Old News: July-September 2008
- 30th September 2008
Bjorkliden Arctic Mountain Marathon, 22-23 August
The Bjorkliden Arctic Mountain Marathon, the BAMM, in Arctic Sweden. Two days on a mates floor, one night on a train, two nights in a mountain hut and a night in the tent on the golf course beside the hotel (we were too cheap to pay for a room) saw us fresh as daisies for the first day.
We ran well through the first few checkpoints until some genius navigation by Alastair saw us, quite remarkably, in the lead. Dumbstruck by our position we spent the next day and a half running like madmen to maintain it, not helped by an impromptu dunking in a river followed by an almighty climb up to, and over, a glacier feeding it on the second day.
The almighty descent to the final checkpoint was the most exhilarating of my life. The location, exceptional organisation, hospitable people and an awesome race combined for a classic mountain marathon experience. Watch out though for the Arctic wind though, it could test any hardened fell runner. If you like the LAMM this race is the business.
Results
Sam Hesling
- 29th September 2008
25th Two Breweries Race - Saturday 27th September
This classic race was the 6th and last counter in the 2008 Scottish championship and was also celebrating its 25th anniversary so attracted a large field on a good day, including 21 Carnethies. The race started at Traquair House where runners soaked up the autumn sunshine before setting off on an 18 mile journey over heathery hills into a head wind to Broughton Brewery! Alasdair Anthony (Ochils) won in a time of 2:47:58. Stewart Whitlie was first home for the club in 5th place in 2:56:01. Lucy Colquhorn and Jill Mykura both had superb runs to take 1st and 2nd place in the ladies in 3:12:35 and 3:18:01 respectively (and Jill became Scottish champion as well !). With Jacqui Higginbottom backing them up (and first Over 40) they won the team prize (and Carnethy became Scottish Ladies champions plus joint Scottish Men's and Scottish Male Vets champions !).
A huge thank you to Bill Sheridan and his team for an extremely well organised race, they have done a brilliant job but have decided now, after 25 years, to step down and hand over to Pete Baxter & Elspeth Scott. Here's to next year........and all that beer!
Results here and a report of the race by Michael O'Connor is here. Lots of photos on SHR site.
- 29th September 2008
Cairn William - Saturday 27th September
Simon Peachey is taking full advantage of his move to Aberdeen and upsetting lots of Cosmics ! On Saturday he gave theTwo Breweries a miss to record a fine win in the Cairn William race beating Kyle Greig by 6 seconds in 47:39.
- 29th September 2008
General Maczek’s Fortathlon - Sunday 28th September
After a trial run from Peebles last year, Dave Peck’s second Fortathon was based at Barony Castle and doubled as a club preview of General Maczek’s Great Polish Map of Scotland. A massive turnout of round 30 people turned up on autumnal morning with bright sunshine to offset the cool breeze. There had been a lot of debate over rules. When is fort not a fort? Is a ring still a ring if it’s only a ring without the word “ring”? On which OS map? - - etc. etc. The overarching rule was that this was a social event, not an Olympic selection trial. Everyone disappeared to all points of the compass for 2 hours plus or minus a bit; some losing more points on their time overrun than they had gained in 2 hours of running. Runners swept as far south as the Meldons and north to Portmore. Bikers stomped the slopes up the Meldons road to find the best launch points on foot to collect their points. Gordon Cameron won a bottle of champagne in the main event, with an impressive collection of forts, castles and rings. Bob Waterhouse and Cali Ingham won the bicycle-assisted category from a limited field with two tandems chasing.Barony Castle Hotel provided a splendid backdrop and an adequate lunch that didn’t quite do justice to its grand surroundings, on both service and content. Everyone visited the sadly neglected Great Polish Map of Scotland Great Polish Map of Scotland across the footbridge over the gorge. Restoration plans are beginning to come together, maybe to be celebrated one day by an international Poland vs.Scotland fortathon.
Many thanks to Dave Peck for a very interesting event.
- 23rd Spetember 2008
Ben Nevis - 6th September
You have to book your place on this race nearly a year in advance. So, inevitably, some folk can't make it on the day and the 500 runner limit is never fully made up. However, 442 did make it for the race on a fairly hot day, including a handful of Carnethies. This year the race was part of the Buff Skyrunner series, so some top international runners led the pack out of the games field onto the road. Angela Mudge led the Carnethy runners, with Adam, Bruce and myself trailing behind her. Past the road, the much narrower path makes for difficult overtaking and I got stuck in the traffic. There seemed to be lots more folk out cheering us on this year and I heard Bob Johnson, his partner and dog encourage us up, but didn't realise they were taking video clips - perhaps getting tips for running next year (see YouTube ). The summit lurked in cloud, which was enough to cool us all down a bit and as I was still climbing up over the boulders and scree, the top guys came blitzing past. It wasn't long before Angela, Adam and myself started downhill, trying not to push over the hundreds of runners still coming up. I cheered on the Carnethy runners still heading uphill. At last down to the road and got some more encouragement to get me along that last slog back to the finish. Such an excellent race ! The entries for next year are out in January.
Carnethies taking part were : Cameron Burt, Gregor Heron, Andrew Lennie, Angela Mudge, Derek Paton, Cameron Scott, Bruce Smith, Adam Ward,Janet McWhinnie, Colin and Joan Wilson and myself.
Steven Fallon
- 22nd September 2008
Angela takes silver in 2008 World Sky Running Series
After winning the World Sky Running Series in 2006 and 2007, Angela Mudge has had to be content with silver this year after finishing third in the last race, the 43km Sentiero delle Grigne in Italy on Sunday 21st, an extremely long technical race with 6400m climb (!!) and including some via ferrata sections ! Angela finshed behind arch rival Corinne Favre of France and a very inspired Emanuela Brizio of Italy, who won in 5hrs 32mins, well inside Corinne Favre's previous record (which Angela and Corinne were also inside). Corinne Favre's second place was enough to give her the 2008 Sky Running Title. Race Results . Sky running series news and results.
- 21st September 2008
A nice day, for once
For once in living memory a good day for running. The sun shone on a tour of the Pentlands. Last week was quiet, though we encountered a fast Lucy and canine speeding through the dreich. This Sunday fended off bounding runners reccying the Skyline, a Yorkshire accent on the drove road enquiring directions where's t' bloddy 'Aire 'Ill, and a carnethy stalwart sweating half-naked down the path. Made a diff from Nigel's trip on Saturday - thick mist and torrential rain ! Up on Scald Law a radio ham with a ginormous ariel, that he must have carried up from sea-level, was speaking to pals on Tinto and on Ben More, a quick lecture on MHz versus GHz and the troposphere passed us by as we headed back to Red Moss in warm sunshine. Pimms anyone? - almost...., fingers crossed.
- 17th September 2008
Al Anthony wins Caerketton Downhill
Al Anthony returned from running for Scotland in the uphill only World Trophy on Switzerland at the weekend, to take part in the other big end of season race, the Caerketton Downhill, and what was his main target for the season, the record ! However, the record was not to be as days of rain had made the course slippy, so Al had to be content with the third fastest time ever of 5:16, just behind his 5:14 of last year and Ian Wellock's 5:11. Two other records were set as there was the largest field ever at 37 (more runners than prizes this year) and also the slowest time ever recorded for running from the top of Caerketton to the bottom car-park was set by Robin Thomas of HBT - 17mins 25 seconds - did he have a beer on the way down ?
Eilidh Wardlaw (HBT) just held off Fiona Lowrie of Carnethy by 2 secs to win the ladies prize, though Fiona did have the consolation of winning the Marigolds - so will she be washing up tonight ? Bruce Smith finished third and first Over 40 in a fast (though not for him) 5:29 and was lucky enough to win the much admired gold plated safety pins - so you won't miss him in future races.
Results; previous years here (*NEW* includes All Time List and category record holders).
- 16th September 2008
Tragic Loss of Simon Triger (Westerlands) on Mont Blanc
Carnethy Hill Running Club is very sorry to hear about the terrible loss and sends condolences to his family and friends.
Reports on The Daily Telegraph and The Daily Mail. Chris Upson also has a nice tribute here.
- 16th September 2008
Win and Wobbles at Applecross Duathlon - Saturday 13th September
It was time for some (not so) elite competition so The Carnethy unfaithfull headed for the wild west in the shape of the Applecross Peninsula and its annual duathlon, involving 9 miles of running on rough track and path and 15 miles of road biking. Adam Ward reports on his win despite "Black sheep" and on Garry's wobbles here (and includes organiser's report).
Results
- 14th September 2008
Carnethy Mens Team Set New Record at Comrie
The mens team of Simon Peachey, Steven Fallon and Ronnie Gallacher, Stewart Whitlie, Adrian Davies won in style by setting a new course record. Carnethy also won prizes for the fastest legs in three of the four legs. Ronnie and Steven won leg 2, Stewart won leg 3 and Adrian won leg 4 with a new record for leg 4. Well done to the ladies team of Kim Martin (her first hill race), Lorna Ascroft and Lucy Hailey, Moira Stewart, Angela Gardner. The mixed team of Paul Ritchie, Joan Wilson and Debs Monteith, Shane Bouchier, Kate Friend were very close to winning as there was not much between them and winning mixed team. Results.
- 13th September 2008
Brian Wins the Beeftub Race Again - But only just
Brian Marshall (HELP) once again won the Devil's Beeftub Hill Race today, Prasad Prasad (Clydesdale) reached the final summit ahead of both Marsha(l)ls (The Race one and the Brian one), and headed off the wrong way. Alan Cherry of Ayr Seaforth was 3rd and 1st Junior, with Tom Smith of Lochaber in 4th. Adam Gatens of East Kilbride was 5th and 2nd junior.
Cali Ingham was 1st Lady and Claire Treasurer was 2nd
Results
- 11th September 2008
Courmayeur-Champex-Chamonix Winner Lucy shares her histoire
I’m not much of a marketer but I suspect there’s a reason they....more
- 10th September 2008
Bill Gauld wins last race but Bob Waterhouse wins Series at Arthur's Seat
Despite the wet night there was the usual large turnout for the last handicap of the summer, though perhaps it was the free beer and food afterwards that enticed people (at least 30 people went back to KB for this !). The rain made the top of Arthur's Seat and other rocky parts treacherous and a few people took falls but no-one was hurt. Bill Gauld claimed to have been ill for a year but once he'd got his good handicap he didn't look it and shot round (though actually he wouldn't have won if Adele Inch hadn't gone off course). Results and Race Report
Final Series results
- 10th September 2008
Lyn heads to World Mountain Running Trophy
Good luck to Lyn Wilson who is running for Scotland at the World Mountain Running Trophy on Sunday 14th September at Crans Montana, Switzerland. More details here. Lyn is the only Carnethy representative in the team this year, after winning the trial race at Caringorm.
- 9th September 2008
Ben Nevis Sky Race - Saturday 6th September
In good conditions, Angela Mudge won the Ben Nevis Race for the second year running in a time of 1: 47.12 finishing 26th in the field of 450 runners. This year the race was a counter in the Buff Skyrunner World Series and it was won by Agusti Roc from Catelonia, the current leader in the Sky Runner series, just in front of Rob Jebb (Bingley). First Carnethy home, out of the many who ran, was Steven Fallon (22nd) in 1:46.22. Results
- 9th September 2008
Alex Menarry Triumphs at World Vets
News just in from the World Vets: Alex Menarry (also Chairman of Durham Fell Runners) has won the over 75, Brian Waldie has come second in the over 70 and Keith Burns was 14th in the over 65.
- 4th September 2008
A new Coyle arrives early
John and Serena Coyle are proud to announce the birth of Adriana Moira Coyle, born on Monday 1st September 2008, 12 weeks early and weighing 810g. Adriana is doing well.
- 29th August 2008
Lucy wins Courmayeur-Champex-Chamonix
Lucy Colquhoun was first lady home in the northern half Tour de Mont Blanc. This is 86 kilometers and 4600 m ascent. 2000 starters. Her time of 14:33 was an amazing 2 hours ahead of the next lady, and put her in 12th position overall in the field. 2nd was Nicole Volard-Gilet (France) with 3rd lady Fiona Maxwell (Mourne Runners) who was 3rd in the Carnethy 5 this year. For the men, Guillaume LeNormand stormed home in 12:26, second was another frenchman, Renaud Rouanet, but third was brit Alun Powell. CCC site (in French). Magnifique Lucy!
Murdo McEwan
* Early results on Murdo's favorite - the full Tour of Mont Blanc, 166 km and 9400 m. Kilian Journet in 20:56 and Elisabeth Hawker in 25:19, details will be here
- 28th August 2008
Carlops Handicap
The weather wasn't too unkind, although misty tops on the first 3 hills caused a few to run off course, of course they would have stayed on course if they hadn't read their compass upside down!
The rest of the field had a fairly close race with Willie Gibson winning (using his post Ramsay Meldon handicap adjusted time to good effect),closely followed by Bob Waterhouse (now series leader) and Steven Falllon was third.
Results are on the Handicaps page
- 24th August 2008
Ochils 2000 Hill Race - Saturday 23rd August
There was a massive Carnethy turnout for this epic 20 mile Scottish Championship Race race which went from one end of the Ochils to the other over all the 2000ft summits. Stewart Whitlie led for much of the way, before Colin Donnelly (Lochaber) got away on the last hill, Dumyat, to win. Angela Mudge smashed the woman's record in finishing an amazing 5th in 2:51:33 - her altitude training in the Alps and Pyrennes paying off ! Carnethy also won both the men's and ladies team awards.
Carnethy runners were : Stewart Whitle(3rd), Angela Mudge (5th), Simon Peachey (6th), Jill Mykura (2nd female and 14th), Jon Ascroft (15th), Steven Fallon (16th), Bruce Smith (25th), Andy Spenceley (30th), Jacqui Higginbottom (59th), Derek Bearhop (60th), Derek Paton (63rd), Willian Mykura (68th), John Blair-Fish (75th), Mick James (88th), Richard Bush (96th), Bruce Milne (98th), Joanne Anderson (106th), Colin Wilson (116th), Kate Friend (118th), Trevor Collins (123rd), Gordon Cameron (124th), Joan Wilson (127th), Bill Henderson (132nd - obviously still tired from his superb 2nd place in Tarland show race !), Ronnie Gallagher (136th !), John Littlewood (142nd), Gregor Heron (151st), Cameron Scott (153rd) and Michael O'Connor (163rd). That's 28 - must be the one of the largest club turnouts for any race apart from Carnethy 5 !!
Results
Mug's Game
Perfect conditions as the 170+ competitors set off in the Ochils 2000 -the first long race in the 2008 SHR championship with a record number of Carnethies entered.
11 tops in an A - B route starting in Glen Eagles and finishing at Stirling University. The first 9 tops took me 2 hours as I kept on the heels of Willie and Mick. Good running conditions.
Then on to Blairdennon Hill which took another 30 minutes across peak hags and tussocks which sapped my strength. I lost sight of Willie and Mick and was passed by Jackie and JBF who said it was "only an hour to go" over Dumyat. There had been lots of route discussion for this section but as the cramp set in I could barely walk let alone run. It was agony - the worst pain I can remember as I struggled back taking another hour and three quarters to get to the finish losing about 50 places. There were others in a bad way as well. Don't know why it affected me so badly - maybe it was the snake bite I got in Yosemite ? Some good times were recorded and Angela beat the men's record in finshing 5th.
And all for a mug !!
Gordon Cameron
- 20th August 2008
Inaugural Pub 'n' Chips Run
Another fortuitous Wednesday night weather break was a bonus to the 18 Carnethies who set off on the inaugural pub 'n' chips run...of whom 15 had read their email, and were actually expecting it! Waddling up Blackford Hill with a first pint sloshing inside us, we met up with a gaggle of Bog Trotting Ladies on the summit. Dropping through the Astlie Ainslie, the Merlin was our next refreshment stop, and the starting point for the Usain Bolt memorial sprint. Sadly this failed to live up to its name, resulting, as it did, in a tight finish outside the chip shop, where the major question was a Shakespearean; "To sauce or not to sauce?". A new Olympic event, Chip Running followed, as we decamped to the Morning Glory to wash our grub down with more ale, and tried to stop Willie drinking so quickly. Shedding runners, a hop, skip and a jump then led us up to the Buckstone at the Braid Hills Hotel, where we savoured some Pimms on the Lawn, dahlings! Then, speeding through the gloom of Mortonhall Woods to the Stables Bar, we took the chance to relax a little, before nipping back to the Braid Burn for one final sherbet, and the stagger home!
Oz
- 18th August 2008
Lucy and team win at Lomonds of Fife - Sunday 17th August
- Third time running the new route but still
a decent number of runners (75) after last years championship race seems
to have raised the interest.
The usual slog up a misty West Lomond and subsequent steep descent was a short sharp introduction to the race. I managed to mess up the contour AGAIN going round into the woods and lost a couple of spots - I must have gained one or two though as I could hear faster runners snapping at my heels all the way along the LandRover track until we hit the wee heathery path up to the Monument.
With no-one to follow I only made one slight error on this well taped section and enjoyed the run through the woods before emerging at the waterstop with a Bellahouston vest gaining on me.For some reason now that they've changed the route the red road along to East Lomond now seems much harder than before. After I crossed the fence Brian Marshall came back towards me with a huge lead - a couple of minutes later last years winner Andy Symonds and Tom Owens passed. I got to the top in about 10th spot now with Manny Gorman chasing me down.
A good descent and a hard run along the track and I had managed to put some distance between Manny and myself by the time I reached the top of the final checkpoint on the old fort. I'd checked out the map before and there looked to be a more gradual rise by heading West and drifting South to reach the track, so thought I'd give that a go. To my left, a fair bit behind me I could see Manny cutting directly south to the track. A few expletives left my lips though when, after plowtering through trackless wastes, I popped out onto the track to see Manny go past, hot on Steven Fallon's heels.
Managed to catch up with Steven on the final climb (maybe that Ochil's recce the previous day wasn't such a good idea) but Manny was on a mission and with his special descending breeks even my cycling shorts couldn't get close to him on the bumslide down Cations gully.
At the sharp end Andy Symonds made up over a minute on Brian Marshall on the final climb to hold onto the trophy for another year with Tom Owens nipping 2nd in a very tight finish.
Apparently only the one runner took a detour into Falkland this year, so only the one dnf.Together with Lucy Colquhon who was first lady, Steven and I picked up the team prize for Carnethy to go along with our 2nd and 3rd vet's prizes making it worth my while to stick around for the prize giving.
Bruce Smith
- 17th August 2008
Lyn in World Trophy Team
Congratulations to Lyn Wilson who has been named in Scotland's team for the World Mountain Running Trophy to be held in Crans Montana, Switzerland on 14th September. Full Team
- 13th August 2008
22nd Caerketton Hill Race
The heavy rain of the past few days stopped for the race, but on the very wet and slippy course (definitely muddy and boggy as befits the last of the Bog and Burn Wednesday evening races), Al Anthony (Ochils) won the race in 12:47, the fastest time since the current record was set in 2000 and very impressive in the slow and tricky conditions ! Al recorded the 10th fastest run of all time and his first time under 13 mins, though he had to work for his prize as Murray Strain (HBT) led at the top and eventually took 2nd in 13:04. In winning the ladies race, the on-form Claire Gordon (HBT) recorded the 14th fastest ladies run of all time. The vets and team prizes went to Carnethy with good packing, getting 6 in the top 10, led home by Adam Ward in 3rd place.
As the teams left the pub the heavens opened in another deluge
Results (and more photos)
- 13th August 2008
Summit Fever ( or Wednesday's Club Run for those who didn't fancy the sprint at Caerketton)
With the torrential summer rains briefly abating, we decided to take advantage of a post-monsoon weather window, and make an evening summit push. A straightforward ascent of Blackford Hill led to early success as we topped out onto its summit plateau. Heading along the Braidburn, we reached our Advanced Base camp at the foot of the Craiglockharts and, following a desperate struggle up its muddy slopes, we were confident both peaks would "go"! Our rewards were bountiful; a grand view up to the peaks of the southern Highlands, with even Ben More and Stob Binnein clear on the skyline. Turning for home, we had one peak remaining, and, despite the absence of Uncle Willie to guide our way, we were confident of where we were...though we had to admit we hadn't noticed the large castle on top of Braids Hill on previous visits. Meandering homewards in the advancing gloaming, last week's log flume down past Liberton Tower proved considerably easier this time round, but we still celebrated our safe arrival back at Base Camp with a couple of cheeky scoopettes in the Braid Burn...
Oz
P.S. Next week will be the Pub & Chips run
- 13th August 2008
Sierre-Zinal - Sunday 10th August
They say this is one of the classic European races - it was my first and I've already decided I'm going to give it a go next year. Sierre-Zinal is a great but tough race in an area of great mountain scenary. The race starts in Sierre and finishes in Zinal - in between there is 31km of running and approx 2000m ascent and 850m descent. Its a fairly popular race with a few thousand entered - from the elite of the international fell running scene to those of equal enthusiasm but not quite so quick on their feet. The race starts at 500m and goes up - lots through a forest until you come out at Chandolin at 2000m. Here you come out of the forest into the blazing heat (it was 32 degress on race day so you got a suntan too..) where you go down a bit before more up to Hotel Weisshorn and bit more to 2425m. At this stage of the race I admit I was either suffering from the altitude, heat exhaustion, just plain kn******* or maybe all three. After this the route traverses the mountain a bit before a steepish descent into Zinal where you are greeted with a cheering crowd and more blazing sunshine - its a well supported race throughout the course but perhaps a little too hot. Basically you climb 2000m then run a half marathon before descenting to the finish.
Angela Mudge had a great run finishing second lady behind Anna Pichrtova in 3hrs 07 - quite a few British male runners were in the top 20. Crawford Oliphant was running his second S-Z race and we all enjoyed chilling out in Zinal before and after the race - a lovely little village which comes alive for the race weekend. Thanks to Angela and friends for putting up with me. Results
Joanne Anderson
- 13th August 2008
Schlickeralmlauf- 3rd August
With variations: an Inghams Lakes and Mountain holiday to Galtur - the skiing holidays without the snow and where the cost of two weeks is the same as one in the Winter. In the middle I abandoned marmot spotting and wondering why the tops of Austrian mountains are more rugid than Swiss ones - something to do with orderlyness - and hired a car to travel to the Schlickeralmlauf race at Telfes.
This was my fourth and slowest race but I still made 3rd Vet 55 and was one of the two British male representatives. John Brown made 18th overall and Jonathan Wyatt won. I passed two of the British lady representatives on the steep ascent at the end - Ann Buckley having an off day and Anna Lupton new to Alpine racing - but she had cycled to the race all the way from Manchester. I usually reckon to make up places on this section at the end so was surprised to see the first over 60 appearing from nowhere to pass me at the finish.
The weather was cloudy and humid so putting suntan lotion on at 7am was a mistake.
Results
JBF
- 11th August 2008
Glenshee 9
A couple of years ago a handful of Carnethies went out to Glenshee and bagged 9 munros in a day . This was noticed by some other folk, and to cut a long story short, Al Hubbard organised a race based on the route we did. Over 70 runners turned up on the day to run 21miles and climb 6000ft. Various route choices were taken from the start, but from Creag Leacach, everyone more or less stuck to the same route over the munros. When David Riach and I were running along to Creag Leacach, an owl darted out of the rocks, circled, then flew off - we had to briefly stop and watch. Apart from a couple of light showers, the weather was kind and made for easy navigation along the tops. 11 Carnethy runners took part (including Tim Doyle running for Penicuik) with Stewart finishing 2nd, just a couple of minutes behind Andy Symonds who completed the course in 3hr 26min ! I guess quite a few folk found the race a bit tough though, as only 59 finished. I did hear that a couple of Cosmic girls got lost and went up the same munro twice, so missed the cut-off time at the road.
An excellent race, well organised and raised lots for Braemar Mountain Rescue. To be run next year - I'll be back.
Steven
More pleasant weather christened the Glenshee 9 inaugural race on Sunday, and gave fine running conditions and great views across the southern Cairngorms. 72 runners (including 10 Carnethies) set off from the Ski Station, and picked their way around more munros than the rest of the Scottish Long series put together. Alex Keith led the way around the part of the route east of the road, but was then overhauled by Andy Symonds and Stewart Whitlie, with Simon Peachey close behind. Claire Gordon was first woman home, and Lucy Colquhoun was third.
With refreshments included in the Ski station café, the post race atmosphere was warm and friendly. The organiser and marshals did a fantastic job of managing an extensive route with the minimum of fuss. The nature of the route means that over 20 miles are covered without any brutal climbs (except perhaps for the bit up from the road crossing). However next year more typical summer weather could enhance the navigational challenge…
Jon
Results & Photos
- 11th August 2008
Lyn Wilson wins Cairngorm Mountain Trial
Strong winds and rain caused the course to be shortened so that the senior races finished at the Ptarmigan restaurant instead of the summit of Cairn Gorm. The men and women set off at the same time but the men had an extra 3K loop near the start- so it was going to be interesting to see who got to the summit first. Marshalling at 850m and 950m we could see running specks from below the Cairn Gorm car park which was capped by a beautiful rainbow. First runners to reach us were the close pairing of Lyn Wilson and Elke Schmidt (Bellahouston) followed by a gap and Claire Gordon (HBT). As they passed us the front group of men, Murray Strain, Al Anthony and Jethro Lennox were closing on Edel Mooney and Susan Ridley, the 4th and 5th placed ladies, and indeed, they go on to pass them but won't catch the first three. In the ladies race Carnethy's Lyn Wilson won the sprint finish from Elke Schmidt with a gap to Claire Gordon who was 3rd. Murray Strain capped his recent good form with a win over Al Anthony (Ochils)and Jethro Lennox (Shettleston).
Results and photos on SHR
Nimmos
- 7th August 2008
Thyon-Dixence - Sunday 3rd August
Angela Mudge won the Thyon-Dixence race in Switzerland in 1:28:32. this race is approx 10 miles long and starts at the ski resort of Thyon, at a height of 2000m, and finishes on top of the Dixence dam, at a height of 2300m, with much undulations between the two.The dam has the highest face in Europe - more than 1000ft of sheer concrete as you look over the edge. Results are here.
- 6th August 2008
The Summer Splodge?!
Conditions were possibly bordering on mixed, as three hardcore Amigos of what was starting to bear an uncanny resemblance to the Apocalypse, gathered for the Wednesday club run. So, fearing dehydration, we decided to stay in the shade on a predominantly wooded run... As we headed over the summit of Blackford Hill, we could only identify our location by the trig point, since we could barely see each other, never mind the view. Dropping to the Braid Burn (stream/river/raging torrent, not pub, sadly), the slight pooling of precipitation resulted in repeated squishage as we made our way along the glen, then up to the Braids golf course. Bog-hopping along its rolling fairways was a tad soggy, and the location of the greens could only be ascertained from the lonely flags rising forlornly from the swamps. So, turning for home, we had an entertaining ghyll scramble down to KB, where the pace meant we were back in time for a relaxing pint in the bar...
P.S. conditions were so bad that the North Berwick Law race was cancelled
Ian Oswald
- 4th August 2008
Borrowdale Fell Race - Sunday 3rd August
I was wondering if I'd put in enough milage, however, Jill reassured me I would enjoy this classic Lakeland race, and she was right! Four Carnethys started in Rosthwaite taking in Bessy Boot, Scarfell Pike, Great Gable and a final climb up Dale Head. I did lose some time getting lost in the mist off Green Gable but eventually made it to Honister Pass before the cut off. Jill Mykura was third lady in a brilliant time of 3:40:45, Helene Whittaker was also in the top ten in a time of 3:47:54 and Cameron Scott unfortunately was timed out. I was just pleased to finish and I had a brilliant day out in the hills - I can recommend the race!
Kate Friend
Ladies' captain Kate Friend, Helene Whittaker, Jill Mykura and Cameron Scott were on the start line for the 5th race in the British Championships, at Rosthwaite, Borrowdale, on Saturday. This race also counts towards the Lakeland Classics Series, so it was no surprise to find a quality field of around 460 runners were there to tackle the 17 mile, 6500ft, course. The heavy going from Bessy Boot to Esk Hause, followed by mist, wet, slippery rock from Scafell Pike and beyond, claimed tumbles, cuts, bruises, turned ankles, blood, sweat and tears. Not everyone finished. Many did complete the route, although maybe not finishing where they expected in the results! Borrowdale runner Simon Booth sealed his 11th win. Lloyd Taggart (Dark Peak) came second and Scot Jethro Lennox (Shettleston) third. Janet McIver (Dark Peak) stormed the ladies race. Continuing her brilliant form in the Lakeland Classics, she was over 10 minutes ahead of 2nd lady, Dawn Scott (Lochaber). Jill Mykura finished third. Helene Whittaker was also in the prizes crossing the line together with husband Jonny. This is a race of epic proportions and one which I recommend to anyone who wants a day out in the hills; a challenge of mind, body and soul. It is well organised and supported. It's also closer than you think - 'do - able' in a day.
Full results found on the Keswick website: here
Jill Mykura
- Races in the Dolomites
Just to show I'm still running. Reports from Medio Fondo (bike), the Stava Sky Race, the PianTrevisian (taking home the super-duper-vet prize), and the Boe Sky Race (Rob Jebb fourth again) are here.
Brian Waldie
- 31st July 2008
Killin Highland Games, 30 July
As part of the Killin Highland Games, there is a short steep hillrace. The runners race from the games up through ferns and forest onto Sron a'Chlachain (which means 'nose of the village'), turn around the three cairns and then descend back to the village. Today's mist ensured eyes were kept peeled to find the route-markers and the rain made for an initial slippy descent through the wet grass. I was the only Carnethy there, but there were one or two other familiar faces. Colin Donnelly from Lochaber led the field up and made an ever increasing gap between himself and everyone else. I managed to pull back some distance on the descent though, finishing around 10-15 seconds behind him and second overall. Every runner got a goody bag which included food, t-shirt and a voucher for a free meal from the sponsors : The Real Food Cafe in Tyndrum.
Steven
- 31st July 2008
Lammermuirs Handicap - Wed 30th July
A warm evening encouraged a good turnout to the wilds of East Lothian. On the start line, Bruce Smith had the most convincing bandage (though Brian Marshall tried to claim his ankle support was a bandage). Luckily the handicapper was not taken in by these simple ploys as both then stormed round, with Brian just beating Ronnie Gallagher for fastest time (both under 50mins, easily a new record) and Bruce 3rd fastest. Karen Meikle was first home just in front of Phillipa Headley. Birthday boy, Paul Ritchie, celebrated his 40th birthday with a fast run ... and supplied post race beer !
Full Report by Keith Burns here. Race results and current series positions here.
- 27th July 2008
Hot day at the Ben Rinnes 5 Tops Race - Saturday 26th July
There was some superb running by the Carnethy women in extreme heat at the Ben Rinnes race on Saturday. Jacqui Higginbottom led all the way to win, while Joanne Anderson continued her great form with a 3rd place (and very nearly caught 2nd). These were great performances on a day not ideal for running a long race - very hot and humid - and plenty of runners "died" on the way back from Ben Rinnes including the race leader at the summit, Brian Marshall. Other Carnethies running were Andy Spenceley (13th), Colin Wilson (44th), Phillipa Headley (61st) and Joan Wilson (66th).
Results
This result moves Joanne Anderson into the lead in the Scottish Long Classic Series !! - Latest postions here
- 24th July 2008
Turnhouse
14 Carnethies ran the Turnhouse Bog 'n' Burn on a very warm and still night with Jon and John leading the charge and finishing in 7th and 10th place respectively. HBT took the honours in setting new records for senior male and female on a well marked couse which had an easier final ascent than last year when the route was in doubt. Lots of cows added to the balmy evening aroma. I took over 3 minutes off my 2007 time but finished further down the field.Results on SHR .
Gordon
- 19th July 2008
Mull Monsterette - Brian Marshall wins again
Stewart Whitlie and Brian Marshall kept in close contact for most of the race , at least till the summit of the Ben, Brian managed to pull away on the way down to Loch Na Keal winning by over 3 minutes.
Jill Mykura won the ladies race from Dawn Scott of Lochaber in second.
results and Photos on SHR Flickr
- 18th July 2008
Bavarian race tragedy - a warning
Tragedy struck on a Bavarian mountaintop Sunday as bad weather claimed the lives of two runners and nearly killed six more. Read
'there's a good reason for a mandatory kit list'.. the amount of snow and temps in the story are really no different to what we can get in Scotland most of the year...
Olly Stephenson
- 17th July 2008
Maddy Moss - Carnethy bag team prize at Maddy Moss (or do we ?)
A record turnout of 135 runners lined up for this this long (by bog-and-burn standards) race up the Ochils. Amongst them were Carnethies Camerson Burt, Bruce Smith, Derek Paton, Russell Stout, Peter Walker, Richard Brown, Richard Bush and myself. The race starts with an incredibly steep short ascent up through the ferns. Surprising I led the field uphill, but then proceeded to hold the fast guys up when we turned onto the flat. Gradually the runners started to pass, firstly Grant Stewart from Edinburgh, then Al Anthony and two more. It's a slog up the Law, but runnable most of the way. My little legs ran as fast as they could, but David Riach and his long legs was catching - even though he was walking ! From the Law onwards it's on pretty flat ground to Ben Cleuch and back to Andrew Gannel. It seemed really dry underfoot to what I remember last year. Next is the trod back to the start - some folk like this, I'm not one of them. It's on a narrow worn path with only a hind of loosing height and seems to go on forever. I had now been past by more folk, but the descent was just ahead. As descents go, this is fast and steep and for me was an opportunity to pull back a few places. Grant led all the way from where he overtook me, with Al on his heels all the way to the finish. Our guys won the team prize - a case of beer, tho on looking at the results later, I notice that Westies got a lower score for their first three finishers. Maybe the race organisers have an unusual way of calculating the scores. Too late however, Bruce, Cameron and I have drunk all the beer !
Steven Fallon
- 14th July 2008
Alva Hill Race - 12th July
This short hill race takes place as part of the Alva Highland games and seems to attract a fair number of runners from England, something to do with it being a British Open Fell Runners Association Championship race. Stewart Whitlie and Bruce Smith were the two other Carnethy runners amongst a handful of Scottish participants. Stewart won this race a few of years back, so prior to the race he took a couple of us for a recci up the route. Some of the adjectives used to describe the race were 'brutal', 'really steep' and 'very fast', so we looked for short-cuts that would ease the pain and I practiced jumping over the only fence on the route, so as not to end up doing a head-plant into brambles. The race started from the games and initially went around the track, then onto a short section of road. You had to get into a good position before the turn, or, as in my case, you'd end up jostling with other runners up the narrow lane, stumbling over weeds and pipes. Onto the hill, it's just a case of hands on thighs and push upwards. The descent is brilliant fun ! It only lasts a couple of minutes, but makes all that ascent worth it. I caught Stewart near the bottom of the descent and called out something to encourage him to catch the two guys in front. He just seemed to go into another gear as we hit the flat and sprinted around the running track out of view ! The race did take its toll tho and the medics were called out for a few runners to clean up some bloody knees, patch up some nasty blisters on one poor young lad and deal with a bad ankle injury on Pete Buchanan of Ochil Runners. No beer or booze for prizes - just money! £175 for first prize! I won £20 for 5th and 2nd vet. I wonder if that'll encourage more Carnethies to try this wee race next year.
Steven Fallon
- 14th July 2008
Carnethy Hill Race - 9th July
Lars Ottermoller was 2nd and Joanne Anderson was 1st lady in the second Carnety Hill race.
Carnethy must have made up almost a third of the runners Stephen was 3rd but Stewart's record was broken by Al Anthony.
Race report from Andy Kitchin:
" The mist cleared the summit as the course was marked. 34 souls braved the weather window and enjoyed a dry run for the second edition of this fine little race. Patrick Ryan won the junior race whilst Al Anthony prevailed in the senior race, setting a new record at 24:27.
First Lady was Joanne Anderson.
First Junior was Tom Ryan.
The Race was organised by and to raise funds for the British Orienteering Squad, many thanks to all the runners."
Full results on shr
- 7th July 2008
Glamaig - 5th July
Full Report by Race Organiser Nick McDonald.
Our club captain tells us: This is a tough fairly short race organised by Carnethy with Nick at the helm. Doing well in the race is all about getting the right line down the scree on the descent. Veterans Brian Marshall and Alec Keith could be followed, if only I could keep up with them. So most of the time prior to the race was spent looking up the hill and discussing the options for a route down. Unlike the weather most folk were getting in Dollar, the sun was out and a slight breeze kept the midgies at bay. Just over 80 runners took part, with a good show from Carnethy. Brian Marshall won for the 6th time in a row, but Alec Keith pushed him all the way uphill.
The following day saw Anne and Ian Nimmo's last munro take place. Fine conditions saw us pop a bottle of champagne to celebrate on the small summit - though the slightly nerving ascent ensured we didn't drink too much, so as we returned intact back along the narrow ridge.
Steven Fallon
Results
Photos and Photo Report
- 7th July 2008
Jill Mykura first Lady at Dollar
This year, Dollar was chosen as the race for the SAL Hill Running Championship and U23 Championship. Unlike the SHR Champs, which take your best 4 results from 6 selected races over short, medium and long distances, the SAL Championship is a one off race each year. The last time I ran the course at Dollar, it was a British and Scottish Championship race. This was in 2006 and attracted a field of 184 runners. On Saturday 104 runners stood on the start line, before negotiating the 9.4 miles and 3150 feet of climb.
The conditions for running were very good, with a significant breeze behind you on the return route from Andrew Gannel Hill and over King’s Seat. In the men’s race, Jethro Lennox of Shettleston was first home, followed by Alistair Anthony of Ochils. First Carnethy home was Stewart Whitlie, finishing second V40, behind Colin Donnelly of Lochaber. Adrian Davies was third V40. There were many more Carnethy fellows, namely Craig Derby, John Blair-Fish, Russell Stout and Cameron Scott. Interestingly Peter Walker and Fred McCain gave each other a good race, finishing just 3 seconds apart. Jill Mykura won the ladies’ race, ahead of Dawn Scott (Lochaber). Lorna Duffy was the second Carnethy lady home. I was pleased to see that my time was over a minute faster than 2006, while hats off to Dawn who was 9 minutes quicker than last time!
Jill Mykura
Eleven Carnethians defied both the call to spend 11 hours travelling to race up a Geological slag heap and the call to disrespect the the governing body and ran their championship race at Dollar. The rain held of till a few minutes after the finish and the cool windy weather suited most competitors. In my long experience of hill running July races are either run in very warm conditions or mist and heavy rain. But this was not one to say "when I ran this race 34 years ago..." and the course used in the earlier years was much shorter. Stuart and Aidy were two and third vet 40s behind Colin Donnelly and Jill won the Ladies from Dawn Scott. I was a whole six minutes slower than 2 years ago and than Martin Hulme who gave me a lift. Definently feeling my age on the fast start and the descent ... However, we, Stuart, Aidy, Craig, and myself picked up a medals for second team. Lastly, Jethro Lennos won the race from Alasdair Anthony and Murray Strain. Yes some of you know I just look for familiar faces in my age group, never fail to mention when I brushed my teeth in my report, forget to mention the winners.! Results are here
John Blair-Fish
- 1st July 2008
Earlston Black Hill Race
This is a great wee Borders race, part of the Earlston Civic Week where the juniors run the White Hill and the seniors run the Black Hill Race. The rain forecast for Tuesday evening held off until the end of the race, but this meant the conditions were very hot and close for racing. A trio of Carnethies represented the Club (Jill, Willie Mykura, Robin Sloan) in the 50-strong entry. With some success; Jill won the ladies race in 38 mins (but well off Angela’s 1998 record of 32 mins - was this the same course?) Welcome refreshments were provided of burgers and ice cream as we watched the high-jump and pet-judging competitions, to complete a classic Gala Day.
Willie Mykura
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)