News: July - Sep 2003
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Click the Images to see larger versions
- 29th September 2003
Linlithgow 10k, 28th September
The
Linlithgow 10k course mixes urban running through the town
with loops out into the countryside and a gravely track along
the north side of Linlithgow Loch half way round, quite picturesque
in places!!. Mark Johnston ran with the leaders until he showed
a lack of descending skills on the road down to the loch at
4k, hitting the tarmac hard after tripping on a speed bump.
The leaders didn't hang around, speeding off into the distance!!.
There was better luck for Andy Laycock who sliced half a minute
of his Edinburgh time for a new pb of 34.24, finishing 5th.
Cliff Barraclough also ran well, no doubt other club members
were out too, but hard to spot in the crowds. A good PB course
if you can stay on your feet!!.
1. Stuart Campbell (Favorit Racing Club) 32.10
2. Max Colligan (Favorit Racing Club) 32.12
3. Mark Johnston (City of Edinburgh/Carnethy) 33.07
5. Andy Laycock (City of Edinburgh/Carnethy) 34.24
Race photos on www.myrace.co.uk
- 29th September 2003
Jill wins at Loch Lomond
The Great Adventure Race, Sat 27th Sept, Loch Lomond. A double win for Scotland by Jill Tait and Jethro Lennox in the Hill Race event of the 'Great Adventure Race' at Loch Lomond on Saturday. The 4 mile Hill Race started at Balmaha and followed the West Highland Way and climbed to the summit of Conic Hill, where Jill was in second place behind the international athlete, but took the lead on the descent. The Race was filmed for TV and was Jill's first experience of being shadowed by a helicopter or motorcycle camera, and coping with interviews from celebrity presenters at the end. A superb result for Scotland saw our men seeing off all the UK teams plus the internationals to win the multi-discipline Adventure Race overall, with the ladies coming second behind England.
The day was rounded off with a mass-participation 10k multi-terrain race, with Carnethy finishers including Willie Mykura and Kate Friend. The Event will be shown on Channel 4 later this year.
- 28th September 2003
Bill Gauld is Over 70 World Champion
The over 70 class in the World Vets was won by Bill by only 4 seconds. Alex Menarry was 6th.
Report and photos with Carnethy / Scotland results
Masters Web Site
- 28th September 2003
Kate Wins the Breweries
On
a day when the Carnethy Ladies were short in number and most
of the men were off to the Masters in Germany, Kate Jenkins
was first Lady and John Coyle was 3rd man in the Two Breweries
Fell Race.
HBT took both team prizes , Carnethy were second men's team.
We had a good night at Tweedsmuir and a wonderful run in the local hills with the Saddleworth runners on Sunday.
Report and photos
- 23rd September 2003
Mourne Mountain Marathon (Jane and Elsie are first in the B Class)
This year's event confirmed that I will never, ever enjoy orienteering. Not because of the navigation (that's my partner's job as anyone who's partnered me has come to realise!) but orienteers lead you through the most rough, tussocky, boggiest ground they can find to get you to an obscure checkpoint normally labelled 'reentrant - small'.
This year, the Mourne Mountain Marathon was planned by an orienteer new to the mountain marathon concept. Our suspicions were aroused when the entry instructions devoted a whole section explaining what a reentrant was and rules that a new 'feature' of the event map corrections at registration.
A crew of 3 of us flew to Belfast - Elspeth Scott and me doing the 'B' and Pete Baxter 'Elite' with Paul Mawhirt from Ireland. We were soon to regret having a leisurely start time of 10.10 as after 7hours 45 mins of trudging through bog, gorse and tussocks, not touching any of the glorious summits of the Mournes, we crossed Day 1 finish line well fed-up and had hardly ran a step. Not only that we seemed to have gone round in a big circle...oh there's Spelga Dam again. Fortunately the weather was reasonable and the jolly overnight camp cheered us up. Day 2, another reasonably bright day and at last some running terrain - albeit going over similar areas, though this time we could remember the wee paths only known to locals who had had that advantage on the first day. We finished in glorious sunshine first ladies - mainly due to our trudging perseverance (our main rivals who were orienteers gave up on Day 1). Pete and Paul did extremely well and finished 5th in Elite.
Despite the course not being 'me' this year, I would thoroughly recommend this low-key mountain marathon. Great time of year to do it and always very friendly - and normally nice views from mountains that you run OVER.
Jane Robertson
Mourne Mountain Marathon Web Site
- 22nd September 2003
Kate is second in Peris Horseshoe.
Having located the replacement to my dearly missed sporty Corsa on the web, I soon learned that, misleadingly, the car was not at the Edinburgh dealership, but at Cardiff. Too late, it had my name on it. I had a last minute panic to locate Welsh races. Peris Horseshoe. That's Wales - must be close. 4.5 hours from Cardiff- oh no! Too late, my heart was set on that too and entries closed in one hour! The mountains were invisible as it lashed down in Nant Peris on Friday night, but by Saturday, the cloud had lifted to reveal most of the tops. The 17.5 mile race with 8,500 ft climb was truly exhausting and rewarding, leaving me almost legless after Elidr Fawr, Y Garn, Glyder Fawr, Y LLiwedd, Snowdon and Moel Chnghorion. It was won in 3:49 and 1st lady was Jackie Lee 4:17, who was tremendous company for much of the way. I was 2nd in 4:21. I was looking forward to lodgings for the night in Cardiff after my further 5 hour drive, but by 11pm 4 travel-lodges had turned me away, so, exhausted, I drove back out to the hills and camped before a 6am start up Pen y Fan to watch the sun rise through the mist-filled valleys over Brecon, all in time to collect the new car a few hours later.
www.eryri.org.uk
Kate Jenkins
- 22nd September 2003
Edinburgh (Capital City Challenge)10K
While Paula Radcliffe was making a world record for the half marathon at the Great North Run 4000 people ran round a 'hilly' 10K course in the Edinburgh 10K. Maybe that's why I saw so many 'hillrunners' on the route? Mark Johnston was well to the front and Scott Fraser of Fife looked to have a good race. Images of the race are here. By midday the clouds covered the sky and it looked like the autumn had finally arrived!
Anne Nimmo
Gordon Cameron writes "Sub 40 !! The first time 39.48 on my clock, Official results are due tomorrow. It was a tough undulating course with a bit of a pull from Palace to Commie Pool. Good conditions and a few Carnethies out giving welcome support
Typical poor Edinburgh organisation with a bottle neck at start nice banana at the end, Mark was 11th in 33.13 ( 10 seconds outside a pb ) Eddie Harvey, Paula, Margaret & Ian Forrest & Ian Nimmo also ran .
- 1st September 2003
Carnethy (Scotland) Win the World Championship
Yesterday in Alaska : Angela Mudge , Tracey Brindley and Lyn Wilson finished 2nd, 3rd and 18th respectively to win the Snr Womens Team Event at the World Mountain Trophy.
1 Melissa Moon NZL 39:02:00
2 Angela Mudge SCO 39:41:00
3 Tracey Brindley SCO 39:59:00
18 Lyn Wilson SCO 43:30:00
Mark Johnston writes (from our bulletin board).
" A quick update with the latest from Alaska for all you early risers!!. I had a phonecall from Alaska at 6.10am this morning, Angela came 2nd, Tracey 3rd and Lyn 18th to earn the Scottish (Carnethy) ladies team a gold team medal. Melissa Moon of New Zealand won the race, which took place in blizzard conditions, a slight contrast to the 30C+ temperatures of the trial."
In the other Categories Sarah Blake (HBT) was 15th in the Junior Ladies.
The Junior Mens Team was 4th
4 Iain Donnan 36:44:00
23 John Newsom 39:04:00
27 Graham Bee 39:19:00
(33) Kyle Greig 40:17:00
Full Results are on the Word Mountain Trophy Web Site
- 12th September 2003
Ben Nevis Race
The Ben Nevis results are on the Scottish Hillrunners Site
Ronnie Gallagher (2nd Claim Carnethy) was 14th, Adam Ward was 42nd, Richard Bell, Andy Lennie, Bill Fowler, Malcolm MacLachlan, Mathew Sneddon and Charlie Ramsay all ran.
Next year there is a prize of £1000 for a new record in the Mens or Ladies race.
Reports and Photos are on Lochaber AC Site
- 10th September 2003
The Arthur's Seat Handicap
Bill
Gauld was the first out of 35 runners in the last handicap
of the season on a very sunny Arthur's Seat. There is still
a stewards inquiry going on into the short cuts taken by
some runners. It is alleged that some people didn't touch
the trig on the top of Arthur's Seat, and others followed
the red herring, Keith Burns (who was just out for a training
run), and totally missed Crow Hill.
Full Results
Handicap Series Results
- 6th September 2003
Marbeth Shiell wins Girls U19 at Scottish Junior Championships, Dreghorn
On a fine morning for running, Marbeth had the satisfaction of beating Sarah Blake (Penicuick) by a clear minute in 24min 18s to win the Girls U19 title and an automatic place in the team for the Junior Home Internationals over the same course on 12th October.
The only other Carnethy vest on show was worn by Colin Pritchard, who gamely took on the U19 Boys in the U19/Open race. Kyle Greig (Forres, U19) won a sprint finish by 1 sec from Alistair Anthony (Ochils, Open) whilst Jane Robertson was the first (and last) lady. The Under 17 titles went to David Phee (Giffnock North) and Lora Bann (Lothian), whilst Matthew Gillespie (Central) and Jemma Toner (Lothian) cleaned up the U15s.
Photo
report
- 6th September 2003
Devil's Beeftub Hill Race
Brian
Marshall of H.E.L.P. won and Kate Jenkins was first lady, Martha Aitken was
2nd Lady and first Junior. Only 7 runners . 
Where were you all?
It was a lovely day and everyone had a fun time. We had a short fun relay race afterwards.
Report, Photos and results
- 4th September 2003
Angela wins race outright !
Angela Mudge's build up for the World Trophy in Alaska continues to go well and she has obviously recovered from her 4th place (1st woman) in the Pikes Peak Race, as last Sunday she won the Brenkenridge 5 mile trail race, in Colorado, outright. Angela wa a minute and a half in front of the first guy (who wins the race every year and was too embarrassed to turn up at the prize-giving) !
- 1st September 2003
Kate Wins Moray Marathon Again
Kate Jenkins won the Scottish Ladies Marathon Championship again on saturday.
Here is her report
Having done no focussed training since WHW I wasn't exactly looking forward to my 7th Moray Marathon, but I had to go as I had failed to send the trophy back! I planned to camp at Spey bay, but found I had forgotten my tent so crushed into the car for no sleep with Ben. I forgot to take food too, but I didn't feel like eating anyway. However, the conditions were perfect for me, largely cool and drizzly and I felt great, if not as quick as usual for 20 miles. Then I felt rubbish so jogged along fairly sure I wouldn't be caught.
To my horror with 3 miles to go, hidden amongst the many half marathon runners I spotted a marathon lady! I had no choice but to half kill myself and up the pulse against every wish in my body for the last 3 miles, as I couldn't let the trophy go, having had it for five years so far. My stubbornness kicked in and so did the worst pain in any race to date! Managed to win in a slower than usual 3:09 with a strong Morag Taggart on my heels! Apparently it was also the Scottish Marathon Champs again too! Other recent road runs included a rather generous cash prize at Kilmarnock 10km 38.29, a sleepy hot 10km at Hawick 41.30 and a sociable drop out after 4 miles in the suffocating scorching heat of Haddington Half. Must get back to the hills!
Kate Jenkins
- 1st September 2003
SAL AGM
Three Carnethy members went to the SAL AGM in Perth on Saturday 30th August 2003. Keith Burns, our delegate, summarises the important points for hill runners:
1. Club per-capita affiliation fees for 2004/05 held at current levels.
2. Amendment by Falkirk Victoria AC to set a new family-member related club affiliation fee at £14 (rather than £7 x no of family members) - deferred, after discussion, for more detailed consideration.
3. Executive's proposals for individual SAL membership fees to increase in 2004/05, plus reduced senior unattached member's fee and new cut price "recreational unattached member" fee of £10 - all defeated. So no change to individual membership fees in 2004/05.
Executive's justification was to increase income and attract unattached joggers and competitive runners who are not in clubs. Defeated by big majorities due to strong concern about rising fees and potentially decreased incentive to join clubs.
4. Non members' race levy for 2004/05 held at £2.
5. Article 2.1.4; Members of other "associations" who are not members of affiliated clubs (e.g. Scottish Veteran Harriers, Fell Runners Association) not now eligible to participate in athletics in Scotland unless they are separately members of an affiliated club (except for rules regarding unattached athletes - i.e. introductory period of grace). What this means in practice isn't clear at the moment to your reporters.
6. No nominations received or tabled for members of Hill Running Commission. Martin Hyman will ably continue to lead a co-opted Commission. Objections to this from non hill running speakers but BoM insisted that, whilst not desirable, it is the only way forward.
7. Voting rights; Board proposed that no changes be made to voting structure at General Meetings despite concerns by Hill Running Commission and individual (non-club) members that denial of voting rights is alienating potential recruits. Board proposal was carried. So no change.
8. In general, the Board argued that since changes to the political structure of athletics within the UK are coming soon, it would be unwise to change things. However it seemed to your reporters that this did not inhibit the Board from trying to change the things that it wanted to change.
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- 26th August 2003
Lomonds of Fife : Sunday 24th August 2003
It turned out to be a glorious hot, clear day for this 9 mile run from West Lomond to East Lomond and back. Having asked at the local shop in Strathmiglo for directions to the village hall, we registered and headed up to the start in a field about a mile away. We were advised to take full body cover (I hope this was to keep the sun off, as there wasn't a rain cloud in the sky) and water. Over 100 runners turned up (99 finished) including a good turn out from Carnethy.
As the temperatures rose there was little breeze to cool us off on the ridge. The best part of the run for me was bum sliding down the very steep slope of West Lomond trying to avoid the thistles, and of course the cup of tea and food at the end (thank you to the organizers!).
Kate Friend
Photos
Summary of Results: 1. Don Naylor (HBT) 65:19
2. Phil Mowbray (HBT) 68:30
3. Tim Lenton (Lothian) 69:15
4. Graeme Bartlett (Forres) 69:36
5. Ronnie Gallagher (Westies) 69:57 1st M40
6. John Hepburn (Lochaber) 71:09
7. Adam Ward (Carnethy) 74:18
9. Stewart Whitlie (Carnethy) 76:15
14. Andrea Priestley - 78:28 1st F
15. Graeme Carracher (Carnethy) 79:30
19. John Blair-Fish (Carnethy) 80:36 1st M50
26. S Barrie (Carnethy) 83:47
34 Helen Murray (Lothian) 88:00 1st F40
41 Gillian Godfree (Lothian) 90:24
46. Charlie Love (Dundee HH) 92:39 1st M60
52. Bill Gauld (Carnethy) 1st M70
- 20th August 2003
Carlops Handicap
The
new course chosen by Alun Morton Lloyd proved to be very popular and over
20 members turned out for the race. There was a good battle at the front
of the field with Ian Jackson only just managing to stay ahead of the last
man off, Adam Ward. Brad Connor was not far behind and most of the people
that didn't get lost finished in a very tight group causing trouble for the
timers.
Thanks to Roger Kemp and Alun for doing the times and a well done to Willie Mykura for getting the hadicaps estimated so well.
Report and Results .
- 19th August 2003
Maggie Wins The Scottish Long Distance Triathlon Championship Race
The race was run over the half iron man distance. This included a 1.2 mile swim in Loch Tay, a 56 mile bike up Schiehallion Road round Loch Rannoch and back to Aberfeldy and then a half marathon to finish.
Maggie Creber was fisrt Lady and 18th overall.
Ally Powell was first Lady in the full Iron Man race.
Well done to them both.
- 17th August 2003
Angela Wins The Pikes Peak Marathon
Today in Colorado Angela Mudge was first lady in the Pikes Peak Marathon in a time of 4 hours 19 minutes 38 seconds. This is a new age group record and the 3rd fastest female time ever.
Pikes Peak Marathon Website
- 14th August 2003
Wideford Hill Race
As
Caerketton was in full swing two Carnethy members had ventured up to Orkney
for the Wideford Hill Race. I had organized a cycling holiday with Cathi
on the tandem and luckily it coincided with the race. Cathi doesn't believe
that it was coincidence!
So I posted my email to the members saying that I was off to claim 40 points and went on holiday.
Imagine my surprise when I saw Willie Mykura in Kirkwall on wednesday afternoon. He had been unable to ignore the lure of the 40 Championship points and had traveled to Orkney just for the race.
It was a wet and windy night when the 13 starters headed out of Kirkwall along the tarmac to Wideford Hill. There were more marshals than competitors and after about 2 miles we left the tarmac for a lumpy fields and eventually some heather.
Willie M and I had vied for position on the way up the hill but by the top it was sorted out and Willie Finished 7th in 38:58 and I was 8th in 40:34.
A good fun race.
Results.
1 Norman McLennan 34:40 2 Graham Harcus 35:38 3 Craig Shearer 36:06 4 Gavin Walls 38:16 5 Shaun Tait 38:20 6 Craig Love 38:22 7 Willie Mykura 38:58 8 Willie Gibson 40:34 9 Mark Dowall 41:05 10 Chris Shearer 41:57 11 Norman Bremner 47:13 12 Peter McDonald 48:14 13 Colin McDonald ?
Willie Gibson
- 14th August 2003
Caerketton
The older and younger members of Carnethy walked away with prizes at the Caerketton hill race but not all of them were for their age group. Marbeth Shiell won the senior ladies race from Kate Jenkins which must help compensate for the disappointment of missing out on the Worlds in Alaska. Here is the organiser's report:
'Good turn-out for Caerketton, the last in the Bog and Burn series event, with 53 signed up for the senior race and 10 for the junior race. A bit breezy on the top but apart from that a nice sunny evening for the runners. The senior race was won by Phil Mowbray of HBT in 13:15 with Marbeth Shiell having an excellent run to win the Ladies event in 17:19. Besides Marbeth, Carnethy had the a good showing, winning all the old gits categories: Adam Ward, 1st V40 (3rd overall), John Blair-Fish, 1st V50 and Colin Pritchard, 1st V60.
The junior race was won comfortably by Olivier Hours a visitor from Montpellier, France. 1st girl home in the junior race was Martha Aitken of Carnethy.
The evening was slightly marred by one of the runners taking a tumble in the junior race and having to be stretchered off the hill. Apparently this was his first hill race. Hopefully the experience hasn't put him off. I was informed that he has not sustained any serious injury and should hopefully be fine soon. I would like to thank all those who waited with him and helped carry him off the hill, particularly Elsie Baxter and Willie MacIntosh who missed out on running the senior race.'
Results. There are some more photos on myrace.co.uk
- 13th August 2003
John Blair-Fish racing abroad
John
Blair-Fish sends a report from Switzerland.
'I competed in the Thyon-Dixence race on August 3rd for the fifth time finishing 52nd (6th vet 50) in 1.33.54 and the Sierre-Zinal race on August 10th for the 24th time, finishing 103rd (6th vet 50) in 3.30.06. Despite very hot conditions there were some very good performances. I took the precaution of taking on ample liquid at each feeding station. Thyon-Dixence was won by the Italian World Champion, De Gasperi Mario, in 1.09.36. At Sierre-Zinal the new Zealand Champion, Jonathan Wyatt set a new record of 2.29.12 with Billy Burns from Preston second in 2.38.24. Dick Wall took part in the tourist race starting in the cooler part of the day.'Race results from Sierre-Zinal are here.
Race pictures from Sierre-Zinal are promised at this site
- 12th August 2003
Angela, Lyn and Tracey all chosen for World Championships in Alaska
The Scottish representatives for the World Championships have been announced and the ladies' team of 3 is Angela Mudge, Tracey Brindley and Lyn Wilson. Only 2 senior men, the experienced Bobby Quinn and young Andrew Lemoncello, are being sent along with just one junior girl, Sarah Blake (HBT) so there will be no Scottish teams for these events. However 4 promising juniors, Iain Donnan, Jon Newsom, Kyle Greig and Graham Bee make up the Scottish Junior Men's team. Congratulations to all of them. There is an article in the Edinburgh Evening News about Tracey. Read it here
- 10th August 2003
Hilary and Murdo win the first 'Devil o' the Highlands
Hilary Spenceley and Murdo McEwan won the ladies and senior vets races over
this part of the West Highland Way. Times were slower than expected due to
the heat and humidity but the exceptional conditions made the wins all the
more noteworthy. Here is Murdo's report:
'43 miles; c. 7,500 ft of ascent. The inaugural running of this race took us up the “northern half” of the West Highland Way, starting at Tyndrum and finishing in Fort William. 46 brave souls (soles?) set off at 06.00hrs in the soft early morning light. Padding along through a sleepy Bridge of Orchy, over Mam Carraigh to Victoria Bridge, then Rannoch Moor to Kingshouse (20 miles) feeling pretty fresh - and all this before the rest of the world had awoken from their slumbers - was a real pleasure. By now the temperature was in the upper 20s centigrade, and the sun continued to blaze down on us for the rest of the day. Apart from one or two early birds, the hiking fraternity only came out in force after Kinlochleven – and we’d already done a day-and-a-half WHW walk distance! Most of us flagged a bit in the heat along Lairig Mor, and were relieved to hit the final 3 mile descent to the finish.
Many comparisons were obviously made with the 95 mile full length WHW race; but whilst this had its similarities, it was much more akin to the Speyside Way 50km race insofar as pace and distance are concerned. At the end of the day, the organisers were keen for suggestions as to how the event could be improved – so for next year there is likely to be a bit of tweaking and fine tuning. If you fancy an ultra distance race, but are reluctant to commit yourself to a mega distance, you should seriously consider giving this one a go. Next year’s race is on 7 August 2004 – it would be good to have bigger Carnethy representation; only 2 of us this year.'
There’s a lively and informative website www.devilothehighlandsfootrace.co.uk
Results:
1 Nigel Hall 6:30
2 Steve Mason 6:38
3 Mike Diver 6:42
7 Murdo McEwan - Carnethy 7:05 1st S/Vet
8 Eryk Grant 7:24 1st Vet
11 Hilary Spenceley - Carnethy 8:00 1st Lady
Murdo McEwan
- 9th August 2003
WMR Championship Trials and Tribulations
The heat and humidity decimated the field in the Junior and Mens' races at Alva on Saturday. Ochils Mountain Rescue landrover had to be called out and the girl's leader failed to finish despite being well ahead with just metres to go. Many others gave up. The ladies' race had 4 Carnethies in the first 5 places, Tracey Brindley a clear winner with Lyn Wilson 2nd, Helene Diamintides 3rd and Jill Tait 5th. Marbeth Shiell won the junior ladies. Bobby Quinn was 1st Senior man with Andrew Lemoncello 2nd, Dave Rodgers 3rd and Graeme Bartlett 4th. There were no Carnethy finishers in the men's race. Some results are now on the SHR website. The teams for Alaska will be announced later this week, but unfortunately the high cost means that there are only 10 places up for grabs. Photos
Anne Nimmo
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6th August 2003
North Berwick Law
There were about 180 runners for this relaxed, seaside race. Unfortunately the haar came in and you couldn't see more than 20 metres in front at times. Carnethy's Kate Jenkins and Claire Williams were first and second ladies while HBT took 1, 2 and 4 in the men's event. There are always a lot of juniors and first-time hill runners at this race and the cheering crowds in the streets round the harbour give them a huge boost. The problem is not to start that sprint to the finish too soon! Results.
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5th August 2003
Borrowdale 17 miles, 6500 ft (2nd August)
I was told that this was a hard race, spectacular views, and a bit undulating! The terrain underfoot was slightly different to what I was used to with slate, boulders, bog and scree to consider. The weather on Saturday was perfect with clear skies, so at least the chances of getting lost were reduced. The first climb took us up to Bessy Boot summit to great views of the hills around. Approaching Scafell Pike I could see runners coming off the top on what looked like an exciting descent on scree. The rest of the run took us over Great Gable, and finally over Dalehead. The final climb up Dalehead should be the hardest, but I actually enjoyed the climb and disliked the descent! We finished the race with a swim in the river and left some energy for the band in the evening. A great race to complete, which was won by Simon Booth. Nicky Davies was first lady. Meeting a few friends from the Cape Wrath Challenge it was an excellent weekend and race to remember. Paula Drouet and Bill Gauld also completed the race, Bill being first over 70.
Joanne Anderson
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5th August 2003
Carnethy Wins in Classic Race
Last Sunday saw the classic 2 Buchailles race in Glencoe, a race over Buchaille Etive Mor from Glencoe then back over Buchaille Etive Beag. The race was truly tough, the route taking in quite a few munros on the way. I had decided that in order to toughen myself up for the KIMM, I had to do some races a bit more challenging that the 7 Hills of Edinburgh. Arriving to a Glencoe deep in mist and drizzling heavily (is that possible) I was tempted to turn around, going to take refuge in a nice country cafe. Unfortunately I needed somewhere to turn around, and chose the race car park. By then I was spotted by race organiser Dick Wall, so couldn't, pulling out then would have meant eternal piss taking. Ho hum. Set off up the first hill with gusto, Dick having declared that the last one back was a hairy kipper. He then sought to distract me by regaling the rumours of my other half's stag do at the Newtonmore highland games the night before. That is my excuse for ending up near the back of the pack anyway. The first hill was tough, but not as bad as it was on paper, the descent was gradual, with an interesting route choice at the other end. The long drag back was tough, and I finally saw the finish at a time of 1hr 55mins and 55 secs - 14 secs outside a course record, and first female! Superb.
Geraint Florida-James finished first man, in 1hr 26min, after a good sprint finish including 6 runners, 10 mins inside the men's record - excellent. Dick plodded back last, looking pretty hairy, and smelling vaguely of fish.
Ah - did I forget to mention the reason why we possibly all ran so well? Well the mist was so thick, and Dick decided that as a bunch that didn't look like they could navigate their way out of a paper bag, it was a little foolhardy to send us up the airy ridges of the 2 Buchailles. Where to change the course to? Several options were discussed, before we settled on Kinlochleven and back on the West Highland way. What could have been a quite dull race was made interesting by the route choice at the other end. Stick to the zig zagging West Highland Way route into Kinlochleven, or take the offroad route down some hydro electric water pipes. I took the pipes both down and back, but I think the path was quicker going down. Oh and did I not mention about being first woman - for first woman read only woman! A fun race none the less, and a good day out.
Claire Williams
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4th August 2003
Beinn Lee, North Uist 1st August
The rain ceased and the sun appeared for the dingy crossing from Lochmaddy to the foot of the hill and the start of the race. As a cold wet wind blew we were started early and I battled hard up the steep heathery climb, motivated by the new experience. The race began in 1995 and impressively Debbie McDonald has won every year, so I felt bad "stealing" her race, but felt on a flyer as I gazed across the huge expanses of lochs which make up much on N. Uist. 3 miles of Glamaig style bog followed which I loved, before a 2 mile road dash back to the pier.
The prize giving was most efficient with 12.5 times my (£4)entry fee being handed to me as I crossed the line!
A cold swim followed which went down rather infamously as I slipped on the seaweed rocks, my towel leaving my grasp to reveal all, followed by a loud shriek as I flew into the cold sea. There is a new large prize for setting a new record next year, but it was a pity for me that it didn't start this year....! Results awaited. Davy Rodgers won the men's. Was tempted by Sunday's Loch Boisdale race where you have to swim across the sea to get to the hill, unless you want a really slow time running a few miles round the wide inlet!
Kate Jenkins
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4th August 2003
News from Europe
Livigno mountain half, 3rd August 21K and 600m climb up an down, 700 runners lots of Kenyans, Tanzanians, and of course Italians.
John Coyle 50th man (1.25) and Sery Coyle 60th woman (2.16)
Davos mountain Marathon, 26th July, 42K and 2000m, 1000 runners, Ethiopian winner this time with lots of Maroccans, and of course Swiss. There is the famous 78k, which was won by a Russian but having done this 10 years ago John opted for the 42K marathon:
John Coyle 13th in 3.50
- 30th July 2003
Self Transcendence 3 x 1 Mile Relay, Meadows
This relay seems to get more popular every year with 46 teams of three turning out on Wednesday night. Corstorphine led the way with a youthful team eventually beating the ‘Where’s the Hills’ team by 4 seconds. Carnethy was well represented with six runners, all running for other club teams, though the sixth placed City of Edinburgh team was at least two thirds Carnethy!!. Ray Ward (HBT), obviously having been in training for his forthcoming stag weekend, ran the fastest mile in 4.23, running in home-made trainers. All the materials making up the bright blue lightweight racers came from ikea and must’ve cost only a few quid to make. The secret of their construction can apparently be found in that elusive publication ‘The Trotsman’, though your correspondent has it on good authority that the details could be extracted from Duncan Baker at the reasonable cost of ten pints. OK for one mile, perhaps not to be worn at the skyline.
A fun event, thanks to Adrian & co for organization etc.
Other Carnethy’s – Scott Balfour (5.13) fastest v50, Andy Laycock 5.19, Duncan Baker 5.47, Claire Willaims 5.54Men
Time
Leg 1
Leg 2
Leg 3
Corstorphine
13.41
S Pilkington (4.37)
Steven O’Brien (4.35)
Ewan Stark (4.29)
Where’s the Hills
13.45
Al Anthony (4.37)
Ian Wellock (4.43)
Matt Bell (4.25)
HBT 1
13.51
Billy Minto (4.50)
Phil Mowbray (4.38)
Ray Ward (4.23)
Dunfermline comp
14.23
Pete Belcher (4.46)
Dougie Smith (4.59)
Jon Newsom (4.38)
HBT 2
14.25
Al Hart (4.37)
Dave Wright (4.47)
Steve Cairns (5.01)
City of Edinburgh
14.26
Adam Ward (4.48)
Robert Riddell (4.50)
Mark Johnston (4.48)
Women
Pitrevie
16.12
Sharon Lamont (5.23)
M Thomson (5.19)
Trudi Thomson (5.30)
Edinburgh comp
16.34
Debbie Murray (5.30)
Carol A Gray (5.51)
Janet Laing (5.13)
HBT
16.43
Jessica Legaz (5.18)
Issie Knox (5.58)
Megan Clark (5.27)
- 28th July 2003
Snowdon International
As far as I can see I was the only Carnethy representative at Snowdon this year. Tim Davies won the race for the second year in a row in 1:05:57. I was 31st in 1:17:20. Mark Rigby lead the Scottish international teams home in 11th position. The race was well supported as usual with my Carnethy vest getting me a lot of shouts. Good to be back racing again.
Geraint Florida-James
p.s. Helen Murray (2nd Claim Carnethy) was 8th in the Ladies Race.
Full results at: www.snowdonrace.com
-
28th July 2003
Ben Rinnes 5 Tops Hill Race
Stewart Whitlie won the race in 2hrs 3mins. Ronnie Gallagher was second in 2hrs 6mins (?).
Angela Wood was second lady.
Bill Gauld also ran as did Mark Higginbottom & Andy Lockett (?).
There were a couple more Carnethy vests and Kate Friend and Joanne Anderson supported them on Ben Rinnes. There were 38 runners.
An excellent race and games as usual and not too hot.
Men:
1. S. Whitlie 2:03:04
2. R Gallagher 2:06:52
Carnethy got the team prize with 16pts
Women:
1. K Bryan Jones Dark Peak 2:38:30
2 Angela Wood 2:50:23
More Results to follow
Photos are on the Forres Harriers Website
-
24th July 2003
Maddy Moss Mash (6 miles, 2500ft)
Over
80 runners turned out for Wednesday nights Maddy Moss race. As midweek races
go, it's a pretty tough undertaking, though the route over The Law, Ben Cleuch
and Andrew Gannel includes some superb running (and walking!!) on mainly
good paths. The conditions weren't that fast with mist on the tops, boggy
patches on the plateau, and rain later on in race. Local Alistair Anthony
of Ochils pulled away from Tim Lenton on the descent to ensure victory in
about 51 minutes. Adam Ward led the Carnethy contingent home, finishing 1st
vet in 3rd overall. The next Carnethys, Mark Johnston and Ricky Simpson,
had their own suicidal battle through the gorse down the final steep hill
to the finish (see picture) coming in 6th and 7th overall and sealing the
team prize. First woman home was Louise Burt of Fife. Results should appear
soon on the Ochils/SHR website and updated Bog and Burn series results will
also follow.
-
21st July 2003
David Shepherd Memorial Glamaig Hill Race
Brian Marshall of H.E.L.P. won this years race. There were 88 starters and 6 Carnethy runners.
Report, Photos and Full Results
-
21st July 2003
Aonach Mor Uphill Race
Helene Diamantides won the Aonach Mor Uphill Race on Friday.
-
21st July 2003
Ingleborough Fell Race, Inter Counties Championship (7 miles, 2000ft)
Rob Jebb (Yorkshire) and Tracey Brindley (Carnethy) were clear winners at Ingleborough on Saturday, though Tracey missed out on the Inter Counties title due to a misunderstanding at registration!!. The course is very fast and hard going underfoot, with awkward steps to be negotiated near the summit, though the first few leaders managed to avoid them on the way down finding a grassy short-cut, but by the time Tracey got there a marshall was directing everyone back down the horrible track.
Results - Men -
1. Rob Jebb (Yorkshire); 47:03
2. Andy Peace (Yorkshire); 47:21
3. Mark Roberts (Cumbria); 47:38
Team - Yorkshire
Women -
1. Tracey Brindley (Carnethy); 53:23
2. Louise Sharp (Cumbria); 56:13
3. Tricia Sloan (??); 58:35
Team - Cumbria
Scottish Also-Rans - Mark Johnston (Carnethy); Stuart Simpson (Ochils); Chris Upson (Westies)
Results and Photos
- 17th July 2003
Lammermuir Handicap: Alan wins the Series
On a hot night the was a good turnout at the fourth handicap of the season. Alan MacDonald won his third Handicap this year making sure that he won the series.
Report
- 10th July 2003
100km. Anglo-Celtic Plates race; 6 July
This race may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but as “Great Britain’s longest certified road race in 2003” (based at Heriot Watt University; last year it was in Cardiff), it was a good opportunity to participate in such an event taking place ‘on the doorstep’. A range of Championship honours were at stake; and the runners had come from all over GB – either representing their respective countries, or participating as individuals. With 38 runners going round the c. 4.1km circuit, it was possible to gauge each person’s progress – fairly dramatic ebbs and flows! – against one’s own progress as the event unfolded. The very strong English team went home with almost all the trophies. Finishing times varied from the winner (Dennis Walmsley) in 7:05 – almost exactly 3:00 marathon pace – to 22nd Murdo McEwan, 3rd Scottish vet., in 9:49; and last to complete William Chalmers, in 11:59. (Just, literally, within the 12 hour time limit!) Excellently organised through Sri Chinmoy AC; and great support / camaraderie amongst all involved.
Photos and Results can be seen on www.myrace.co.uk
Murdo McEwan
- 9th July 2003
Caerketton Downhill
Seventeen runners 'staggered' away from the summit at 15 second intervals. The running was good to firm which left a lot of hot and sore feet at the bottom. The timekeepers had to be on the ball as only 3 seconds separated the 3 fastest. Adam Ward broke the record and Elspeth Baxter was first lady. The junior race was won by Jake Gray with Melissa Johnson runner-up (or should that be runner-down?).
Photos and Results
- 9th July 2003
Spacecraft Crashlands on Pentlands
Competitors and spectators in the Caerketton Downhill Race received an unexpected surprise from the sky last night. A glowing spacecraft whistled low across the course, narrowly missing several runners, and crash-landed in the woods at the bottom of the hill. By the time the Emergency Services found the spaceship, the escape hatch was open but there was no sign of the crew.
It is believed to be a Russian spaceship which took off from the Balai Riski cosmodrome in eastern Siberia two days ago. After the craft had been in orbit for 36 hours, garbled messages were received from the crew indicating that there was an attempted hijack by a gang of Martian scrap merchants. During the struggle to retain control of the craft, the Russian crew managed to initiate a landing sequence to bring the craft down somewhere in Western Europe.
Late-night revellers told reporters outside The Steading Inn, "We were having a big celebration after the downhill race. When we came out we saw these little green guys climb over the fence, run across the road and disappear into the bushes on the other side. One of them was limping." Police are still searching for the missing Russian crew.
- 7th July 2003
Carnethy successes at the Corrieyairack Challenge
There are obviously some fairly accomplished cyclists (as well as runners) in Carnethy as this 17mile run and 26 mile cycle proved. Stewart Whitlie broke the vet O40 record and Lyn Wilson broke the ladies' record. Garry MacInnes was 2nd in the senior category and Carnethy won the men's team and we could probably say the ladies' team although Joanne Thin, Paula Drouet and Angela Wood entered as the Lager Louts! Full results are here. - 6th July 2003
GB Ladies team are 3rd in Europeans. Angela Mudge is beaten into 2nd place.
Angela Mudge (44.01) just lost out to Catherine Lallemand (Belgium, 43.48) in the ladies' race. Tracey Brindley (47.15) was 2nd Brit in 13th place, Louise Sharpe (48.57) was 24th overall and Helene Diamantides (50.07) was 34th. The team ended up a commendable 3rd on a countback. Results.
- 5th July 2003
Dollar wins for Phil Davies and Carnethy's Jill Tait
Keith Burns and Andy Spenceley were active spectators at Dollar, coming back with a chipful of photos and the news that Jill Tait had beaten Dawn Scott in the ladies' race to take the Scottish Hill Runners title. Phil Davies was first home, followed by Graeme Bartlett and Jethro Lennox. Ronnie Gallagher kept his shirt on to pip Adam Ward in the SHR over 40s category. Results are on the SHR site.
Photos
John Blair-Fish did the double - Dollar on Saturday and Skiddaw (British Championship) on Sunday.
"I was alone in doing both Dollar and Skiddaw. I had a battle all the way round Dollar with Martin Hulme and Alex McGuire, only getting away from them descending the last hill to win the over 50 and finished 15th. I was stung on the descent - along with others - but having suffered allergic reactions to stings in championships I was worried. Using the version of the course of the previous year I had been violently attacked by a buzzard while doing a recee the previous Sunday. This incident was crucial in the organiser's decision to reroute the course.There were about 350 at Skiddaw. Only Mark Rigby and Dermott McGonigle were in evidence from Scotland I could only manage a slow start and was boxed in. Nevertheless I tried hard on the ascent and made up a lot of places, battling with 58 year old James Patterson and Maureen Lainey who had finished 1st Lady and just behind me in the second Davos Alpine Marathon in 1987. Tony Hulme who was 2 minutes ahead of me reckoned there were at least 5 over 50s in front of him - so I might have made the first 10. Time 82 minutes - only other performance was 80th odd in 78 minutes in 1978. It was nice to see and be cheered by old friends." Skiddaw results are on Keswick's website
- 5th July 2003
Good Luck to Angela, Tracey and Helene
It is pretty noteworthy that a Scottish club is supplying 3 of the 4 members of the GB ladies team in the European Hill Running Trophy tomorrow. Angela Mudge, Tracey Brindley and Helene Diamantides are all Carnethy members. We wish them and the rest of the British team all the best.
- 2nd July 2003
Falkland Hill Race
Saturday 28th June saw the annual Falkland Hill race, starting from sunny Falkland, to the top of East Lomond and back down. I was dragged along rather unwillingly by a HBT contingent, who hoped to be able to use me as a 'designated driver' to get them home. On arrival at the village, the sun was beating down, and the top looked but a stones-throw away so I started to feel a little more keen for the 3 mile near vertical jaunt. Starting in the village, we had 1/4 of a mile of road before heading up steep steps through the forest. Before I knew it we had left the forest, and were heading across the moor, to the final short steep haul to the top. The downhill was straight back the way we came, and I should have studied the path a little closer on the way up as I tripped on a rock and went flying, diving headfirst into the heather after stopping to graze my knees on the path first. By the time I had dried my tears (there was blood!)and managed to bravely hobble down the rest of the hill, I was 3rd lady in approximately 28 minutes. Marbeth Shiell finished first in 25mins, and Jess Legas-Cruz of HBT in second. Duggie Shiell also took part, as did other friendly Carnethy members, who showed great sympathy to my injuries (blood? what blood?). HBT scored a 1st - 3rd in the men's race (Phil Mowbray, Don Naylor and Ray Ward), but I beat Ray to the superb local pub, meaning he had to drive home after all.
Claire Williams
- 2nd July 2003
Black Hill Race– Earlston (Tues. 1st July)
Leaving Edinburgh in monsoon conditions, the clouds rolled away after Soutra for a pleasant evening's entertainment in Earlston for the Black Hill Race (White Hill for juniors) – part of Earlston's annual civic week celebrations.
Having always had Carnethy company in races as far apart as New Zealand, Borneo, the Alps, and all over the UK, it was a surprise to found no other Carnethy runners in a race less than 30 miles from Edinburgh!
It’s a wee cracker too – fast running and a steep hill, with Brian's long legs getting the better of my wee short ones towards the finish - hot dogs and burgers afterwards and over half the field of 36 went off with a prize – (as most of the field took a short cut behind the leading half dozen!)
It used to be free, but is still great value at only £2 – so I had a net profit of £18!!!! – though will have to travel to Kelso to spend it!!
Where were you all?
Results
1. Brian Marshall - HELP - 29.39
2. Adam Ward - Carnethy HRC - 29.59 (1st crumbly)
3. Jonathon Taylor - Clayton - 31.39
4. Euan Jardine - Moorfoots - 31.41
.......
John Marsh - Teviotdale - 33.51 (1st super crumbly)
Women:-
1. Sally Calder - Lauderdale Limpers - 33.47
2. Suzanne Carson - Gala - 35.14
3. Janice Smith - HBT - 41.06 (1st lady vet)
Adam Ward
- 2nd July 2003
Lairig Ghru Race (29th June)
In the name of tradition I opted for a shorter trail race than last weekend and as the blistering sunshine was to be around Aviemore, what better then a jaunt through from Braemar via the Lairig Ghru? It was a scorcher from the start and I toiled with somewhat tired legs, though the Cairngorms were looking fantastic in the sunshine. I moved through the pack to catch the first lady, but soon smashed onto tree roots, leaving a bloody and grit- impregnated knee, so eased up for second place in a slower than usual time of 4:17. It was won by Davy Rodgers in 3:36. A splendid summer's day of perfect running otherwise. Joanne Anderson and Andrew Lockett were also spotted running well. "We" won first ladies team, but the "we" was Gala Harriers, I'm afraid! No Carnethy teams!
Kate Jenkins
- 1st July 2003
A Ramsay Round and a quarter
Well it seemed a good idea at the time, as Jamie Thin and I set off to attempt the Ramsay Round on Saturday morning. With Mick James joining us for the Mamores we climbed the Mullach on a rather ambitious schedule. 2 hours behind at the end of the Mamores, Jamie and I set off for Ben Na Lap. 3 hours behind when we met a midge bitten Moira Stewart at Fersit and Jamie called it a day. I carried on in the darkness until a lovely dawn on Sto Ban and a beautiful run along the Grey Corries. But then all my energy left me and eventually I hobbled up and over the 4000ers at the end and down to the youth hostel only 6 hour late. 29 hours 55 minutes.
A full report an photos will follow after my 2 week holiday, and I need it!
Willie Gibson
- 20th August 2003
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