Jacqui Higginbottom, who finished 3rd and first mixed team; Gregor Heron & Cameron Scott
B Class- Joanne Anderson & Joan Wilson
C Class - Ramon Garcia & Ana Perez
D Class - Steph Moss & Christine Farr (Bristol Orienteering Club); Joanne Thin & Kathy Jervis
There are probably lost more Carnethies out there too, including of course the route planner Andy Spenceley.
Results and many photos and reports on LAMM site here, including one of a very serious accident, that will give food for thought for those that don't want to carry gear.

Reports from Carnethy members here
13th June 2010
Pentlands Long Orienteering Event
Since I couldn’t make the LAMM this year I decided to try something closer to home and entered ESOC’s Pentlands Long O event. Despite a lack of time on the hills I was keen to give myself a challenge and went for the 20km event. The start/finish were at Dreghorn and the planner made the most of the area of desolation to the northwest of Capelaw and took us onto it twice. We were also treated to a traverse of the hills, over Harbour Hill and across Castlelaw ridge to the woods above Woodhouselee. The intermittent showers and clag added to the sense of adventure in a familiar set of hills. My navigation had survived a lack of practice but a slightly suspect route choice took me over Allermuir in both directions. My fitness hadn’t survived the lack of training and showed on the last loop across Capelaw and round the back of Bonaly Reservoir. I did make it back under 4hours but only just. A great event though and an interesting blend between orienteering and a hill race.
Other Carnethies were out and about with Jon Ascroft, Tim Darlow, Kate Darlow, Bill Gauld and Mark Higginbottom all listed in the results.
Alasdair Hind
13th June 2010
Cairngorm Classic 100 Cycle Sportive
As last year I took up this challenge. There was less rain than last year but more wind. It was not really cycling weather shirt weather but my Carnethy one was still being made somewhere - no doubt in a sweatshop where it was warmer. Andrew Patience and Garry McInnes were out in front but I did not see them. I was half an hour slower than last year but not last this time as there were several stragglers who kept stopping and a tandem with mechanical problems. I hit a bad patch around 70 miles and came off turning onto the cycle path to cross a main road just before the feeding station at the Boat of Garton. Summary results:
Garry McInnes 5.28.18; Andrew Patience 04.58.58; John Blair-Fish 8.20.18
Full results and splits here
John Blair-Fish
13th June 2010
Scottish Cross-Country Mountain Bike Series - Round 4
The 4th round of the Scottish Cross-Country (SXC) series was held on Sunday at Ben Nevis. This round incorporated the Scottish Championships for fully-paid up British Cycling members. The course was a mixture of easy ground, such as fire roads and made-up trials, and hard gnarly sections of steep natural terrain that cut up as the day wore on. Not many Carnethies took part but Bob Johnson fluked himself a silver medal in the VET50 championship. Bob finished third in the VET50 men's race in 1:16:41 with Billy Matthews 2nd in 1:16:15 with Gavin Maclean the clear winner in 1:11:19. The winner (and others) was not a British Cycling member so that the championship medals went to 2nd, 3rd and 5th. Friend of the club, Lesley Ingham, was second in the Elite women category coached and mentored by our own Geraint Florida-James.
Bob Johnson
12th June 2010
Traprain Law Jungle Race

More photos (thanks Bob and Leslie Marshall)
A select group of Carnethies (some vestless) made up the field of 74 for the Jungle Race. Fighting our way through the undergrowth, ducking under low branches, being stung by vicious nettles, wild water crossing with eyes full of flies and mouths full of midges in warm conditions. Blinded by bugs but full of protein virtually everyone finished with 2 sub 40 min and the rest of the field not far behind.
Gordon
Results Report
12th June 2010
5 at the Blackrock 5

Drinkers Phil Young, James Hardie, Olly Stephenson, Chris Durn and Shane Bouchier were lured to Kinghorn last night for a evening of sun, sea and slurping. There was some superb emergency planning done by James to ensure that liquids were always at our disposal. The booze train left Kinghorn after 11pm with an on board free drinks service compliments of HBT. As for the race itself, results here at some point.
Shane
6th June 2010
Glas Tulaichean (uphill), 05 Jun 2010
I was thinking about doing this race or amybe marching about Gaza. I also wondered if Martin Hulme was going. Martin phoned me at 8pm on Friday after seeing me in the Savacentre. He was there doing his weekly shop and I was just there buying loose leaf fairly trade tea.
So we went there. There was a discussion about carrying waterproofs. I was right that they were needed but this time the rule had been lifted in view of the heat. However, there was some rain before the start and evidence of local downpoors on the way home. I had a slow start but then passed a few people walking and could see Martin ahead at the finish. I was over 2 minutes slower than 2 years ago and 8 minutes than when I set a then vet 50 record in 2001.
No one else from Carnethy was there though there were some former members. Prizes were all somewhat arbitrary so we might have picked up a team prize if someone else had appeared. It did not seem anyone was interested in taking an age group prize vest to the masters championship in Poland.
John Blair-Fish
Results
6th June 2010
Monthly Pentlands Run - Castlelaw
5 intrepid explorers and their trusty husky emerged from their vehicle at Castlelaw to seek the fabled Mars of Bells Hill. Reported to have been seen by the one and only Charlie Ramsay the team set off in zero visibility, and having lost one member the survivors eventually reached their destination - only to find that they had been beaten to it by their rivals. No Mars ! Did it ever exist ? Who knows ? Dodging flying MTBs which came out of the mist on an orienteering mission the failed team returned to base camp in one piece.
Gordon Cameron
4th June 2010
The second half of the seven hills

On a warm evening we climbed aboard the number 38 (?) to be bussed to Costorphine. Fifteen on the bus, met up with another two or three at the top, and thence across town to beat the bus back to KB. Bill showed off his prowess again, with screwdrivers up the side of Craiglockhart - lesser mortals use shoes. And a long hike over Braids and Blackford in stunning sunshine to regroup at the Braidburn.
3rd June 2010
Bens of Jura Fell Race - Saturday 29th May

Despite excellent weather before and after the race, it was a cloudy day on the tops for the race, causing a few people to go astray. By the 2nd Pap, former Carnethy member Es Tresidder was leading from Tom Owens (Shettleston), but expperience told as Rob Jebb (Bingley) came through to win from 7 times winner Ian Holmes. As normal, lots of Carnethy members took part, and Andy Fallas had a great run in his first attempt at the race, finishing 12th in 3:54, while not far behind Angela Mudge was first woman and had to sprint to get under the magic 4 hour barrier (which earns you an engraved whisky glass). Angela was backed up by Joanne Anderson and Joan Wilson and that dream team resulted in Carnethy winning the women's team prize !
Race results
Here's the list of all sub 4 hour runs by club members - the club record has now lasted 22 years ! it's about time it was broken by one of the younger members.
29th May 2010
Douglas MacFarlane (1957-2010)

The 2010 Edinburgh marathon saw the tragic early death of Doug MacFarlane, Sunday 23 May. A regular runner and recent member he completed the Marathon in 2008 (photo - Doug at the finish) and last year ran in the relay. Doug was monthly host of club gatherings - the George Meikle Kemp Appreciation Society - at the Malt Whisky Society in Leith and a close acquaintance of many in Carnethy. He passed away during one of his cherished pastimes, distance running, and as always was thinking of others - this year competing in support of Children's Hospice Association Scotland. Our sincerest condolences to his family.
26th May 2010
Slioch Horseshoe - 22nd May
On a weekend of incredible feats with Paddy Buckley Rounds and the taming of the Scottish Island Peaks some of us decided to take it easy and take in a race that only comprised of one Munroe. I'd driven up to Kinlochewe on the Friday to camp in a great spot on the banks of Loch Maree looking directly over to Slioch. To be wholly accurate it was looking directly over to the bottom half of Slioch as that's all I would see of it until the next day. On the Saturday we were spared the intense heat and clear skies that were present back home though it was still pretty warm and pleasant, maybe still a little too warm to run up a mountain. After a leisurely breakfast coffees shared with other hill running waifs an strays who were gathering before the race I went to registration where out of the 60 runners 9 were Carnethy runners - quite impressive really.
Now to the race itself where I can only give my usual middle-of-the-field observations. It started with a 3 mile+ run in to the start of a monster climb pretty all the way up, on which I was in big danger of overheating. I'd been following Jacqui H up but I overtook her when she slowed to cool down a little. Nearing the top I could see the leaders on the far ridge of the horseshoe already (impressive) and then couldn't see anything as we hit the cloud. A group of three of us then stopped to do a little map investigation and navigated to all of the tops (Jacqui moved ahead of me again along the ridge) and then the four of us started the descent. And what a descent. If there is indeed a good way down I think I found its antithesis. I past Jacqui and tried to pick my way through the rocks - it was pretty blinkin' steep! So it was around here that I decided to sit down on the mountain. When I say "decided" I mean I slipped on steep heathery/grassy stuff, and by "sit" I mean I landed on a rock, full force, impacting on my right buttock! What a bummer. I guess I'm lucky that I didn't land on my coccyx but it was pretty sore none the less. Jacqui passed me (yet again) and after enquiring that I was okay and that was pretty much the last I was the last I saw of her until the end. I got passed by four or five folk on my slowed descent and on the run back; I'd like to put that all down to being sore from the fall but I'm sure the fatigue I felt on the run back in the heat didn't help. It's amazing how much longer the run back seemed in comparison to the way out, you notice every undulation and it just seemed to go on and on. I had hoped to get under the three hour mark, instead I was just under 3:04 which was still top half (just) so happy enough or at least I was until I saw my percentage of the winning time!
While I was still meandering around the hill Brian Marshall (HELP) won, setting a new course record of 2:08:05 while he was at it, ahead of Alec Keith (HBT) in second and a great run by Stewart Whitlie coming in third. John Mitchell had a superb tussle with Ross Bannerman and finished well in 6th place with a strong run by Jacqui gaining the team prize for Carnethy. Result on the SHR site can be found here: http://www.shr.uk.com/RaceResults.aspx?RaceID=RA-0560&RaceYear=2010.
Wonderful cakes and prize giving afterwards and a relaxed atmosphere with 61 running it was a great event superbly organised by Ross Bannerman with able assistance from Roxy and other Highland Hill Runners. A fun wee adventure, in fact the only bad part was having to sit down for the long drive back to Edinburgh...
Andy Millard
24th May 2010
Carnethy Success at the Cape Wrath Marathon, Saturday 22nd May
The Cape Wrath Marathon is the culmination of a week of running events around the village of Durness on the north-west tip of Scotland. Some Carnethy runners were there for all or part of the week, and a few arrived for the marathon. It's a tough one for a road race; 2500ft of climb over the 26.2 miles, and includes a timed-out ferry crossing at 22 miles.
Winner was Mark Ford in 2.56.55 and second Richie Cunningham in 3.08.17.
Lucy Colquhoun was first woman, and third overall, in a new course record of 3.09.16. Other Carnethys were Simon Turner, 11th (3.34.51); Ian Jackson, 44th; Sally Cross, 55th.
Joanne Anderson, tapering for the Jura race, ran in the two-person marathon relay with Susie Hyatt to finish in 6th place, and first women's team.
Next year is the 10th running of the event. It's definitely worth the trip for a great race, great atmosphere and a great ceilidh.
For full results and details go to www.capewrathchallenge.co.uk .
Ian Jackson
24th May 2010
Letty Fell Race & Inter Counties Championship
The Letty Fell race starts from Letty Farm in Denbighshire and follows an interesting course around the Clwydian range of hills. This year the fell race hosted the UKA Inter Counties Mountain Running Championship. The east of Scotland team consisted of myself and edinburgh university for the mens team and HBT for the ladies team. The course was set over about 15km with 1000m of ascent on mostly runnable, grassy paths, suiting both fell runners and road runners. Racing in the sweltering 27 degrees was tough and there were many casualties including some big names. I managed to run the first 10 or 11km without feeling too ill, then on the last climb, following a long pounding descent, over-heating almost ground me to a halt as i was forced to walk up what would normally have been an easliy runnable gradient. I made it to the end in 1h24 and 33rd place. The race was won by Martin Cox from leicestershire in a record time of 1h11. Scotland East ladies finished in 3rd place with Sula Young of HBT finishing in an impressive 4th place. Scotland East mens team finished 6th, just ahead of Scotland West in 7th. Robbie Simpson led the scottish fleet in a strong 10th place (1h16) with Tom Owens not far behind in 14th (1h17). Many thanks to Emma Birnie and others for organising the teams.
Results Photos More Photos
Andy Fallas
23rd May 2010

STOP PRESS- Olly, Jason and Jamie complete the Paddy Buckley Round
In a time of around 23:20, Carnethies - Olly Stephenson, Jason Hubert and Jamie Thin (HBT) completed the Paddy Buckley, the Welsh equivalent to the Charlie Ramsay! well done to all of them.
The first ever Paddy Buckley Round race...
" Are you off for a walk?" I heard someone say to Jason seconds before we set off on the PBR on Saturday, "yes, a circular one" came the reply, somewhat underplaying the 60+ miles of running, 47 summits and 28,000' that lay in our way.
And so it came to be... Steve Watkins (Airienteers), Nick Wallis (Dark Peak), Mick James, Jason Hubert, Olly Stephenson (all Carnethy) and Jamie Thin (HBT) set off from Capel Curing in Snowdonia, North Wales, at 10.45am on Saturday 22nd May for a clockwise attempt, and three of us finished.
Dehydration in the relentless heat (27C in the shade) plus the return of an old injury put paid to Steve, Mick and Nick respectively, whilst Jason, Olly and Jamie soldiered on... and on... and (in Olly's case) on again some more with a 3 mile/40 minute additional detour at the end because his brain didn't realise his feet were running in the wrong direction (it would be too generous to describe it as 'a simple navigational error').
The weather, views and company were magnificent, and sincerest thanks to everyone that came out to support, you not only made it possible but you did it so generously and happily too. It felt like a real team effort. The roll call of honour:
* Road support: Dave and Sally James, Kirsti and Sam Hubert, Terry, Rob, Jane, Annie and Charlie Wallis
* Hill support: Jonathan Whitehead, Phil Young, Andy Hindson, Clive King, Martyn Goodwin (plus a hello on the hill from Kate Jenkins and Craig)
Final times were 23:23 for Jason and Jamie, and 23:38 for Olly. Olly and Jamie have now completed all three of the classic British Rounds (Bob Graham 2004, Ramsay 2005, Paddy Buckley 2010), and for me at least pipe, slippers and beer belly are looming large on the horizon.
A thoroughly amazing and wonderful and life affirming experience... I could not have asked for better company or a better day.
Full report and pics to follow in due course
Olly Stephenson
23 May 2010
Scottish Islands Peaks Row 2010 21st of May – indeterminate date

How we have made it so far without motoring is nothing short of a muscle powered miracle. It’s 10am on Sunday morning and Gigha has become a familiar sight, as has the infinitesimally slow speed of the anemometer spinning on the mast.....more
Sam Hesling
19th May 2010
10-under-the-Ben Mountain Bike Race - Saturday 15th May
Quite a few CHRC members completed the 10-under-the-Ben Mountain Bike race on Saturday (sorry that the new cycling jerseys were not out in time!). The course included approximately 520m of ascent per lap nicely spread over the 10.1 mile circuit. The aim of the "game" was to complete as many laps as possible in the 10 hours allocated. With a massive entry of 700+ riders and wet conditions the track cut up quite badly to reveal highly polished roots and lots of opportunities to part company with the bike.
The solos was won with 11 laps completed in a time of 10:29:55. Craig O'Donnell did 9 laps in 10:12:15 for 16th place overall with Andrew Patience just a minute back with 9 laps in 10:13:15 for 17th overall. Garry McInnes finished 22nd overall with 9 laps in 10:36:53 so an excellent showing for the club in the ultra-tough solos event. Lesley Ingham (not a CHRC member but coached by our very own Geraint Florida-James) finished high up in 11th place overall for first female with 9 laps in 9:44:13.
The pairs competition was won with 12 laps (only 2 teams did this in the whole event) in 10:25:55. Carnethy interest included Bob Johnson and his brother doing 10 laps in 10:28:05 for 21st place and 1st in the super-vet category (what on earth can be so "super" about a combined age of 100+?). Tim Darlow, accompanied by Matt from Halifax Harriers, enjoyed their first MTB endurance event finishing 30th of 167 pairs they narrowly missed
completing a final 10th lap before the 20.30 deadline.
Apologies to any other Carnethies that have been missed. Just for good measure the Trios competition was won with 11 laps in 10:06:08 and the quads won in 11 laps in 10:02:44 (Prasad Prasad and Elka Schmidt working their magic again in that team).

and on the Sunday...
Kate Darlow, in her 'comeback race', also raced the Caledonian Etape the following day, completing the 80 miles ride round Loch Rannoch and over Schiehallion in a very respectable 5hrs 13mins.
Bob Johnson
19th May 2010
Goat Fell Hill Race - Saturday 15th May
The morning started dull with a stiff cold breeze and some heavy rain, however by the the start time the sun was out, but the cold wind and the threat of rain made me leave my thermal top on. The first aiders didn't turn up and the organiser advised us to walk. Given the number of casualties on the furious descent, I was inclined to agree. This one is not for fearties. So off we went to the skirl of the pipes of the Arran Pipe Band. The race is run on tarmac for about a mile,then a gravel path which becomes more and stonier as the ascent progresses. It's actually runnable to the final ridge where it becomes a bit of scramble. I started to overheat about 1/2 way and took a drink at a handy burn. I took my thermal off on the ridge. Paul was in 3rd position ( I think) on the way down when he passed me followed by Steve shortly after. I thought I was having a reasonable descent when I was passed by Janet, but when I hit the road with a mile to go I was a new man and picked up a couple of the places I dropped. I only grazed one knee - not bad.
It's a great well-organised race, but you've got to concentrate and not admire the view. And the Ormidale Hotel at the back of the Sports field sells an excelent pint of Arran Blonde.
The race was won by Matt Williamson of Bellahouston RR 01:21:33. Emma O'Shea of Deeside Runners won the ladies race in 1:38:10
Carnethies were:-
Paul Faulkner was 4th in 1:28:28 ( not bad for his first go)
Steve Fallon 5th in 1:29:00
Adam Anderson 9th in 1:31:31
Janet McWhinnie 46th in 1:56:02 taking 4minutes out of me in the descent
Brian Howie 56th in 2:00:06
83 finished
Brian Howie
18th May 2010
Cateran Trail 55 mile race - Saturday 15th May
The Cateran Trail Race on Saturday was the 4th race in the Scottish Ultra Marathon Series; a 55 mile and 7500 feet ascent, circular route from the Spittal of Glenshee. The trail is a mixture of tracks, paths and a small amount of minor road and with the weather having been pretty dry of late there weren’t too many muddy sections. The race started at 6am, entailing a 3am start from Edinburgh and with the temperature dropping to 1degree with rain and low cloud on the way up it didn’t look as good as the forecast was predicting, but fortunately it cleared up nicely and we got great running conditions for most of the day. I had a good run to just after Bridge of Cally (40 miles) but was then struck down by severe cramp over one of the rougher sections to Kirkmichael. A bit of a recovery got me through to Enochdhu, just 6 miles from the finish, but this included a 1300 feet ascent and an 800 feet descent and I suffered badly with cramp over this last section, taking 2.5 hours to get to the end to finish in 12 hours 1 minute.
The race was won by Jack Brown in a new record of 7:54 with 41 of 45 starters finishing.
A fine course, a small and friendly field and efficient organisation made it a great day out – highly recommended.
Alun Morton Lloyd
17th May 2010
Carnethy Women at the beach
The Carnethy ladies and Bill had a great run along the beach from Aberlady to Gullane (and beyond) on Monday evening. The tide was in, so we didn't see any submarines, but we did see an apple tree in full blossom just beside the sand dunes at Gullane. Details of next womens run here
13th May 2010
Latest Carnethy member
Congratulations to Jon and Lorna Ascroft, who have just welcomed Murray. Born at 10:10am on 12th May weighing 8lbs 1oz and everyone is fine.
Murray sends his apologies for missing the Eddleston handicap, but claims he didn't get a handicap from Phil. Perhaps Club Captain, Jon, has decided it is easily to grow his own team than persuade other members to turn up for events !
12th May 2010
Eddleston Handicap

Another fantastic turnout at the new handicap at Eddleston with an incredible 47 people completing the run. Shane's out and back route meant that you could see the whole field and was enjoyed by competitors, particuarly the long fast grassy descent almost all the way back from Dunreich. Also there was no way you could get lost (tell that to Derek Paton, Nick MacDonald and Steven Fallon). Bill Gauld came home first - number 1 rule to handicappers, never give Bill an inch, or he's away ! Hilary Spenceley finished second and Andy Fallas had recovered from Ben Lomond to record the fastest time from Ronnie Gallagher and Steven Fallon. Over 30 runners enjoyed the meal afterwards at The Barony Hotel.
Results here and overall positions here.
Next Handicap will be at Flottersone with a BBQ afterwards -details on handicap web page
11th Mayen 2010
Carnethy Women shine
Two of the Carnethy women did extremely well at completely difference events at the weekend. In the Glasgow Women's 10km, Lyn Wilson was first British runner in 7th place (out of over 10,000 ! ) in 35:08, while long distance expert Lucy Colquhorn was first woman in the Cateran Trail 23 mile trail race in Perthshire in 3hrs 20mins.
9th May 2010
Ben Lomond Hill Race
It was a Carnethy 6th, 7th and 8th for Andy, Stewart (also 2nd V40) and I in a race saw us switch places more times than I can recall... A fast pace was set by Prasad, Al, Robbie and Oleg with Simon Peachy, Stewart, Andy and I giving chase on the climb to the top. At about 2/3rds up Andy must have (quite literally) seen red and blasted past myself and then Stewart like we were standing still - clearly keen to be the first red vest to the top. While Andy and Stewart battled it out ahead I spent the time trying to stave off being sick and counted off all of the other things I would rather be doing at that particular point in time, quite a long list. In the split seconds where focus could be shifted from the square meter in front of our feet a glance around revealed what must have been one of the best days this year across the west of Scotland with a 360 degree mountain panorama which was pretty special, albeit fleeting. Legions of Hill Walkers were also out enjoying the view and didn't seem to mind hundreds of us stomping up (and down) in quick procession and indeed offered us loads of encouragement. One wee lad was overheard saying, while staring down the hill in astonishment, "Dad, there are hundreds of them...".

Having rounded the top Andy blasted down the first descent like he was freefalling with Stewart and I giving chase. We all passed a bloodied Al Anthony who appeared (and was later confirmed) to have a cut face, legs and was apparently quite badly winded, we guessed he must of fallen on what was quite a dry and treacherous surface for much of the race, with smaller stones and gravel rolling freely over the large polished rocks below on the tourist path. Several people had stopped to assist him and he was later seen being bandaged up by a very busy looking first aid team back at the hotel car park.
We Three Musketeers converged towards the end of the second half of the descent and on hitting the flat 250m run in:
a) I practically stopped (or might actually have been going backwards) on account of being unable to speed up and in grave danger of throwing up;
b) Stewart (apparently also on the verge of being sick) tried to overtake Andy; and
c) Andy breezed through the finish apparently feeling no ill effects whatsoever.
Not far behind us came Paul Faulkner with an awesome finish in 14th place thus securing the team prize, with Steven in 16th place and Ronnie Gallagher (1st V50) in 21st place. Beyond there were loads of Carnethys, some sporting various cuts and bruises, but all looking like the effort had been worth it. Hopefully some of them can share their own personal accounts here too !
Chris Upson was out with his finger on the trigger photographing us motley rabble close to the top.
Race photos and the results
Post race banter was enjoyed in a sunny (but chilly) Rowardennan over soup and rolls. Many thanks to the organisers (especially for a few last minute Carnethy entry swaps) and the excellent marshaling and route marking throughout the course.
Sam Hesling
6th May 2010
Dumyat
A large field turned out in good weather for the Dumyat race, a not-so-boggy bog and burn series race. Seven Carnethies were running (Joanne Anderson, Joanne Thin, Debbie Kilpatrick, Bruce Milne, Andy Millard, Colin Wilson and James Hardie) and one (Joan Wilson) up on the hill to spectate. Conditions were warm with the hill and track being very dry, even the small boggy patch next to the fence wasn't too bad although I still managed to disappear half way up my shin in it thanks to a dubious route choice. The race was easily won by Murray Strain from HBT (although provisional results gave the winner as a Murray Straw!), first female home was Jessica Martin from Glasgow University. Of the Carnethies James was the first one through the finish after overtaking me (yet again) on the descent.
Altogether a fun race and good warm-up for Ben Lomond. Finally a word of warning. While loitering with/without intent at the finish line the midgies made and unwelcome appearance - this doesn't bode well for hanging around Rowerdennan for the race this coming weekend.
Results and Photos (both compliments of Chris Upson)
Andy Millard
4th May 2010
Stuc a' Chroin on Saturday 1st May
Photos Alan Young
On a fairly cold and misty day on the tops Carnethy had an awesome set of results at Stuc. In no particular order, Carnethy finishers were - Angela Mudge (2:32:38 1st F), Stewart Whitlie (2:24:51 3rd overall & 2nd MV), Andy Fallas (2:30:15), Ronnie Galacher (2:35:22 1st MV 50), Cameron Burt (2:45:04), Adam Anderson (2:46:39), Gregor Heron (2:53:59), Jacqui Higginbottom (3:05:56), Colin Wilson (3:13:21), Bruce Milne (3:21:35), Helen Bonsor (3:32:35), Colin Ledlie (3:34:42), Lucy Hailey (3:53:26), John Littlewood (4:04:25) & Sam Hesling (2:25:10).
Despite my best efforts (i.e. running straight past the summit cairn without turning round and embarking on a magical mystery tour with Brian Marshal and Stewart coming off the top) we also managed to bag the team prize too.
Massive thanks to the organising team and particularly the marshals on what must have a pretty rubbish day for them to be out on the hills. Further details can be found on the Stuc 5000 website (http://www.stucachroin5000.org.uk/).
Photos on SHR site
Sam Hesling
4th May 2010
Ladies Run - Eddleston

Carnethy Ladies with a couple of Honorary Ladies, spent Monday evening exploring the hills around Eddleston (with a map which may or may not have included the route of the next Carnethy Handicap Race). We followed lots of interesting paths and tracks and admired stunning views from several hill tops.
4th May 2010
Glentress Trailquest - Sunday 2nd May
Cool pleasant weather and low key atmosphere for the Trailquest moutainbike event at Glentress. Three hours to choose a route, and dib as many checkpoints as possible. Dumped bike and scrambled between tracks to bag some points, carried bike over scrub and walls at other times. Forever rechecking the map, wished I had a handlebar mounted map-board like most of the others. Occasionally crossed paths with other competitors, but had little idea how I was doing. Easy to bungle the navigation if pedalling too hard. No punctures thankfully. Great fun.
The next event is in the Pentlands on Sunday 6th June. www.trailquest-scotland.com
3rd May 2010
Drumlanrig Cycle Challenge
The Drumlanrig Cycle Challenge was held on Saturday 1st May under some fairly decent Scottish “Summer” weather. The challenge consisted of a 105 mile figure-of-eight loop (66 miles and 39 miles) incorporating undoubtedly some of the quietest roads in the land where sheep and cattle grids outnumber people and cars. Long gradual climbs were the order of the day; in particular the second loop of the route took in the long slog up to Wanlockhead, the highest village in Scotland. And it really was a long slog into the wind-driven rain –with only the hopes of a wind-assisted return leg to look forward to and the CAKE back at the finish line.
Three Carnethies took part in the 105 mile challenge ride, separated by only a handful of minutes – Craig O’Donnell (6hrs 4), Andrew Patience (6 hrs 2) and Garry MacInnes (6hrs 8).
Results
3rd May 2010
Kintyre Way Relay

A team of 6 Carnethies completed the 66 mile Kintyre Way Relay on Saturday in a time of 12 hours and 2 mnutes. Anne Nimmo, Kathy Jarvis, Moira Stewart, Hilary Spenceley, Cali Ingham and Margaret Forrest were an hour slower than Lucy Colquhoun's 2008 time. Lucy still holds the record for the whole distance (for men and women). This year Lucy just ran 2 legs after her fine win in the Fling a week ago! Strangely enough the team ran exactly the same time as Hilary's St Cuthbert's Way Record (which still stands).The early morning runners (Anne and Kathy) got the best weather, cool, calm and sunny. Moira, on the beach run, passed the lowest trig point on the British mainland (2m). Hilary ran strongly over the longest leg while Cali had the ' hardest' (an undulating road!). Margaret, with the longest wait, brought the team home (joined by the others for the last 800m). The team just managed to beat the first 'ultra' home. We take our hats off to all those who ran the whole thing. A great, low key event for walkers and runners.
2nd May 2010
24th - 27th April Cretes des Vosges run

Just missing the Icelandic volcano chaos, the Carnethy team flew to Strasbourg for the Cretes des Vosges run. On the first day we ran to the hotel at the top of Grand Ballon, the highest point of our route at 4600ft. Over the next three days we ran about 80 miles along the crest of the hills all the way back to Nicki's house at Ottrott. The route was a mixture of grassy hills with good views (we were around 3000ft nearly all the way) and wooded hillsides. The weather was hot and sunny although in places we had to avoid late snow patches.

For much of the way we were on the old border between France and Germany. There were many remains of World War I fortifications & trenches and we passed a poignant war cemetery in the forest. There were seven runners on the trip, including Nicki's friend from Ottrott, and Olivier who came to support us with a minibus. It was a really enjoyable journey – many thanks to Nicki for organising it and to Olivier for supporting us so well.
Nigel Rose.
29th April 2010
Scottish Islands Peaks Training at KB
With at least 4 of last nights' KB wednesday runners taking part in the Peaks Race this year, it was time to up the mileage.
We ran to Craiglockhart Pond where the choice of normal or long run was made. Gordon led 2 runners (recovering from the Aniversary Waltz last weekend) on the shorter route and the other 11 headed onto the canal then up Colinton Dell to the edge of Bonaly along to Dreghorn and back to KB.
Edinburgh Council turned the run to Braidburn Park into an obstacle course, but we still made it back by 9:05. Just over 11 miles.
Then it was Cycle Jersey Fitting time! (remember to get your order in by 7th May)
Gordon Cameron, Andy Millard and Phil Young are Medium while I am the only Large!
Willie Gibson
28th April 2010
It's game on for the Munros
The latest attempt to break Charlie Campbell's 48 day Munro record is underway - report here and blog here.
26th April 2010
General Maczek's Great Polish Map of Scotland

Carnethies will remember the visit to the 3D scale map of Scotland near Eddleston during a Fortathlon run last year (the upcoming Eddleston handicap could provide another opportunity to visit); meantime Keith has been working hard to promote its restoration and reports:
After a very successful inaugural meeting at Barony Castle Hotel on Sunday, the campaign to restore General Maczek's Great Map of Scotland now exists as a democratic not-for-profit organisation with appointed officers, a constitution, bank account, international exposure on a Polish TV channel broadcasting world-wide, the support of the Polish Consul General, some money in the bank from our early membership subscriptions and most of all, clear evidence of the collective enthusiasm and determination we need to save the Map. We now need to expand our membership base. Restoration of the map will create a unique, scale relief model of the Scottish landscape. 40 major glens will flow with water into the surrounding seas. This will become a major resource for education, tourism, and not least, for planning your peak bagging in a more entertaining way than with a computer screen or GPS.
We now need more supporters. Most of the work will be done with volunteer labour to keep the cost to a minimum. We need to identify all the skills our supporters can offer. We have very suitable jobs for resting or injured hill runners; no pay, primitive working conditions, bar next door. You can become a specialist sculptor on the mountain of your choice. Our first priority is to secure the grant aid we need to start the restoration work. All members will receive regular updates on progress via email or post. If you feel you can help, or you're simply keen to see this unique map restored, then please join us.
More details here. Contact KB at mapascotland{at]gmail.com
Keith Burns
25th April 2010
Lucy 5th in Highland Fling and Carnethy win the Coors Cup !
Lucy Coquhoun was 5th in yesterdays Highland Fling with Kenny Valentine in 6th out of 271 ! There were 9 Carnethies in the race, which earned them the Coors Cup, for the club with the most finishers. Carnethy also won the men's team award.
5th in 8:38:29 Lucy Colquhoun, 6th in 8:51:48 Kenny Valentine, 8th in 9:03:22 Richard Bell, 29th in 9:45:50 Cameron Murray, 48th in 10:13:10 Ramon G-C Simon, 60th in 10:22:14 Jonas Andersson, 86th in 10:47:06 Janet McWhinnie, 89th in 10:47:48 Alan Colley, 149th in 11:43:51 Ian King.
Results
25th April 2010
London Marathon News

Sally Cross ran the London Marathon this afternoon. She had a "good for age" entry on the basis of her 3h 57m in the Cape Wrath Marathon last year (which includes 2500 feet of climb). She finished in 4h 04m on the considerably flatter London course. Clearly she prefers the hills, and races with 100 entrants and a few sheep spectating, rather than 40,000 entrants and half a million spectators! Picture to follow; results in all the papers.
Ian Jackson
Other Carnethy runners Bob Johnson, 03:16:34 and Cameron Scott 03:34:01
24th April 2010
Mull Monsterette

The race was won by Tom Smith ( Lochaber AC) in a time of 1.52.15, 2nd was Steven Macinnes (Carnethy) in 1.55.36 and 3rd was Stewart Whitlie (Carnethy) 1.57.58, The first lady was Emma O’Shea (Deeside runners) 2.26.48, 2nd was Eilis McKechnie ( HBT) 2.52.55 and 3rd was Alison West (Carnegie) 2.56.24.
There was a fair cover of mist on the tops and gusts at the loch which meant that Steven, Stewart, and Johns efforts at erecting the marquee the night before were on test. The marquee survived … just … and everyone had the grace to stand inside before the start so that their hard work was worth it. The mist cleared and the sun even managed to shine so that the Ben More ridge was in full glory yet the wind continued to blow. With a race like the Monserette it’s great to have everyone safely home and even better when everyone has had a brilliant time. Thanks to everyone for coming along and to the marshals for keeping everything in check. Big well done to Sara, Peter, and a swollen ankle to supporting each other all the way (apart from Sara leaving him to hobble down the Ben with a bad ankle "I will be OK when I get to the road").
Results
23rd April 2010
Michael Heads to Oz

Michael O'Connor is off to new climes (and no doubt climbs) as a long-term move - so a small band (sadly depleted by events on the WHW and further afield) met up at Ryries to mark the occasion in time-honoured manner, where Michael was presented with a certificate of achievement by our President - M's ultras include WHW and Tour de Mont Blanc. Outbound trip will involve a stop over with the redshirts in Bangkok and a couple of weeks exploring the hills of Indonesia. Have a great one Michael!
21st April 2010
Wednesday Caper

A run with a difference. Over a dozen went for a 'slow and easy' run that turned out to be a hectic race, GPS said it was the fastest wed run in the last year. Mortonhall, woods, Braids, arrete, Blackford at 10 k pace. Despite some protests ("any more at this pace and I'll throw up") somehow our speed just increased.....
20th April 2010
Two Lake District races - Loughrigg and the Coledale Horseshoe
Since taking up hill running, I've been tempted to revisit my childhood stamping ground of the Lake District. So when it transpired that the Loughrigg race (7th April) coincided nicely with a family holiday near Ambleside, it seemed rude not to. An out-and-back, 4m and 1000ft, this evening race is good fun with nothing more technical than some heavy boggy bits. Celebrations all round as a 3rd place FV40 resulted in wine and chocolate as reward for spectating husband and kids - rounded off by fabulous post-race flapjack. The race was won by Stuart Bond of Dark Peak, and Emma Clayton of Scunthorpe was first lady.
Just over a week later, a return to the lakes to have a go at the Coledale Horseshoe (17th April). At 9miles and 3000ft, the race is run on a superb variety of terrain - short grass, rocky paths, sheep trods, short heather, a bit of easy scrambling - most of it very runnable, and excellent fun. The almost unbroken sunshine added to the experience. Very welcome cheese rolls at the finish.
No results out as yet.
Jane Jackson
19th April 2010
Monday's Women's run at Bonaly

Carnethy Ladies (with Honorary Lady, Bill Gauld) enjoyed a wonderful run from Bonaly on Monday evening. Anne was practising her balancing skills on the obstacle course over the burn, while others contemplated a swim in the reservoir to finish off the evening.
Margaret Forrest
19th April 2010
Clachnaben Hill Race, Saturday 17th April

Q: What do the Highlander Mountain Marathon and Clachnaben Hill Race have in common ?
A: Clachnaben was won by some considerable margin by another class act (in this case Robbie Simpson) and I spent most of the race looking over my shoulder for Simon Peachy (who unfortunately was almost always breathing down my neck and pipped me on the final couple of km flat ish run to the finish). Jacqui Higginbottom (23rd 1:47:12), Joan Wilson (75th 2:19:51), John Mitchell (5th, 1:33:13), Colin Wilson (37th 1:57:32) and I made up the Carnethy contingent on what was a gorgeous day in bonnie Deeside. Running conditions were perfect with only light winds and high cloud giving a mix of sunshine and cooler shade. The going underfoot was, however, pretty rough in places with lank heather and deep stoney trods characterising much of the hill running. Thanks to Rob Brookes and the Cosmic Hill Bashers for laying on such a superb event. Results and report
Sam Hesling
18th April 2010
Chris Hoy Half Marathon
Three ("sad") CHRC members completed the Chris Hoy Half Marathon today. In cold and windy conditions Bob Johnson completed the flat 13 mile course in 1:28:18 with new member, Craig O'Donnell, doing 1:31:47 and Kathy Jarvis just outside the 2 hours in 2:00:29. Craig had a great race (certainly heading for sub 1:28) until quad problems with about 2 miles to go. This allowed Bob to hobble past him nursing a TMB-related injury. Craig still clinched a PB by just under a minute. Another runner spotted Craig's vest at the start and advised him "There ain't no hills in this ya know!". True enough - all three CHRC runners are truly sorry about doing a race on the black stuff (more like cinders now courtesy the holes in Iceland) and promise never to do such a dodgy deed again. The race was won in 1:07:37 (Andrew Douglas - Inverclyde AC) from David Wright (1:13:26 HBT).
Bob Johnson
(Lindsay Donald also ran, somehow as "unattached!" and finished in 2:11:05) webteam
18th April 2010
Meall na Tarmachan Hill Race
Brian Marshall and Angela Mudge shine in the April snow.
The inaugural Meall nan Tarmachan Hill Race saw 68 runners challenged by April snows on higher ground. With 700m of ascent and a distance of 9.5km, the race was categorised short, but it felt much more testing with rough terrain and the recent falls of snow. The race was won by Brian Marshall with Tom Smith of Lochaber and Paul Faulkner of Carnethy second and third. Angela Mudge, now back in the country, took the ladies title with Fiona Maxwell being the only other woman to cover the course in under one hour. Both men's and women's team prizes were won by Carnethy.
Everyone agreed this was a superb route and it is hoped to run the race as a regular fixture in the calendar. Many thanks to Killin Outdoor Centre who proposed and organised the event, to the sponsors including Salomon and Hi-Tec for prizes, Teko for giving a pair of running socks to every runner and the Real Food Cafe in Tyndrum for handing a goodie-bag to runners as they crossed the finish. The marshals and time-keepers did a brilliant job in the cold conditions and the Killin Womens' Institute put on a great spread of soup, sandwiches and cakes. But most importantly around £1,000 was raised for Cancer Research. Results
Steven Fallon
17th April 2010
Hunters Bog Trot, Holyrood Park

A blustery but dry day as I cycled from the Scout Jumble Sale and just made it in time to join Derek Paton, Gio Macdonald, Mike Lynch, Hilary Spenceley, Philippa Headley, Debbie Kilpatrick, Margaret Forrest and a few other Carnethies in a field of 85 for the annual Bog Trot. 10 places behind Derek on the Crags I eventually got past him as we summitted the Radical Road and managed to hold him off on the second climb up the Crags where Kate J was my next target. I passed her and held her off on the descent to finish 2nd V50 in 20th place in 34.26 with Kate and Derek just behind. Goody bags all round including Kilomathon shirts and lots of beer prizes. Great value for £2. Hilary was first LV50 and Philippa first LV40. HBT won both team prizes and it was Edinburgh students who took the top places. Full results are here.
Gordon Cameron
14th April 2010
51 Runners at Boghall Handicap!!
A lovely sunny evening brought out the amazing total of 51 runners for the Boghall Handicap - a Club Handicap record ? Even our two new life members turned up: Angela Mudge and Bill Gauld. Angela was fresh (fit?) from 6 months cycling in South America and stormed round (having somehow got a good handicap!), while Bill Gauld took it easily, playing the long game and aiming for a generous handicap next time. Mike Lynch was first back.
It was the first handicap of the season, and also Phil Young's first Handicap as Handicapper.
Many thanks to Phil, Andy Spenceley and Roger Kemp for timing us ull out and in.
Full results here and series results (for what it's worth after just one race !) is here
(A commentator reports; analogy - usual culprits turn up in their nippy ford mondeos and range rovers only to find the carpark filled with alpha romeos, aston martins, and bugattis. Pawing at the uphill the high-octane runners were held back by their punishing handicaps as they awaited the signal to be unleashed. And off they went! One just doesn't fully appreciate Angela's strengths till you see her bound past on a technical descent at something approximating to the speed of light! Glorious. Thanks to all our stellar runners who took part. A wonderful club evening)
14th April 2010
Highlander Mountain Marathon, April 2010, Gairloch
" I think you are going too far right Sam". Andy could have stuck that phrase on loop and played it through a stereo to save himself the effort of correcting our line once again, but that would have meant extra weight and when your main aim on day 2 is damage limitation (i.e. not letting Tim Higginbottom and Chris Near beat you by quite a big a margin as day 1) every micron counts.
The Highlander was simply stunning....more
14th April 2010
Paris Marathon - Sunday 11th April
While other people were enjoying themselves in the hills at the weekend I traveled to Paris to run in my first (and possibly last) marathon. After training through the winter on the dark, cold and lonely streets of Edinburgh it was a pleasure to stand in the sun on the Champs Elysees with 35,000 other starters. There were many memorable moments in the next 26
miles: runners and flags from all over the world; thousands of cheering spectators; bands of all types; the fireman on ladders out over the roads; cobbles slippy with discarded banana skins, oranges and gatorade; the woman who shouted for Carnethy at mile 20; the cider at mile 23 (drunk because I thought it was orange juice); the Beaujolais at mile 24 (I passed on that one); and did I really see 4 camels at mile 25? Somehow I managed to keep going fast enough in the last 3 miles to stagger over the finish line on 3:28. A fantastically organised race in a great city.
Phil Young
12th April 2010
Success in the Mournes at Silent Valley - Saturday 10th April

10 club members went across to Northern Ireland for the Silent Valley race British Championship race and had a superb, sunny weekend - the first time it had felt like summer this year (although our Spanish members, Ramon Garcia and Ana Perez weren't convinced that 16 degrees was hot !). All enjoyed the very tough course the Irish had laid on - definitely getting your money's worth - and the views were fantastic. The main aim was to get Ronnie Gallagher onto the podium and with superb "domestiques" (a term cycling !), such as Adam Ward, Graeme Carracher and Andy Spenceley, that was easily achieved as he finished first Over 50 to take the lead in the British Champs. Willie Gibson made up the men's team, while Joanne Anderson, Ana and Jane Robertson (running for Westies) were the women taking part.

Sunday was spent sunbathing and climbing more Mourne peaks (and having ice-cream!).
Results and team results also link to Google map of the route
12th April 2010
21st Allendale Challenge - Saturday 10th April
Not so much a hill race more a challenge for the 750 participants of which about 75 were runners. Setting off from Allendale a pretty Northumberland village near Hexham the 26 mile (approx.) course follows narrow lanes and tracks across boggy moorland (and I mean boggy!) in a circuit with 8 checkpoints. Walkers start at 8am and runners at 10am. I went with Tim (Penicuik/Carnethy), Robert (Penicuik) and Iain (Harmeny). Tim and Robert had done it in 2009 - the first year it was open to runners but had suffered from rain and poor visibility. We had perfect conditions - glorious warm sunshine with a very slight refreshing breeze. After the first control Iain made the running and I got into a good pace after passing the first walkers. Very wet under foot and a difficult section of peat hags but the second half was drier and on better tracks so I pushed on passing walkers in their droves. I eventually caught Iain as we reached the road with a couple of miles to go. Very steep descent to the finish where I was pleasantly surprised to find I was in 11th place in 4-53 with Iain 12th a couple of minutes behind. Robert and Tim finished about 50 minutes later. T-Shirt, certificate and then to local pub for well earned pint complete with meat pie + gravy served with mushy peas. Excellent day - shame no-one had a camera!
Gordon
11th April 2010
Heaven and Hell Half Marathon - Sunday 11th April
Some superb weather had been arranged for this great fun event organised by the Perth Road Runners. Four and a half Carnethies were among the 200 runners ready at the start of this challenging road race under blue skies and bright sun. The four were Lucy, Garry, James and Andy with the half being Fiona who only recently joined so was running as unattached. If you are unfamiliar with the race it is basically a half marathon on small country roads opposite Perth Airport (perhaps a slightly grand name) through some stunning scenery with a couple of wee climbs; a 400 ft climb starting at mile three and a 700ft climb at around mile eight.The best bit about the uphill is that there is great fun to be had hammering back down again. The friendly marshals wear silver halos on the downhill and wee devils horns on the climbs which all adds to the good atmosphere for the race. Two of the marshals were somewhat familiar faces, Colin and Joan Wilson there shouting on encouragement on the first of the climbs. It got a little toasty on the climbs in particular when the route became sheltered from what little breeze there was so the water stations were most welcome.

The race was won by Jonathan Carpenter from Harmeny AC in 1:16:23 with a new woman's record set by Rebecca Johnson from Bellahouston in 1:28:39. Fastest of the Carnethies was Garry with a good run finishing 17th in 1:33:55, followed by James with another good run 25th in 1:35:46. I consolidated my place as slowest Carnethy male finishing 31st in 1:37:22. Fiona had a strong run finishing in 55th with Lucy 145th ensuring we all got under the two hour mark. All we had to do then was go back to the hall and work our way through the excellent (massive) array of sandwiches and cakes put on by the organisers, all in all not a bad way to spend a Sunday!
Full results can be found on the Perth Road Runners site all photos courtesy of roadrunpics.com.
Andy Millard
7th April 2010
Allermuir or Bust? no Allermuir and Bussed!

The light nights, the shining sun, the snowy Pentlands, the Lothian Region Bus. What more could you want? (£1.20 perhaps!).
9 of us headed for the Hills from KB, a route over the shoulder of Blackford, on through the Hermitage, then Braidburn Park and up tp Swanston. The steady climb to Allermuir as the sun was disappearing was hard work, but it was our first wednesday night Pentland this year.
The descent route was to Allermuir crossing then Woodhouselee Hill and Easter Howgate, round the back of Bush Estate to Glencorse. 8.6 miles and a 3 minute wait for the 47 Bus back to KB, then to the Braidburn for pints.
Rather than bus it I ran home to Roslin for some tea before getting a lift back to KB.
Wednesday night Google Map Link
Willie Gibson
ps. passing the Braidburn I noticed a red running string vest in the road any one lost it?