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Old News: July - September 2009

29th September 2009
3 Peaks Cyclocross - Sun 27th September

History was made in this years 3-peaks Cyclo-Cross race (Sunday 27th September 2009) because the overall victory went to a VET 40!! Nick Craig (Scott UK) won by a slender 15 seconds from 7-times straight-winner Rob Jebb (Wheelbase) - who was nursing a dislocated shoulder ! These two had an epic battle for the entire race and were never separated by more than two minutes. The third place overall went to Neal Crampton (Crosstrax) some 15 minutes behind the two leaders!
For those not familiar with the race it's a bike race that takes in the three highest 700-metre summits of the Yorkshire Dales; Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen-y-Ghent. It's a 38-mile race but there are approximately 5 miles of unrideable terrain where the bike has to be carried on the shoulder. The bikes are essentially road bikes with no suspension and the fun starts on the rough descents where bike handling skills can
save time and punctures.
Carnethy was represented by Steve MacInnes, who was a brilliant 11th (for the second year in a row) in 3:18:42; Tim Darlow (3rd attempt) and Bob Johnson (14th attempt). Others in the Scottish Hill scene included Jamie Thin of HBT. Tim made the top of Ingleborough in 59 minutes (40 minutes with the bike on the shoulder!) while Bob did 1:01 and Jamie 1:09. Bob managed to get past Tim on the descent of Ingleborough and made the finish (via remaining summits of Whernside and Pen-y-Ghent) in 3:51:18 (72nd place) in spite of "terminal" cramp problems. Tim finished in 4:05:36 (131st place) taking some 15 minutes off his PB from last year. Jamie finished in a creditable 4:52:20 (333rd place). Bob's time was enough to clinch 3rd place in the VET 50 category (that's two years running - must try harder).
Anybody wanting to take part in next years race (Jon and Sam to name two perhaps?) then please contact Tim or Bob and we'll build a stronger team for 2010!! Results
Bob Johnson
29th September 2009
Ullapool Cycle Sportive (130 miles) - 26th September
Not entirely sure what happened on this one. The weather was OK, a little windy but OK. Didn't cycle any of the race solo and had no mechanical problems. After a year of flogging my way round Scotland on 2 wheels, and making some pretty fundamental mistakes in the process, everything went remarkably well. Makes for a pretty boring report though. Results are here .
It was great fun and thoroughly recommended.
Sam Hesling
26th September 2009
Two Breweries Hill Race

This really is a nice race and well organised too.
Conditions on Saturday were good for running and/or walking up the steep bits! After a cavalry charge up the front lawn at Traquair House, the route covers varied terrain and hits a short stretch of tarmac before going up onto the open hillside and that lovely heathery stuff. Before you get tricked into thinking there are nice small tracks along most of the route, the descent down to Glensax burn involves leaping over the heather before a nice steep climb onto Hundleshope. Clear views all around reminded me we also had Stob Law to climb - a section of the race I'd forgotten although quite runnable. Plenty of refreshments at Glenrath Farm, before the climb up through the forest and then down to Stobo Castle and more refreshments. The final stretch takes you along a track and Trahenna - the final climb before the fast (ish) descent down to Broughton and around the town and to the glorious finish. There were plenty of Carnethy men out but we could have done with few more Carnethy ladies!
Some great runs by lots of Carnethy people and Broughton Ales were very generous with their prizes. If you don't manage to win - just remember to sit next to them all at the prize giving!
Joanne Anderson
Results. Steven's photos on Filckr
24th September 2009
Three Shires Fell Race - 19th September
The Three Shires Fell race is organised by Ambleside AC and starts in Little Langdale at the Three Shires Pub. Getting there was the first challenge, through the Ambleside traffic and roadworks, so it was a relief to find that the organisers had pushed the start back by 5 minutes, giving me enough time to realise that I’d forgotten my running shoes and for Kirsti to find somebody with a spare pair in the crowd. So I stood at the start line like a bride with something old (my running top), something new (socks), something borrowed (running shoes, a size too big) and something blue (my running shorts). The race itself is either 13 or 11 miles and either 4000 feet or 1400m of ascent depending on whom you believe. Afterwards I would suggest that 1400m of ascent was closer to the truth. It covers 4 large hills and the terrain is very steep and very rocky, but you do get free jelly babies on the way round which was a very much appreciated. By the fourth climb I was more like the groom than the bride, having gone to fast too soon and now paying the price for the lack of stamina. Luckily I followed somebody who knew the fastest descent off the last hill because the terrain was complex and the route not obvious and finished 144th in a time of 2hr 48:40mins. The top four were from Borrowdale and must have come in on a sprint finish, the winner being Chris Steele (1hr 57:42mins). The fastest woman was Mary Gillie in 2hr 28:59 mins. There were 279 finishers but 302 starters.
Jason Hubert
Full results
ps Mathew Grove drove down form Edinburgh to run the race and arrived 10 minutes too late (now there is a surprise!).
23rd September 2009
Playing Around On The Braids

As darkness draws in it is customary to have a runned of golf.
19 turned up for this "Open" run as we teed off fom KB towards the summit of Blackford and then to to the First of Braids No 1.
A few of us had a little drive while others felt below par, but we all ran a fairway over the course. Running, jogging or sprinting tee to green depending on the par of the hole. The floodlights of the driving range on hole 5 were eased by the still fading light, but the undulations of the 15th were still testing.
The final chip up the 18th seemed further than usual but we all got round without any bogies.
Then it was off to the 19th for a well earned beer.
22nd September 2009
Carnethy medallists at Commonwealth Ultra Distance & Mountain Running Champs
Photos by Alan Young
Lucy Colquhoun took individual bronze in the 100k road race at the Commonwealth Ultra Distance & Mountain running Champs held at Keswick from 17th - 20th September (the only Scot to claim an individual medal at the whole event! ) in 8 hours 19 mins and 45secs and led the team to silver medals. Angela Mudge, despite being tired from her week long transalp epic a few days before, was top Scottish finisher in both the uphill and the up and downhill races and led the team to team silver medals in the uphill race and bronze medals in the up and down race. Full results and event details here
Here's a quote from Adrian Stott: "I was there as team support for the ultra teams and Lucy.. pre race...was famously playing things down as usual by saying she was just going to treat it as a training run...believe me 8.19 on the roads for 100k is a pretty impressive training run by anyone's standards!!!"
21st September 2009
Trotternish Ridge completed in gale force winds - Club Weekend on Skye

Skye - The Indian summer gave way to gale force south westerly winds and heavy showers for the club's Trotternish Ridge run on Saturday. However this wasn't all bad - we were running north! By the end of the day we'd more or less dried out too . The intermittent views revealed a golden eagle cruising the ridge, white horses out to sea and the spectacular escarpment.
15 club members had travelled to Flodigarry on Skye for the weekend. Of those who decided to go for the ridge, four purists (Murdo McEwan, Andy Spenceley, Andy Millard, Paul Ritchie) started at Portree and did the full 20 miles and 7300ft of climb of the incredibly undulating ridge, while eight (Keith Burns, Colin and Joan Wilson, Bob Waterhouse, Cali Ingham, Nick MacDonald, Hilary Spenceley & Anne Nimmo) cut the first (rough) section off by starting at the Storr. All 15 went out for a meal on Saturday night to a local community restaurant - doing our bit for the local economy!
21st September 2009
Mourne Mountain Marathon 2009 - Mars Bar Eating is Inherited!

Years ago, as my wee boy was running about the house causing chaos, I dreamt of the day that Fraser and I would run a Mountain Marathon together. Well this year was the year and we entered the Mourne2day . After getting beaten by Fraser for the first time in a hill race (doonhiller), I was keen to prove that I could still show him a thing or two.
The weather was kind as we started on Saturday morning in the 'B Class', Finding our way out of Tollymore Forest part onto the Mourne Mountains. 24k, 7 hours 38 minutes and 6 mars bars (each) later we arrived at Bloodybridge for the overnight camp. 20th out of 29 finishers in the B.
The fine weather at the camp made it a lovely evening of socialising as the sun descended, our lucozade bottle full of Highland Park lending a little to the enjoyment of the 2 large pasta meals.
The next morning was beautifully clear as we headed off in the mass start for a 19k ,day 5 hours 20 minutes and only 4 mars bars. The views on the mountain were stunning and with the clear weather navigation was easy and soon we were enjoying a well earned beer in the finish field.
We ended up 19th (and still talking to each other). Full Report coming soon
Alison and Karen Powell were running the C class and were 66th.
A wonderful low key event.
Willie Gibson
16th September 2009
Caerketton Downhill Race

A beautiful sunny, dry evening of high drama and excitment (and that was just the prize-giving) saw the 2006 winner, Bruce Smith knocking a staggering one second off his best time to take this year's edition of this mad race (to put this in perspective, it is MORE than Usain Bolt improved in the World Athletic Champs!) and more importantly he set a new Over 40s record. Not far behind was debutant Jonny Gallier in an impressive 5:25, while old hand Mark Johnson completed the top 3 in 5:35. Fiona Lowrie ran a very impressive 7:14 in the ladies race, this making her the second fastest female of all time (behind Eilidh Wardlaw's two sub 7 min times). Also recording a second fastest time was Russell Anderson, who was 5th in 6:19 only 7 secs outside the Over 50 record. In the democratic prize-giving the last person, Stephanie Moss, walked away with the best prize of a rucksac ,while Jonny Gallier might have been a debutant but he quickly sussed how the prize-giving worked and walked off with the second best prize of a bottle of malt, much to the disgust of the regulars !! Results here - all time results and past results here.
16th September 2009
Wednesday Run
With such a nice evening eight carnethies side-stepped the Caerketton race and elected to do a longer run from KB. Over the golf course (only interfering with a few long drives) we headed down, over the burn bridge, and up to both tops of the Braids where a rather nice sunset awaited us. On the way down we spied Ozzie running down below, who promptly ascended to cheer us on but had to return sharpish. So we headed onward into the depths of Oxgangs before returning via Braidburn. Here we were wondering how some of our crew still on the far side would get back across the water - but there's now a brand new bridge over the burn right at the North end of the park. Well done council! Then through into the valley where it was so dark we had to walk - it's clearly time everyone to recharge the batteries in our headtorches. Finally the Blackford "steps challenge" that was somewhat hindered by the fact that by 9 pm it was so dark we could not read our watches (and one bright contendant claimed to have had a time of '0 seconds', though admitted he'd forgotten to press the start button). Onwards over the golf course and return to KB where the students are back, the new seats are comfy, and the beer is cheap! A grand run.
14th September 2009
Lake District Mountain Trial
A sunny lake district day dawned for the start of the Mountain Trial. As an enthusiastic amateur I was entered for the short course of this historic event. The short trial is 10 miles and 3500 feet. The men's and women's courses have more distance and considerably more climb. Last year's trial was cancelled due to flooding so this year's event used the courses planned for 2008 starting and finishing in Eskdale. My course headed north initially and then across the River Esk onto Hardknott before circumnavigating Harter Fell on the way to the finish. The courses were physically extremely tough. The first finisher on the short course was back in 2hrs 47 instead of the target 2hrs 30. First finisher on the men's trial (16 miles 8000 feet) was back in just under 5 hours. I spent most of my day bushwhacking through bracken and heather but managed to finish half an hour ahead of my time two years ago and then spent a happy hour sunbathing at the finish.
Steph Moss
13th September 2009
Deeside Duathlon
After 10 more in Moray and a couple of mountain bike races, I thought I would have a go at this duathlon while Jacqui was running at Comrie. The first run was a good heather bash with various route choices adding to the interest; then it was on to the mountain bike stage. A huge climb was followed by an incredibly quick descent (for most: I had to stop to put the bike back together and replace my fillings). The final run was a short dash up and down the nearest small hill, mostly on trods. Sadly there seemed to be a three foot deep layer of invisible porridge that was slowing me down at this stage. Still, I managed to stagger across the line in 4th, a respectable distance behind the leaders (except Dan Whitehead, who won.)
This is a tremendous race, and almost qualifies for grand day out status. It's a beautiful area, and it's nice to find a duathlon that is suited to hillrunners as well as the shaven leg brigade. On top of that, the Queen and Prince Philip popped up from Balmoral to award Faberge eggs to all finishers.
Mark Higginbottom
13th September 2009
The Simon Wake Comrie Hills Relay
This superb low-key friendly race is fast becoming the traditional start to the autumn relay season, but it felt like mid summer ! After the race, the competitors sat in the baking sun, enjoying the BBQ supplied by the organisers, Strathearn Harriers, and watching the local village cricket match - though never having played in front of such a large audience before the cricketers were stage struck and dropped more catches than England! But, back to the race. Ochils dominated the front end, but great running by the Carnethy A team, for once all made up of young guys, resulted in them coming in 3rd. Not far behind, the older guys having been pushed out the A team, showed they could still run by finishing 6th and 1st Over 40 team - brilliant running by all the team, particularly as the average age was almost 50. The ladies team finished 4th ladies and a very impressive 17th out of the 29 teams.Excellent to get 3 teams out and a great atmosphere. Race results here and race details and previous results here and don't forget to put your name down for the next relay details here.
12th September 2009
Devil's Beeftub
20 degrees brought out the crowds as a non-championship record field met at the Corehead Farm for the walk into the depths of the Beeftub where the late arrivals had slipped down from the monument to join in. With a staggered start to cope with the numbers (actually the last 2 starters arrived 15 minutes after the official start time!) the 27 runners crawled up to the monument and round to the summit of Annanhead Hill. Marshall Bob got to the cairn on Great Hill before the first runner and pointed everyone in the right direction for the bum numbing descent to the finish. Stewart Whitlie took the honours for the men and Kim Threadgall for the ladies. Only 6 of the field were under 40 ! - where are all the youngsters these days? Prize giving in the sunshine back at the farm for those who weren't crawling back up to their cars at the monument. Thanks to Bob and Scott for helping out.
Results
Gordon Cameron
12th September 2009
8 out of 8 for Angela in Trans Alps race
Angela Mudge (with partner Ben Bardsley of Borrowdale Fell Runners) has dominated the mixed category of the 8 day Trans Alps stage race by winning every day by a considerable margin and finished an impressive 6th overall in a totoal time of 27hrs 26mins. Tom Owens (Shettleston) and Andrew Symonds (Carnegie) won the overall race, winning 7 of the 8 stages, smashing the course record on the last leg (and the overall race record) as they came home 15 mins in front of the next team to give an overall lead of nearly 2 hours ! Final results and race details here.
9th September 2009
Arthur's Seat or Arthur's Eat
An excellent field of 35 Runners turned up for the last handicap of the season, whether that was due to the local venue or the free beer and food afterwards is debatable. Tight handicapping led to a close race, apart from Matthew Grove who managed to nurse his handicap well at Swanston to win in fine style. Ronnie Gallagher had obviously recovered from Ben Nevis as he recorded the fastest time.
Gordon Cameron ended up winning the series in good style using the bad handicap good handicap method of start time improvement.
Meanwhile (or afterwards) back at KB we all enjoyed a good feast and a beer. Not the pie and chips we arranged, but more on that appears in the report from Nick MacDonald here.
Thanks to Nick for organising the race and Willie Mykura for organising the series.
Results (both race results and final series results) are on the Handicap Page
9th September 2009
Ben Nevis 09 - An epic tale of adventure in hostile environments (and that was just the bit in Glasgow):
Reason for Reporting - “You should submit a report - after all no-one else has and you spent longer enjoying the hill than the rest of us ;>)” (Bruce S – 09/09/09) Report: Picked up by Derek at 08:00 and maintained a steady course to Ft William before a pit-stop at a place near Drumgask, who treated us to real coffee and some cake even though Derek tried to knock out the guy behind the counter with his car keys. He missed, so we paid up and went on our way again. After asking the final round of First Timer questions (e.g. Do they have a water station at the top? Are there any Bears? Will I have to hold on for my life at any point like when Bruce takes us an alternate route to the top of Arthurs Seat?) we arrived in Ft William.
I don’t know exactly how best to describe the conditions on the day, so lets just call them challenging. Voice before start said 25 mph winds at the summit and a wind chill factor of -4. I’m sure it’s been held in worse. Full body cover in order though.
I could describe the race in 3 stages:
1.) Hard bit to half way
2.) The NIGHTMARE to the summit
3.) The Fun Bit (Descent).
It was during stage 2 that I was approached by one of the Spanish runners on his way down. He asked me for directions (I'm assuming that's what he said as I don't think he was asking if I was enjoying the weather). Naturally, due to the language differences involved, I went into sign language mode and used my index finger to point directly down the mountain. He laughed but I'm not sure if my directions were any use in the end! After going through the torture of reaching the summit I just wanted to get off the top as quickly as possible. Sliding down the Ben on my backside was great fun and often the quickest way down.
I finished so late on that by the time I'd showered and walked outside in my pants to buy a new pair of bottoms from Pete Bland (all they had left were leggings) I'd missed the bus back to Edinburgh. Then caught a train to Glasgow for 4hrs after being short changed by a tenner at the station shop in Ft William. Got to Glasgow at 21:30 then had to queue before getting a train to Edinburgh at 22:00 with hundreds of steaming Scotland fans, a number of which were taking a great interest in my new Ron hill leggings!
Will definitely be trying again next year (if they’ll have me back). Very well organized event with special thanks to the course marshals on the day.
A big WELL DONE to all runners on the day, great effort:
Steven Fallon, Bruce Smith, Bernard Devoy, Ronnie Gallagher, Cameron Burt, John Mitchell, Robert Johnson, Gregor Heron, Derek Paton, Cameron Scott, Colin Wilson, Joan Wilson, Gio Macdonald, Janet McWhinnie, Andrew Lennie, Jim McWhinnie, Craig Derby.Results
Craig Derby
9th September 2009
Bealach Mor - 5th September 2009
Rain rain and more rain, 5 hours 1 minute and 30 seconds worth to be precise, not to mention gusts which were blowing riders sideways off the road and non existent visibility... but we are in Scotland and we are on the west coast so I guess it's all just part of the course, which at 90 miles and with 9,600 feet of ascent made for an awesome day out. The Bealach Mor is an extremely popular road bike race organised by the folks at handsonevents (http://www.handsonevents.co.uk/index.htm) which starts in Kinlochewe before heading to Achnasheen and Achnashellach, then passing up and over the Bealach na ba and dropping down into Applecross. The course then hugs the coast to Sheildaig and winds along to Torridon and back to Kinlochewe.
I was lucky enough to start with a large group of riders who would eventually fill pretty much the top twenty places and tried setting a fast pace to burn off as many as possible for the first half of the race. The tactics paid off well (or so I thought) and at the (roughly) halfway point at the Bealach proper I was only a minute or so off the leader who had managed to creep past me on the big climb. But alas it wasn't to be, any 'tactics' soon backfired when 20 or so others romped past on the coast road around the Applecross peninsula leaving me flailing away to reach Sheildaig, and a following wind, alone and with a tired set of pins. A water stop and a heap of food fired the engine back up though and good time was made in the last 20 miles or so to finish 21st of the 380 odd starters.
The weather at the top of the climb (and on the way up) was something to behold. Carbon wheels with their massive surface area (when viewed from the side) were sending cyclists into the verge when the gusts hit (which did make me grin considering one of those wheels would cost more than my whole bike!). The top section was really quite scary and a few folk took precautions and walked with their bikes for a mile or so through the worst of it. Highly recommended for those Carnethy bikers who enjoy a bit of 'discomfort', it's not quite the Fred Whitton but it's not far off.
Sam Hesling
9th September 2009
Derwentwater Trail Race 6th September
After a complete washout and cancellation last year the 2009 Derwentwater Trail Race went ahead in relatively good weather this year - just mild drizzle. The race is 14 km long and climbs about 300 meters up the slopes of Skidaw. Although mainly fast runable trail the course features enough saturated bog to keep the average hill runner happy. It’s quite a big event with over 600 runners and a bouncy castle. Various famous people also made an appearance including Ron Hill (running) and Kenny Stuart (starter).
The runners assembled in the historic centre of Keswick before being led to the start by a traditional Lake District samba band
. The mayor of Keswick then said his stuff, followed by succinct speech from Kenny (“OK – five, four, three, two, one, go”). My plan had been to try and gain some space on the initial flat 3 km along an old railway line. Unfortunately lots of other people seemed to have the same idea and when I reached 3 km in 12 minutes I knew my strategy wasn’t going to be sustainable for much longer. Fortunately things eased off slightly as we climbed up through the mud, streams and bogs to the top of the course at 8 km. From then on it was all fast undulating trail running, followed by an excellent steep descent down to Keswick with the rhythm of the samba band in the distance.
There was a good crowd to cheer us over the finish line, although I didn’t see Kenny Stuart – he’d probably gone home to work on his next speech.
More race info and resullts here
Phil Young
8th September 2009
Half way in Trans Alp race and Angela on form
After 4 days of the 8 day Trans Alps stage race, Angela Mudge (with partner Ben Bardsley of Borrowdale Fell Runners) is still dominating the mixed category with 4 wins out of 4 and is a 7th overall. The 4th day took 4hrs 21mins for the 40km 2340m climb race, with Angela and Ben having an overall lead of 1hr 16min now. The first 3 days were 35km, 2540m climb; 24km 2000m climb and 33km 2430m climb. Tom Owens (Shettleston) and Andrew Symonds (Carnegie) also had another superb day to retain their 100% record with 4 wins out of 4. Tour de France style, all stage winners get a jersey every day so Angela might have to pay excess luggage when she returns ! Upto date results and race details here.
3rd September 2009
Scottish vests for Carnethy runners
Congratulations and best wishes to Angela Mudge and Lucy Colquhorn, who have been selected to represent Scotland at the inaugural Commonwealth Mountain and Ultra Distance Championships which will be held from 17th-20th September 2009 in Keswick. Angela has been selected for the Uphill only and the Uphill/Downhill races, while Lucy has been selected for the 100km Road Race (there is also a 24hour Road Race, for which another hill runner Richie Cunningham of Carnegie has been selected). Team details are here.

Angela's preparation includes the 8 day Transalp stage race which starts this weekend (5th September) and covers 240km and 15400m climb ! Hope it goes well, Angela.

Meanwhile Lucy has gained a second Scottish vest as she has also been selected for this year's World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) World Long Distance Mountain Running Challenge, which is incorporated within the 26.2 mile Kaisermarathon event in Soll, Austria on Saturday 10th October. Team members are here (and include Jethro Lennox who won last year's World LDMR, at the Three Peaks Race, where Angela got the women's silver medal).
2nd September 2009
Into the wind over the Ochils - Sat 29th August
The Ochils 2000 race is a great A to B traverse from Glensherup to Stirling Uni: 28k over the 10 Ochil tops higher than 2000 feet, plus Dumyat for dessert. Although the first half is runnable, the terrain gets very tough towards the end, with evil haggs and tussocks before and after Blairdennon, the penultimate top.
Visibility for the race was thankfully good, but a strong westerly wind did its best to slow down competitors. A field of 106 including ten Carnethies made it to the end. Kenny Richmond (Bellahouston) led strongly from the start, but Al Anthony (Ochils) took the lead around half way and won in 2h48.23, within a minute of the record. Jon Ascroft, Andy Fallas & Stewart Whitlie jostled with a few others for most of the way, and came in 5th, 8th & 11th (though Ochils nipped them for the team prize). Soon after followed Paul Ritchie, Tim Darlow, Gregor Heron, Cameron Scott, John Blair Fish & Ian King. Iona Robertson (Ochils) was first woman home, in 3h06.51. Jacqui Higginbottom came in 6th & 2nd FV40. Thanks to the organisers and marshals for a classic race, enhanced with the soup and cake at the end. Results
Bill Fairmaner's photos
Jon Ascroft
1st September 2009
No Duff at Dufton Show

Whilst clubmates were achieving astonishing feats of ultra-endurance across the length and breadth of Europe, other members were maintaining the club presence in the obscurest corner of the Pennines. At the annual Dufton Agricultural Show, sandwiched between the ferret racing and ......more
Keith Burns
30th August 2009
O'Connor completes the Ultra Tour du Mt Blanc

Michael O'Connor did brilliantly at the 100 miler Ultra Tour du Mont Blanc. The Race started at 18:30 on Friday 28th August and he finished at 15:46 on Sunday (race time: 45:16). He finished in position 1262, over 2000 runners took part. Michael played safe at the start and it worked out really well. What a fantastic achievement for a chap whose first hill race was the Pentland Skyline in 2006 where he came 2nd last! Michael was telling me that finishing the West Highland Way Race in 2008 was his best sporting achievement, this achievement has undoubtly beaten that.
Check Mike's Splits
Shane
26th August 2009
Björkliden Arctic Mountain Marathon

August can only mean one thing, the pilgrimage north. Our second year of BAMMing took us back to Lapland and a step up to Elite distance in this truly awesome mountain marathon. Jethro Lennox and Andy Symonds, who had won entry to the BAMM through winning LAMM Elite, were caught wandering around Stockholm airport before our flight to Kiruna and they kindly gave myself and a photographer from a Swedish outdoors magazine a lift from Kiruna to Björkliden in a rather swish Swedish hire car (compared to the Fiat Panda Emily and I had just spent the last week in the French alps sardined in!). Volvo estate, naturally.
Alistair and I did OK for a first outing over the elite distance (it was Al's second ever MM). Around 23 pairs started day one of Elite class (called BAMM 70 as it is 70km over the 2 days) with a few teams shooting off to the top of the first hill to claim an extra prize for the first team to the first checkpoint. No guesses as to who got their first.
The rest of day 1 passed pretty much without incedent with Al navigating and me loadhauling and we came into the overnight camp in 10th place with a total of 17 teams finishing elite on day 1. Jethro and Andy, who thought they had a bit of a lead towards the end of the day, had found themselves in a sprint finish to the last checkpoint and finished just 7 seconds ahead of second place. Nailbiting stuff.
Dinner, bantor with the fellow Scots boys, and a decent measure of whisky sent us into a deep slumber for what must have been 10 blissful hours. No 6am bagpipes in Lapland (praise be) and a leisurely breakfast saw us fit for the start of Day 2 at 8am. The mass start soon spread out and we found ourselves with the same pairs we had tracked, and been tracked by, on day 1. Some awesome route finding by Al had us weave our way up the field but a killer climb towards the end of the day slowed the pace, eroded Al's will to live, and any chance of making up places dissipated along with the remainder of our food.
When we had finally made it to the finish there was no cheering or clapping, the fanfare music had stopped playing some time previously and Emily had got bored waiting for us outside (while crocheting a rather beautiful Norwegian style blanket) and had retired back inside the hotel to watch a film. Now that's devotion.
All was not lost - well sort of - we had managed 9th position (albeit only 14 teams finished) but had an AWESOME time and I'll be back next year for more with a MM partner from Carnethy (who doesn't even know it yet).
Sam Hesling
Results
25th August 2009
Great Wilderness Challenge 22 Mile Race

The weather up in Wester Ross had been pretty awful in the week leading up to the event, with huge amounts of rain and strong winds, so it was with some trepidation that I drove up to Gairloch on the Friday driving through what seemed like a mixture of all the seasons, perhaps less the winter aspect. Overnight there was....more
Andy Millard
22nd August 2009
Secret Carnethy Wedding

Our roving reporter was cruising the free Fringe events in the High Street on Saturday when he came across two familiar faces - Ian Jackson and Sally Cross - who were not in a Fringe show, watching one or out shopping but were just about to get married!! Perfect timing for our reporter to cover an event which seemingly had been kept under wraps. No stag and hen run for them! Best wishes to the happy couple from all their friends in Carnethy
19th August 2009
Random Routes Cause Handicap Chaos
It is amazing how people can ignore maps and just follow the person in front, I spent hours preparing the maps and descriptions and then most people ignored them! Time for another navigation course perhaps. Around 30 runners set off on the new Swanston handicap route. The early runners seemed to find the route OK, but somewhere in the middle of the field things went astray. Whether it was Bob (rekkied the route with me a week ago) who led runners up the wrong hill, or Gordon who shouted to Matt (who was following me) to tell him he was going the wrong way. I managed to shout to Derek who followed me until he knew where he was then p**sed off into the distance. Kim decided to follow Brian Howie straight up Allermuir. and Jonathan Hogg decided that staying out on the hill overnight seemed a good idea (thanks to Bob Waterhouse and Cali's son Mike for going to find him).
Everyone seemed to have a good time, especially Irene Shierloh who found the right route and won the race. The Fast boys were out with Andy Fallas, Adam Ward, Shane Bouchier and Paul Ritchie all running well. 20 runners enjoyed the excellent food at Swanston Golf Club, a venue to be visited again! Many thanks to Roger Kemp for timing everyone in, and to Nick and Irene for helping him.
Race Results and Series Results (amazingly 12 people can still win with one race left !)
Report from Nick MacDonald here
Willie Gibson
16th August 2009
Carnethy Men Shine at the Sunny Lomonds

Well Done to Jon Ascroft who was second overall , Bruce Smith fifth overall and Shane Bouchier who was 11th overall at the Lomonds of Fife Hill Race. So Carnethy won the Men's team prize. Also running was Colin Ledie. Brian Marshall of H.E.L.P. won the race.
Results. Steven's photos
Shane
14th August 2009
Carnethy on the podium at Aigle-Ai-Leysin Race, Switzerland !
On 1st August, Joanne Anderson and Andy & Hilary Spenceley all took part in this 21.1km race with 1650m climb and 800m descent, that starts from the town of Aigle (402m) and climbs to a summit (Ai) at 2035m before descending to Leysin (1315m). In very hot conditions, the Carnethy trio all, somewhat to their surprise, made the podium with Andy finishing 1st Veteran II (16th overall), Hilary 2nd female vet (77th) and Joanne 3rd female (66th) from a field of 149. Another Scot, Kenny Richmond of Bellahouston also made the podium as he was 1st Veteran I in 3rd overall.
12th August 2009
23rd Caerketton Hill Race

This year the race was the last of the 2009 Bog and Burn counters and so attracted a large field of 85. After a close battle with Murray Strain, Al Anthony won the Caerketton race for the 4th time - more times than anyone else has. Murray led at the summit but couldn't match Al's descending speed. Eilidh Wardlaw (HBT) was the first woman, just ahead of Emma Birnie (Bellahouston) and Claire Gordon (HBT), though Claire had a big lead at the summit. Steven Fallon had a great descent to move to 4th and take the Over 40s prize. A strong wind on the summit ridge made running hard work on the way out and kept times on the slow side.
Results Junior Results
12th August 2009
Wednesday Tales

The wed night run last week was very well attended, a nice evening, and we all (led by Willie G) headed out over a truncated version of Hil 9 (or is it 8), but only nibbled the Braids on the way back before shooting up the arrete where the girls showed off their climbing skill. This week sorely depleted in number (Caerketton at the same time) so just 3 headed out on an 8 mile tour of Mortonhall, the Braids and valley, before returning via Blackford. Note, members, if Oz every says 'I know a nice little route', expect thick gorse, deep nettles, shoulder high vegetation, thick mud and mire, and abundant thistles. Heading back via the burn the long way round we did the "Steps Challenge" - how fast can you run up the steps on Blackford Hill? The event was somewhat delayed because of Kim and a frog (she kissed it twice, and disappeared into the vegetation for a long period, these South Africans have no sense of decorum). We did the challenge on her return. 80 seconds target. Kim shot off at a pace that would have Steve Fallon drooling - but as anticipated got the wobbles 10 m from the top (46 s) while Ozzie jogged past (43 s). R came in at par. Lovely evening, grand weather, and a well-deserved pint at the Braidburn.
Richard
12th August 2009
36th Sierre-Zinal Race, Switzerland
This is the classic mountain race in Europe, the continental equivalent of Ben Nevis or the Three Peaks. It's 31km with 2000m climb and 900m descent and is an incrediably scenic race that starts at the town of Sierre (580m), climbs steeply for nearly 1500m and then undulates along narrow mountain paths reaching a height of 2400m, before dropping down to the village of Zinal (1650m). It attracts an enormous field with plenty of invited stars and loads of British runners, which included 4 Carnethy members this year. Angela Mudge, tired from her exploits the previous weekend, finished 3rd woman. Andy Spenceley also made the prize list finishing 5th Veteran II. Joanne Anderson and Hilary Spenceley completed their 2nd and 3rd Sierre-Zinal races, respectively. There were about 1000 runners in the main race, 1700 in a spearate tourist race and 170 in a shorter Junior race and all were given a meal at the end ! Results and race details
12th August 2009
Glenshee 9
The faithful began arriving at around 10.30 with conditions overcast and breezy. The cloud was above the tops and looked like it would stay that way. Andy F, Paul R, Stewart W, Adrian D and the Wilsons (who assured me at the start of the season that they would be focusing on short races this year?) arrived in various combinations - along with 60 odd other runners. (or should that be 60 other odd runners?) After the usual formalities the field headed up into the hills at midday - not to be seen again for some hours. The first half of the race felt fairly easy - a bit rocky underfoot here and there but no major climbs to contend with. The cloud gradually melted away leaving a mainly sunny afternoon and a challenge for those of us with fair skin and no suntan lotion. Six summits were completed before a sharp drop back down to the main road and climb out to begin the westerly section of the route. Most were starting to tire (some were retiring - either of their own choice or by not meeting the cutoff time) by this point. The remaining six miles and three summits were despatched at a somewhat more leisurely pace, to be followed by food and drink at the ski centre Cafe. Tom Owens won in a new record time of 3:20 with Andy F and Stewart W in the top 10. Gill Irvine (Highland HR) was first lady with 4:32. A grand day out. Results.
Paul Ritchie
12th August 2009
Angela on form in Switzerland
Angela Mudge, currently on tour in Europe, won two races in two days on 1st and 2nd August. On the 1st she broke the record in the 43rd Trophee des Combins - a 7.8km uphill race with 1180m of climb!! The record had stood since 1976 and Angela knocked 5 mins off the old record with 1hr 4mins. Then the next day, in rainy conditions making her feel at home, she won the classic 16km Thyon-Dixence race, which attracts a large international field.
11th August 2009
Weem Hill Race
I chickened out of the Glenshee 9 at the weekend and instead headed up to the Aberfeldy Highland Games and the Weem hill race on Saturday.
The race started with the usual lap of the track before heading out for a short road section. Jamie led the Stevensons, the massed ranks of Ochil's and the rest of us into the woods. He was followed by Bob Wiseman as I did my best to try and keep them in sight. The route winds up through the trees following signs for the Glassie Circular, sadly it is all runnable so there was no resting on the way up. After about a quarter of an hour of steady climbing we reached the open farmland at Glassie farm for a couple of fields before hitting the long farm track back down to river level. After a wee jink across road we went over the bouncy footbridge across the Tay before a short run through the golf course past the bemused clubhouse took us back to the track and a finishing lap of glory.
Waiting for the prizegiving we were treated to some terrier racing and some large guys carrying a very large stone.
First home was Jamie Stevenson, followed by Bob Wiseman. I got 3rd and Emma Birnie was 1st lady.
Bruce Smith
7th August 2009
North Berwick Law Prize Surprise
Fourteen Carnethy vests turned out to enjoy the evening sunshine in North Berwick for the reinstated Law race (no biblical deluge this year). They enjoyed it so much that Bruce Smith, Shane Bouchier and Mike Rudden picked up the team prize. The race was won by HBT duo of Dave Wright and Kate Jenkins. Times will be slightly down on previous years as Dave led us on a slightly longer line up the law but I still managed to sneak 3rd place (which was probably a bad move as the guy I overtook on the way back looked to get a better prize for 1st vet). As ever the crowds were wonderful when running back through the main street which helps keep your pace up for that last half mile to the finish. Great race.
Results
Bruce Smith
6th August 2009
Steven wins Ben Kenneth Hill Race (+ swim)

Steven Fallon won the Ben Kenneth Hill Race and Debbie MacDonald (HBT) was first lady.
'Fine conditions, with a swim across a channel through seaweed (yuck !), finished off with a run back along Lochboisdale main street with hundreds of spectators, all cheering and sounding their car-horns. Tom Smith from Lochaber AC had worked his way back up to second place, but wimped out of the swim (optional shortcut) and ended up 8th. 2nd and 3rd place were taken by local runners who'd done the course before.'
Results to come
More photos
Steven Fallon
5th August 2009
Congratulations to Willie and Jill on the birth of Edith

Edith Mykura was born on Sun 2nd Aug, weighing 7lb 14oz. Jill and baby are doing well, and looking forward to getting out onto the hills.
Willie Mykura
5th August 2009
Arthur's Last Munro
Congratulations to Arthur Harkes who compleated the Munros by climbing Mount Keen.
4th August 2009
Lakeland 50 Ultra Run
I finished the Lakeland 50 Ultra in 15:36, Lucy was first female home in 09:51 - quite extraordinary. She would have finished in daylight whilst I was patching my feet up in Amblesiough. Tough underfoot, very wet and very hardgoing for the last 10 miles or so from Langdale to Coniston. Lucy would have had it easy in the daylight, while I did it in pitch dark stumbling over the loose rock. Still, I'm an Ultra Runner now, and despite the time I did actually run quite a lot of it including the length of Langdale and the descent into Coniston.
I took part in some research by Liverpool Uni, looking at cardiac damage in endurance events. Apparently I have a athletes heart! If only I had an athletes legs. And lungs. And pain threshold.
Joel Sylvester
2nd August 2009
Borrowdale
At 17 miles and 6500 feet this classic race over England's highest bits is a real challenge that draws a quality field of entrants. Once again we had plenty of mud, wet rock and enough mist to warrant some map work although the rain stayed away during the actual race. The first climb up to Bessyboot was a slog, then a marshy run along the side of Glarammara took us to the second check point at Esk Hause which resembled a feed station from the Tour de France. Next it was in and out of cloud over to Scafell, via a large boulder field, then down a really dodgy scree shoot to pick up the Corridor Route over to Styhead and Great Gable. Getting from the top of Great Gable to the Honister check point in the mist can be a bit difficult and was the topic of a few discussions at the start line, so a bit of care and map work was required as the cloud closed in once again. Honister checkpoint saw a few different lines of runners merging for the final slog up Dale Head followed by the descent to the finish back in Rosthwaite.
The race was won by Robb Jebb in 2:51:54. Five Carnethies took part. Jon Ascroft had an excellent run finishing 16th overall with 3:23:47. John Littlewood is shown in the results as the first M70 with 5:06:25. In between we had Gregor Heron at 4:30:13, John Mitchell at 4:45:45 and Cameron Scott at 4:46:10. Highly recommended, and so is the race map from Pete Bland!
Cameron Scott
26th July 2009
Paul Ritchie and Bill Gauld Win The Fortathlon
A select group of Carnethy and HBT runners and cyclists braved (or didn't believe) the weather forcast and turned up at Dave Peck's third Fortathlon. The weather turned out to be prefect, with a little mizzly rain early on then clear.
Some had looked at the maps and decided that bikes would allow a larger range and more forts. Others (Bill Gauld) had been down to Broughton twice to reccie and visited the local libraries and specialist libraries finding as much info as possible.
Paul took a high route out towards Coulter and managed to win the running prize. Bill went Stobo way on his bike and finding a few extra towers managed to win the biker prize.
We all headed down to Peebles afterwards for a hearty feed.
Many thanks to Dave and Ailsa Peck.
Willie Gibson
26th July 2009
The Nairn Oatcake Hill Race

This was the 'World' Highland Games' hill race at The Clan Gathering, 2009 being held in Holyrood Park over the weekend. It featured two laps round a course on Arthur's Seat and drew many gasps of awe from visitors walking to summit. There were over 100 runners entered (about 80 started), some doing their first hill race so despite the excellent conditions, (sun, light breeze and the odd cooling raindrop) one or two had had enough at the end of lap one. There were two Carnethy runners, I think - Bruce Smith won the v40 prize and Mike Rudden was 10th. Murray Strain (HBT) won comfortably from Euan Jardine and Sue Ridley won the ladies' race. Several runners sported tartan shorts but there was only one kilted runner (who decided one lap was enough). The marshals were rewarded with a free entry to the rest of the afternoon's entertainment. A Grand Day Out!
AN
24th July 2009
Turnhouse
Another wet Wednesday failed to deter the band of Carnethies who met at a packed Flotterston for the penultimate Bog "n" Burn. Some of the usual KB Wednesday nighters were joined by the elite in this short fast race in tricky conditions. Plenty of mud and slippy grass made it an interesting race. Shane Bouchier kept up his newly found form to beat me and Andy Millard for the third week in a row. Trevor Wilkinson was back for his second senior race - this time competing with his father. We didn't hang around at the end as the rain reappeared so we headed to KB to wash off the mud and grab an IPA.
Results
Gordon Cameron
Also special mentions to Andy Fallas for a superb 3rd place (Andy seems to be improving every run); to Lars Ottermoller for 4th place in possibly his last run for the club before he leaves for a new job in Norway - Good luck for the future, Lars, and hope you return for Devil's Burdens ! ; and to the club for getting 6 in the top 10 !
20th July 2009
David Shepherd Memorial Glamaig Hill Race, 18th July
A record one hundred and fifteen runners took part in this year's classic, tough little race. For a short race, Glamaig has it all. The race started on a sad note, however, with news that Ian Campbell had finally succumbed after a very lengthy and typically—for Ian—feisty, battle with cancer and died on Monday of race week. Along with David Shepherd, Ian’s family ..... more
Results
20th July 2009
21st Mountain Navigation Challenge - Manor Hills
The Mountain Navigation Challenge is a score type two day mountain marathon where teams of two must carry kit for an overnight camp and collect as many points as possible over both days. It's small compared to other MM events in that the number of teams is limited to 20, you provide and mark ....more
20th July 2009
Lee Pen - 18th July

This year I didn't fancy the long trip up to a potentially wet Glamaig so popped down to Innerleithen instead for the St Ronan's Games hill race up Lee Pen. With usual games informality they took the entrants about 10 minutes before the race started, didn't give out numbers and weren't sure how much the entry fee was (turned out to be £3 as that was what the first person was charged). The field of 17 was made up mainly of local Moorfoots runners, with the odd Gala, Penicuik and Hawick vest (and the late arriving brownness of Dick Wall).
After a lap of the track we were out through the lanes of Innerleithen and on to the fields. An unwell Mike Lamont, who'd reminded me this was on, was there to cheer us on and I managed to hang on to the 3rd place behind Moorfeet Darin Dougal and Michael McGovern before they pulled away from me on the steep climb through the field and once it had flattened out a bit they were long gone. I could tell I was back to proper hill racing with Ian and Anne at the top taking photo's (honest, I had been smiling for the last 15 minutes). After a quick handshake with the bloke at the top it was time to pelted back down the way I came up. Finished back in 3rd place with Darin and Michael in 1st and 2nd. Darin winning not only a nice trophy and brown envelope but "best blister" award for peeling a layer off his heel. Cracking wee race (20 minutes up, 9 down) and quite a lucrative way to spend half an hour as I picked up a wee brown envelope for 3rd and 1st vet.
Bruce Smith
17th July 2009
Hungry Snout Handicap Race - Wed 15th July
The weather was unpredictable as 18 runners and supporters headed over the Lammermuirs to Whiteadder Reservoir for the Hungry Snout Handicap. Thunder and lightening subsided and dramatic clouds parted long enough for the race around the reservoir to be run in dry conditions, with the occasional rays of sunshine adding to the magic. Route finding was straightforward and most runners found a good route up Priestlaw Hill, although some avoided the easy track to the finish, preferring the much more challenging coastal route. This race is a good spectator sport as the whole route is visible from the car park and runners’ progress can be tracked in real-time. Michael O’Connor was the new winner, Paul Ritchie ran the fastest time, and Phil Young became the new series leader. The weather provided some final drama as rain clouds closed in beneath a setting sun, as we crossed the hills back to the Tweedale Arms for dinner in Gifford.
Results. Series results after 4 races are here. Details of next race will be here.
17th July 2009
The Wilsons complete Tranters Round !
Joan & I managed to complete a Tranter Round on Sat11/Sun12th July in 23:16. We went round clockwise starting with Ben Nevis. The weather was brilliant for the first 16 hours and we were about 2 hours up on a 23:50 schedule - then about half way through the Mamores the weather turned, the mist came down & the wind continously increased until we were fighting through a gale in zero visibilty with The Devils Ridge onwards still to go. Joan's night nav proved up to the task though & although we lost most of the time we had gained on the way round we had enough banked to still make it round within the 24 hours. What a brilliant adventure! Very Chuffed.
Colin & Joan Wilson
16th July 2009
Four SHR Championship Titles for Carnethy with one race to go!!
As confirmed by the SHR Statitician, Stewart Whitlie is the Men's over 40 champion (for a record fifth time!) and Jacqui Higginbottom has retained the Women's over 40 title. Carnethy men have the Senior & MV40 team titles out-right (they were both shared titles last year). Congratulations to all. The senior man's, MV50, senior woman's and women's team prizes are still to be decided by the Meall a'Bhuachaille race on October 31st.
More here
Jon Ascroft
14th July 2009
Tragic loss to the ultra-running community

It is with heavy heart that I record the sad passing on Sunday 12 July of Dario Melaragni. Dario, a stalwart of the ultra-running scene, has organised the West Highland Way race for the past 10 years. Although he himself was not a member of Carnethy, many Carnethy members owe a great deal of their achievements and successes to Dario's enthusiasm and encouragement. On Sunday he was with a group of "WHW Family" on a training run over Lochnagar and its tops. Close to the summit of Lochnagar he appeared to suffer a massive heart attack. Despite there being skilled medical assistance immediately to hand, he died within minutes. Further details, and many tributes, can be found on the Forum of the WHW race website www.westhighlandwayrace.org Our sympathies go to his family and to his many friends far and wide.
Murdo McEwan
14th July 2009
Wasdale Fell Race - Sat 11th July
The warm & sunny weather held in Cumbria for the Wasdale Fell Race, the hardest of the six Lakeland Classic races - 21 miles & 9000ft of climb over Pillar, Great Gable & Scafell Pike. Great varied running over open moor, path, scree and boulder fields, and enough streams to keep hydrated. As it was a counter for the English Championship counter, entries had filled up ages ago. A fair number didn't turn up, but the field was still big, maybe 200+. Rob Jebb (Bingley) cruised around in 3h46, winning by 10 minutes. I managed to get around in 4h25, finishing 14th. Phillipa Jackson (Keswick) was first woman, coming in a few minutes after me. An exhilarating day out - and the beer in the Wasdale Head afterwards went down fine!
Jon Ascroft
13th July 2009
Meall an t-Suidhe (Scottish Champs)- Sat 11 July
Having just read about Angela's epic race of 68km/3500m in the World Trail Championships I'm a tad embarrassed to mention this wee 5.6km 460m race I did on Saturday. Lucy Hailey, Lorna Ascroft and myself ventured up to Fort Bill for the day - the weather was fantastic and we were tempted just to stop in Glencoe and climb the Aonach Eagach, but we knew how important our championship mugs were so kept driving. I can only describe Melantee as a "little stinker" - it was exceptionally hot heading up the steep hill and I didn't even have the energy to cheer on the Carnethy men, who all ran brilliantly, and were on their way back down (and even won the team prize). The best bit for me was cooling off in the river afterwards. Results
Kate Friend
12th July 2009
Angela excels in the 2nd IAU World Trail Championships
Angela Mudge added another international medal to her CV with a superb 2nd place in this 68km 3500m ascent/descent World Trail Championship race in the Ecrin National Park, Sierre Chevalier, France. Running for GB, she led at 51km but eventually had to settle for the silver medal in 8hrs 12mins 29 secs behind Cecilia Mora (Italy) who passed her after the last col and finished in 7:53:18. In 3rd place was the other GB runner, last year's Tour de Mont Blanc winner Lizzy Hawker in 8:22:21. This is a very impressive result for Angela who was running her first serious ultra distance trail race. Results
9th July 2009
GB vest for Carnethy runner in World Ultra Champs
Two Scots are included in the AVIVA Great Britain team for the IAU World Ultra Trail Championships to be held this weekend at Sierre Chevalier in the French Alps. Carnethy's Angela Mudge, former world mountain running Champion and World Sky Running champion will need all her experience as she tackles what is a very testing course. The course in Sierre Chevalier is 68km long (42.2 miles) with 3500metres of ascent, the equivalent of three Ben Nevis ascents and the consequent equally punishing descents.
She is joined in the team by Lizzy Hawker (Cambridge) winner of last years Tour de Mont Blanc and a former World 100k champion; Anglo-scot Andy Rankin(Cambridge) and Alan Smalls of Colchester.
9th July 2009
Carnethy Hill
A record 59 entries to the Carnethy race were met by cool wet conditions as a localised black rain cloud hung over us for the duration. Parking on the road may cause problems for future races as the field seems to have reached its manageable limit. The Lucozade van was even there with freebies! Al Anthony was the runaway winner by over a minute but it was not a record time. 17 Carnethy HR in the field taking 6 out of the first 10 places with Lars finishing 4th just ahead of Adam, Andy F and Steven. Shane who beat me by 6 places to the summit had a stormer of a descent to finish 14th to my 22nd. I managed to hold off JBF who overtook me 3 times! Trevor Wilkinson put in a good performance in one of his first senior races whilst his father looked on.
Results
Gordon Cameron
9th July 2009
Dollar Hill Race - 4th July
It was very warm, and unlikely that the weather would deliver any navigating problems. We were also free from buzzard and killer-wasp attacks. Someone was spreading rumours of snakes. The Carnethy team comprised Andy Fallas, Gregor Heron, Colin and Joan Wilson, Adrian Fong, Helen Bonsor, Pam Whitlie, and me. Andy and Gregor disappeared ahead from the start line. The others pursued me.
The first long, hot climb up Whitewisp was a struggle breathing in the steaming bracken vapours. It was tricky finding overtaking opportunities before we broke out onto open hillside. Well up the climb, I was caught by fellow V60 Tom Bowie, whom I had lost sight of on the start line. He disappeared ahead at a pace that it would have been unrealistic to match. So I settled in for a spell of cruise control after the hard climb. Approaching Skythorn Hill, I spied Tom again, who must have been having a bad spell judging from his walking breaks on the gentle climb. We swopped places at regular intervals until the approach to Andrew Gannel summit,
where Colin friskily burst onto the scene from behind. He surged past; Tom and I gave chase as we plunged downhill towards the last climb up Kings Seat. By the summit, Colin was hell bent on escape and set a blistering pace that was to determine the closing act for the three of us. The battle continued for most of the descent, but the outcome was becoming clear quite early. Colin steadily drew away from me, as I drew away from Tom. I stumbled down through the woods trying to avoid stubbing a toe on the steps in my exhaustion.
I thought I was in for the V60 prize, but discovered that Mike Walsh of Kendal came in a far from trivial 16 minutes ahead! At least I didn't collapse in a dive over the line this time; the gravel looked a bit too hostile. A grand race.
Andy 5th, Gregor 28th, Colin 48th, KB 50th, Helen 59th, Adrian 64th, Pam
76th, Joan 82nd. Results
Keith Burns
8th July 2009
Corrieyairack Challenge 4 July 2009

If you're into duathlons this is a great one to try. The CC is a 17.7mile run over the Corrieyairack Pass from Fort Augustus to Garve Bridge followed by a 26mile road bike to Kincraig. Other options are to mountain bike the full route or walk/cycle. It's well organized with plenty of water stops and cheerful marshals to help you on your way. It's a charity event raising money for the Speyside Trust who provide respite holidays for people with learning and multiple disabilities.
The Bush Babes consisted of Elspeth Scott (Westies), Julia Drewer (Ferranti) and Kate Friend (Carnethy) who were 2nd ladies team (5:02:39) behind the Fife Trotters (4:36:07). The Carnethy girls team Joanne Anderson, Lorna Ascroft and Fiona Lowrie (the Gazelles) were 3rd (5:10:45). Juliette Camburn, Shane Bouchier and Fiona Miller also teamed up, and I didn't envy Chris, Maggie or Hamish Creber mountain biking the whole way as the terrain over the pass was very rough!
The event was rounded off with a huge ceilidh on the Saturday night as part of the Kincraig summer fete…more beer next year guys!
Kate Friend