Old News April- June 2011
- 1st July 2011
Pub 'n' Chips 2011 (aka Willie...will ye put that *!*@?*! video camera away!
We came, we saw, we cantered... 'twas a lovely evening as we gathered at KB for a pint before heading up Blackford Hill, where there were the usual cracking views from the summit. The more sartorially elegant passed the time with a swift discussion on the relative merits of "sports" vs "Top Gun" style sunglasses for running in...but there was only going to be one winner (and, naturally, only one wingman).
Unfortunately our usual meander through the Astlie Ainslie is locked off now, so we took the more direct route through and on to the Merlin, where bike-ridden Andy Millard had arrived before us and got the round in - what a star!
Heading through Morningside, we diverted from the traditional route to nosh our chips outside Bennet's Bar, to the amusement and bemusement of the landlord. A lesser-spotted chip-hoovering Gibson on the prowl forced us all to eat swiftly, then the group split, with some heading for the Wild West film set behind the library (now there's a sentence I've never written before...), and the rest scattering pedestrians with a sprint round the corner to the Waiting Room. Recombined, we made our way onwards and upwards to the Buckstone, where we relaxed on the terrace as the sun slowly sank.
No Pimms this year, but half of us got beer that the barman claimed was "slightly unusual...quite bitter". Vinegary would have been closer to the mark; it would have been better suited to covering our chips earlier - however, a swift change of ale and all was fine. Off we went again, up to the summit of Braids for beautiful views of the Pentlands softly lit by the setting sun, then we made our way to the Stables, where the wee midges weren't so timorous, so it was everyone indoors.
On over Braids golf course, the light wasn't exactly welcoming at the Braidburn Inn, so we headed on to take over one corner of Leslie's for our last drink, before deciding to leave right around the time we got kicked out. A grand evening out - thanks to everyone for coming, hope you enjoyed it, and keep an eye on the Social page for details of the much-discussed "Oktoberfast", hopefully coming soon...
Oz
More reports route(klm)
- 29th June 2011
Run-4-It Scottish Hill Running Championship after Eildon
After 4 out of the 6 races, Shettleston have won the Men's Senior team and Carnethy have won at least a share of the Over 40s team title. Other categories are very wide open and in very few is one person dominating. Gordon Cameron leads the Men's Over 50s. The Senior Men's and Ladies depends a lot on who does the final races. The Ladies Over 40s team is very open with Fife currently leading, while Carnethy lead the Senior Ladies team, but Ochils must be favourites.
James Waldie is leading the Male Under 23s.
- 27th June 2011
Andy, Lucy and Jasmin shine at Lairig Ghru Race - Sunday 26th June
Carnethy had a great haul of trophies at the biggest ever Lairig Ghru hill race yesterday, taking home first male (Andy Fallas in 3 hrs16), first male team (Andy, Konrad Rawlik and Olly Stephenson), second female (Lucy Colquhoun) and first female team (Lucy, Jasmin Paris and Karen Meikle) from a record field of 151 runners against a previous highest field of 82.
The race is like a mini West Highland Way, traversing 28 miles and 2,100' over some stunning parts of Scotland in a refreshingly low-tech and self-sufficient style, starting out from a guy with a clipboard in Braemar and racing to a guy with a clipboard at the end in Aviemore, with practically nothing in-between save for pristine Caledonian pine forests, majestic mountains and beguiling views of Scotland at its very best.
Extra special mentions for the following heroic performances: Andy for winning despite racing in the Eildons on Saturday (where he finished 4th), and Konrad and Jasmin for great results despite both racing at the Arrochar Alps on Saturday, including Jasmin beating the Arrochar Alps record. Other Carnethies spotted enjoying the fast course included Nigel Fawthrop, Colin Leadlie, Richard Martin, Joanne Thin, Kim Threadgall and possibly others I've missed. Extra special thanks to the organisers Deeside Runners for a great race. Results here in due course
Olly Stephenson
A rather wet start in Braemar with a record entry to the race.
Conditions were a bit slippy in parts but otherwise pretty good.
My target was 5 hours given my lack of form and it seemed a certainty when I passed Derry Lodge, running through the river rather than opting for the bridge.
I didn't however seem to get into a rhythm running over the rough ground thorough the Lairig Ghru itself. Taking pictures didn't help .By the time I got to Pools of Dee I was about 20mins adrift from last year and losing ground but felt pretty strong on the way down to the forest.
I passed a few sorry souls on the way.
The strategy was to welly the last few miles but the distance, my age, and the lack of training started to show. I finished in about 5-11, but didn't add to my collection of scars from Goat Fell and Jura in spite of a couple of tumbles.
More pictures here http://www.action-heroes.co.uk/galleries2/LairigGhru11/
Brian Howie
- 27th June 2011
Jasmin superb at Arrochar Alps Race - Sat 25th June
Jasmin Paris is fast making a reputation at the long tough races as after her great win at Slioch, she smashed the record at Arrochar Alps to become the first women to run under 4 hours (and finished over an hour in front of the next woman!) - all that on a day of cloud on the tops making navigation hard. Other Carnethies didn't do badly either with Stewart Whitlie 3rd and first Over 40, Konrad Rawlik 4th, Joanne Anderson 4th woman (and 1st Over 40) in 5:11 and Jacqui Higginbottom 5th (and 2nd Over 40). Gio Macdonald also ran under 6 hours for the very tough course which goes over 4 munros. Results - 26th June 2011
Eildon 2 Hills Race - Scottish Champs Counter - 25th June
A large contingent turned out for the 4th qualifier in this years SHR Championship at Melrose which was also the single race SAL Championship. 220 starters on a muggy day so there was a little congestion on the first ascent. Team Captain Sam in second place got lost !! - looking for the 3rd Hill and pulled out but nevertheless Carnethy men finished 2nd team - Andy/James/Ronnie/Adrian just beating HBT. JBF was 1st V60 so got a prize in both events - James was 1st under 23 and Ronnie 3rd V50. Results
Gordon
"Which way Marshals?". "Round the cairn and then straight on" came the reply. Oxygen depleted brain hears only "straight on". Much arm waving and shouting from those on top, directed at me. Oh dear ... lost again.
Sam Hesling
- 25th June 2011
From Dusk Till Dawn
Friday 24 June
Dusk on Mendick as the intrepid 3 - Willie, Phil and Bob set off to look for a sunrise. Richard and I were only there for the booze! Good luck.
Gordon
Report and video
- 23rd June 2011
West Highland Way News
Many congratulations to recently-new Carnethy member Graham Nash who successfully finished a very wet West Highland Way race at his first attempt in a fine time of 22:44 ~ 35th place out of 113 finishers, from 151 starters.
Up at the sharp end Kate Jenkins just held on to first place in the ladies race, finishing in 19:08; 3 minutes ahead of Sharon Law. In the men’s race Richie Cunningham (Carnegie) took the honours, for the second year running, in 16:24, 8 minutes ahead of Jan Albert Lantink (Netherlands).
Can’t get much closer than that over 95 miles!
Murdo McEwan
- 22nd June 2011
Highland Cross Duathlon - 18th June
I was talked into doing this event around September last year(by my really strong distance running brother in law Duncan Mcgougan. Sounded like a great idea at the time. Three person teams only. My brother Gavin (strong triathlete) made up 3rd member of team (the 3 amaygoos).
The shotgun firing got us underway at 11am straight into headwind which we had pleasure of for whole event. I went off bit fast but I figured no point changing habit of lifetime now! I was sitting around 9th place for most of run. The rain started around 45mins in and stayed on for rest of race. I was starting to fade at around 12mile mark but incentive to push on to keep warm kept me going. I arrived at transition possibly 7th/8th place I had passed a couple of runners just before transition and in the mellee of getting dry top on helmet/shoes etc I never really knew what position I left transition in but some kind chap informed on exit the leader was 20mins ahead !! Not the most lifting thought ! I quickly got up to speed and settled into good steady pace I caught and passed one cyclist in first mile and could see two more about 1min ahead.
I chased hard for around 10 miles before i caught them and had to spin easy for a bit to recover i kicked and took off again but never saw anyone else so i was hoping i had maybe crept into top 5 i rolled over line being told I was 3rd ! 3hrs 49 I knew i would never pull back 20 mins but i came in 10 mins down on 1st.
Chuffed with result. Duncan rolled in 13th and Gavin 23rd we also took first team prize. I spoke with Gregor Heron at the start who also done a cracking run/bike finishing well up the field. I found out on Sunday that Pippa Middleton had also competed !
All in great event will i do it again ? Who knows :)Colin May
- 20th June 2011
World Long Distance Mountain Running Challenge, Slovenia- Sun 19th June
Congratulations to Andy Fallas, who had a superb run at the World Long Distance Mountain Running Challenge held at Podbrdo, Slovenia. Running for Scotland he finished 14th, out of 350, over the 37.5km course with 2500m climb and 2800m descent. The Scottish team actually won gold, with Tom Owens 2nd, Robbie Simpson 3rd and Jethro Lennox 4th. Report
- 20th June 2011
Glen Rosa Horseshoe race –18th June
Konrad Rawlik and Stewart Whitlie take 2nd and 3rd only just behind winner Al Anthony (Ochils) at the Glen Rosa Race on Arran and Carnethy also won the team prize with Neil Campbell 3rd counter. Matt Grove completed the Carnethy turnout. Results
Some photos from the race from Neil...
Neil
- 19th June 2011
Seven Hills of Edinburgh race
My 11th Seven Hills Race - counting coasters! A great day after the wet of Saturday saw about 20 Carnethies out of over 400 entries for the Race/Challenge. Kept Olly in my sights as long as I could but lost him after Corstorphine. Muddy climb up Craiglockhart - wish I had Bill's screwdrivers! Jumped the fence on to Comiston Road which saved a few seconds. The same Carnegie runner passed me 4 times but I still beat him. Made Arthurs Seat in 1.48 so a PB was on and finished in 2.02 - 2 minutes faster than my 2006 time and second vet. Konrad was 8th - amazing after his 2nd at Glen Rosa. Moorfoots won the team prize followed by Portobello and then Carnethy A - Konrad/Olly/Jon. Bill won the the V70 - I wonder how may coasters he has? Results
Gordon
- 16 June
2011
Flotterstone Handicap
Withershins Way
“We long to stand upon the tops of the high hills. There the true perspective of life returns, we find our soul, we are whole again, all the world is fresh and fair, and “on the brow is the calm of wide spaces reflected, in the eye of light of long distance unbroken.”
Will Grant
Pentland Days and Country Ways
Will was right. Having been chesty for a week or so (get your excuses in early) I did want to stand upon the tops of some high hills but the true perspective of this tough handicap was that there was no time to do so unless I was to be last. Even then, it was a close run thing.
Judicial and necessary short cuts—lower contours, direct lines, running through the bracken and not around, my own knowledge of Pentland Days and Country Ways, in fact—kept me up with or ahead of the other runners around me almost to Charlie’s Loup on the mostly uphill, erm, “flat” route out but by which time I’d been passed by two or three runners.
The normal short, brisk, descent from Carnethy had been reversed into a long, steep ascent with a number of runners trying myriad route choices to avoid the punishing slog. On my brow was not the calm of wide spaces reflected but salt and sweat!
Heading straight for the col, I hadn’t made up places but felt the ascent had taken less out of me. A glance behind, however, showed that the rest of the pack was close on my heels. My cunning plan to smear the course with a coating of mucus didn’t seem to be slowing anyone down except me and on the final ascent of Turnhouse—despite vociferous and welcome encouragement from Kate J my lungs gave up but luckily my body conjured up a cramp in my right thigh to take my mind off my lack of puff. At the start—somewhat missing my daughter, currently living in Iona—I’d selected 1989 as my number as it was her birth year and that kept me running. Perhaps I’d be 30th the day of her birth …
Nonetheless, a painfully slow descent allowed me to cheer on more runners than I’d have liked and I was passed by two more in the final run in, including the handicapper, sigh. For me, at least, a much tougher race than running it anti-clockwise.
A glowing Fiona McK (on a nine-month sabbatical from running) and Roger K (on a somewhat longer sabbatical) clocked in the finishers including, eventually me and then it was off to enjoy the barbecue, beer and burgers, where we stood in the midges and smoke and reflected on the light of long distance broken.
As always, a good night. Results
- 15 June 2011
UKA Mountain Running Championships - Skiddaw Uphill - 12th June
The pace was ferocious from the start. The course set out from Fitz Park in Keswick and after 2 loops of Latrigg Hill runners followed the tourist path and a relentless grind up Skiddaw. 12.2km in length and with 1100m of climbing. The race was described as having "one of the strongest ever domestic fields for an uphill race" and based on the speed at which the top guys set off, and continued at, I can quite believe it. Race report and results are here
Scots Robbie Simpson (8th 58:05), Paul Faulkner (22nd 63:05) and Dan Whitehead (28th 66:57) all put in excellent runs, and Paul very kindly gave me a lift back to Edinburgh. A great race and a great day out in the Lakes.
Sam
- 13th June 2011
Mick James completes Paddy Buckley
Mick James completed the 64 mile / 28,000' Paddy Buckley Round in Snowdonia (North Wales) yesterday in a very impressive 22:30, meaning he is now the ~90th person to complete of the PBR and the ~31st to complete the three classic British 24 hour rounds (Ramsay 2005, Bob Graham 2006, Paddy Buckley 2011). He timed his PBR to perfection, dodging the rain and strong winds by less than 5 minutes at the end. Conditions were ideal with cool temperatures and clear visibility stretching for many miles in every direction. The support team had a great time and everyone was amazingly well looked after by Mick's brother and sister-in-law Dave and Sally who met us all at the road crossings. A great achievement Mick, very well done! Photos & videos
Olly Stephenson
- 13th
June 2011
Jon and Steven star at Lowe Alpine Mountain Marathon
Another impeccably organised mountain marathon by the LAMM team, including Andy Spenceley and Angela Mudge, took around 450 teams all over and around Beinn Dearg near Ullapool in superb weather. The mid camp was at a very remote spot in Strath Mulzie. Lots of Carnethies were seen soaking up the sun (lots) and drizzle (just a little): Jacqui Higginbottom, Angus Davidson, Adrian Davies, Joanne Anderson & Helen Bonsor, Cameron Scott, Ana Perez and Cathy Jarvis, Ramon Garcia-Catalan, Emily Carrol and Becky Stedham, Matt Davis, Konrad Rawlik, Steven Fallon and Jon Ascroft.
Quite a few prizes won too- Jon Ascroft and Steven Fallon had a fantastic run to win the Score event, being the leading team on both days. Matt Davis and partner finished 4th while Adrian Davis and Craig Mattocks were 5th. A psyched up Joanne and Helen were first women in the B class while Konrad and partner were an excellent 4th in the Elite (see report), Lamm Reports
Results at http://www.lamm.co.uk/ More photos are here
- 11th June 2011
Traprain Law Hill Race
Traprain
Law’s dramatic east ridge in the foreground
on the left edge of the quarry
Lured by the mistaken belief that it never rains on the Traprain Law Race, an impressive 71 faithful enthusiasts arrived at the dripping registration tent in a steady downpour and bitter north-easterly that had forced cancellation of many of the village Gala Day’s other events. Some had heard of the access battles raging over Traprain and thought this might have forced a course change. Not so! We were well clear from the sad and bizarre dispute over a field margin on the south side of the hill. The bad conditions were quite a novelty for this event, a novelty more entertaining for the competitors than our hardy marshals putting up with what felt like the early onset of winter. Competitors will have noticed and even perhaps welcomed the sturdy new council fence protecting the edge of the quarry on the east ridge, a big improvement on the orange plastic monstrosity it will soon fully replace once the peregrine falcons have moved out of the quarry.
River
level from SEPA gauge at East Linton
Don Naylor’s defence of his 2010 victory only lasted as far as the Co-op, where he pulled out with injury, leaving the way for others to demonstrate some extremely fast pace in very cold and greasy conditions. Edinburgh University’s Hector Haines secured a minute and a half’s lead over Gareth Green of Portobello to take victory with an impressive time 39-10 (2 seconds inside Don Naylor’s 2010 performance in very good conditions). Huw Jones of HBT followed, with Darren Dougal of Moorfoots in fourth place and fastest MV40. Rhona Anderson of Dunbar Running Club was 31st and fastest woman as well as fastest FV40, from Shery Johnston of Portobello in 36th overall. Gordon Cameron was our only Carnethy prize-winner (MV50), in 13th place, but with James Hardie taking maximum club championship points in 11th. Winning team was Portobello, followed by HBT. It was diplomatically pointed out that we did not have a women’s team prize; something to put right next year.
Results Other reports: Hill Running Scotland
Keith Burns/ Trevor Collins
Just to let you know I've put some photos I took of the start of the Traprain Law Hill Race & I think all the finishers on the East Linton Community website.If anyone wants larger photos they can email via the website with the photo number.
http://www.eastlinton.uk.com
Alastair Seagroatt
- 9th
June 2011
Wed training run - in the rain
“I believe in running through the rain and crashing into the person you love and having your lips bleed on each other”.
Billy Bob Thornton
Ok, I maybe did it all in a different order from Billy Bob but the sentiment was the same. When I left work big drops of rain dropped and plopped here and there, each drop wet but not necessarily wetting. Aye. By the time I’d cycled up to Causewayside I was decidedly drenched and drookit. On Mayfield Road I watched Hilary S slip across the road in her Carnethy pertex as she set off on an alternative, perhaps parallel run. She didn’t see me although I slowed in order not to run into her. As I watched her run off and smiled into the rain the toot of a car horn shook me from my reverie and Alison, my long suffering wife, passed me in the Jag and pulled in. Conversation and warmth flooded out of the car whilst we exchanged days. I sat outside on the bike in the p*ss*ng rain.
At KB there was but Steph and I and we (ok I) considered repairing to the bar and making up a resume of the night’s run whilst being safely ensconced there. But of course the usual suspects turned up with a couple of new recruits too and after the usual wait for Matt (who didn’t turn up) a dozen of us headed out into the still p*ss*ng rain. As always, once you’re out there, the wind and weather become just part of the experience and the circuit unfolded enjoyably as the rain died away amid the usual convivial conversation and craik, running and rainbows—Braid Hill, East and West Craiglockhart Hills, Hermitage and finally up over Blackford Hill with a nice descent back to the hospitality of KB. But it was not to be. With Willie away (cruising on the Thames) there was no weigh in and apparently no way in as KB House was locked up and in darkness!
With all of us cold and wet and with half of us parted from our (nice, dry, warm, gear (including, for some, the keys to unlock bikes to cycle home) we pondered how to get in and our gear out. Whilst pondering a girl turned up, walking with her bike to the doors. She appeared confused and was either laughing or crying. We weren’t sure. Then—amazing coincidence—she explained she could let us in as she’s just locked up—Hoorah—but … its Carnethy, so it’s not going to work out like that. The reason she’s here and / or laughing or crying is that after locking up she’s lost the keys. Aye, you couldn’t script it.
Eyeing her voluminous handbag (big enough to have hold both Ernest and the keys) I had a fair idea of where the keys might be but left Gordon to do the search whilst several of us spread out to look in places we knew that the keys couldn’t be but looked anyway.
You know when you know something but can’t put your finger on it? This appeared to be literally the case when the keys turned up in the girl’s glove! Reunited with our gear but without time to change most simply headed home whilst a few of us repaired to the pub for a warming (?) pint.
Nick Macdonald
- 9th June 2011
IAU World Trial Challenge International
Congratulations to Lucy Colquhoun who along with Kate Jenkins are in the 10 strong Aviva UKA Great Britain team for the IAU World Trial Challenge International in Connemara, Ireland on Saturday 9 July.
Good luck girls!
- 9th June 2011
Dolomiti Bellunesi race calendar 2011
Hello!
In a tentative thank you for letting me know all the beauty of the Scotland landscape, I would like to share with you some of the races I used to race in my area for when you’ll travel to Dolomites! I choose the following races mainly for their peculiarities and because they are all in my region.
Article here
Matteo Tesser
- 6th June 2011
Arthur's Seat Handicap: a new record
With PaulF running into a rich seam of form after victory at Glas Tulaichean and 5th place in the Scottish champs race at Yetholm it was only fitting that his third race in three race days should see him break Stuart's hold on the course record with a 25:49 to also record his first handicap win.
Conditions were pretty good, with dry, firm surfaces and not much wind to upset the runners. First starter, after a long lay-off was Kenny - his time included a few detours and a couple of pauses for direction from the following runners. Good to see him out as it was the rest of the group. When you arrive for a later set off time you have no idea who is in front of you, but luckily with so many tried legs after the weekends activities I was able to see most of the runners who were out today at some point en-route. Just about everyone seemed to be going up the gutted haddie even though it is getting a bit loose lower down and again the direct out and back route to Dunsapie is the favoured option of the moment. Matteo reeled in Kenny about the summit of Whinny, with Paul storming through after him. Further back PaulH was doing a bit of a Derek with a high heart rate forcing him to sit down and gather his thoughts at the top of whinny. Mind you I doubt if I could have caught him otherwise. Good day's running all in all with some excellent times, Jamie setting a new pb with his 27:26 being second fastest time of the day which knocks JamesB a bit further down the alltime rankings as well as outpacing MikeR who ran almost exactly on his handicap. Good to see everyone bunching up in the end so the handicapping is not too far off - although Paul's is about to take a tumble :>)
Unless I'm mistake the July handicap will be on the 4th of July. Expect Gordon to wear his race shorts.
Results - as usual there may be a few order discrepancies (eg Matteo was actually 2nd home) due to differing start times
Bruce Smith
- 6 June
2011
Cairngorm Classics cyclosportive - 4th June 2011
Yet another awesome event from those folks at Hands on Events, the Cairngorm Classics cyclosportive takes in 2 routes (50 or 100 miles) through the Cairngorm National Park. Despite having both gale force winds and ridiculously high temperatures in the days preceding the Saturday weather conditions for the ride were perfect. A Strathpuffer reunion was in order so Gordon Bathgate, Tom Owens and I (Henry couldn't ride on account of organisational duties) set off (half an hour behind most other riders on account of me faffing at the start) on a mission to relieve the feed stations of as much cake as possible. Which we did. Riding 3 up we covered the distance in good time, and despite not having ridden more than 50 miles in any one sitting this year I was quite chuffed with my pedal cranking abilities. The support throughout was awesome with loads of cheering on from marshals and locals alike. Highly recommended as an awesome event anyone with 2 wheels should try !!
Results
We rounded off the weekend with an awesome run through the 'gorms on Sunday in blissfully cool and clear weather, joined by Graeme Campbell from Carnegie for the first couple of hours, and bagging a new Munro (Beinn Mheadhoin - the one with lots of Granite Torrs) in the process. Hope you are proud Steven !!
Sam
- 5th June 2011
Yetholm hill race
Another big Carnethy turnout for the 4th race in the Carnethy Championship series, and the 3rd in the Scottish Hill Runners championship. The race started in diminishing light rain, grey cloud and cool conditions but nonetheless a nice run with good conditions underfoot. Andy Fallas was 3rd overall and the ladies scooped 1st team prize. £500 was raised by the run for the Borders Search & Rescue.
Gallery with more photos & lots of finishers here
Results
...oops!
Hello Guys
We are going to put the Yetholm results up shortly and I'm sure the major error we made in the results will soon be picked up, we wrongly put the Carnethy girls as 1st team when in fact it should have been NFR.
I apologise for this confusion but at least Carnethy ladies were still 1st Scottish team.......maybe the wine they walked off with will help to ease the pain!!!
A' the best
Les Turnbull
- 4th June 2011
Glas Tulaichean Uphill race
Congratulations to Paul Faulkner who was 1st in this uphill race. Race details
- 5th June 2011
First alpine station opens dedicated to mountain running
A commercial edge to mountain running? According to Le Monde (2 June 2011) a mountain running resort has opened at Saint-Pierre de Chartreuse (Isère region), altitude 900 m, at the beginning of June. Trails have been marked out around the village for distances of 10-30 km, with a ‘Maratour’ of 41 km ascending to 2000 m (summit of Chamechaude). Good training for people entering the Ultratour of Mont Blanc. Summer running under these conditions could be brilliant (and cheap - entry for the recent three-day event was only €40, with a meal thrown in). Link (in French)
Richard
- 4th June 2011
Haddington Festival 10k, not many Carnethies involved.
Just me in fact. Previously a 5 mile road race and usually run on a warm sunny day; with a fair on the green - akin to East Linton and the Traprain Law race. Summer having departed this morning the temperature was much more suited to racing than festivalling, not that it deterred the squirting of miles of silly string. By a completely inadvertant strategy of entering a race with very few over 60s I managed to come first in the category with a PB on a fast course. Hopefully there will be something left in the legs for Yetholm on Sunday!
Digby
- 1st June 2011
Hurry Curry ends up with us all Bushed
The inaugural 'Hurry Curry' run saw 15 people leaving KB for the heights of Allermuir. Predictably I had underestimated the time taken to the summit where, 15 minutes late we met Bob. Cali and Gilly had separately given up waiting and headed for the lower sheltered slopes of Woodhouselee Hill. Shane and Steph brought up the rear as we headed off towards Easter Howgate.
A text from Gilly said "see you at the Copperbowl" the downhill 3.5 miles seemed to take an age. Was it the umpteen fences that we all had to cross?
My winter run tree path route was a little overgrown and we ended up jumping over under and through fences that I had reccied in the morning (apologies, but I thought that "Bush Estate" should live up to its name!).
Anyway, the 3.5 miles from Allermuir to the Copperbowl took us 50 minutes.
Maybe the moat and last field were unnecessary (Steph went by road), but I felt that is made the curry more appealing!
When we arrived 2 minutes before the kitchen shut I did wonder if the direct route may have been better (next year?) but somehow my masochistic tendencies enjoyed the pain of the bramble scars and made the 4 pints of "Cobra" and wonderful Curry go down very well.
After a good feed and few pints the team headed for the Bus. Fraser and I walked to Roslin and now I am enjoying a "Jura - Superstition". A good end to a good night!
Thanks to Nick Schierloh for the bag carrying. route map
Willie Gibson
- 30th May
2011
Andy on form at Bens of Jura Fell Race - Sat 28th May
The in-form Andy Fallas stormed round the Bens of Jura Fell Race to take a superb 3rd place and smash the club record, which had stood for 23 years, with the first sub 3:30 clocking by a Carnethy runner. Race winner was ex-Carnethy member Es Tresidder with 6 times winner, Ian Holmes, 2nd (and first Over 40), just in front of Andy.
There weren't that many Carnethies at the race this year, but some good runs. Helen Bonsor was another star performer with a sub 5 hour run in her first Jura race and finishing 5th woman (this being her 3rd tough weekend after the Scottish islands Peaks Race and Slioch the previous two weekends!).
Adrian Davis had an excellent run and was just seconds over 4 hours; Andy Spenceley finished 2nd Over 50 while new member Neil Campbell knocked a chunk off his previous best. Other Carnethies who finished were Gregor Heron, Cameron Scott and Brian Howie. After days of gales and rain, the race was held in a weather window with the route clear of clouds - though still very blowy on the tops with at least one vicious hail shower. Results
The list of all the Carnethy sub 4 hours runs and fastest times is here
The objective for me this year was to get round without timing out. The wind and the boggy conditions didn't suit me, but I was 15mins inside at the top of the first Pap. This was in spite of a bit of cagoule wrestling when the driving hail came on. I'd have been inside 7hours if I hadn't stopped to chat to the marshals on the last summit, and a female competitor whom mountain rescue had to extract from a bog down at the lochans just before. The runners at the sharp end miss all this fun. The objective was achieved, but it would be nice to do it again in perfect conditions.
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Late entrants 
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Sheltering from the rain on Friday evening
Some late entries cause panic amongst the top runners (this alludes to a conversation we were having in the cooperage. They were grazing beside the fire station)
Brian Howie
- 29th May 2011
Kate's last Corbett - 22nd May
Kate Friend finished her Corbetts with Beinn Dearg in Torridon, the day after the Slioch race. Those that stayed up to help her celebrate had another wet day in the hills!
Article here
- 29 May 2011
Inter Counties - Broughton Heights
The rain stopped 10 minutes before the start as the elite field plus us extras set off on the Inter Counties on Mark Johnston's superb course at Broughton. Great paths and mostly runnable in windy conditions. I had Kate in my sights all way round and got within one place of her on Trahenna only to lose out on the fast descent to the finish. 5 Carnethies look part in the open race with others selected for East Scotland. Adam Anderson overtook me on the run in. Ex Carnethy Tracey Brindley in second place led Central Scotland ladies to victory. JBF was first V60. The rain started 10 minutes after I finished as third V50. Results are here
Gordon
- 26 May
2011
Edinburgh Marathon – 22nd May
Ten thousand odd people gathered for a windy Edinburgh marathon on Sunday. I trooped round in 3hrs 36 mins after suffering, likely many marathon debutants, from a severe loss of ‘form’ in the last 8 miles. Pam Whitlie completed in 4hrs dead-on (almost), and some Carnethies were spotted doing their bit by marshalling. Apologies if I’ve missed anyone. After crossing the line, it was a bit disappointing to have a 7 minute walk/shuffle until someone offered you some water, food, or warmth, but they’ve promised to improve on this for next year. Raising £400 for Wateraid has taken the edge off some of the pain!
Tim Darlow
- 25th May 2011
Cape Wrath Marathon: Saturday 21st May
2011 was the tenth time for the Cape Wrath Challenges; a week-long series of running events based in Durness on the north coast. Sally and I have been at all 10 of them, for at least part of the week. we arrived Tuesday afternoon to find Lucy Colquhoun already there with the half-marathon on Monday and a hill run on Tuesday completed. Two races remained before the marathon; 10 miles cross country on Wednesday and a predicted target time beach run Thursday. New member Neil Campbell arived to make it 4 Carnethies for the Saturday marathon. The high winds meant that the ferry across to Cape Wrath couldn't operate, so the marathon was out and back along the road south from Durness; 13 miles mostly uphill into the rain and gale, then downwind and downhill back before a short couple of climbs to finish at the village hall. The race was won by Mark Ford in 2.59.16, with Amanda Henderson from Portobello RC first woman (5th overall) in 3.12.47. Lucy Colquhoun was close behind her in 3.15.13. Neil Campbell was 41st in 4.03.56 just ahead of Sally Cross in 4.07.01, 43rd place, 1st female vet 50 (for the third time in 4 years). I made it in 4.23.28, suffering my third defeat by the wife in 5 weeks! There were 80 finishers. This is a really enjoyable event whether for the whole week of running, or just for the marathon. Highly recommended. Results and pictures
Ian Jackson
- 23 May 2011
Car parking charges in the Pentlands
Would you like to pay when you go for a run in the Pentlands? Consideration is being made for car park charges at Threipmuir, Harlaw, Bonaly and Flotterstone. Have you got any other ideas as to how they could raise money? Last chance to make your views known to the regional park authority as consultation closes on Friday. Proforma response download (Word doc)
- 23 May 2011
10 Under the Ben - 21st May 2011 - A wet and windy Nevis Range
I was in support monkey role this weekend at 10 Under the Ben, a mountain bike race around Leanachan Forest just outside Fort William. The weather was absolutely awful and from all accounts the course turned to a river of mud in places!! I was looking after Jon Ascroft and his mate Andy, and Emily Carroll and her friend Rachel Marshall, both riding in the pair category. I also had the occasional glimpse of Bob "the lone ranger solo rider" Johnson. We had a fun, if not drenched, day in weather more suited to ducks. Await reports from the racers themselves...report
Sam
- 22nd May 2011
Jasmin Paris - Queen of Slioch!
Congratulations to Jasmin for taking first place lady in a very wet & windy Slioch horseshoe race, and congratulations to Steph for finally beating the cutoff and completing the race!
28 Carnethies made the long journey; those arriving the day before greeted by howling winds, driving rain, and the occasional hail storm. The hills looked particularly impressive (and daunting) wreathed in cloud and covered in fresh snow. Fortunately most of this had melted by race day and the weather almost looked ok until the brutal climb began. Then the rain started. My feet were completely numb with cold making running difficult on the equally brutal descent, and the crossing of the roaring burn at the tourist path was as bad as Jane Jackson feared. The force of the torrent was intimidating. The race was wet, cold, steep & unremittingly uneven underfoot. The bottle of beer at the finish was so welcome, as were the hot showers and lashings of tea, sandwiches & cakes!
Digby
Results
A race entry of 155 with 150 finishers with very challenging wet and blustery conditions.
There was a weather window of sorts as the race started –however cloud cover and heavy rain returned during the race. Fortunately the wind did not seem to reach the 70mph forecast!
A revised route this year to avoid an exposed section of ridge after the Slioch summit, however the race distance still turned out to be similar and still over 12 miles.
The overall winner was Kenny Richmond from Bellahouston RR in 2 hrs 05 mins, with Will Manners (Strathearn) a minute behind and Mark Harris (Fife AC) a further minute back. First lady was Jasmin Paris from Carnethy in 2 hrs 32 min with Andrea Priestley (Ochil HR) also a minute behind and Eilidh Raistrick (HHR) in 3rd, a further 5 minutes back.
The first mens team were Shettleston and First womens team were Ochil.
Many thanks to all the marshalls that made it possible for the race to go ahead in the conditions and provided excellent support to the runners on the hill with encouragement, directions, punching numbers, wading in to burns to help runners across and giving a general reassurance. Also many thanks to Maddy Killit and her catering team for excellent food and organisation and for use of the village hall which was most appreciated. Also once again a big thanks to Norman and Barbara from the Letterewe Estate for continued support and permission each year.
I would also like to thank Ian from ‘Run 4 it’for all his help and equipment provided plus vouchers and spot prizes that were generously donated.
Finally despite losing my count before the start when confronted by Simon Peachey’s race attire! – Many Congratulations to him on his big day from us all at Highland Hill Runners.
Ross Bannerman
- 19th May 2011
Handicap 2 - The Meldons
33 runners turned up for the 2nd Handicap of the season. The race was won by Willie Mykura while the handicapper had to disqualify himself for missing out a hill, quite a feat for a race of just 3.5 miles where you can see all 3 hills quite clearly! The wind was strong enough to blow the field uphill, and cushion some of the descents, though streaming eyes hampered visibility. So maybe an excuse there!
Meldons results Series results
Willie Mykura romped home 1st on an autumnal evening in the borders (does he know something about the handicap system?), followed by a resurgent Jonathan Whitehead. Andy Fallas clocked the fastest time (31:01), holding off Paul Faulkner (32:27). All 3 of the Gilmore runners finished in the fastest 11. The magic handicap formulae led to some tight bunching at the finish with 25 out of the 33 runners completing within 5 minutes. Unfortunately this year's handicapper did a Stephenson and missed a hill so had to disqualify himself.
Phil
- 16th May 2011
Scottish Islands Peaks Race - photos from Jura
While runners, sailors and marshalls are making their way home from the Scottish Islands Peaks Race and preparing to send in their accounts, we have some photos from Jura to keep you going.
more photos here
Report from Sam Hesling
There is something strangely addictive about this event. Despite the hardship and suffering endured on previous outings, notwithstanding last years sunbathing epic, the boat race has sat in the calender as an epic spring-to-summer transition for me since this time last year. Why the allure? What does this event have which others don't? Hopefully some of this will become clear... more
- 15th May 2011
Success at Goatfell - Saturday 14th May
Following his superb 9th place (out of 700) at the Three Peaks race, Andy Fallas showed he is the man in form by winning the Goatfell race, on Arran, by nearly 3 minutes! He was backed up by Ben Lomond winner, Paul Faulkner in 3rd and Stewart Whitlie, 4th, so Carnethy dominated the team contest. In total there were a very impressive 15 Carnethy runners in this race. Results
My 4th Goatfell race and the first time I have seen the top and not run in wet clag! What a difference dry rock makes and so long as you don't look up at the view (Matt) you shouldn't fall. 3 Carnethies flew down with Andy in the lead to holding off Brian Marshall to win his first race. I followed Harry all the way to the summit and he was on my tail all the way down to the road where I pulled away to finish in 24th place. Great race followed by marshaling the SIPR at Lamlash.
Gordon
- 16th May 2011
The Fellsman - Saturday 14th May
The Fellsman follows a 61 miles horseshoe from Ingleton to Threshfield through the moorlands of the Yorkshire Dales taking in some 11000 feet of ascent. The field generally ranges from long distance fell running legends to a fairly large group of people who stick to the hiking roots of the event and walk the whole distance in up to 28h, a feat of determination easily equally respectable as the staggering times achieved by some of the front runners. This mix of different aspirations and outlooks also means that the event overall has a very nice relaxed atmosphere.
With this being my first event over this kind of distance, come Friday evening I wasn't entirely sure whether this whole things was a terribly bright idea. But with suitably turned down expectations, due to a knee which had turned Stuc a'Chroin into a long walk just two weeks ago, I set off the next morning up Inglebrough. Things then didn't exactly get off to a great start with me running off the first summit in the wrong direction. After retracing my steps back to the top I had two options, either stick to the plan of taking the descents easy to save my knee and hopefully slowly work my way back up the field over the remaining 60 miles or descent like it's the Caerketton Downhill... after a great fun descent I caught up with Andy Higgins (an acquaintance of Northumberland FR) on the next ascent up Whernside.
Running in a twosome time passed nicely and we were making good progress enjoying the relatively good weather and the excellent catering at the road checkpoints (highlight was the Mexican themed CP at Stonehouse). Despite my knee making running a bit of a nuisance and continuous chat about the need to slow down as 4th position certainly wasn't the place either of us had expected to be, we weren't passed till past half way when Nicky Spinks came gliding past on her way to beating her own ladies record by some 40 minutes. By the Fleet Moss CP, which marks the start of the most intricate section, Andy and I had eventually become part of a slightly spread out group of seven, however finding some good ground after the Middle Tongue CP I managed to get myself first to the other side of the moors. Now with less then 20 miles remaining and in 5th position and my knee going through a good patch, I decided to try to break away and opened a small gap on the descent consolidating it into a 10ish minute lead on the climb up Buckden Pike. Here I realised that there was a good chance to get through the last road CP without being grouped (n.b. past 7:30pm runners get put and have to stay in groups of 4+ between road checkpoints). Unfortunately the other six also just made it, meaning I had some nervous glances over my shoulder on the last leg, being painfully aware that all but one of my pursuers knew the route far better then me. But with the sun breaking through the cloud over Wharfedale to produce a gorgeous sunset, a uncharacteristic lack of navigational mishaps saw me home to Thersfield in good enough time to have a shower and still comfortably make last orders in the pub.
A great, extremely well organized and supported event which I would recommend to everyone. No matter how long you intend to take it's bound to be fun, even people coming in at midday on Sunday were in great spirits.
In terms of numbers, the race was won by Jez Bragg in a humbling new record of 10:06 (for comparison 2nd place was 11:45!) and first lady (3rd overall) was Nicky Spinks also in a new record of 11:51. I was 5th overall in 12:10 winning the Tregoning Cup for fastest first timer.
Konrad Rawlik
- 14th May 2011
Scottish Vests for Carnethy Runners
Congratulations to Andy Fallas and Angela Mudge who have been selected to run for Scotland in the World Long Distance Mountain Running Trophy in Podbrdo, Slovenia on 18th June. The local name of this traditional race is "The 4 communities' marathon". The course takes the runners on trails through forest, beautiful alpine meadows, and over two mountains.
- 12th May 2011
Pre SIPR Wednesday Run
With two days to go till The Scottish Islands Peaks Race, it was time for a short run. 18 of us headed out for a circuit of The Braids at a nice social pace. We visited the Bluebell Wood on the way back through the Hermitage and after summiting Blackford we headed back for a pint. 5.2 miles!
Willie Gibson (you can see where I am in the race in real time here and photos on our facebook page)
- 11th May 2011
Arthur's Seat May handicap results
Here's the results from Monday, better late than never (which was a bit like my run).
Lots of fast times and not everyone was setting off at their correct times means the actual finishing order might not reflect the order below. Pete Shaw, fresh from his recent Corbett completion, took full advantage of his rather generous handicap put in the best show of the day. Despite the fact that he and Andy effectively started the whole lunchtime Arthurs seat running group back in the '90s he still has a few shortcuts to find so I expect that this time will come down further (starting on time will also help). Matteo, by contrast a relative newcomer, also took advantage of the fine conditions to take a large chunk off his handicap with a fine sub 35 minute run. Indeed a slew of pb's and sub handicap times meant that only two of us failed to beat the clock (my lucky 13th place and just behind JamesJ mirroring Ben Lomond). Fastest run of the day went to Jamie, one of four runners to get on or under 30 minutes. Results
Gordon
- 10th May 2011
Ladies Run
Anne, Joanne T, Bill, Steph and new member Jane-Marie headed for the Meldons tonight to reccie next week's handicap route. Fuelled by an emergency delivery of delicious home made muffins by Kirsty who lives locally, we got some fantastic views from the summits and made it back to the cars just before the heavens opened.
Steph
- 9th May 2011
East Lothian 3 Peaks Duathlon - Sunday 8th May
Apart from a shower as the early starters set off, the weather was warm and sunny for the latest Carnethy event, the 3 Peaks Duathlon. The large field included race record holder Nathan Beard, Ben Lomond winner Paul Faulkner, other Ben Lomond survivors such as Digby Maass and even expert navigator 78 year old Bill Gauld. There were quite a few categories such as solo, cyclo-cross (bike goes up the hills with you!), tandem and team (one runs, one cycles). Nick Macdonald and Colin Elder were first team across the line, Mark James first solo, Bob Johnson first cyclo-cross (just) and the Stephensons (some of) and Fawthrops (some of) joint first place in tandem category.
Fastest overall was Andy Spenceley in 1:48:23, knocking a chunk off his previous best and recording the second fastest individual time ever behind Nathan's record of 1:44:24. He did just enough to keep in front of second fastest, Paul Faulkner's 1:49:00. Fastest team were Gordon Cameron (running) and Richard White (cycling) in 1:48:51.
The post-race restaurant coped well with the large numbers of hungry runners/cyclists. Thanks to Keith for organising.
Report and full results (+more photos)
- 9th May 2011
Edinburgh to North Berwick Race - Saturday 7th May
Not surprisingly on this 20 mile flat road race along the East Lothian coast, Sally and I were the only Carnethy runners. Flaunting the club vest, I got plenty of "advice" as to where the hills were; most common suggestion was the railway bridge at Dirleton. It was a hot, humid day which slowed most runners, except the winner, Ross Houston from Central AC, who won by over 20 minutes and set a new record for the changed (3 year old) route at 1.49.36
Sally was 2nd LV50 in 3.04.58. I was 4.20 behind. All good training for the Cape Wrath marathon in 2 weeks.
Results
Ian Jackson
- 7th May 2011
Superb win for Paul at Ben Lomond Hill Race
Paul Faulkner had a strong climb and held on for a great win at the 'classic' Ben Lomond Hill Race. There were some 20 Carnethy entries for the race which is about 8 miles and 3150ft of ascent (12.8k & 970m). It looks like Jasmin & anyone she was giving a lift to missed out as her car was spotted arriving just 5 mins before the start. A great shame. It was quite warm and the air thick with moisture as the field set off. I can't report on the front runners but at the rear of the pack we were soon in the inevitable queue. A stony path through the woods leads out onto the hill and a fairly steep ascent to about 575m before it levels off and you can get into a good running rhythm gaining height gently. Then steep again and heading into the clag, dodging hill walkers and front runners thundering down. Quite suddenly the sound of cheering and the summit loomed out of the mist, with a large crowd of both people and jelly babies. So soon! After Stuc a Chroin this was like popping down the shops. The descent was enlivened by thunder & lightning over the far shore of the loch. Unfortunately no time to admire or hardly even glance at the fantastic view and the storm. Finished feeling good, in pouring thunder rain, but luckily the storm missed us. Chris didn't fare quite so well, with blood flowing from some nasty looking scrapes sustained in a fall.
It's a beautiful venue and a well organised race, with soup afterwards in the hotel, where a deceptively laid back gang of chickens made flying leaps at the roll in Gio's hand, then rushed away to admire a map being opened.The lake looked lovely and I wish I'd gone in it for a swim, but at least I washed the mud off.
With Paul taking first place, Carnethy won the men's team prize, Bruce Smith gained 3rd male V40 and myself 2nd male V60. Results
Digby
We experienced all weathers today...sunshine, rain, hail stones, thunder and lightening. It's a great race if you like rocky paths! Shame Jasmin didn't make it as we'd have make a ladies team with Steph and myself. Not that we'd have caught the Moorfoot ladies who won the team prize - an excellent win by Sarah McCormack. Brilliantly organized by Westies - a big THANK YOU.
Kate Friend
- 5th May 2011
The Long and the Short of it - The Wednesday run
With the SIPR 10 days away and Ben Lomond 3 days away, this Wednesday we had a choice of runs.
We all headed off together towards Easter Craiglockhart where on a beautifully sunny evening we decided the split.
Steph led the short runners off towards wester Craiglockhart and the others headed for the canal and Colinton Dell. Margeret met us at the top of Dreghorn Loan and led us through Dreghorn woods to her house where we had juice and buns. Then we went round Dreghorn Barracks and along to Fairmilehead and home to KB at an ever increasing pace. 12 miles in all. map
Willie Gibson
It was great to lead the Wednesday group this evening (even if only for a few hundred metres through Dreghorn Wood and into my back garden). They'd all been running for over an hour and had just run up hill from Colinton Dell, but I still had a hard job trying to keep ahead.
Margaret Forrest
Whilst those on the long flat run may have covered 12+ miles the remaining hill runners covered 7 taking in both Craiglockharts including the steep ascent of West and also the top of the Braids - getting back to KB in time for the second half of the Man. U game.
Gordon Cameron
- 5th May 2011
Kinross PTA 10K race report
2 Carnethies, myself and Jonathan Whitehead, were amongst the 204 runners taking part in the annual Kinross PTA 10K race. The race is held on the grounds of Kinross House and is very flat, albeit with 6 180 degree turns throughout the 10K distance (measured accurately this year after criticisms of inaccuracies in recent years) which don’t make for the smoothest of races. The weather was perfect and the surface underfoot generally ideal. The circuit is one small loop, followed by 2 large loops of the grounds, which skirt the Green Hotel golf course and sewage works. I managed 58th place in 42.15, with Jonathan 125th in 48.41.
The race was won by Murray Strain of HBT in a new record time of 32.07.
A good tea followed afterwards and overall a well organised race.
Mike Lynch
- 4th May 2011
West Highland Way - 28th and 29th April 2011 - Craig's Stag Do!
Craig O'Donnell's stag do on the 28th and 29th April wasn't exactly conventional. As a final fling before his wedding to Pam on Saturday 7th May he press-ganged Adam Spiller (potential CHRC member) and Bob Johnson into a leisurely mountain bike ride along the West Highland Way. Starting at 8:20am on Thursday 28th April from Milngavie the team posed for finish-line photos in Fort William at 630pm on the Friday evening. The team suffered 5 decent crashes on day one - the best when Adam discovered a 4-foot drop at the end of a bridge but Craig didn't (see figures). The route took approximately 20 hours with something like 3 or 4 hours spent pushing or carrying the bikes (the mile or so after Inversnaid being the worse hike-a-bike section). Tough on the riders and the bikes but 94-miles of pure joy!
Bob Johnson
- 2nd May 2011
Highland Fling 30th April 2011
A few Carnethy members at this. Staggered starts depending on age, gender, speed. I was away with the 8 o'clock group. For me a race of two halves. First half going alright and on track for a good time despite a couple of emergency stops for diarrhea. Second half not going alright and just thinking about completing after being sick several times. Jettisoning weight as I went along wasn't part of the race strategy. I'd like to say I enjoyed it, but I didn't really. It's just bloody mindedness and the thought of missing out on the turd coloured T-Shirt that kept me going. Hey Ho, its all character building. Great weather, well organised and a lot of fast times posted this year as a result of the competitive field and dry conditions.
Matt Davis
It is unfortunate that Matt didn’t seem to enjoy the race ~ I think he is in a very small minority. Will he sign up again next year after the pain / memory has subsided a bit???????
To describe the race sponsors shirts as “turd coloured” is a little disrespectful. Montane, the sponsors (@ almost certainly a generous £four-figure-sum), describe these shirts as a “High wicking, lightweight, SPORTWOOL® technical base-layer”, and being a “Bionic T-shirt steel/burnt orange” in colour. They retail at £35 a throw, which is considerably more than the entry fee for the race; and that was only one of several goodies (including ice-cold beers) given to those who completed the race. It’s hard enough getting sponsorship at the best of times, so describing these shirts as “turd coloured” is a tad undiplomatic. Okay, they may be dark brown / grey in colour; but imho this is ideal for running across golf courses or other places where we should not be.
Up at the sharp end it was a cracking race. Kate Jenkins (Carnethy? HBT?) had a magnificent run, leading the ladies from the start and winning by over half an hour in 9:04. The first two men both broke the course record; newcomer Andy James taking the honours (and record) from Jez Bragg by just 3 minutes in 7:12.
Several dozen volunteer marshals ~ including myself, starting the day @ 02:45 hrs ~ gave many hours of their time, so that the nearly 400 runners could take part in their chosen leisure interest. For my efforts I was rewarded with one of these T-shirts, and had a grand day ~ as did almost everyone, judging by the feedback. http://www.highlandflingrace.org/
Murdo McEwan
- 2nd May 2011
3 peaks race – 30th April
Myself, Sam Hesling and Kim Threadgall headed down t’dales for the Yorkshire 3 peaks race - staying in barn accommodation organised by Shettleston.
About 800 runners set off from Horton-in-Ribblesdale at 10am on a warm and windy day. The run was lead out at a not-too-fast pace for the first few miles. As the path steepened towards Pen-Y-Ghent, a leading pack of about 12 runners turned up the pace and broke-away. The descent off the first peak was followed by about 12 km of fast flattish running on mostly tracks and roads before the climb up the mossy slopes of Whernside. Strong cross-winds made running in a straight line challenging on reaching this top. The heat of the sun was apparent further down the hill and 2 or 3 runners from the initial lead pack were passed suffering from various ailments and injuries.
The final climb up Ingleborough involved calf-burning running on limestone slabs for much of the way. A strong headwind following the turnaround at the top made the start of the final descent seem like hard work. The top part of the descent required concentration with many angular rocks waiting to trip up tired runners. The 7 km descent seemed to go on for ages, crossing polished limestone before eventually giving way to gentle grassy slopes and the finish.
The race was won by Tom Owens in 2h53 with Robbie Simpson a few minutes behind in 2nd and Jethro Lennox in 4th (having fallen on the final descent). Anna Frost was first female with Fiona Maxwell a brilliant 3rd place (and 1st fv40). Shettleston blokes took the team prize and Scotland did well with five runners in the top 10. I was pleased to finish in 3h09 and 9th place having managed to avoid suffering badly until after the finish (by which point the hips and quads were screaming). Sam battled with a knee injury which reduced him to hobbling down the descents and walking much of the last descent – still finishing in a very respectable 3h29. Kim also had a great run to finish in 4h08.
A tough race but on the whole a great experience. Brilliant atmosphere with lots of support from the many walkers and spectators out on the hills.
Andy Fallas
Results here:
further report here
stats here
- 30th April 2011
Stuc a'Chroin hill race
It was jelly baby heaven. There were loads of chirpy marshals all round the course, offering handfuls of the succulent lovelies, and/or bottles of water to wash them down. Yep, it was a super sunny day, but also very breezy on the ridge, and I bet they'd all have been there in less pleasant weather (we'd probably have needed them all the more)
After a bunched run up the forest track, Jim Davies of Borrowdale broke away and sped of into the distance, to an impressive win by over seven minutes. Stewart Whitlie came in third (& second MV40), having been eventually overhauled by unaffiliated Alistair Meikle making it look easy in his first hill race. Carnethy picked up the men's team prize, which thanks to the generous sponsoring by Strathyre's village shop was enough whisky to probably wipe out the whole Carnethy contingent. Carnethy women would have won a female team prize had there been one, with Jacqui Higginbottom in 3rd (1st FV40) , Yasmin Paris in 4th, & Jane Jackson 6th (2nd FV40).
Thanks to Strathyre for a great race.
Jon Ascroft
It was tough! 4 Stuc virgins in one car on a stunning day. Field of 140 - we just made it with all the Bank Holiday traffic. About 20 Carnethies so lots of competition. Due to heat I removed my vest but the shorts prevented anonimity - Neil caught me at the summit and Gio and Tim were on my heels. 1.45 to top and 1.10 for descent.Gio caught me in the woods but I edged past him and Neil on the track and held on to the finish. A great race in fab conditons with numerous marshals handing out water and jelly babies which was essential in the heat. Results and photos
Gordon Cameron
The view from the back of the field...
I'd have been first MV60 if I hadn't: had to stop & pull up a wrinkling sock that was threatening a blister; had a streaming cold; got fearsome agonising cramp in the last 1/2k! Missed it by 2mins or so. Well if I can stand the pain again next year, it'll be a different story! And hopefully do a little better than 109th out of 143
Digby
- 27th April 2011
Wed training run - Lyn's Farewell
The KB run tonight was Lyn Wilson’s last run with the Club before leaving for a new life in Spain.
Some of you may ask if it is also her first!
Lyn has been a member of Carnethy for about 15 years, but not around much since getting married to Juan Carlos Mareque-Rivas.
Wilson, Lyn:
Scottish Hill Running International 2003, 2004, 2008
World Mountain Running Team Champions (for Scotland) 2003
European Mountain Running Team (GB) Champions 2005
GB International European Mountain Running Champs 2004 and 2005
Scottish Masters Cross-Country Champion 2008
East District Cross-Country Champion 2007
3rd Scottish Cross-Country Champs 2009
It was a beautiful evening and we carved out a good new route (map) to reach Arthur's Seat by way of Craigmillar, passing the castle glowing honey coloured in the setting sun's light. On a night of squeezing through unlikely gaps the first was found at the locked exit gates to the Castlebrae school playing fields where a gritty limbo took place under the watchful eye of security cameras. Thence to Arthur's Seat pausing to allow a few to climb the climbing frame at the back of Dunsapie, putting the wind up a small child at the top, who clung on grimly as the pole swayed under Willie's determined ascent. The views from the top were stunning (Arthur's Seat not the climbing frame). We descended Hunter's Bog and then climbed again around the Radical Road, and more admiration of the sunset. The second squeeze was the traditional challenge of the one way gate into the hall of residence with a variety of techniques on display, a few dissidents running around the long way, and a few preferring the climb. And so back to KB for pints.
- 27th April 2011
Angela's last Corbett
KNOYDART IN A NUTSHELL - FORMER WORLD CHAMPION TAKES UP KNITTING
How the mighty have fallen.....after a wet, windy, sometimes clear weekend in the not so wild (these days) Knoydart, former World Mountain Running Champion Angela Mudge ‘bagged’her last Corbett......not wishing to stoop as low as Mr Spenceley and start collecting Grahams, Angela has decided to hang up her bagging shoes and start knitting to fill in her voluminous free time. Rumour has it that Salomon has already stepped in to the breach in marketting Mudges Mitts... read on
Adam Ward
- 27th April 2011
Welsh 3000s / Paddy Buckley Recce
Inspired by recent tales of PB rounds I decided to attempt something less heroic but more achievable in the same area - the 14 3000 foot peaks in Snowdonia. Fortunately Mick James was keen to do some PB training so with families pacified with a luxury B&B in Llandudno we were dropped off at Pen-y-pass. Almost immediately Mick realized that he'd left his hill shoes in the car. So suitably dressed in road trainers he led the way along the Crib Goch ridge an onto the summit of Snowdon. At this point Mick added the first five bonus PB tops as we took the scenic route down into Llanberis. Unsuitably refreshed with bacon rolls and tea from Pete's Eats we found our way up through the amazing slate quarries and along the Glyders to the scrambly ascent of Tryfan where a welcome cloud inversion finally freed us from several hours of clag. A tough ascent of Pen yr Ole Wen then led eventually to Carnedd Llewelyn where an impressive Brocken Spectre marked the parting of our ways - Mick to sprint back along the ridge to Capel Curig, and me to plod over the last 3 summits to the north. A great day out, with 36 miles and 15,000 feet of climbing in the bag.
Phil Young
- 26th April 2011
Carnethy Cycling - Sportive Kinross - Saturday 23rd April
- 26th April 2011
MMMmmmm...ouch.
I was over on the Isle of Man to experience the delights of the Manx Mountain Marathon at the weekend. 50K with 2,400m ascent was going to be no mean feet, and all was going swimmingly until the stream crossing where I slipped and was swept away (yes you can witness it here, but no laughing please, it really did hurt
http://manxathletics.com/Easter2011D.htm). With a damaged ankle I nearly DNF, but hobbled on to complete the remaining 30k. A disappointing time (although surprising top 50 finish), impressive ankle bruise, but fabulous experience. Really well organised and friendly race finishing on the beach at Port Erin in the sunshine. If you've not visited the Isle of Man, use it as an excuse as we did as it's a great place, and you'll probably return with a new hobby as train spotter! Results here
Go do it!!
Chris Henty
P.S. Spotted: Whilst strolling along Douglas Promenade the day after the MMM easing the ankle back into shape, there was a race taking place and low and behold a Carnethy (not hobbling) was spotted! Well done to Jonathan Whitehead competing in the Manx Easter Athletics Festival.
- 26th April 2011
Anniversary Waltz Fell Race, Lake District - Saturday 23rd April
Romance was in the air on Saturday in the fells south of Keswick. The Anniversary Waltz is a 12 mile romp around the skyline above the Newlands and Borrowdale valleys, held each year to commemorate the wedding of the race organisers and also to raise funds for the Newlands Church, which the runners pass during the 30 minute run into the first climb of the day.
This was the third outing for Gregor Heron and myself, and this year we dragged Steven Mcfarlane along with us for his first outing to the Lake District. However, on this occassion the organisers were not the only ones celebrating a wedding anniversary. Steven, Gregor and I were also joined by celebrity hillrunning couple Colin and Joan Wilson on their 29th wedding anniversary! Understandably they took it a bit easier than normal, covering the five peaks hand-in-hand in a time around 2 hours 40 minutes. Steven and Gregor dismissed my offer of the same approach and decided to take the race seriously, which was a good idea as Gregor had an excellent run to finally get under the coveted two hour mark with 1:57. Steven recorded a respectable 2:16 and I missed a pb by a few seconds with a 2:22.
Full race details and results will be on race web site here(once the hacking issue is fixed!)
Cameron Scott
- 26th April 2011
Superb win for James at Norman's Law - Saturday 23rd April
Myself.. Colin May/James Waldie and Paul Faulkner ran the Norman's law race today.. James led from start to finish with a blinding run to take the win.. I was 5th and Paul 6th..I think one other carnethy ran but never seen them at end to speak too.
Results on SHR site soon.
Colin May
- 19th April 2011
Highlander Mountain Marathon - April 2011 - Dundonnell
It was quite hilarious. Every time we passed a layby or junction the bus would go quiet. You could almost hear the collective thoughts of the nervous but happy passengers pondering where we might be headed for the start of day 1....
.... and it was immensely good fun ! Checkpoints to be ticked off in any order meant that we pretty much had the freedom of the hills all day. No long queues of runners ploughing ruts in the hillside OMM style here. We both ran and navigated well arriving into the overnight camp about 10 mins behind the leaders - which was nothing like the thrashing we had endured in 2010.
Let the banter commence. It's not often you find yourself in a marque surrounded by good friends and dancing the night away clad in lycra. Well, it's once a year to be exact. The Highlander is unique in that they have an awesome Ceilidh, giving an overnight camp atmosphere bordering on the euphoric. Looking around the tent is a life affirming sight, with smiles abounding on runners faces and laughter resounding over the sound of music.
Day 2 dawned to the sound of birdsong and the promise of some serious sunshine. Talk about a room with a view, with massive sea views the whole day we ran around the peninsula between Loch Broom and Little Loch Broom. The only downside was being caught by those boys from down south about 2/3 of the way through the day (after a confusing "reverse order" chasing start) and knowing there was no way onto the top spot. A well deserved swim in the sea soon cooled off hot legs, and the 41 knot rib ride back over to Oban (I presume he means Ullapool, or else he got rather lost - webteam) sealed the weekend.
It's just awesome, you have to do it, the event needs more runners and I can guarantee you will have a good time. Hands on Events http://www.handsonevents.co.uk/ deserve a medal for their sterling organisation too, roll on 2012...
Sam Hesling
Fantastic 2 day Event. Day 1 around An Teallach, Day 2 around Beinn Ghobhlach, finishing with a speedy boat ride back to Ullapool.
Score Class: 1st Konrad Rawlik and Matt Davis
A Class: 2nd Sam Hesling & Andy Fallas, 4th Steven Fallon & Jon Ascroft
B Class: 3rd John Mitchell & Angus Davidson, 4th & 1st Female Jacqui Higginbottom & Fabienne Thompson (Carnegie), 9th Yasmin Paris & John Hewitt
- 18th April 2011
Virgin London Marathon 17th April 2011
Excellent running conditions for the 2011 Virgin London Marathon saw the course record broken by Emmanuel Mutai (Ken) in 2:04:40 (nearly 12.6 miles
per hour). Close finish for second saw two more Kenyans on the same time of 2:05:45 with Martin Lel getting the nod for second from Patrick Makau. The
top three women were Mary Keitany (Ken) in 2:19:19 followed by Liliya Shobukova (Rus) in 2:20:15 and Edna Kiplagat (Ken) in 2:20:46.Pleased to report that few Carnethies competed (please add to this report if you did run because I couldn't seem to search on club name) as we're
supposed to be a hill running club. Friend of the club, Craig Mattocks, secured a championship place for next year's London with a sub 2:45 in
2:44:01 (251st overall). This time works out as (usual disclaimer cos I'm knackered today) 9.6 miles per hour and 6:16 min/mile pace. Wow get this
chap in a Carnethy shirt quickly. Kate Jenkins finished in 3:04:36 - an awesome time considering her win in recent 50km champs. Kate's time works
out as 8.5 miles/hour and 7:03 min/mile pace. Last of the Carnethies was Bob Johnson in 3:14:28 for 8.1 miles/hour and 7:25 min/mile enough for an "fast"
good for age place again next year.
Bob Johnson (certificate attached - harsh but fair)
- 18th April 2011
Kilomathon - Sunday 17th April
Missing Digby who had a flat battery the remaining 9 of us marshalled the Kirkliston sector of the Kilomathon which was fortunately less eventful than last years tragic one. Lovely weather and a runaway leader who won by over 5 minutes in about 1.29. Only Carnethy vest spotted was Ian Jackson who was narrowly beaten by his wife Sally. Burger at the end made it all worthwhile!
Gordon
I came across a surprising degree of antipathy towards the Kilomathon when I mentioned we were running it. Something to do with 26.2km being an artificial distance; unlike 26.2 miles I guess? Anyway, it was a beautiful morning for a long run, and a surprisingly hilly course from Ingliston out across the Forth Road Bridge and back. The long hill from South Queensferry to Dalmeny was a particular surprise, but as we were running as part of the build up to the very hilly Cape Wrath Marathon next month that was what we needed. Great support from the Carnethy marshalls around Kirkliston, in both directions. Sally squeezed a few seconds a mile out of me from half way to finish in 2:25:13, 7th FV45 out of 55. I was 50 seconds behind!
Ian Jackson
- 18th April 2011
Coledale Horseshoe - 16th April
9 Carnethies eschewed the delights of the Hunters Bog Trot for the more exotic Coledale Horseshoe in the Lake District. After a 2.5hr drive, we arrived in plenty of time for the race. However, as always happens when I'm actually early, the race start was delayed for 20 mins. A delightful race in perfect weather, with magnificent views (even Jim Hardie admitted to pausing and looking up from the ground at one point). 8.5 miles, with 3500ft of climbing, a hard 2500ft slog up Grisedale Pike got most of the climbing out of the way near the beginning; the rest was mainly ridge-running, with an excellent mile or so fast descent from Barrow at the end. A field of over 300 runners was swollen by the presence of a large stag party, all in fancy dress, allowing us to discuss our races according to where we had overtaken/ been overtaken by Batman, Tarzan, etc. The field was of high standard, so that even fell-champion extraordinaire Jim Hardie was unable to hold off eventual winner Ian Holmes, and had to settle for 101st. In turn, Oz held off Jim on the ascents, but was reeled in on the descent, while Jane managed to shave 8 minutes off her PB. All in all a great day out.
Matt Grove
- 18th
April 2011
Fife AC 5K Series Race 1 – Beveridge Park, Kirkcaldy (15/4/11)
This was my third running of this event and I managed to dip under the 20 minute mark for the first time (just), finishing in 18th place overall. I was the only Carnethy running, but ex-Carnethy Janet McWhinnie was in the field for Fife AC, finishing as first lady veteran.
Over 40 veteran Grant Wilkie (Corstorphine) won out against Pitreavie over 50 veteran Jeff Farquhar. Wilkie covered the two and a half laps of the park road circuit in 16 minutes 39 seconds, eight seconds clear of Farquhar.
The women’s race was even closer as former GB 1500m internationalist Hayley Ovens (Unatt.) placed 9th overall in 18 minutes 54 seconds one place and three seconds clear of Alison McGill (Fife AC).
Results: 1 G Wilkie (Corstorphine) 16.34 1st veteran. 2 J Farquhar (Pitreavie) 1st over 50. 16.47, 3 P Roarty (Carnegie) 16.59, 4 A Keenan (Carnegie) 17.32, 5 D Pugh (Fife AC) 17.01, 6 B Davie (Carnegie) 18.31, 7 S Bernard (Fife AC) 1st junior. 18.48, 8 D Newman (Fife AC) 2nd veteran. 18.53, 9 J Mill (Dundee Road Runners) 3rd veteran. 19.01, 10 A K Duncan (Pitreavie) 1st over 60. 19.11, 11 C Harvey (Fife AC) 19.14, 12 R Milton (Carnegie) 19.20. Other: 18 M Lynch (Carnethy) 19.59
Women: 1 H Ovens (Unatt.) 18.54, 2 A McGill (Fife AC) 18.57, 3 J Turner (Carnegie) 19.30, 4 J McWhinnie (Fife AC) 1st veteran. 20.33, 5 S Thomson (Fife AC) 2nd veteran. 22.25, 6 M McLaren (Fife AC) 1st over 50. 22.59.
Mike Lynch
- 16th April 2011
Hunter's Bog Trot
I only got one picture. Sair(ah) Legge's vest sums it up.
Brian Howie
A massive turnout for this race so much so that HBT had to improvise with race numbers and the start was delayed. A great Carnethy performance led to 1st junior/student - James, 1st V40 - Stewart, 1st V50 Gordon and first male team - Stewart/Colin/James/Adam taking it from the hosts - and perhaps more with results.
Gordon
Huge Brown Thanks from HBT to everyone for patiently awaiting results (both on the day and online), and to:
1. the record turnout of runners for Saturday’s sunny Bog-Trot;
2. the whole field for prolonging the pleasure by cheerfully following the race-leader’s scenic route up the Crags; and
3. especially Dave Cairns (Penicuik Harriers) for all the great help that he volunteered on the day: running a watch, recording finishers, and making new race-numbers when we ran out.
Male and female teams are calculated separately (disaggregated).
Complete teams: 13 male from 6 clubs (4 to count), and 6 female from 4 clubs (3 to count; only HBT had more than 3 female finishers).
Males:
1st 31 Carnethy HRC “A” (4. Stewart Whitlie, 6. Colin May, 7. James Waldie, 14. Adam Ward)
2nd 36 HBT “A” (1. Murray Strain, 5. Alistair Hart, 10. Huw Jones, 20. David Fulton)
3rd 91 Portobello RC (3. Gareth Green, 11. Michael Geoghegan, 19. Peter Buchanan, 58. Michael Nowicki)
4th Carnethy 95; 5th Carnegie Harriers “A” 118; 6th HBT 124; 7th Dundee Hawkhill Harriers 161; 8th HBT ”C” 166; 9th HBT “D” 215; 10th Penicuik Harriers 217; 11th Carnethy “C” 223; 12th Carnegie 279; 13th HBT “E” 310.
Females:
1st 20 HBT “A” (4. Megan Wright, 7. Sarah O’Neil, 9. Louise Provan)
2nd 27 Lothian RC (1. Edel Mooney, 5. Jocelyn Moar, 21. Jill Horsburgh)
3rd 46 HBT (10. Phyllis Mitchell, 14. Rachel Smirthwaite, 22. Ali McNeillage)
4th 50 Portobello RC (15. Mary Hunter, 17. Gillian McKelvie, 18. Lynsey Lawrie)
5th 51 Carnegie Harriers (11. Sarah Legge, 16. Lynne Bennet, 24. Melanie Sinclair)
6th 78 HBT “C” (23. Jess Dewar, 27. Janice Smith, 28. Kristy Chambers).
HBT (Maggie Spalding and Ivor Normand) OFY full results here
- 13th April 2011
Boghall Record Field
On a fine running night there were 53 runners taking part in the first handicap of the season. I arrived 10 minutes early to find the car park already full; it was obviously a popular race.
The volunteer timekeepers were already worried and rightly so. Phil (the handicapper) Young did a good job with the centre of the field very bunched up causing temporary mayhem at the finish line.
Everyone seemed to enjoy their run, although Irene Schierloh was told off for shouting back lost runners (it is nice to be nice), I enjoyed using my local knowledge to get a good line down from the sink, and having Oz pass me twice.
29 of us went on to The Flotterstone for food and beer, Phil hanging back to avoid an International incident and wait for a lost Italian visitor to the race.
Many thanks to Andy Spenceley and Roger Kemp for giving up their time to time us all in.
Results
Willie Gibson
- 12th April 2011
Calderdale Hike - Saturday 9th April
A trip to home to Yorkshire at the weekend saw me on the start line of the 37 mile Calderdale Hike part of the Runfurther Ultra Series. They change the the course every two years to keep it fresh and you get to choose your own route between the check points. It's a mix of tracks, moors and vales so plenty of up & down. It took a couple of miles and the first climb of the day to establish a small lead group dotted out within sight of one another. From early on I could see that there was a benefit to prior route knowledge as I played leap frog with a bunch of guys over the next series of check points. Eventually they got away from me on one section and that was that. So spent the rest of the day running on my own in a kind of no man's land taking in the surroundings and places I haven't had the chance to visit for a while. I came home in around 5:50 for 7th place I think. The weekend was rounded off catching up with friends over beer and a relaxing mountain bike on Sunday to stretch the legs and clear the cobwebs.
Matt Davies
- 12th April 2011
Clachnaben –Saturday 9th April
Jacqui Higginbottom and I turned up for this ‘figure of eight’ 10 mile race up in the north-east. There were some bloody legs at the finish from the sharp heather but that didn’t bother us when we were spoilt with dry weather, clear views, a well marked course and free beer at the end. Another Carnethy vest spotted was Peter Walker. There were easter egg spot prizes and tea and homemade cakes – a great day out! Results on SHR website soon.
Kate Friend
- 12th April 2011
Carnethy Women and the Arthur's Seat Handicap Race
On Monday evening Carnethy Women started training early for the Arthur's Seat Handicap Race. We had no map, but the collective memory was fairly sound (ie we knew which hills we had to climb, but everyone had their own opinion about the route). After the sweltering temperatures of the weekend, the wind was quite nippy, but the views of the city and the Pentlands were stunning. Thanks to Steph for leading a great run!
Margaret Forrest
- 11th April 2011
Edinburgh 1/2 Marathon - Sunday 10th April 2011
A total of 6 Carnethy members pounded the streets and roads of Edinburgh yesterday in the Edinburgh Half Marathon. Formerly the Chris Hoy Half Marathon this race was run in excellent conditions of bright, warm sunshine and very little wind. The 3,500 starters had few hills to contend with except a small rise of approximately 23 feet 6 inches directly after the start.
The race was won by Bryan Mackie in 1:14:09 (Edinburgh AC) with Daniel Davies in close pursuit (1:14:27). The first Carnethy home was Tim Darlow in 71st place (1:27:04) followed by Bob Johnson (1:32:36), Pam Whitlie (1:47:32); Steven Rawson (1:52:34); Steven Hibbert (1:53:51) and Trevor Wilkinson (2:34:42). Many people remarked that the course was long recording 13.4 miles on their GPS watches instead of the standard distance of 13.1 miles. If people insist in running off to get an ice cream then what can you expect?
Bob Johnson
- 9th April 2011
Mourne Peaks Race, Northern Ireland
Joanne Anderson and I were the only Carnethies to make it over to the Mourne Peaks Race, the Northern Irish British Championship long race this year.
It was a hot day with a good breeze and Joanne and I were within a few places the whole way round. The mountains were glorious, and a lucky route choice got me a few places ahead of Joanne at the finish.
The race was won by Tom Owens with Jethro Lennox in second. Well done to Shettleston.
Willie Gibson
- 7th April 2011
Wed Training
Light at last! This is where we went: map
- 6th April 2011
SHR Scottish Championships round 1
The championship results after the first race at Birnam are now available here. A good start for Carnethy as we're leading both the Men's and Women's Over 40s teams and are 2nd in both the Senior Men's and Senior Women's teams. Digby Maass is sitting 3rd in the Over 60s, while Jacqui Higginbottom is 2nd in the Over 40s. The next race in the series is completely different - up a real mountain - Slioch on 21st May.
- 5th April 2011
4 Inns Race – Derbyshire 2nd April
A great day of running in the Derbyshire hills. A superbly well organized and marshaled race with so much food laid on at checkpoints that you could easily much run it without taking any food yourself. From Holmfirth to Buxton this race takes in most of the upland bogs of Derbyshire and at 40 miles and 6,700ft it’s a great journey with teams taking between 7 and 20hrs to complete. Running with my mates from Leeds, Penistone and Cirencester we clocked up 8hrs 1min which was good enough for 5th overall and first Vet 40 team. Check out the route below and also have a look at the race web site for the eclectic selection of trophies!
http://www.fourinnswalk.org/docs/trophy
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/76960639
Well worth a trip!
Mick James
- 4th April 2011
Alternative John Muir Way –57km
tantallon
photo large
The Alternative John Muir Way avoids the pavements, cultivated field margins and similarly tragic failures of the local authority’s version. Ours pays a more appropriate tribute to JM by following an outstanding coastline and hinterland that should qualify for national heritage status. 23 starters left Aberlady Bay in a cool breeze, blue sky and spring sunshine for the 3hr, 28km continuous traverse of beach, boulders, dunes and cliff tops to Ravensheugh. There were a few random diversions from the optimum line by those who chose to shun the guides to find their own route; the advice “keep the sea on your immediate left” allowed varied interpretations. A few bold members emulated Burt Lancaster in the 1968 movie “The Swimmer” by taking a dip at numerous beaches on the way. The final swim-in at Ravensheugh (sea temperature was 7C) looked like a pagan spring rite. Here the bikes were broken out (except for the full-distance runners) for the inland return via Binning Wood to a long break at East Linton.
Over-indulgence at the sunny garden lunch led to digestive problems thereafter, and a clever suggestion to postpone lunch until evening next year. On the afternoon shift the weather tried to deteriorate briefly along the tranquil River Tyne path, but failed. The split into runners and cyclists created the first competitive moves of the day, with the runners overtaking the cyclists on the ascent of Pencraig Hill from Hailes Mill. Here, Richard opted for a lone low-level short cut back to the finish. Back with the pack, in restored sunshine, positions changed throughout the varied traverse of the low ridge past Barnes Castle to the tougher Garleton Hills. Karen eventually spat out the social rules of the outing, making an aggressive break from the pack on the penultimate climb approaching the Hopetoun Monument, leaving a trail of wilting pursuers in her wake (she will be reported to the Handicapper). Here we reverted to social rules with a pleasant ascent of the dark spiral to the wind blasted top of the tower. By this point the team members still in the game were dwindling fast, left with only the fast descent back to Aberlady Bay. On this final section, as usual, the cyclists suffered a spate of punctures as the runners drifted in on legs scratched and bruised from sea-buckthorn, boulders and barbed wire. We finished in sunshine and a cool breeze as we had started about 7hrs earlier. 56km of tiring entertainment.
Many thanks to the club for financing transport and food. There also were many donations of fantastic cakes, puddings, roast venison, rum truffles, bicarbonate of soda and ibuprofen. Thanks also to drivers/runners Jean and Keith; and, not least, superb catering from Bärbel.
Participants (those in bold doing the full distance either running or biking or both): Keith Burns, Jean Jumelle, Ian and Sally Jackson, Willie Mykura, Ronnie Gallagher, Gio McDonald, Digby Maass, Karen Meikle, Juliette Camburn, Kate Jenkins, Craig Mattock, Jasmin Paris, Pete and Elsie Baxter, Angela Scott, Richard Lathe, Nigel Fawthrop, Gillian Paul, Colin Pritchard, Andy Millard, Keith Adams
report
Keith Burns
- 31st March 2011
Birnam Classic Results - Sat 26th March
Results are now available here. Get in touch if you know of mistakes. From these results, an amazing 40 Carnethies were running, led home by new member Colin May in an excellent 12th place.
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Saturday saw the inaugural running of the Sportive Kinross. Three routes were on offer –a 45 mile Blue route, 73 mile red route and the 87 mile Black route (~1700m total ascent, mostly in the final 80km!).
The black route consisted of a large loop taking in some of the best climbs the areas of Fife and Perth & Kinross has to offer. The weather was exceptionally wet to say the least. And it was rather cold compared to the glorious week or two of weather preceding it! However this did not detract too much from enjoying the event. The first 30 or so miles of the black route were nice and fast – with no shortage of small groups to work with. The group I was in – we cracked on past the first feed stop and then got onto the real meat of the route which started at the Wicks O Baiglie climb (I had always seen this little road from the M90 motorway and always wondered where it went!). As to be expected the group shattered into little pieces here and the rest of my ride was spent cycling along “billy no mates”in the sometimes heavy rain hardly seeing anyone and occasionally wondering if I was still on the route!
All the climbs came and went without much drama (couldn’t see much due to the thick mist all day!) and I was soon summiting Cleish Hill and could see Kinross below me –7 miles to go. So it was head down for the final fast few miles back into town for a well earned bacon butty and cup of soup.
Overall, a very well organised event and I am sure a very scenic route given the right weather!
I completed the Black Route in a time of 5 hours 18 minutes.
Craig O'Donnell