- 26th September 2005
Rod Rows the Irish Sea
Read of Rod's non-hillrunning exploits here
- 26th September 2005
Scafell Pike Race : Saturday 24th
Two Carnethy runners were included in the starting line-up for the Scafell Pike race on Saturday, Es Tresidder and Simon Peachey. A small field was present - less than sixty runners in total, but conditions were perfect - warm, sunny cloud free tops, and little wind. The race started steadily and by halfway up the climb to Lingmell, a lead group of 3 had formed. These three then proceeded to take a minor detour off the prescribed route and were nearly re-caught by chasers, including the ever vocal Mark Denham Smith. This proved to be good motivation for Es who stepped to the front and led the charge for a while.
On the final rocky climb to the summit "bread tag drop bag", the three had again established a lead. A good tussle followed, but by the top, Ricky Lightfoot of Ellenborough AC had edged into the lead from Simon and Es in 3rd. Despite their best efforts, neither Carnethyite could force a change on the descent. So at the finish Lightfoot was 1 minute ahead of Peachey, who was 1 minute ahead of Tresidder. Lightfoot and Peachey just edged under the 60 minute target.
Results will be posted on the Cumberland Fellrunners website.
- 26th September 2005
Carnethy double at Two Breweries
Stewart Whitlie and Lucy Colquhoun won the men's and women's races at the Two Breweries Hill Race at the weekend.
John Blair-Fish Reports
"Conditions were ideal for the Breweries Race though chilly for the brief exposed patches on the tops. The field was considerably smaller in numbers and quality than last year when it was a British championship. HBT were out in force taking 3rd,4th, and 5th in the men's race and 3rd,4th,6th and 7th in the women's. Our own Stewart Whitlie and Lucy Colquhoun were both convincing winners and Stewart was backed up by Adrian Davis and Paul Ritchie for second team prize. I passed A Wilson in the Manor Valley to take first vet 50 which was the same place where Dave Spedding passed me last year to win the category. Even so I was not quite running in the same mode this year. Nigel Rose was nearly awarded the vet 60 prize before the organiser was reminded of Charlie Love's presence which was a pity as Nigel was disappointed with his run."
There are some photos on the SHR website.
-
25th September 2005
Scottish Women get silver in World Mountain Running Trophy
Tracey Brindley led the Scottish Women's team to silver in the World Mountain Running Trophy in New Zealand on Sunday. She finished 2nd behind Kate McIlroy of New Zealand. Sula Young was 16th, Angela Mudge (Carnethy) 20th and Jill Mykura (Carnethy) 44th. This is a really fantastic achievement. The pressure was on them after winning gold 2 years ago but everyone involved knew how hard it was going to be to get in the medals again, so well done!
Photos by M. Jacques ( from WMRT site)
Results
- 23rd September
2005
Jill reports in from Wellington, New Zealand, last Tuesday
“Have spent today gently running the course with Sonia Armitage and then taking a walk round the Botanical gardens with Tracey. It is an amazing city!! The course is slightly contrived as I had thought it would be and my initial impressions were that is was horrific! The trial race at Glentress was certainly very representative of the race route The rest of the guys went on a road trip this afternoon, but Tracey and I couldn't face any more travelling! Tomorrow though there's a plan to go to do a recovery run over some trails out of town, so at least I can say I'll be seeing somewhere other than Wellington. Still the South Island looks amazing, we got some fab views of the mountains on our flight in. There's been some unusual snow in Cristchurch. Here it's pretty chilly. When we arrived yesterday it felt quite pleasant- about 13 degrees, by the afternoon the temperature had dropped dramatically and it was 3 degrees. Today the sun is shining, but there's a real nip in the air. Tracey and Angela are hoping it snows here!! Reminiscent of Alaska!! Keep bumping into athletes all over the place looking very fit. I feel like a rugby player!!
The journey out was fine, but just so long. There was only one decent film the whole flight. Still good company from the team to keep the boredom at bay.
Feeling pretty tired to be honest. We're 11 hours ahead of you guys, so a bit to get used to. Still slept very well last night and trying hard not to give into afternoon naps that might interrupt the sleep pattern at night. My cold has come back after time incubating on the plane, but have got some cough mixture and hopefully the worst will be gone by Sunday. The ladies race is the last one of the day at 3pm, so my body's going to think, "why're you making me run at 4 in the morning?" I guess a bit like doing the boat race!!
Tomorrow I’m going to a local primary school to meet the kids and see if they’re any better behaved then in Eyemouth!”
Jill Mykura
- 22nd September 2005
Caerketton Downhill
Adam Ward and Eilidh Wardlaw won the senior doonhillers last night, finishing just before the sun set. Eilidh set a new ladies' record but the organiser (and record holder) was pleased to announce that the strong wind at the top didn't seem to help Adam who was 'well outside' the record. There seemed to be a second competition to sport the most noteworthy number in the 'bring your own number' request. Lucky '13' and '1' from the 700th Carnethy 5 were outdone by a 5 digit number from some race (can't remember which) and Willie Gibson's 8 digit date of birth. A record turnout too. Results
- 22nd September 2005
Great North Run
Frances Wilkinson completed her first half marathon/Great North Run on Sunday in 2:18, finishing 18580 out of around 38000. 15 minutes after the official start there were no signs of movement near us and uncertainty as to whether the race had actually started. Frances reached the start-line 25 minutes after the gun before proceeding with the bananas across the Tyne. I left Frances at the start and headed to meet her at the finish running a Lesser North Run via a cycletrack along the Tyne. This provided more varied scenery than the GNR including riverside parks and the odd diversion round areas contaminated with toxic waste.. We reached South Shields almost together as the Red Arrows put on a display for us.
Michael Wilkinson
- 22nd September 2005
Dermie Joins Carnethy!?
We have received an uncornfirmed report from our hill Running spies that Dermie has joined Carnethy.
Click here for more info
- 22nd September 2005
Carnethy Elite Late Season Training Camp
Some of Carnethy's elite runners took to the Gorms last weekend for some serious late season training just before the winter's track sessions began. Forecast was bad, coffee shop was in a "froth" and the right flavour of wrap was placed in the wrong shelf in Tescos - the omens were good ! Keen to prove that lycra clad old farts could still put National park day trippers to shame, the pace was brisk up to t-Sneachda which seemed small without snow and its usual throngs of loud hardware addicts. On over MacDui, sans l'homme gris and on to an interesting route choice "between the paths" to Loch Etchachan and over Mheadhoin before dropping down to stake our claim in the salubrious Fords of Avon Refuge. Some further hard training continued late into the night. Next day saw excellent weather through less than excellent vision but Creag Mhor, Bynack More and (most of) Cairn Gorm were enjoyed with some interesting routes through boulder fields and past an unfamiliar refuge to shake off any remnants of last evenings reps. With the elite squad this serious at this stage in the season, next year could be even more successful for the club.
Anon
- 19th September 2005
Merrick Hill Race
Bruce’s Stone Glentrool, where Robert the Bruce had a warm-up bout before Bannockburn. Saturday was the first time I’d tried the Merrick race. Merrick is organised by Nat Taylor of Girvan AC, many of you will know Nat as he competes in a heck of a lot of hill races himself. The route is basically two ridge runs with two good descents. However, the start takes a very steep route up Fell of Eschonan for about 700ft before the running evens to a more gentle gradient. The ground is quite boggy and tussocky, but there was a little trod to follow. The route then heads to Bennan and subsequently contours round towards Benyellary. Once you are on the Benyellary track it is all good running over this hill and onto Merrick itself. After reaching the summit of Merrick it is retrace your steps back for about 400m and a marshal directs you down the Rig of the Gloon. Now at this point I have to say that if it was not for Nat having gone out the night before and flagging much of the course, and this descent in particular, it would have been real headless chicken land. The visibility was about 30-50m it was windy and at times pretty cold, it started raining too, but luckily I was finished just before the rain started.
Meanwhile back at the descent…Having started the race feeling my legs were like lead (nothing to do with the World Vets the previous Saturday or Arthur’s Seat handicap on Wednesday – I’m just getting old!) and being even slower than usual to get going, I’d managed to catch Mark Whitelaw and Roger Irving just about the turn. They seemed content to let me lead, this was pretty slow as it would have been easy to go wrong, as concentrating on looking for the flags in quite steep complex terrain means there’s less time to look at footing. At the bottom Adam Anderson joined me and went ahead with Mark, so I just followed the locals up onto the Buchan Ridge where Mark showed his road speed by having a good go at burning off the pack. Fortunately, the old brain had now switched to race mode and this kind of running suits me, so it was a good race with 3 people all running hard along the undulating ridge. Mark made the pace for about 1.5km then I took it on for probably about 1/2Km of the ridge. After passing the last marshal it is a cracker of a descent for probably about 1000ft and just about 1km linear. But! Yup! There’s always a but. After louping onto the road/track and doing a 90degree handbrake turn at full-throttle you have to run about 400m (linear) up a steep hill. Definitely the hardest finish of any hill race in Scotland, it made the 3miles of road at Jura seem a doddle.
Post race tea and cakes in the Glentrool forestry shop with good craic amongst the runners. This must be a fantastic course to run when there is any visibility. The organisation was great, thanks Nat, and the marshalling and comms were provided by the local CB club, thanks to them also for being out on the hills in poor conditions.
Ronnie Gallagher
There will be split times when the results are available.
1st. Ronnie Gallagher, 2.Mark Whitelaw (Annan&District), 3.Adam Anderson (All very close together)
1st. F. Helen Palmer (Westies) [Helen is better known as an orienteer and has been picked for this year’s World Championship team]
1st. Vet Colin Valentine. Keswick
- 19th September 2005
A Weekend a Wye
It's not the easiest part of the country to get to for a weekend so perhaps it wasn't surprising that Carnethy was well outnumbered by Wye Valley Runners on the 'Wye Valley Run' - 2 days of running along the Wye Valley Walk. Nigel (Carnethy), Nicki (Carnethy & Wye Valley Runners) and Phil (Wye Valley Runners) ran a fantastic 50 miles over the weekend whilst the rest of us dropped in and out (and got lost) at various stages. Sue (WVR) ran just short of the 50 having been called in to be minibus navigator at one section. Excellent backup was provided by the minibus which carried food and water and met the runners every 6 miles or so where the trail crossed a road. We passed apple orchards and fields of maize on the land and kayakers and coarse fishers on the water. There were even hills to be seen in the distance - Pen Y Fan (site of Jill's British triumph earlier this year!). Thanks to the Wye Valley Runners for hosting a great weekend of running in beautiful countryside and weather and we look forward to seeing some of them in Scotland next year.
- 14th
September 2005
New vest designs
One of the current main contenders for new club colours was unleashed at the handicap last night. Two designs (modelled below) will be displayed at the club's AGM next month and a vote taken on whether to adopt one. If you have a strong opinion - be there. (If you can't be there let the club secretary know your view.)
- 14th
September 2005
Shock win at Arthur's Seat Handicap
The club interviewer, the woman normally behind the news, made the news herself on Wednesday as Joanne Anderson had a storming run to record a decisive victory in the last handicap race of 2005 on Arthur's Seat. In second place and desperately struggling to relive his glory days of a couple of years ago when he was able to win these things was Alan Hogg (or perhaps he just isn't bribing the handicapper enough now) with 3rd going to Colin Pritchard, no doubt still recovering from being the club's most photographed runner in the World Masters on Saturday. The large field of around 40 who took part included the new World Over 35 champion, Angela Mudge , who was using the race as her last competitive outing before heading for New Zealand and the World Trophy (and was also practising for her new role as a traffic beacon - see photo). Fastest time went to another oldie, Ronnie Gallagher from Adam Ward with Angela 3rd.. see report for more of the story
Full Report and Results
Handicap Series Final Positions
- 10th September 2005
Masters Medals for Mudge and Menarry
It was a lovely sunny day in Keswick for the 2005 World Masters. Carnethy had success at either end of the age range with Alex Menarry getting a silver medal in the M70 category and Angela Mudge winning Gold in the W35 category.
Alex started well and was soon sitting in third place on the climb. Bruno Baggia from Italy was a long way in front, with Ambros Unterkircher of Austria in second, at the turn Alex was 30 seconds behind. He was happy settling for third place on the descent till his Carnethy support shouted at him to "show these guys how to descend", so Alex put all his High Altitude French training to good use and fought through to a silver by 14 seconds. Bruno won by 4 minutes.
Angela led the field from start to finish and won by over 3 minutes - not a surprise but a great result in the lead up to the World Trophy in New Zealand.
Photos and full results here
Results of Carnethy finishers :
Long Courses :
M40 11 Stewart Whitlie 55:53; 25 Adrian Davis 57:43; 47 Adam Ward 60:53; 113 Derek Bearhop 67:45 (190 finishers)
M45 5 Ronnie Gallagher 56:29; 30 Andy Spenceley 62:24; 62 Willie Mykura 66:35; 98 Gordon Cameron 69:50; 165 Nick MacDonald 82:24 (187 finishers)
M50 22 John Blair-Fish 63:43; 37 Murdo McEwan 66:31 (146 finishers)
W35 1 Angela Mudge 59:27 (28 finishers)
W40 10 Helen Murray 69:19; 22 Jane Robertson 74:56; 34 Kate Friend 81:19 (44 finishers)
W45 16 Hilary Spenceley 76:40 (33 finishers)
Short Courses :
M60 13 Keith Burns 52:30; 30 Colin Pritchard 56:59 (75 finishers)
M70 2 Alex Menarry 56:53 (32 finishers)
- 5th September 2005
Moray Marathon
On Sunday I decided to increase my running distance in line with my increasing age and run my first marathon. As a first time marathon runner I had a good run for 2:32 - however after that time I still had 8 miles to go, which took me another 90 minutes, to finish in 4:06. It was also good to see my old club, Basingstoke & Mid-Hants turn out in force to give an increased presence of "Carnethy yellow" vests (with red and black side panels).
Michael Wilkinson
I spent a somewhat restless night camping by the wild stony beach at Spey Bay due to the ultra sensitive intruder alarm (Terrier/ Spaniel). Those Speyside-Wayers who are familiar with area may be sad to know there are to be 22 houses built over this wild spot shortly. So, un-rested I lined up under skies which promised to break into a 26 degree muggy day. I binned the watch and the heart rate monitor in favour of the “Free-Spirit” approach. With no specific training in the bag I opted for the “plod 13 miles” then speed up. My usual highly scientific approach! For the first time ever I took on a water bottle every 3 miles and besides having to do a “Radcliffe squat” it worked wonders. Having blethered with Mr Slower for 13 miles, I then left him behind and latched onto Mr Faster for the rest of the way for more continual blethering until I was latterly reduced to grunting. The half marathoners link into the full marathon about half way so there are suddenly lots of people to pass and inspire the wearying body.
Another memorable and excellently organised day. I was pleased to take home the trophy for the 7th time for my 3:08 run and 10th position. The men’s race was won in 2:32 by a first time marathoner!
Results
Kate Jenkins
- 3rd September 2005
Evidence of decay at the Beeftub?
John Blair Fish conceived this superb little race a few years ago. He felt that there were many hill runners who must have driven past that impressive bowl and promised to run up it, down it, or round it one day. So he organised a race from the bottom to the rim, round the rim and back to the bottom. It has the steepest sustained starting sprint of any race in the calendar, and the steepest finish. It’s in a splendid corner of the Moffat hills. So why does it never attract many runners? Answers on a postcard please to the Carnethy secretary.
Despite this, the select field of nine had a good sprint in almost Mediterranean conditions. Adam Anderson secured a comfortable win. Jill Mykura was simultaneously first and last lady, and broke the course record as well as part of her calm pre-NZ preparations. Dougie Shiell and Keith Burns were making discreet attempts to re-launch their waning athletics careers, and the rest were providing the competition in between. Everyone won something, and we had the traditional team relay race around the sheep fank afterwards.
Thanks to landowner Mr Williams for allowing us to use this superb venue. I move that we lobby to make it a Scottish and British AS race
for next year.
Results
- 3rd September 2005
Ben Nevis Race
About 370 people ran the Ben Nevis race in almost perfect conditions on Saturday. Stewart Whitlie was 12th and Rob Jebb (Bingley) won. Several Carnethies ran including first-timers Ian & Anne Nimmo.
Anne says ' I really enjoyed the race. The only problem was that after all that effort to get to the top - on a gorgeous day - and I never saw the view. On the way up I just focussed on the feet in front, working out how to overtake every now and then, whilst on descending - lift your eyes off the few feet in front and you're liable to be a first aid case. Apart from the need for 100% concentration I quite enjoyed the descent - my new hill shoes made me feel confident on the steep grass and I loved jumping from rock to rock on the path below Red Burn. I didn't like the large moving rocks on the upper scree section though. It's (pleasantly) strange being encouraged by walkers and supporters all the way to the summit and back.'
Results
Ben Nevis Race website
- 30th August 2005
FOR WHOM THE WIND BLOWS – APPLECROSS DUATHLON
Our team from the Hebridean Challenge decided to re-convene for a weekend's entertainment in the wild peninsula of Applecross for the second Applecross Duathlon.
We knew that this was to be a race with a difference as we dropped off our bikes in a cow shed, before driving round the bike route – hard enough in a car, what was it going to be like on a bike in the wind?
The route started at the Venture Trust HQ at Hartfield about a mile north of Applecross and followed an old right of way to the north coast of Applecross at Kenmore, through wild, remote terrain and worth the entry fee just to do the run - with the last mile on the road before picking up your bike for the 15 miles round the undulating coastal road back to the start.
The omens weren't good as the ‘Trade Winds’ beer that Garry, Andrew and myself had carbo-loaded on the night before, started to make its presence felt – both before the race and in my case about two thirds of the way through the run! – having held it together to the bike, Garry and my attempts at faffing in transition were surpassed by Charlie Taylor in 3rd – surely a future Olympic faffer.
The cycle was HARD! Most of the 15 miles into a headwind and not a flat bit of road in sight – though the views of Rona (nice girl) and Skye beyond compensated somewhat.. I managed to pull away on the cycle a bit ( overtaking most of the fun runners who had started an hour in front) to win from Garry in second, and Andrew in 4th. Catherine won the ladies event, so it was a successful day all round.
Being described as ‘Elite Competitors’ at the prize giving was a bit embarrassing, especially as we were getting tore into some beer – but appreciated all the same!
The evening's entertainment started with a truly memorable meal in the ‘Potting Shed’ restaurant. The food was sublime and is apparently the 10th best place to eat in Britain for under £50, and 2nd most romantic! – this according to the Independent – actually it was more like £20 a head including wine – fantastic value for money.
Then we repaired to the Applecross Inn – for very good real ale, malt whisky and great hospitality, until Catherine dragged us to the Ceilidh in the ‘Flower Tunnel’ . This was interesting, both the venue and ceilidh itself, and we’re not sure if Catherine's attempt to liven it up were appreciated by everyone – it was at least a novel strip the willow – table landing!
Overnight it seemed like hurricane Katrina had hit – not appreciated by Garry in his ‘open’ bivvy bag and Andrew with his broken tent pole.
Thanks to Gerry McPartlin and his happy band of helpers for a great event in a great area. Hopefully more of you will try this event next year – he will take up to 40 competitors, and only had 27 this year, so there is room for more folk to try it – and if you don’t want to compete you can always help out.
And I didn’t even mention the Polish waitresses!……….
Results
Adam Ward
- 29th August 2005
Angus Munro-ers get a taste of the Wild Outdoors
The SHR Championship finished with a tester. Low cloud, persistent rain and wind hovered over Glen Clova till 6pm on Sunday while walkers returning from Mount Keen (a few miles north) said it had been clear there! 35 of the 44 starters were given finishing times - some dropped out and some missed checkpoints. Hats off to the marshals and timekeeper for braving the elements - some for over 6 hours, and to the Tay Mountain Rescue Team who were about to set off up the ridge when the last runner finally came in (having dropped down into the wrong valley after the last checkpoint).
Ronnie Gallagher (Carnethy) and Cameron Watson (Pitreavie) decided that having spent the last few hours fighting the elements they weren't going to race each other to the end - they crossed the line together. Adrian Davis (Wild Outdoors & Carnethy), who did a magnificent job organising the race, was 3rd, closely followed by Dave Cummins (Shettleston) who was wearing one boot (size 7, mine) and one Walsh (size 8, his). Jill Mykura only had to finish this race to win the Championship - she was miles in front of the 2nd lady but she missed the last check (she'd memorised the bearings as her map disintegrated, but got them in the wrong order!). Louise Burt (Fife) won the ladies race.
Results and photos
AN
- 25th August 2005
Last Chance to enter World Masters Championship at Keswick, details....
Entries for the World Masters Mountain Running Champs at Keswick close on Thursday 1st Sept. This year is the first time the event has been held in the UK and is on Saturday 10th September. It is the chance for all vets to experience being part of a World Championship event as any man over 40 or woman over 35 can enter. If you've never taken part in the World Masters before then it is something you shouldn't miss. There is a separate race for each age category in 5 year bands up to the Over 70s, which Carnethy's Bill Gauld won, to become World Champion, 2 years ago. Considering how many vets there are in Carnethy and how convenient the races are this year, we should really get loads from the club entering, but you need to enter soon ! If you are not old enough to enter the Masters races, don't despair as there is an Open race for all comers on the Sunday over the same course, so you can still go and enjoy the occasion on the Saturday and race on the Sunday. Full details, entry list so far and how to enter are here.
Bill on the podium - 2003
- 23rd August 2005
Samuele Patrick Coyle
The text message from John read " Wee hairy monkey swung, all smiles, what a beautiful day", it took some translating but eventually .......
Serena and John had a baby boy this morning at 4am, 5.5 lbs (all muscle) all are well.
So on our Wednesday night run we climbed Arthur's Seat and wet the baby's head with some whisky before heading to the Infirmary to Seranade Sere.
Then it was off to the pub for a few beers.
- 22nd August 2005
20th/21st August. Kinloch Rannoch 100 and Lomonds
I was nervous as I lined up for this year’s “100”. I assessed the competition. It didn’t look too bad. My reactions were delayed and before I knew it they were off and I seemed to be still standing. Mr Large, Mr Fat, Mr Small, Miss Very Young and others trailed into the distance leaving me an embarrassing last in the 100 yards at the Kinloch Rannoch Highland games. Confidence suitably bruised, the Craig Varr hill race followed. You can’t “pre-register”….far from it. Only once the race is actually ready to kick off, does the gently spoken tartan clad gentleman take your name and “colours”, causing a half hour delay. This is so he can commentate from the Games field as we ascend the crag. I set out gasping in the heat up through the long grass, birch and oak woods before breaking out on the open hill. I was so panicked by a strong lass behind that I went major wrong on the descent and thrashed through head-high bracken and gouged-out burn beds in a frenzy! There was £50 at stake!! Fortunately, with my descending powers, I made it by a fair margin.
Kate Jenkins
Results
Men 1 Davy Rodgers, LAC 21 something
2 Des Crowe, Shettleston
3 Allan Smith, Deeside
Ladies 1 Kate Jenkins, Carnethy 26 something
Next day…Fortunately the sweltering conditions eased minutes after the start to leave a semi-sweltering but cloud-covered day for the Lomonds. I felt lethargic (knackered!) and crawled up the very back of the field until half-way up West Lomond, where I was 4th lady. The shock of seeing a gravelled motorway between the two hills, replacing soft peaty easy-on-the-body ground, woke me up and I took the lead, albeit along with an unenjoyable persistent stitch. I met Lars hobbling down the hill, injured, having apparently been in second place. At the base of East Lomond Davy passed me on the return leg at high speed, followed in hot pursuit by Stewart as I trundled upwards in the opposite direction. As usual, the best bit of the race is the steep gully at the end, where some folk adopt the bum-slide, but I had enough “ass-kicking” yesterday in the 100 yards so opted for the “upright position” running just off the worn path. The men compared notes on their nappy rashes/ cuts and thistle spikes in their backsides at the end. Guess that’s the price for being at the sharp end. (No pun intended.) Good tea, food and booze prizes followed.
Kate Jenkins
Results
- 18th August 2005
Paul Ritchie wins the Portmore Loch Handicap
Paul led a field of 22 runners home in the first Portmore Loch Handicap since 1991.
Read the full story and results
- 15th August 2005
Radys Swiss Mountain Marathon
Klosters, home to the rich and portly, and to the recently renamed Radys Swiss Mountain Marathon. Tim and I not only found a cheap B and B (in a farmhouse dating from 1660) but also held onto a ten minute lead from day 1 over Al and Ifor Powell to win by twenty five minutes. The courses as ever were excellent, with none of the top teams taking the same routes. (As I discovered later, when I saw for the first time where we’d been.) Descending 1000m straight off the mountain at the end was a toe tester, however, as was the post race interview. My desperately cunning 35km a week training schedule was greeted with the contempt it deserves. We also won £2500 worth of flash outdoor kit from the new sponsors. Which was nice.
Mark Higginbottom (The One Ten Metres Behind)
- 15th August 2005
“Ben Taddington” 13th/14th August, 2005.
Saturday morning, wandering along Gullane Bents, I decided I was too tired for the planned Haddington Half and headed home to West Linton. With usual indecision I found myself drawn back to the east shortly after, in search of a good work out. After two very slow miles I woke up on the seemingly endless climbs, which seemed to favour me and I gradually moved up a few places and into third ladies place which I held. It was extremely hard work in the increasing muggy heat and I came in in 87:30 feeling very done-in.
Continuing the theme of indecision I decided to ignore my 6am wake up call for the 9 mile Ben Tee (921m) hill race up at Invergarry and instead enjoyed a leisurely breakfast at 7:30. Something I ate gave me a sudden urge…. to jump in the car with barely enough time to spare and zoom up north for the 11am kick off. Thankfully it was too early for the caravans, so I just made it. The midges sped us on our way, though for me, the speed didn’t last long and I lumbered up the forest roads and mossy heathery hill trying to admire the blissful views to take my mind off feeling utterly wasted. After a pause to admire the mountains and glens all around, the long soft descent was enjoyable taking us back to the forest and eventually to the end for a dip in the river. Copious cups of tea back at the village shinty field made me feel half-human once again.
Kate Jenkins
Results
Asics Haddington Half
Men
1 Dave Wright HBT 72.24
2 J Snodgrass Kilbarchan 73.23
3 J Duffy Shettleston 79.48
Women
1 Trudi Thomson Pitreavie 81.28
2 Megan Clark HBT 85.46
3 Kate Jenkins Carnethy 87.30Ben Tee
Men
1 Davy Rodgers LAC 1.22 ish
2 Peter Kennedy Lochaber
3 Allan Smith (Deeside)
Women
1 Kate Jenkins Carnethy 1.41.20
2 Emma Pearce LAC
- 13th August 2005
scottishathletics AGM
The scottishathletics AGM was quieter than last year's. The Hill Running Commission office bearers were re-elected and the subscriptions stay the same. More details here
- 11th August 2005
Angela and Jill in team for New Zealand
The Scottish teams for the World Trophy in New Zealand have just been announced and two Carnethies, Angela Mudge and Jill Mykura, are in. (Lyn Wilson is getting married soon and decided to withdraw from the selection pool.) They are joined by Tracey Brindley and Sula Young to make a strong ladies team. There are only 4 men selected which means they all need to finish to give Scotland a position. Well done and good luck!
- 10th August 2005
Caerketton Hill Race
A superb summer evening for the Caerketton Hill race, though there was a strong head wind for the 40 runners to contend with along the summit ridge. That didn't bother Al Anthony of Ochils who ran away from the rest of the field for a comfortable win. Lars Ottermoller hung onto Al until the first top, and was still second on the way back, but the steep descent was too much for him. A superb descent from Des Crowe saw him pick up from 4th to 2nd, passing Paul Fettes and Lars in the process, and finish 1st vet in front of Ronnie Gallagher and Alan Smith. First woman was Eilidh Wardlaw of HBT who passed Helen Murray at the bottom of the descent.
Results
- 10th August 2005
Devil O'The Highlands Foot Race
Saturday 6 August was the 43-mile Devil o' the Highlands Footrace, along the northern section of the West Highland Way in Scotland, and probably the most scenic part of the Way. Total climb is about 2800 feet. The weather was just about perfect for running, about 10C (50F) at the 6am start, with just a little drizzle early on, and a gentle headwind. After noon there were sunny intervals, and it became quite warm in sheltered places. Spectacular views over the Mamore range left me wishing I had taken a camera.
I had not previously run or walked this trail, which I expected to be wet and muddy. In fact most of the trail is in very good condition. Over Rannoch Moor it is General Wade's military road, constructed around 1751, but in better condition than some modern roads in Edinburgh - well, it gets less traffic! Over the Devil's Staircase the path is more worn and rocky, there are places which need extra attention, but it is nearly all good running. The WHW is well marked, and I only referred to my (compulsory) map a couple of times - well, I knew the area fairly well and the visibility was excellent.
The race - see www.devilothehighlandsfootrace.co.uk - requires a support vehicle with a team of two, one able to run in to search for the runner if he does not turn up at the checkpoint, to supply water, food, and clothing. I personally like to be self-sufficient, and collect only water along the route, but it was fun for once to see familiar faces occasionally, and to be able to ask for a sandwich and creme caramel (nearly as good as sweet yoghurt) in place of powders and fruit.
I have a rule of thumb for my expected time, add on half to the winners time or record, which takes into account local conditions, difficulty, and weather. This year I have not been running much, so I expected to finish around 10:30 but I actually finished in 8:52 - partly due to starting gently, and partly due to the excellent conditions, which helped *three* runners finish inside the old record of 6:25, and also set a new female record of 7:04. First man home was 6:08. 65 entries, 49 starters, I was 29th.
The most memorable sight I saw was a lightly-built girl whom I overtook several times, who finished a little after me, who ran in full-length black stretch trousers, not lycra, and a crisp white T- shirt. She would have been dressed perfectly for power-walking in the mall! This is not the first time I have found someone in the wilderness whom I might have dismissed without a second glance in a civilised place.
Rod Dalitz
- 9th August 2005
British Championship Final Positions Announced - 3 Firsts for Carnethy
We've just received the final British placings and our 5 medals are confirmed, which makes us the most successful club in Britain for the second year running ! Gold for Jill (Ladies), Stewart (V40) and Vets team, Bronze for Open Team and Ronnie (V40). Well done (and good final results from Pen-y-fan, where we were 3rd open team and 2nd vets team). Next best club is Calder Valley with 3 medals (all due to Sally Newman), then Dark Peak, Borrowdale and Ilkley all with two.
Andy Spenceley
- 9th August 2005
The Tour of Fife - 1 – 5 August
Every evening last week saw well over a hundred runners congregate for the 5 varied races which make up the Tour of Fife. Perhaps not as long as its cycling namesake but adopting the same yellow jersey for the leader, a ‘king of the mountains’ title, a time trial and drug abuse (well excessive quantities of Deep Heat and isotonic drinks at any rate). Great weather on 4 of the 5 evenings made this a memorable series and the support in huge numbers from Fife AC members added a true sense of camaraderie to each event. For many entrants it was about surviving the cumulative wear and tear of 5 tough runs on the trot; for a few there was a real chance of individual honours. For those who faced the challenge of crossing the Forth each evening, there were 5 opportunities to find a winning formula for navigating the Forth Road Bridge at rush hour!
The extremely well organised Tour comprised a beach race on the St Andrews sands, a hill race on the Lomonds, a trail race in Tentsmuir forest, an uphill time trial on tarmac at East Lomond and a road race (half of which was on forest tracks) near Ladybank as a finale. The nature of the event seemed to favour the whippets rather than the mountain goats, although the uphill time trial was an intriguing (and lung bursting) meeting of the two worlds. Chris Russell, a consistent runner-up in previous Tours, led this year from start to finish with Fife AC runners taking all the leading positions. Hill runners had more success in the Ladies event where Sarah Legge of Carnegie won by a handful of seconds. Apart from a brief appearance by Adrian Davis in the hill race, I was the only Carnethy who participated, collecting my survivors t-shirt for making it through the week more or less intact. The experience makes me wonder a) whether something similar could be done in the Lothian area – either using the multi-terrain formula or just different types of hill running experience (if nothing else, compiling a list of potential courses could generate a good debate on the forum) and b) how Fife AC manages to mobilise such large numbers of enthusiastic runners. Impressive.
Derek Bearhop
- 8th August 2005
Glentress and Gas 6th/7th August 2005.
Last time I was last, or thereabouts, in a race was Eildon 1996. 10.5 stones and gasping as I crossed the line triumphant in my 50p trainers obtained from Oxfam the week before. This time it was the world trophy trials and I decided I needed a work out and by *** I got one! I regarded it a great success as I wasn’t lapped by Tracey on the 4.5km (I think) loops. Feeling as though I had a hangover the next day, despite no drink, I shivered as the enthusiastic punters did their aerobic warm-up to booming music (to which I applied Bill-style “fingers in the ears” at the City of Edinburgh/ Scottish Gas Granton 10k. After yesterday I was determined to do some damage and ran all out to get 3rd in 37:20 ish. Not convinced it was a full 10k, as most folk I chatted to seemed to get PBs! I don’t care- at least I wasn’t last!
10k Results
Kate Jenkins
Kate's too modest - she was actually seventh at Glentress. Even Tracey Brindley wasn't that far from the end (8th last!).
Camus and I were less ambitious on Sunday, attempting the 5k Gas race. We missed the mass warm-up, choosing instead to go to the wrong starting-point (last year's) and then having to cycle furiously to reach the right one just in time. On the back of the adrenaline-rush and Carnethy support from the sea-wall we also achieved good (for us) times. Kate's now put those in perspective. Drat.
5k Results
IAN
- 8th August 2005
Telfes Uphill Race
As life was too busy with Making Poverty History and meetings I decided to forego organising a 27th trip to the Sierre Zinal race and book a package holiday with Inghams taking in the uphill race at Telfes the day after my arrival. It was sunny in Edinburgh on Saturday but claggy when the plane landed at Innsbruck. Then, that evening it rained, and it rained and snowed all the way through the race. The 11.2 km race up 1300m was not as spectacular as the blurb suggested, though running over wet tree roots was a challenge not often encountered in hill races. The race was won by the World Mountain running champion, Jonathan Wyatt in 58.40, three minutes off the record. Adam Ward was just ahead of me and I passed Adrian Davis in the last run up to the finish. They were part of a Scottish and Northern Ireland contingent about to do a five day tour hut to hut round the Stubai Alps.
Results (Ergebnisse - in German!) (My stats 1.18.15, 47th, 3rd vet 50)
John Blair-Fish
- 6th August 2005
Glentress - World Trophy Trials - Quality, not quantity!
What with non-runners, new names and unexpected orders of finishing, the selectors will have some 'selecting' to do for the forthcoming World Championships. Jill Mykura (McUra in the Pen Y Fan results) still felt heavy-legged after the Brirish race last weekend but heroically struggled on to finish well down the field. Kate Jenkins was also near the tail end of this small, elite group of runners - the race probably finished an hour too soon for her! Tracey Brindley was a clear winner, Sula Young 2nd and Sue Ridley (ESH) 3rd. Carnethy's Lyn Wilson and Angela Mudge didn't run.
The men's race finished Jethro Lennox (Shettleston) 1st, Joe Symonds (Dundee Hawkhill) 2nd and Al Anthony (Ochils) 3rd. Es Tresidder, Lars Ottemoller and Simon Peachey of Carnethy also ran in this very small men's field but again the quality showed when Simon, who ran for Scotland in the Snowdon International last month, had the honour of bringing up the rear!
Results
- 4th August 2005
North Berwick Law
This midweek race doesn't have any bogs or burns to make it a Bog and Burn qualifier but it always attracts a big field, especially among the juniors.
'On a windy, clear evening 175 runners set off to tackle North Berwick Law. I watched from the top as the lead guys pulled away. The first 5 or so got to the top before the rest of the field started to arrive at the trig point. The first person to the top, was eventually pipped for top spot with Carnethy's Mark James taking third place. New member Steven Fallon picked up the first vet prize. Veronique Oldham of Norham was the first lady home in just over 23 minutes. 2nd claim Carnethy, Helen Murray was first lady vet. Willie Mykura, Steven and Mark clinched the team prize. Other Carnethy racers spotted were Russell Stout and Keith Burns. This short race wasn't long enough for Mark, who cycled home on his tandem with family in tow.'
Jill Mykura
Results
- 2nd August 2005
Hot Competition for World Places
The World Trophy Trials at Glentress this Saturday have been chosen to simulate the courses in New Zealand. There's some tough competition for the men's places and their race at 3pm is definitely one to watch. The top ladies Angela Mudge, Tracey Brindley, Lyn Wilson and Jill Mykura are a step ahead of the other home-based runners but they should keep an eye out for Sula Young who won Knockdhu in April. If the Scottish Ladies can reproduce their top form they could be medal contenders. Two years ago Angela, Tracey and Lyn won the world title for Scotland in an Alaskan blizzard. The ladies race is at 2pm.
More info here
- 2nd August 2005
The Great Ratho Adventure
"Let's do a shortish run". Four of the five us were recovering from Ben Rinnes so a short loop was identified on Kate's map and we joined the Union Canal running west from the Ratho Adventure Centre. The pace was easy, we chatted as we jogged, admired the aquaduct, ran through Lookaboutye without noticing and eventually stopped at the map at the entrance of the Almondell and Calderwood Country Park. Time to loop back. The map showed a series of trails following the river with a viaduct marked about a mile and a half away. Now, viaduct and aquaduct sound pretty similar to headless chickens...
Anyway, to cut a long story short, or make a short Ladies run long, we eventually realised (around Mid Calder!) we had been following the river the wrong way. The pace picked up noticably as we retraced our steps back to the park entrance and then daringly map-read a shortcut along the river to the aquaduct. As we got in sight of the canal the setting sun cast a wonderful eerie, red light on the vegetation. It was obvious why none of us had taken up orienteering but we had discovered some great new trails.
Final thoughts in the darkened car park at the end of another Carnethy epic - it's strange how you can convince yourself you're going the right way when you're not and how nobody we'd asked knew how to get to Ratho or the canal!
ANon
- 2nd August 2005
Jill Mykura wins Pen Y Fan and becomes British Ladies Champion
Congratulations to Jill Mykura on winning the last of the British Championship races, Pen Y Fan, on Sunday. That means she has won the British ladies title. Carnethy lassies seem to be on a roll here, as Angela Mudge has won the British Championship 4 times (1997-2000) , Tracey Brindley did when she was a member of Carnethy (2004) and now Jill in 2005. The ladies have also won the team title four times (1997-9 and 2004).
We have another individual champion, although it still needs to be ratified, Stewart Whitlie has won the British V40 title. This is a fantastic achievement, because the vet category is very strong. Other Carnethies to lay claim to British titles are Bill Gauld (3 times V50) and Brian Waldie (V60).
We are told Jethro Lennox (Shettleston) was 9th at Pen Y Fan which would put him in silver medal position in the British Championship. He must be disappointed at missing out on the title. Maybe his legs had still not fully recovered from the gruelling Wasdale race, but he is obviously a contender for the future. More medals still to be confirmed but Ronnie Gallagher should be 3rd in the British V40, while the men's team took gold in the British V40 team and bronze in the British Open Team.
Past winners of British Titles
Here's a report from the champion herself:
"At registration, Pen-Y-Fan was topped in cloud, but at least the rain stopped just in time for the start of the ladies race. I followed England's Natalie White, also aware of a group of strong ladies behind us all the way. At the summit of Pen-Y-Fan, Natalie and I were very close. We headed sharp left off the summit down some rocks and headed for a marshal. I realised I was pulling away on the descent and tried to stride out. The course was well marked all the way down - great for me - I do know how to use a compass, but not under pressure!! By the end of the race the clouds had lifted off the hill tops. It was a real blast through an area of outstanding beauty.
The men's race was won by Rob Hope. Carnethy's Adam Ward was 2nd vet, with Ronnie Gallagher 3rd. Graeme Carracher, Crawford Oliphant and Willie Mykura also struck impressive sights on the hill finishing strongly. Results will be appearing on the FRA website shortly."
Jill Mykura
- 31st July 2005
Stewart Whitlie just misses Ben Rinnes Record
Ben Rinnes was the first of the two long races in the SHR Championship. Report below:
I had two reasons for attempting Ben Rinnes. I was hoping to earn one of Ronnie Gallagher's mugs for completing the SHR Championship (instead of simply buying a remainder); and I was looking forward to being described as "amongst the finest athletes in the world". Sadly the Games announcer introducing the race downgraded his hyperbole to "some of the most experienced hill runners from Britain and abroad". He could justifiably have added that the race marshals were of the toughest, for the summit of Ben Rinnes in particular was not a place to linger - cloud, strong wind, wet, cold. The mist into which we soon disappeared added the dimension of my getting ignominiously lost; but thankfully there must have been well over one hundred flags marking the way over the tops to Ben Rinnes.
An advantage of an out-and-back course is that you can see how the race is unfolding. Stewart Whitlie was the first to come hurtling out of the gloom down the Ben Rinnes path, with Graham Bee in hot pursuit (they had been in reverse order going up, apparently). Then after a longish gap came Brian Marshall, who'd cheerfully said before the start he thought Stewart would be gunning for him. Well, Brian did overhaul Graham to come in second, but Stewart was in uncatchable mode, finishing a tantalising three seconds outside Jon Duncan's record.
The field of nearly 100 was 50% up on the previous remembered best, with plenty of Carnethy vests (and Pertex tops) amongst them. Kate Jenkins survived a hiatus with a contact lens on her way down Ben Rinnes to win the ladies' race, and Adrian Davis just missed a place on the podium.
Some miles behind I teamed up on Ben Rinnes with John Coon (Lothian) and Sarah Grigor (Lossiemouth) to form a strong rearguard bonded by jelly-babies. It didn't matter that the announcer had said half-an-hour before we returned "That's the end of the hill race": we still got our lap around the track. And, in due course I hope, a mug.
Thanks to Graeme Bartlett and his team for a well-organised race - and especially to the summit marshals. Unlike everyone else they must have had a miserable afternoon.
IAN
"For the first time, the long run in at the end of Ben Rinnes was not like running on hot coals; instead the weather was pleasantly poor, with very gradually rising mist on all the hills (all five of them). In fact, the summit was absolutely baltic; I knew it was cold when I saw Alan Smith wearing a waterproof top. Kate still managed to finish half-dressed, though. These young things, eh. Luckily the misery of this runnable race was enough to focus the mind elsewhere. I only kept going because I didn’t want to disappoint the pre-race hype of the commentator, in what was the “biggest hill race in Scotland”. I think he even referred to me as an athlete, too. Hmm. Stewart W. won the race, pulling away from Brian Marshall and Graham Bee, in a time just outside the course record. Should have gone faster, methinks. Adrian was fourth and lots of other Carnethies whose name I forget because I just met them did really well. Kate won the women’s, despite wrestling with her contact lens (and removing her clothes). All in all, another great day out in Dufftown. (For the bikers in the community, I cannot recommend enough the back road to Grantown via Tomintoul. Bliss, even when your legs don’t bend that well.) Finally, how on earth did Graeme start the race and then marshall the first hill, fully dressed in waterproofs? Maybe I was hallucinating."
David Higginbottom
Photos and Results
- 28th July 2005
Another success for Helene !
Congratulations to Helen Diamantides and Jon Whittaker as they announce the safe arrival of Eve on 28 July 2005. Weighing in at 8lbs 1oz. So a new sister for Alexis.
- 26th July 2005
Round One Complete
Congratulations to Ian Jackson who completed his last Munro on Saturday 23 July. About thirty friends and family walked up Geal Charn (917m), near Drumochter, in beautiful sunshine and spent time on the summit drinking Champagne and Bucks Fizz admiring the brilliant views to Ben Alder and through to Glencoe. The evening was spent celebrating with lots and lots of friends in The Counting House with live music, delicious food and good company. A double celebration as it was also Ian's 50th birthday.
- 25th July 2005
Heart of the Park 12k Adventure Trail Race, Braemar, 24th July
This was a race with a bit of everything thrown in. Essentially a trail race, there were a few 'challenging' sections and enough hills to keep the hill runners happy. The route circled Braemar heading up towards the Morrone viewpoint to start, then over to the Lions Face and round Creag Choinnich, and finishing by criss-crossing the Dee Valley (and river twice!) just to make sure everyone got really wet as well as muddy. All the obstacles were natural features, the deep bogs in Corrie Ferangie were probably the highlight, luckily there seemed to be a few rocks below the thigh deep liquid mud to stop anyone dissappearing completely!. A great fun event, won in the end by Andy Kitchin who put his love of rough terrain to good use on the tougher sections. The Braemar hill race/adventure race weekend will be repeated next year, so definitely worth a visit. Some results...
1. Andy Kitchin (Lothian) 52.26
2. A Coe (USA?) 52.33
3. Geraint Florida James (Carnethy) 54.34
4. Mark Johnston (Carnethy) 55.45
?. Ruth MacKenzie (Deeside) 65.56 (1st Lady)
about 40 runners
Mark Johnston
- 25th July 2005
Creag Choinnich Challenge (3 miles, 600ft), Braemar, 23rd July
For my money, the view from the summit of Creag Choinnich is one of the best in Scotland, a panorama which takes in Lochnagar, the Dee Valley, Glen Cluanie and the High Cairngorms. However, there wasn't much time to take in that view during the short blast up and down the hill on Saturday. Hill running allegedly began on this hill in the 11th century when two brothers from Invercauld raced to the summit in only 3 minutes. The race has been resurrected, now starting and finishing with a lap of the Highland Games Park, running through the town and doing a loop over the summit and back, so a 3 minute climb was never on the cards!. The terrain is mixed, all on paths over some tricky rocks, gravel and through lovely woodland. Geraint took on the pace on the steeper climb towards the summit, gaining a winning lead by the top. I got to the summit in 3rd, with Tracey hot on my heals, so a swift descent was required!, and the run back along the road to the park in the warm sunshine was hardest of all. Some results...
1. Geraint Florida James (Carnethy) 20.55
2. Mark Johnston (Carnethy) 21.13
3. Alistair Hubbard (Braemar) 21.18
4. Tracey Brindley (U/A) 21.42 (1st Lady)
5. Jon Musgrave (Deeside) (1st Vet)
20 runners
Mark Johnston
- 24th
July 2005
Snowdon International
Ronnie Gallagher finished 28th and Simon Peachey 33rd out of more than 450 runners in the 30th Snowdon International Hill Race on Saturday. Euan Jardine continued his good form, being highest placed Scot (11th), and Ian Wellock (60th) was the 4th member of the Scottish team. The results are on the Snowdon Race website.
- 20th July
2005
Maddy Moss Mash Hill Race
A small group of 3 Carnethies turned up for this Wednesday night race in the Ochils. With a winning time of 50mins it is the longest of the Wednesday night races (similar to our handicap races) but one of the best, with a steep climb, lots of fast running on the top of the Ochils (including Ben Cleuch) and a very long, fast descent. The course was made longer by Ochil runner Al Anthony leading the field astray at the start (which the rest of us were sure must be a fix), but after 100 ft of extra climbing and descending a cliff face the race was back on course! In the end Al won from Fifer Andrew Liston with Alan Smith of Deeside the leading vet in 5th place and Sarah Legge of Carnegie taking the women's award. The Carnethy trio of Es Tresidder (3rd) , Andy Spenceley (12th) and Stewart Barrie picked up second team behind Fife. Results
- 20th July 2005
We're back!
The Carnethy web site is back after 48 hours suspension. We're not sure what happened, but after much to-ing and fro-ing of emails across the Atlantic (hindered by the time differences) our ISP has sorted the problem. While we were offline the latest standings in the SHR Championship have been added to the SHR website and Carnethy teams and individuals are doing well.
- 17th
July 2005
Glamaig
There was cloud over the top of the hill for this year's Glamaig Hill Race, but that didn't stop nearly 100 runners completing the course and the amazing Brian Marshall from winning his 3rd Glamaig race in a row (the first to do it) and he is getting faster every time. Stewart Whitlie was near him at the top but Brian pulled away and was 3 minutes ahead at the finish. The next group of 7 hit the top together, but Alan Smith (Deeside) took fright at all the yellow vests with him (Westies and Carnethy), so ran away from them on the way down to claim the 3rd spot - helped by the mysterious moor at the bottom of the hill, which runners disappear into and are then spewed out in a different order, at a random place (is there one of Harry Potter's spells on this moor? ). Jill Mykura won the ladies race and ran the second fastest female time ever (behind Trish Calder's record) - not bad for her first attempt at the course. The Carnethy men picked up the team prize with six Carnethies in the top ten, including new member Giles Hardingham. Post race festivites were as good as ever - a free meal, a free beer and an excellent ceilidh band to liven up proceedings, followed the prize-giving. Even the midges behaved this year with a slight breeze most of the weekend. This is definitely a recommended race and weekend.
Results
- 15th July 2005
Jog Scotland Botanics 5K
Normally there's no running allowed in the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh, but Thursday night was different as 1000 runners ran, jogged (or walked) round the Gardens' paths on a circuitous route that started and finished in Inverleith Park. It was fun to run away from the traffic, in the middle of Edinburgh, on a new route - and to finish nearer the front than the back! Ian and Ailish ran but the only other Carnethy I saw was Adrian Davis - marshalling finishers into the funnels.
AN
- 14th July 2005
KB Hill Handicap
Jane Robertson won today's handicap. There were 7 runners. Three had run the night before in the Lammerlaw Handicap which accounted for slower times and a DNF.
Yesterday's winner, Stephen Fallon, also ran to and from the race - a glutton for punishment.
Results
- 14th July 2005
Lammer Law Handicap Report
Lammer Law now challenges Ravensheugh for the consistent-good-weather-for-handicaps award. The sweltering heat of earlier in the week had moderated to a tolerable 20C or so. A large group of experienced old lags, and younger ones professing an alarming lack of navigating skills, disappeared up the track into a range of hills which is unforgiving of a casual attitude to knowing where you are, even in good visibility. The consequence of finding the wrong gate coming off Lammer Law can be a long night heading south for Berwickshire and a bus home next day. This fast course interspersed with fierce climbs and dense undergrowth has an intriguing tactical choice of best lines which had the field well spread across the hillsides at times, and following each other in single file along narrow sheep tracks at others.
Handicapper Willie Mykura provided a reasonably well-packed finish following the charge from the hill fort, after which a well placed band of dense bracken and nettles had runners scratching their heads (and other parts). The results speak for themselves – complaints to Willie as usual. Gifford’s Tweeddale Arms provided good hospitality and food.
Passing the Lammer Law trig point, some runners will have noticed a small memorial plaque to Carnethy member Paul Fraser, who died at a unfair early age before he had time to do everything he wanted to do in the hills. Keep running up them while you can. That’s what Paul did. Don’t take them for granted. Next year, or soon at this handicap, you may see the masts of the Fallago Ridge wind farm nearby, and consider whether we’re using these wild hills to the best purpose.
Results
Keith Burns
- 13th July 2005
Alva Hill Race
Due to other commitments I decided to give Wasdale a miss and try a new race closer to home. So decided to give the Alva Highland Games hill race a go. With the weather as it was, I was quite glad to be doing a 20ish minute race and not out for several hours in the heat at Wasdale. If you like Chapelgill and Melantee and then not being able to run/walk properly for a few days afterwards, then this is the race for you! Very steep climb/descent with lots of fern and gorse bushes to negotiate. I also picked up what is know as the "Alva rash" as I soon discovered the quickest way down is on your backside. The race is organised by the BOFRA and like Jura, the field was made up of predominantly English runners. The race itself was a lot of fun and I just managed to hold off Mark Croasdale and Andrew Wright to pick up a very generous prize for first place! Would definitely recommend the Games and the race.
Stewart Whitlie
Full results
- 10th July 2005
European Hill Running Championships
Lyn Wilson helped The Great Britain and Northern Ireland team to gold today in the European Hil Running Championships ahead of favourites Italy. Both teams scored 34 points but Great Britain took the Gold medals as their third scorer, Lyn Wilson, finished one place and four seconds ahead of Italy’s third scorer Flavia Gaviglio.
Europeans Website Report
- 10th July 2005
Wasdale 'Cauldron'
Here's a report from our ladies' captain, Jill Mykura.
' A double handful of bold Carnethies set off on the long Lakeland Classic Wasdale course on Saturday, amongst the 240 plus runners. The tops were beautifully clear, so no problem with route finding, but the sun well and trully had his hat on. I'm not sure exactly how many 'casualties' the course claimed on this baking hot day, but rumour has it that 90 people decided not to finish. In the men's race Rob Jebb set off quickly, but was slowed by the heat. Simon Booth led the way home, followed by Nick Sharp for second and Shettleston's Jethro Lennox flying the Scottish flag in third place. Phil Davies of Borrowdale was fourth and Rob Jebb fifth.
In the ladies race, Sally Newman set off fast and held her strong lead all the way through the race. Jill Mykura worked her way through to second place and ran with Sharon Taylor, hoping to see Sally somewhere close by. She only caught a faint glimpse of the sparks flying off her shoes a long way on the horizon. From Great Gable, Sally was at least 6 minutes ahead of the ladies and she stormed through with her usual good-willed banter. Jill Mykura was second, followed by Sharon Taylor and Jackie Lee taking third and fourth spots.
After a few beers we reckon we'd do it again, but maybe not next year! This means that the last race in the series, Pen-Y-Fan in the Brecon Beacons, will provide a nail-biting finale to both the men and women's British Championships.'
Photos by kind permission of Mark Walker of Kendal, taken at Esk Hawse.
Chris Upson of Westies writes that over 100 didn't finish. Read his report on the Westies site.
JBF Reports :
" I first ran Wasdale in 1976 in about 4.15 and did my best time in 1979 in 3.52 when Billy Bland set the current record. Four years later I did my previous PW - 4.59 - when I believe it was the hottest ever Wasdale - there is a cartoon of Scafell Pike in the Fell Runner. It is difficult to get ideal conditions like 1979 as if it is not hot or humid it is invariably misty. My aim to complete in five hours seemed almost possible from intermediate times and my knowledge of them from previous years. Negotiating the rocks though was always a problem. Both over 60s, Dave Spedding and Kiarian Carr skipped passed me down Pillar and I nearly caught Dave Tait as Esk Hause but lost him on the rocks to Broad Crag and Scafell Pike. Final performance 5.14, 61st, 8th Vet 50, intact feet, no severe fading or heat exhaustion as in 1983, but sunburn on my shoulder, and a flooded bumbag from bathing in the stream at the finish. As other reports indicate almost half the field retired.
To run a race like Wasdale one does need to be prepared especially in the heat. The body can become accustomed to it - I have had hotter runs this year when visiting Jim and Janet Darby in Spain and my parents at the South Coast. Reconnaisance and knowledge of the course also does help. I know it does not work in the Carnethy Five where the organiser has to reroute the course through the deepest heather on Carnethy and Scald Law to satisfy farmer's conceived worries about erosion; surprisingly to me some circles of thought even regard Carnethy reconnaisance as unethical. But the National Park has not insisted Wasdale runners follow constructed footways as on Goat Fell or special erosion controlled diversions across boulder fields. Researching and running Lake District races, rounds and mountain trials has always helped me to anticipate the ground and enjoy the terrain and also to be used to running on it for four to five hours."
John Blair-Fish
NB. It's not always a good thing to recce before a race - see Alva report on Westies site!
Results
- 7th July 2005
White Tops Race
Friday July 1st saw a glorious evening for the White Tops Race organised by Dundee Road Runners. Wot….a hill race from a road club? Well, more cross country but you do top out in the Sidlaw Hills above Dundee. The finish is a long smooth downhill, so gentle that gravity was barely perceptible and your lardy-legged correspondent had to generate his own momentum in order to get down off the hill. 2 Carnethies, one of whom is running well at the moment (Derek Bearhop came 10th), couple of HBT girlies spotted making less noise than some of their male clubmates but everybody else seemed to be from furth of the Forth. Excellent tea and cakes afterwards too so thanks to Dundee RR for a grand start to the weekend. Results
Robin Haynes
- 6th July 2005
Wasdale Recce
The Wasdale race on Saturday 9th July is the next British Championship counter and is a long one! Willie and Jill Mykura checked the route out last weekend.
"This race is more of a long day out in the hills than a fell race. It starts from Wasdale Head at the top of Wast Water and runs in a big clockwise circle for 22miles and 8500ft of ascent over the highest hills in England. We ran the route over 2 days returning to the campsite in between, and enjoyed fantastic weather which afforded great views but made for hot running. It took us 8 hours - now we have to cut 3 hours off that in the race!"
- 3rd July 2005
Dollar and Making Poverty History
It was perhaps appropriate that on the day of the Make Poverty History march the hill race was called Dollar. We know of at least 3 Carnethies who took over an hour to cover the 2 mile MPH circuit in Edinburgh. There were four who ran a lot faster in Dollar.
Results
- 1st July 2005
Two Carnethies in GB team for Europe
Lyn Wilson and Angela Mudge are 2 of the 3 Scots in the GB teams for the European Mountain Running Championship in Austria on 10th July. Two teams of 4 (men and women) will run for GB and NI. Tracey Brindley (unattached) is the other Scot.
News: July - September 2005
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