News: October - December 2006
- 31st December 2006
2007 calendar
First view of the 2007 Carnethy Hill Running calendar can be seen here. Time to schedule in some races for 2007? (Please note that a few of the race dates are still provisional!)
- 31st December
2006
Night Run on 10th January - new venue
The first Night Run of 2007 joins up with Edinburgh TNT Hash ('The New Town') and is a chance to say good-bye to Paula Drouet who is 'emigrating' to Cornwall in January. More details here. The trail is being set by Carnethy member, Murdo McEwan, and is very similar to our night runs in terms of length and difficulty e.g.Footwear suitable for on and off road, bring a torch for the dark bits and the run will last for about 1.5hours, at a leisurely pace.For those unfamiliar with hashing - it's a form of running which follows a pre-laid trail of flour, similar to a paper chase. The sport originated in the Far East in colonial days, and is based on the technique of tracking an animal in the jungle by following its (incomplete) trail. The modern day version uses a 'hare' (Murdo McEwan) who set the trail with blobs of flour, to be followed by the 'hounds' (us) an hour or so later. Knowing Murdo, the trail will be mainly off-road, and will take in any available hills!
To make it more challenging to follow, the trail is 'broken' at regular intervals (called 'checks') where the flour trail stops - here the pack spreads out in order to find out where the trail continues, and once found the pack continues on the trail. This has the clever advantage of allowing the fitter runners (called 'front runners') to run further than the others as they 'check' for the trail, while the slower runners can catch up by simply waiting at the 'check' until the onward trail is found. In fact it is possible for the front-runners to run continuously, and still allow much slower runners to keep up - so keeping a group with greatly differing abilities together – one of the great advantages of hashing.
Finally, some flour markings to look out for:
Trail - blobs of white flour, spaced about 10-25m apart
Check - a circle of flour where the trail ends
False trail - a short section of trail close to a check abruptly ending with a letter 'F'. A device employed by some clever hares to slow down the front runners.
On-Inn - towards the end of the trail, the works 'ON INN' will be written next to the trail - this means that the trail heads straight back to the Start/Finish point from here.
And some calls: In order to communicate with each other, the pack will often use 'calls' to let others know what people are doing. Calls are optional but very useful - and you are encouraged to call out as loudly as possible, at the risk of annoying nearby residents!
Here are most common calls:
ON-ON - I'm running on the trail, so you can follow me
CHECKING - I'm looking for the trail, following a 'Check'
ARE YOU? - I'm not on the trail, are you? Runners within earshot will reply
with 'ON-ON' or 'CHECKING'.
For further details of the Edinburgh TNT hash see: www.thenewtownhash.org
- 30th December 2006
The Bangcock Challenge - 27th December
There were a few Carnethy taking part in the Bangcock Challenge Duathlon, round and up Tinto. The results are here.
22nd December 2006
The World Famous Club Pub Run
There was a record turnout of over 20 for the Club Pub Run.
Lots of miles (10.5) Lots of Pubs (10), Lots of Drinks (11) and no smoke!
Read the Article
- 22nd December 2006
The Christmas Party
There was a wonderful turnout of over 60 for the Club party at Moira's House on Monday. We had a short run over Castlelaw followed by lots of food and a few drinks and a good blether. Many thanks to Moira for hosting, Cali for organising the food and everyone that contributed to the food (pick up your dishes sometime!).
20th December 2006
The Eskapade
There were over 20 Carnethies gathered at the mouth of the Esk on Sunday morning for the annual 29 mile run up the river to Carlops.
The weather was stunning as we ran up the frost path into Dalkeith Estate where we lost our 2 bikers. It seemed a long way to Penicuik where we enjoyed excellent bacon rolls at The Royal Hotel. There were a few drop outs and a few drop ins and we left for Carlops reaching the end at 4:05 pm.
10 stayed for the meal and a couple of pints.
Jill, Lucy and Steven left Musselburgh at 10:30 and travellling at pace (and often the wrong way) caught us up in the Hotel in Penicuik. They carried on and completed in 4.5 hours.
- 17th December 2006
Galashiels XC
There was another big turnout for the fourth of seven races in the Borders Cross Country series. Conditions were almost perfect - sunny, cold and calm. But a cross country isn't a cross country without shoe-sucking mud and water to run through and this race had it all. There is arguably more bog and burn in the Borders XCs than in the Bog and Burn hill race series. The usual suspects were in attendance. Results will be here soon.
- 10th December 2006
Jill Mykura 3rd in East District Cross Country - Sat 9th December
A few Carnethys turned out for the XC at Galashiels on Saturday. Jill Mykura had a great run finishing 3rd in the senior ladies race in a time of 27:29. The course definitely favoured hill runners as the route wound its way through the hilly fields, however with the low sun blocking visibility at times together with a head wind, thick mud, floods and cow muck underfoot it made conditions fun and eventful. Roll on the next XC!
KF
- 10th December 2006
Santa Run
On Sunday morning lots of people dressed up in Santa suits and ran twice round Princes Street Gardens (in aid of charity). It was quite a spectacle and generated a lot of attention from the Christmas shoppers. It also gave me the novel experience of lapping people and got me in the mood for the party at Moira's next Monday!
AN
- 5th December
2006
Cauldstane Slap Handicap Race - Sunday 3rd December
There's not been a report yet of this annual race from West Linton. As it was only a few miles from the other two events on last Sunday, an assumption can probably be made that the weather was wet, cold, windy and the course was muddy ! What we do know is that Carnethy runners dominated with Adam Ward first in 36:41, Colin Hutt second in 40:12 and Tony Westbury 3rd in 40:26. Brian Howie took the Vets prize in 42:32. Janet Dalitz was second woman behind the Boggie's Debbie Macdonald.
Report from Brian Waldie:
In fact we 20-25 early birds got the “best” of Sunday’s weather---cold and a strong headwind on the return and yes muddy but no rain till after the prize giving. Driving down to Glentress after to watch the Duathalon the temperature dropped to 3.5 degrees as the cold front and rain swept across. Impressed by the flooded Tweed and by the duathalonists who did the hill race after a muddy bike race in pelting rain. The mud on the Slap was strong enough to remove one of my new pair of slim fit studs then another stop at the turn to retie took more of my 7 mins bonus. Finished in 10th place, in 46 minutes. Rod Dalitz was another Carnethy besides those mentioned above. There seemed to be some complications in deciding the leading places. Adam said then that he was a few seconds behind a long handicap runner from I think Ferranti but I haven’t seen an official finishing list. No matter it’s a great informal race for December.
results
- 3rd December 2006
Wet Cold Muddy at Glentress
The first Glentress Duathlon of the winter, the medium race, took place today in conditions reminiscent of the recent Tinto race. Except trying to cycle a bike at speed over muddy and very slippy tree roots and steep wet slopes was challenging to say the least ! Despite (or because of) the weather, there was a very large turnout of Carnethies, but none could keep up with the winner, who was once again Prasad Prasad (Clydesdale). Dan Whitehead of Cosmics tried to go round on a cyclo-cross bike, but couldn't hang onto the leading guys on the cycle and then took the wrong turning on the run - so perhaps not his day. First Over 40 and first Carnethy home was Andy Spenceley in 6th individual place, with Garry MacInnes taking the second Over 40 place, while Jill Mykura won the ladies race after moving through on the run. Noticeable first timers were Kate Friend, who had watched Keith so often, she decided it must be easy (!) and (newish member) Eli Scott, whio had never been to Glentress before !
Results are here
- 3rd December 2006
Wet Wet Wet at Peebles
No, not a gig – just the third round of the Border’s Winter Cross-Country series. A fortnight ago the incoming tide had forced a minor change of route at Dunbar. Today at Peebles the upcoming Tweed made a real mess of race organiser Mike Pearson’s plans, not to mention the flat lands beside it. First the unfortunate Mike had to replot the route just hours before the start, because some of it was under water and we hadn’t been told to bring wet suits. Then he had to stop the race short of the bridge back over the Tweed to the finish, because by the time we got back to it the water was flowing past the ends of the bridge as well as under it.
In between the start and finish was a lovely slop through shoe-tugging glaur with forest paths for relief and enough ups-and-downs to keep most Carnethies happy. Stewart Whitlie looked set for a top-three finish when he passed me (going in the opposite direction naturally), with Mark James, Mike Browne, Bill Gauld and Anne & Ian Nimmo well-spaced out behind.
The trial by water continues in two weeks’ time – the fourth race in the series starts at the swimming pool in Galashiels. If you fancy something drier that day, the alternative’s the Esk Valley Run.
PS: Thanks to Moorfoot’s marshals for waiting patiently in the rain and so-far unmentioned gale.
IAN
Results
- 3rd December
2006
Report on Brian Waldie's last 3 'Italian Season' Races
Brian Waldie is running as well as ever in these three Italian races.
- 28th November
2006
Club Film Night - Monday 27th November
A good turnout of at least 25 people attended the latest social, the film night. Starting with Angela Mudge winning a Sky race in the Dolomites and coverage of another Sky race in Andorra; then followed films on the Edinburgh Rat Race; the Tough Guy Race near Birmingham (with all the water hazards covered in ice !); an interview with Joss Naylor while he ran up Seatallan, from his house, for his 100th ascent in 6 months (!); an amazing film of Eric Barone setting a world record by travelling at 220kmph downhill on a mountain bike - first down a skislope (on snow) and then down the cinder slope of a volcano in South America - at the bottom of this his bike just disintergrated while Eric continued travelling at over 100mph. He was back on his feet 2 years later ! Finally a film of the Adventure Triathlon in Falkirk.
Thanks to Willie Mykura for putting some fantastic films together (and organising the beer). Must be worth a repeat.
- 27th November 2006
Ettrick Crucible - 25th November 2006
"I hasted over to Ettrick, and the day being fine,
I found numbers of people astir on the same errand"
(James Hogg, 1770-1835)
Atrocious weather forecast but failed to show. Seven Carnethies set out early on a blustery morning from Tushielaw Inn. The game plan was to run due East, circle the bowl of the central Ettrick valley, and return at the end of the day from the exactly opposite direction. After heading steeply up Cacra hill with its odd bumpy summit we ran along the tops before dropping sharply down by a hillside of grazing cows into Buccleuch village. At the bottom we met three keepers with guns. They were looking for rabbits but I suggested they could find cows on the hill. "No", they said, "They're too big to fit in the bag".
Next the long forestry path over the hill, for once navigation was spot-on, down to Deephope where the ford was unpassable but a footbridge in worrying disrepair brought us safely across to Ettrick village. A brief stop at the monument to James Hogg, the Ettrick Shepherd, then up to Ward Law summit and its carefully crafted cairns, with magical views to White Coomb a few miles to the West. Another steep drop to ford the burn at Shepherdscleuch and, to finish, Tushielaw hill in faltering sunlight. As we finally descended after 5 and a half hours, and 16 miles or so, the smoking chimneys of the Inn below enticed us in to rest our legs before heading home through the gloaming. A splendid day.
Richard Lathe and Nigel Rose
- 26th November 2006
Meall a'Bhuachaille
Luckily, the race missed the bad weather that had been forecast for Saturday. Jethro Lennox took full advantage of the cool, calm conditions by setting a new record. Brian Marshall (HELP) was second and Prasad Prasad (Clyesdale) third. Steven Fallon was top Carnethy finishing 9th and Jill Mykura was first lady. The wind and rain blew in that evening!
Results
- 26th November
2006
Club Calendar 2007
Order now to reserve your copy of the 2007 Carnethy Calendar. Only £5 to members. Should be ready before Christmas.
- 25th
November 2006
Don't Miss the Club Video Night on Monday 27th November
There is a Carnethy CLUB VIDEO NIGHT on the evening on Monday 27th Nov at Kings Buildings. Meet at the Student Union (KB run venue) for an 8pm start.
Videos on show include rare footage of Joss Naylor; Angela Mudge Skyrunning in the Dolomites; the Tough Guy race in England (previously won by our own Geraint Florida-James); Eric Barone doing very extreme things in France; the Rat Race in Edinburgh and much more.
- 23rd November 2006
Carlops Night Run
A bad weather forecast didn't put off the runners as 20 gathered at the Carlops Car Park for the Alan Hogg-led night run. We headed over Patties Hill and on round the head of the North Esk Reservoir where the skies cleared, and back to The Alan Ramsay for a good feed and a few beers.
Many thanks to Alan.
- 19th November 2006
Eine Kleine Hügel Fahrt
While the cross country runners were enjoying sunshine in the east, the journey runners had to contend with less clement weather in the west. This was the first of “a little hill run” to unusual places. As we drove along the Carron Valley we were somewhat taken aback to see the top of Meikle Bin covered with a thick layer of snow.
The run started well up forest roads and soon we were into the snow line. An indistinct cairn at the roadside marked the start of a short push through the trees to bring us onto the long grassy ridge of Meikle Bin. After all the long hot summer it was strange to be climbing in snow again. Near the summit we came upon the remains of the crashed Fairey. There is supposed to be more of the wreckage on the hillside but it was too cold to stop and search.
A grassy descent down the other side brought us back to the shelter of the forest again. A good forest road wound along by the shore of the Carron Valley Reservoir, giving us picturesque views across the water to the hills on the far side. A pause for lunch refreshed body and spirit before returning to the cars.
Nigel Rose.
- 19th November 2006
Borders XC, Dunbar
I last ran in a cross-country race in March 1959, and that 'record' would still be standing had Kate Friend not sent her Captain's e-mail round the Club plugging the Borders' Winter Cross-Country Series. A quick look at last year's results on the web re-assured me the races were for everyone, not just the elite; and Sunday gave us a perfect morning for running round the coast.. Why not give the Dunbar leg a try?
The course was a good mixture: muddy cold saltmarsh at the start to get us into the mood, followed by sections of beach, dune and forest paths. There was one knee-deep tidal ditch to cross and there should have been another - but the marshal (encouraged by our photographer) relented and sent us over a bridge instead. The tide was flowing fast and although the long-legged loons at the front might well have louped this second ditch, by the time those of us at back got there it was a much more formidable obstacle.
I didn't find out who won. Brain Marshall (HELP) was in the lead by about a metre when he passed me (going in the opposite direction) with about a kilometre left; and Mark Johnston was in a tussle for third. Mark James (who'd only had to jog a few hundred metres from his front door to the start) was well-placed and so was the ever-present Bruce Smith (Standard Life). Other familiar faces included those of Kate Jenkins, Bill Gauld and Stewart Barrie.
The next race is at Peebles in a fortnight's time. It's in my diary.
IAN
Results
- 18th November
2006
Club Ceilidh and Prize-giving - 17th November, Pollock Halls
About 50 club members enjoyed dancing to the music of the Marwicks on Friday night. New faces brought along with by old included Doug Shiell bringing his new wife; Phillipa Headley with her new fiancée (though well known to hill runners !) and Adrian Davis with his new girl-friend !
The President, Robin Haynes, had the task of opening the sealed envelopes to announce the major prize winners. The first being for the Scald Law trophy which went to Angela Mudge for her World Sky Running success - "also rans" were Murdo McEwan (for tour de Mont Blanc race), Steven Fallon (for 13 munro rounds) and Bill Gauld (for sub 2-30 Ben at age 74 !). Then came the Burns Scott trophy which went to Willie Mykura for years of service as club secretary. Steven Fallon won the Club Championship Ladder while Shane Bouchier and Michael Wilkinson cleared up the handicap prizes (they also work together, so this could be suspicious !). The Junior Trophy went to Scott Cameron.
- 13th November 2006
More Reports from the Dolomites
THE VERTICAL KILOMETER
Well
not quite vertical but certainly steep; 1,000 metres climb in 3.3 Km
without any let up.
Gradient similar to Chapel Fell but twice the climb, fortunately
an uphill only race.
Cable car up to the start at 1600 m. Finish at 2600 m at the Rifugio
Torre di Pisa on the crest of the Latemar range in the western Dolomites.
Again flailing sticks to avoid. I was one of the few without them
but gained in studs, especially on the unseasonable snow in the last
500m .
Open air changing at the top in the snow as per photo! Compensated by hot tea, wine and biscuits from the refuge. Then jog down to the after-race meal and prizes on a sunny terrace at the ski station
I was first over 50 but there were no age category prizes despite all d.o.b.s being on the results sheet. However there were over 100 spot prizes and I came away with a split-second wrist watch and an enormous XL bathrobe, too heavy for Ryanair’s excess baggage charges.
A couple from the Kendal club on a Via Ferrata holiday ran in trainers without sticks having had to pay 50 Eu each for a 2 minute medical check and certificate. Come prepared if you fancy trying some of the wide variety of races here.
Cable car up and down after the race and an excellent meal all included in the 15Eu entry fee.
Time 50 min 10sec, for 67th out of 160. Winning time 42.20.
TROFEO CREPE SPAVIDE
A new race, Up and Down, 429 m climb over about 6Km then 4Km down. Advertized prize list of about £1000 ! covering all age categories so I was expecting a very competitive event. The start in Moena had all the trappings of a big event, large inflated start/finish arch, PA and TV. Saw my name in a list of 29 and thought this was for the over 65 s. In fact it was the total entry! and I was the sole over 65. So in retrospect I could have walked the course and still won my neo- classical engraved marble, silvered and glass trophy!. However I think I earned it. Trainers would probably have been better for most of the asphalt/gravel climb but I caught the leading over 50 near the top. He kindly warned me that the descent was tricky which I could believe if wearing trainers but I enjoyed a great descent in studs down a narrow almost root free forest track gaining nearly a minute.
A great pity about the small field, there were over twice as many helping on the day but someone slipped up on the advertising .The newspaper photo of only 21 starters under a large arch must have been an embarrassment.
Finished 8th in 54:24 . Winning time 39:37.
Brian Waldie
- 11th November 2006
"Run and Become" Tinto Hill Race
This year's race saw a huge field, 216 starters and 210 finishers, braving some atrocious weather. Luckily the weather cleared at the start but there was an extremely strong, freezing wind on the hill and wet, slippy conditions underfoot. In fact conditions were bad enough to shorten the junior race. Twenty eight Carnethies took up the second of their 'free entry to Carnethy races' - introduced at the AGM (Manor Water was their first). The helpers on the hill should get a special thank you given the conditions and also sponsors "Run and Become".
The senior race was won by Jethro Lennox of Shettleston, who led from the gun, with Al Anthony of Ochils 2nd. A reversal of the positions of last year. The first lady was Jill Mykura of Carnethy.
Report from the summit marshal: 'Bl**dy h#ll that was cold!!' - and reports by Keith Burns and Bruce Smith here
Results here
- 11th November 2006
Awe in Aland – A Carnethy win on the Scandinavian roads
Some Carnethies met up with some friends in Aland (http://www.marathon.aland.fi/) for a birthday bash and run.
Full report
- 11th November 2006
Serena and Babs in The Big Apple
Serena Coyle and Babs Whyte travelled from Mull to run the New York Marathon for the Get Kids Goimg Charity.
Serena finished 3:48 and Babs was 3 minutes behind in 3:51.
- 9th November 2006
The club Glen Coe weekend - the full article !
A more detailed write up about the weekend, warts and all, is here !
- 8th November 2006
Stava Sky Race (Italy)
Seeing Angela’s magnificent win in the Boe Sky Race on ItalianTV was the inspiration to try this despite not having done a major hill race or long hill run since the Two Breweries nearly two years ago. Had hopefully cured a persistant glute problem by sticking to cycling and hill walking and was set to do a bike race till theThursday when I saw a preview of this new race. Curious to know how a Sky Race differs from a UK hill race. With 2,200 m of climb , more than Boe but over less rugged terrain, I was somewhat apprehensive. However a time limit of 1 ¾ hr after the first 1100m climb would give a possible let out.
Surprised at the start in Tesero (over 1000m alt., a SkyRace spec.) to find nearly all the runners using sticks and wearing trainer type shoes. There were even two drop-off places where sticks would be collected and taken to the finish! More useful, there were seven food and drink stations in the 21 km and extensive signposting so my bum bag was immediately reduced. Studs were an obvious advantage on the first 1100 m climb but getting past the flailing sticks without being stabbed was tricky. Hope these are banned in the UK.
Reached the time check in 1hr 14mins feeling surprisingly fresh. Enjoying bounding down a long, grassy descent when I felt a pain under my left foot. Stopped twice, no grit but still a blister. Spent the next 2 hours limping and frustrated over some great running terrain with glorious views.Over the top - Mt Agnello at 2360m - then an increasingly painful descent, partly through the worst rooted track I’ve experienced.
At the finish in Stava, flopped out on the pavement and took off my blood-stained PB together with several square inches of skin. Pounced on by two large medical guys, lifted into a wheelchair and wheeled into an ambulance with all mod cons! Don’t know what magic liquids they used but by sticking to cycling the next week it had healed enough for me to do an uphill running race the next Sunday. As the newspaper reported “most runners lost several kgs and one the skin off his feet”.
Time 3hrs 26 mins, 76th out of 97 finishers. The winner, who used sticks, took 2.17.
Presented with an enormous basket of goodies - wine, hams, chocs etc. probably for being the oldest (1st and only over 65) and only non-Italian. Expensive, 35Eu for late entry, but worth it if only for the medical treatment. Moral - Cycling is good for the legs but does not harden the feet!
Recommended as a well-organized introduction to Sky Races.
Brian Waldie
- 6th November 2006
The 'Run And Become' Tinto Race build up
The last Carnethy race of the year, the Tinto Hill Race, is on Saturday (11th). To get you in the mood for Saturday, you can see a 3-D map of the course; have a virtual run over the course or just analyse the list of all sub 32 min runs (and see who the two stars are who've run under the half hour ! ). All that and more here.
- 5th November 2006
Club Weekend, Glen Coe
18 Club members have just returned from a very succesful weekend in Glen Coe bunkhouse (though we did get out occasionally !) with special guest John Coyle making a surprise appearance for the weekend (something to do with Serena being away, no food in the house and Kate Friend catering for everybody for the princely sum of £2 each, which is even cheaper than his restaurant !). Steven Fallon disappeared early each day to do mega Munros rounds, while the rest did long runs (things you learn - never let Richard Lathe plan the route : likely to be stoney, boggy and rough ! ), cycles, various smaller Munro rounds and Corbetts. The wind was so strong on Sunday that anybody who hadn't eaten seconds the night before was likely to be blown off the hill, which is why Joanne Thin is now limping! The group of eight who did the Ballahulish Horseshoe on Sunday had to hang onto each rock to get to the summits, but only Colin Wilson had his hat (and two maps) blown away.
Thanks to Kate Friend for organising the weekend.
- 31st October 2006
La Vecia Ferovia
Now for something different!. A mountain bike race along an old mountain railway track.
35 Km with 800 metres climb then 300 metres descent which was described as "technical" but for me terrifying!
Till the 60's electric trains ran from Ora , just off the A22 Innsbruck -Verona autostrada , up into the Val Fiemme-now a stronghold for MTB, hill running and cross country skiing.
We "excursionisti" started at the back of the 900 strong field.Quite colourful with race helicopters overhead.My scruffy ex-hire MTB looked somewhat downmarket. The first 4 Km of flat gravel tracks were easy except that 900 bikes bowling along at 20+mph raised clouds of dust like a wagon trail in a western--wishing I'd worn goggles.
A few Km of 1 in10 asphalt then onto the old track. Steady gradient of 4-5% exceptwhere some bridges had gone and were bypassed by steeper farm tracks.Fortunately the four tunnels and station buildings have survived. Racing through the part lit tunnels was quite an experience especially in the first where some cycle tourists had stopped in an unlit part!.
Made steady progress up the field till the station at the top of the climb but then we left the track for the 300m technical descent down old rocky sunken ways. Ledges,hairpins,narrow bridges etc. with only a narrow "rideable" strip. Riders less risk averse swarmed past- at lest when I could be persuaded to move over. (Did sinistra mean I'm passing on your left or move over to the left? must ask).Very pleased to reach the streets of Molino with aching arms and shoulders and see a large finishing arch.
Brian Waldie
- 31st October
2006
2006 Beachy Head Marathon, Eastbourne - Sunny England!! (28th October)
I had first heard of the Beachy Head Marathon through a friend Alison who Joanne and I met on the Everest Marathon trip 3 years ago - she highly recommended it and I entered back in April this year as it is a very popular event. I manage to convince Jo, Kate, Hilary and Margaret that they would enjoy it too, as all 26 miles are off-road, with an ascent of 3500 feet, one Munro) and a very scenic route, starting in Eastbourne and going over the South Downs Way and back via the Seven Sisters and dramatic white cliffs of Beachy Head!
There are 3 catagories of Walkers, Joggers and Runners with a cut-off time of 9 hours so no pressure to finish too quickly - that's what appealed most to me!! It was a very low-key event and very friendly and well-organised, especially with the snacks and support at the 5 Checkpoints, and the great hot food at the school at the finish (like the Carnethy-5!!) I really enjoyed the whole course and we were very lucky with the weather too – the best part being coming over the Seven Sisters and the lovely views over the cliffs and Beachy Head lighthouse - and the fact it was all off-road, on good trails (and better for my arthritic knees!)
There is a maximum of 600 entries in each category and, as I mentioned, is does get full very quickly so it is important to enter early. It is also good that it is at the end of the season when most of us are at our fittest after the summer events, so not so much training is required! My time was 5hrs 20mins, taking things comfortably!! All the others all did very well and "congratulaions" to Hilary again on finishing as 3rd lady and Kate, on her 1st official Marathon!
Sunday was spent relaxing, with a gentle walk along the prom and pier, and sunning ourselves in the temperatures of 18 degrees and drinking lots of tea to recover from the celebrations of the previous evening!!
Carnethy Results
3:51 Hilary Holding (3rd lady)
4:39 Joanne Anderson
4:41 Kate Friend
5:22 Paula Drouet
6:?? Margaret Forrest
Paula
PS. Please remind me again that this was going to be my last ever marathon if you hear me of talking of any more!!
Photo report.
- 26th October 2006
The First Night Run Of The Season
It was a wet, dreich night as 15 hardy souls (some in shorts) headed out past Swanston and round Allermuir. Cali and Bob were first to sidle off up Allermuir as the rest continued to the Allermuir-Castlelaw crossing. I headed off to work from there as the others hit the ridge for a short while before descending in the relative shelter of Hillend. I went to work for half an hour then ran on to join the others in The Steading for a welcome pint and some food.
A great night as ever.
Willie Gibson
- 14th October 2006
Helene crowned Queen of the Lakes
Helene Diamantides has been confirmed the winner of the Lakeland Classic trophy - a series held over the 6 toughest Lake Distrct races. Not only was she first woman, but also first Over 40 woman and 7th overall ! More details and results are here.
- 14th October 2006
British/FRA Relay Championships, Calder Valley near Haworth
Three Carnethy teams made the long journey down to the Pennines for this annual event and enjoyed a great race and weekend on the moors around Bronte country. The vets team ended up first Scottish team and only narrowly missed the medals. 4th Vets and 14th overall was a great result in such a strong field and out of 111 teams. The Ladies team started well, but had the misfortune to be misdirected by marshalls on the long leg 2, adding considerable distance and an extra hill to an already tough leg. There was some rivalry between the Open team and the Vets, with Bob getting a narrow lead over Crawford on leg 1, leaving Simon and Mark chasing Adrian and Stewart on leg 2. Both pairs picked up lots of places, with Adrian and Stewart 8th fastest and Simon and Mark 21st fastest, before handing over to Andy and new Captain, Steven in 18th place. These then had a good navigation leg to move up to 12th place (13th fastest), leaving Adam the hard job of trying to hold off some of the top guys on the last leg. In the Open team, Shane and Howard also navigated well, leaving a tired Adrian to run the last leg - good training for the OMM in two weeks !
After lots of drinking Saturday night, many went for a long run over the moors on the Sunday to remove any hangover.
Vets Team (14th and 4th Vets) Open Team (32nd) Ladies Team (96th) 13th out of 22 in ladies Leg 1 Bob Waterhouse Leg 1 Crawford Oliphant Leg 1 Hilary Holding Leg 2 Stewart Whitlie/Adrian Davis Leg 2 Simon Peachey/Mark Johnston Leg 2 Hilary Spenceley/Moira Stewart Leg 3 Andy Spenceley/Steven Fallon Leg 3 Shane Bouchier/Howard Chambers Leg 3 Angela Mudge/Lucy Colquhorn Leg 4 Adam Ward Leg 4 Adrian Davis Leg 4 Joanne Anderson
Results are here
More photos with acknowledgement to Jethro Lennox :
- 14th October 2006
Manor Water Hill Race - Marshall sets new record
The cloud stayed above the tops to give a great view for tthe record entry of 93 on their long descent. Brian Marshall of H.E.L.P won in a new record while Veronique Oldham won the ladies race.
Organiser's Report
Results
Photos from "The Scrape"
A cracking morning so it was shorts on and off to Peebles. Huge field - record ? and perfect conditions even if it was a bit muddy underfoot for the first section. Once I had got over the wall on to the open hill I gained a few places and reached top in 47 mins in 18th place. Brian Marshall was well on his way back by then and had a commanding lead. Willie Gibson was marshalling on the summit where it suddenly turned quite cold but then the sun was out for a warm descent. I lost a couple of places but regained them only to be overtaken by the leading lady who I couldn't get past again. There was a large gap ahead of us to the next runners whom we couldn't catch. In the runin I lost out in sprint finish to end in 20th place with a PB well inside my 83mins for the last 2 years and first Carnethy ! Great race with a lot of new runners. Thanks to Graham for organising it.
Gordon Cameron
- 12th October 2006
Message from Angela
"I would like to thank members of Carnethy (plus partners) for their cards and words of support for the very sad and untimely loss of Janice. A special thanks to all those who kindly donated money towards Cancer Research UK, Janice's chosen charity. Nearly £2500 has been raised in her memory.
Thanks again for your support, it's in the hills where many of us spent a large proportion of our time in her company and lets hope they will provide us with may happy memories in the future"
Angela
- 12th October 2006
Carnethy Newspaper Cuttings
Angela Mudge's World Sky Running campaign attacted significant press interest. Here are links to an interview that was in the Sunday Times just before the Kinabalu race and one in The Scotsman after she had won the title.
- 11th October 2006
Carnethy AGM
The AGM was better attended that the pre-meeting run and all the business passed quickly with an early (9:30) finish.
The secretary this year is Shane Bouchier, Steve Fallon is Mens Captain, Kate Friend is Ladies Captain.
Hilary Holding and Andy Spenceley joined the committee.
GordonBrownCameron announced sweeping changes and give-aways in his Budget. More of that in the Newsletter!
Meet the committee on the Committee Page
- 11th October 2006
Janice's Mile Handicap - Friday 6th October
The lunchtime mile handicap in memory of Janice Mudge at Ruchill Park in Glasgow raised £335 for the Cancer Research, Bobby Moore fund. Mark Johnston ran round in his work clothes to record his slowest ever mile (12-05 !), while Angela ran and then gave out the prizes.
- 8th October 2006
Pentland Skyline
There was a near-record turnout for the 'Skyline' this year - 160 starters and only 10 retirals for a long, hard race. The usual westerly wind was blowing but the sun kept coming out to make it that bit warmer than the last few years. Jim Davies (Borrowdale) won by 31 seconds in 2:30:45 from teammate Andy Schofield. Joe Symonds (Dundee HH), who was in the lead at halfway, finished 3rd in 2:36:26, just 5 seconds in front of Alasdair Anthony (Ochils). Claire Gordon (HBT) won the ladies race in 2:56:02 finishing 20th overall and helping the HBT team (3 to count) to win the team event by 1 point from Carnethy. Gillian Godfree (Lothian) was 2nd in 3:01:28 having overtaken Jill Mykura (3rd in 3:05:15) on the way up Harbour Hill - just 4 hills from home! The run of the day was probably Dave Spedding of Keswick who went round in 2-48-29 for 12th place - an impressive run for an Over 60 year old !
Thanks to Richard Robertson and his huge team of helpers for putting on a great race.
This year's results Older results and other race information are here
Photo report
- 6th October 2006
TROFEO ST. VITTORE a race on the doorstep
Arriving back at our base in the Dolomites in the summer I couldn't miss the
large hoardings advertizing the St Vittore Races including a Masters
for the Italian Road Running Championships. Previously these were in
another village but the new course of two 3.5 Km laps went through
our village and even past our front door. So despite not having raced
since the Venice Marathon last October and the race being only a week
away I could hardly not have a go!.Getting back into training without
aggravating too much a longstanding glute problem was painful.
Being on the doorstep had advantages but as the police closed the roads before the evening races I had difficulty getting back to the house for my running gear and just made it to the start.
The first lap was the worst but I managed to recover a little from the fast start and finished 4th in the over 65's. Great atmosphere at these round the houses races, the last for the elite runners being in the near dark.The Kenyons and Moroccans cleaned up as usual. I hadn't realized how fast these guys move,as in downhill skiing it doesn't come out on TV.
Next weekend we found an orienteering punch station on the doorstep! -- for the 3rd Italian Mountaineering Bike Championship .Must ask Bill if it's done in the UK.
Brian Waldie
- 4th October 2006
Oban Half Marathon - 1st October
Serena Coyle ran the Oban Half Marathon last
Sunday in 1 hour 55 minutes whilst pushing 1 year old Sam in his
baby jogger. Her exploits
were front page news in the Aberdeen Press and Journal.
Serena writes
"I am in training to compete at the New York Marathon on the 5th of November. More importantly I am running to help those kids who can't even walk never mind about run! So I will be running the New York Marathon for Get Kids Going, a wonderful charity that helps British disabled children and young people by providing them with personalised, sports wheelchairs, manual wheelchairs and sports grants to get going and so they are able to participate in all kind of different sports and play out with their friends.
I feel so lucky to have a child so healthy and soon able to run around. Meanwhile, and to get him used to the idea, I have been out running with Sam in the magic baby jogger. Sam has already done two half marathons, the Isle of Mull and Oban. This has also moved some press interest and we have had two write-ups in the same week, the Oban Times and front page of The Press and Journal on Monday.
I have pledged to raise as much as I can for Get Kids Going. Please will you help me to 'turn dreams into reality' for disabled children by diving a donation? Any donation will go a long way!"
If you want to donate contact webmaster@carnethy.com
- 4th October 2006
Culter Fell journey run
Four runners took part in Saturday’s run around the watershed of Coulter Reservoir.
It was a day of bright sunshine with a hint of cloud on the tops. We started
from Birthwood and took the long climb up the north east ridge past a line of
grouse butts. These were real butts – a cosy hole in the ground lined with
rocks and with space to put the thermos and hip flask. It was a deceptively
long climb
before the summit trig point appeared in the misty distance. From the top there
was a long, grassy ridge run down to the valley at Holm Nick then a climb up
to Gathersnow Hill and round to Coomb Hill. Navigation was easy as there was
a fence to follow all the way. The view from Coomb Hill gave a great sense
of Borders solitude, hills in every direction, reservoirs in the longer valleys
and forests climbing out of the smaller valleys. We descended north west into
the next valley to find a sheltered spot for lunch. It was a delightful place
to stop, beside a burn, with the remains of a drystone wall to sit on in the
warm sunshine. After lunch we climbed up over Dod Hill and Hudderstone then
along
the ridge by Woodycleuch Dod. A couple more bumpettes along the ridge brought
us back down to the other road at Birthwood. We rounded off a splendid day
with a visit to the tea rooms of Biggar. Kate, who was injured, came to join
us for
tea and to enjoy the run at second hand.
Nigel Rose.
- 3rd October 2006
Carnethy success in Five Hills of Fife Race - Saturday 30th September.
Ronnie Gallagher teamed up with Brian Marshall (Haddington) to win the Fife AC Five Hills of Fife Race on Saturday. Run in pairs over 16miles and ascent of 3700ft the pair covered the East and West Lomonds, Bishophill, Largo Law and Norman’s Law (but you don't have to run beween the hills !). Adrian Davis and Adam Ward were 3rd overall and 1st vets team..
Results:
1 Brian Marshall (Help) & Ronnie Gallagher (Carnethy) 2:06.46
2 Dan Gay (HBT) 7 Paul Fettes (Ochil HR) 2:14.01,
3 Adrian Davis & Adan Ward (Carnethy) 1st veterans. 2:17.20
5 Mark Johnston (Carnethy) & John Kay (Fife AC) 2:18.23
- 2nd October 2006
Paula (Munro Bagger) Drouet
Congratulations to Paula, who conquered Munro number 284 (Meall nan Eun) accompanied by 7 other Carnethies (plus another 30) on a fabulously clear sunny day with the hills all around looking their best. Male Carnethies slightly outnumbered by the Ladies!
Murdo McEwan
- 2nd October 2006
World Masters Mountain Running Championship Saillon to Ovronnaz - 23rd September
It was not really mountain running at all as the race just went through vineyards, villages and forests. It was mostly uphill but as usual those I passed on uphills attempted to overtake me on the flat sections on wide tarmac and forest roads. more.....
- 1st October 2006
Angela Mudge - New 2006 World Champion !!
Congratulations to Angela who finished 3rd at the Kinabalu Climbathon which was enough to win the 2006 World Sky Running Series.
The final of the World Series was the steepest race of the circuit with a vertical climb of 2,300m to the summit of Mount Kinabalu at 4,095m and a round trip distance of 21km, winding along jungle paths, steep steps and slippery rock faces. Ricardo Mejia from Mexico (in 2-50-52) and Anna Pichtrova from the Czech Republic (in 3-08-48) won the race. The world title is assigned on the sum of the four best races out of seven (with Kinabalu counting double points), so Ricardo Mejía and Angela Mudge were crowned champions (as Angela had won other 4 races all in new records). Not one of Angela's favourite races she didn't want to wreck herself at Kinabalu, so, after turning at the top in 2-08-26, she just did enough on the descent to make sure she held 3rd which guaranteed her the world title.
Further details here
When will Angela model the "winners" t-shirt again ?
- 1st October 2006
Ian Hodgson Relay, Lake District
The 21st Ian Hodgson relay took place today under the new management of Jon Broxap and Andrew Schofield and the organisation was as smooth as ever, well done guys. The weather was a mixture of showers (which brought in the clag making navigation hard) and clear sunny spells. Much to the disappointment of the new organisers (and me), Carnethy didn't turn up ! I had to make apologies on behalf of the club to Jon, who wants to see us next year - so how about it guys and girls ! First home for the 11th year running were Borrowdale, though it took until the 3rd leg for them to move into the lead. They won from Dark Peak, Ambleside and Pudsey, who roped in Crawford Oliphant for the last pressure leg after his place in a Carnethy team disappeared. Ilkey won the ladies for the 3rd year running and Borrowdale the mixed. First Scottish club was Westies, then Corstorphine and Lothian, while Westies women brought up the rear (but at least they finished a team).
Andy
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