Carnethy Hill Running Club

1st October 2012
Three "W's" strike Carnethy Road Bike Outing
Where were you all? I thought I was the fair weather cyclist, but the combination of it being Wet and Windy, allied to a general outbreak of Wuss-iness, saw the peloton diminished to just 2 for the September edition of the monthly road bike outing. OK, it was pretty foul for the 9.15 start time, with a strong south west wind driving fairly heavy rain falling on already wet roads, but fortune favoured both the brave and the soaked. The hardy twosome elected to have the rain on their backs for the outward leg, so we headed off along the coast to Longniddry before turning north to Haddington by which time the rain had stopped. From there we looped back into Edinburgh via Bolton, East Saltoun and Dalkeith. About 45 miles- I could have done with some help in trying to keep up with Richard (Bush). Keen cyclists have 4 weeks to purge themselves of weakness before the next outing on Sunday October 28th. Those with more complete characters, looking for something less intense, should come along on Sunday October 14th for the first of what we hope to be a regular monthly bike outing aimed at the rather less serious cyclist. More details nearer the time.
Robin Haynes
30th September 2012
Andy and Jasmin win at Morebattle Monster....Helen gets lost
A good number of Carnethies went down to Morebattle for this new addition to the Scottish Long Classics this year. Blustery wet conditions didn't dampen enthusiasm. The course gave a variety of fast running over undulating hills with track and road sections in between, and plenty of gate crossings. A total distance of 34 km (if you go the right way). Andy lead the Carnethies home coming first in 2.48, beating Mark Harris after a close race round. Jasmin continued her good form and ran another strong race to win the ladies in 3.14. Neil Burnett and Alex McVey had good races too finishing in around 3.20. I decided 34 km wasn't long enough, and got spectacularly lost, dropping off completely the wrong side of the hill inbetween check points 3 and 4, and added in a extra hill and few km. I didn't manage to catch Alex or Neil after this, finishing about 5 mins behind them in 3.25. Lesson to self - read the map!
Results to follow here
Mary Lye also took on the race, and Karen Meikle, Aurore and Becky completed the 25 km version. Great effort from Carnethies all round.
Helen Bonsor
30th September 2012
Cadini Sky Race

A couple of weeks ago I raced in the Cadini Sky Race (14km, 1200m ascent). The race started from "La Baita" restaurant in Misurina, passed from rifugio Fonda Savio and after 5 forks, hard like Scottish hills, we rounded the Cadini peaks (not as popular as the nearby 3 Cime di Lavaredo) and after technical descents we arrived in Misurina. The day was stunning, probably the last one given that on the following two races it rained! For this reason I would like to share the following photos and a video: the race had only 120 runners but despite that, or maybe for this reason, they realized a high quality for promoting the next edition! its a bit like a commercial but it deserves a view!

ciao,
Matteo Tesser
22nd September 2012
Stewart Whitlie Wins and Carnethy Ladies have a Clean Sweep at the Two Breweries

On a perfect hill running day Stewart Whitlie won the Two Breweries and just about every category apart from MV60. The Carnethy Ladies were 1,2,3,4 with great runs from Jasmin Paris, Charlotte Morgan, Helen Bonsor and Jill Mykura. Also Carnethy won the Mens and Ladies team prizes. Carnethy had lots of runners out.
My main ambition was to DNF, but I was thwarted by running too fast, and improved on last year's time by 10mins. In a languid start Willy passed me early on, but then decided to recreate routes of yesteryear, and some miles later I was surprised to find him behind me, catching up fast, as was JBF who had followed him. It was then a cat and mouse game with Aurore and Karen, who kept getting ahead by running faster, and then getting behind by poor or mistaken route choices. Our legs were on the verge of cramping all the way from the stile to the finish. Muscles I never knew existed made themselves known. But we made it, and were mighty pleased. More so than a disgruntled american runner who derided our drinks stations for not having electrolytes on offer, and who said she had not run in an undeveloped country before. I beat her, so perhaps she had a point; her performance was obviously severely impaired by our shabby attempt at nourishment. She really should have had some of the dolly mixtures on offer - fell running's finest food - I did try to suggest having some, but they were apparently invisible, or not electric enough.
Best of all though I finished with the car key I started with! Lots of wonky pictures here.Ian Nimmo's photos from Trahenna on on the SHR Flickr Page, and results here.
Digby
Another superb day in the Borders for the 29th running of the Two Breweries. A misty morning gave way to a glorious day on the hill for competitors and marshalls alike.
One of the best races we have ever organised, from the numerous marshalls on the hill, to Elsie and Bärbel in the kitchen, the whole race went like clockwork. The same could be said for our winner Stewarrt Whitlie who finished strongly to come home first on his own this year, having shared he spoils with Mark Harris (2nd) last year. First lady was Jasmin Paris, with first V40/V50 being... you guessed it - that man Whitlie again. I really must look at his birth certificate!
Many thanks to the Moffat Mountain Rescue and all the marshalls who gave up their day to ensure runers safety on the hill. I'll be writing to SHR about the runner who caused a real problem to marshalls and MMR by running without a number, causing a safety count upset on the first few hills. Even he cannot detract from the excellent job by all to ensure we were aware of the odd retiral or temporary misplaced person.
Our thanks to the Landowners and of course the two breweries for the support we receive, and a special thank you to Rhonda at Broughton and friends for all the pre-race help and then spending the day handing out free beer to the runners.
Once again our sincere thanks to all for making this race so special. Roll on the 30th anniversary next year.
Peter, Elsie and the TBHR Team
Pete Baxter
21st September 2012
Mountain Championships
Best of luck to James Waldie who will be representing Scotland at the Home Countries International Champs this weekend in Melmerby, Cumbria. Further details on Mud Sweat and Tears website here http://www.mudsweatandtears.co.uk/2012/09/20/home-internationals-are-this-saturday
20th September 2012
AltC5 - Carnethy Team Captains Disqualified Shock!

Harry takes trophy in prizegiving bombshell! Read more in Bob's report:

We saw a good turnout for the "Alternative Carnethy 5" presentation last night at the KB Union Bar in spite of the presenter being an out-and-out brummie from south of the border. On a purely time basis our two team captains, Andy Fallas and Helen Bonsor, were victorious by handsome margins. No reasonable magic "formula" could be devised such that these two didn't win! Not being one to give up easily, I took the tough decision to disqualify the two of them on the basis that they used 6 days to do the events and not 5! Harsh but fair so all runners should take note for next year. To soften the blow I asked Andy and Helen to nominate a male and female runner who embodied the true spirit of the competition. Andy nominated Nigel Fawthrop and Helen nominated Karen Meikle. Nigel and Karen were presented with a large tin of chocolates each.
The new trophy for the "Alternative Carnethy 5" or simply the "AC5" was decided on a rigorous (I wish) formula that was devised with care and great attention to detail (ditto). The pure-time results were modified by taking only 33% of the Culter Fell times and then making time deductions based on age and gender. For the men a time deduction of age-squared-over-60 (to the nearest minute) was applied so that a man of 60 has an hour removed from his total time and a man of 20 has only 7 minutes deducted. The female times were "caressed" with a time deduction of age-squared-over-30 such that a woman of 60 has 2hrs removed from her total and a woman of 20 has only 14 minutes removed. This "formula" was devised so that the overall honours could be taken by either sex and young upstarts wouldn't have much of a chance!!
The top three were Bill Gould in 3rd; Digby Maass in 2nd and Neil "Harry" Gilmore in 1st overall. Mary Lye was the first lady finishing in an excellent 6th overall. All finishers were presented with bottles of beer (plus wine for the two winners) plus chocolate, malt loaves and other such goodies. A big thanks to Nigel Fawthrop for donating an awesome alpine cow bell for the trophy which Harry is shown receiving. Organisers wish to thanks all runners for taking part and hope that more members decide to take up the challenge next year.
Well done to all
Bob Johnson
20th September 2012
Wed training

Lots of golf course and a good turnout. Andy's first Wed evening for a very long time.
19th September 2012
Charlotte finishes in top 5 in British Championships
Well done to Charlotte Morgan who finishes 5th overall in the British Championships this year, after completing all 4 races. A great performance over the differing courses. Full results here: http://fellrunner.org.uk/results/champs12/bri/BrtOpenWoMens.htm. Look forward to entering a ladies team for the British Championship next year, and giving this years winners Dark Peak, a run for 1st place...
Helen Bonsor
19th September 2012
River Ayr Way Ultra Marathon and SUMS
On Sat 15th Sep the River Ayr Way Ultra Marathon took place. This is a 41mile race from “source to sea” starting at Glenbuck (birthplace of Bill Shankly) where the river Ayr is but a trickle, and finishing in the town of Ayr where the river is somewhat more substantial. The route sticks closely to the river for most of the way, and is almost entirely off-road along good paths. No real hills to speak of, but plenty of little ups and downs, twists and turns through picturesque woods and fields. Going was very wet and muddy underfoot this year, and included an entertaining detour through a mud-caked cow field complete with herd of inquisitive cows encircling each runner and hiding the exit as they squelched and cursed their way through the mire. The race was verywell organised by East Ayrshire Council with lots of checkpoints and signage to stop runners getting too lost. Phil Humphries came in 7th overall in 6:20:36, but didn’t spot any other Carnethies on the day.
The RAW was also the final race in the 2012 SUMS (Scottish Ultra Marathon Series). Several Carnethies completed at least one race in the series, but I think only 2 managed to complete 4 qualifying races: Phil Humphries (8th male) and Graham Nash (10th male).
Link to full results table and details of races: http://www.zen31010.zen.co.uk/sums/results.htm
Phil Humphries
18th September 2012
AltC5 - provisional results

Provisonal results for the "Alternative Carnethy Five" are shown above. On pure time, Andy Fallas was first overall with Helen Bonsor second overall and first lady with total times of 3hrs 19minutes and 4hrs 03minutes respectively. The top five were rounded out by Simon Titmuss in 3rd, Harry Gilmore in 4th and Nigel Fawthrop in 5th. Mary Lye was second lady in 5hrs 3mins for 7th overall. All detailed results are shown above.
A total of 21 club members submitted times for the competition with some 13 runners completing all 5 events. The overall scoring and award of the new prestigious "Alternative Carnethy Five" trophy will be awarded on age-adjusted and sex-adjusted (!!) time and that "formula" will be disclosed on Wednesday at the KB Union bar (from 9pm). Please see that you agree with the times that are posted here as changes can only be accepted today. Look forward to seeing as many as possible tomorrow evening at 9pm...
Bob Johnson
17th September 2012
AltC5 - results update

The results so far are shown below. I'm still waiting for a postcard from Bill Gauld or possibly a fax (feed the paper in with the text downwards next time) with all his times. I know he's completed all 5 events and with an age "adjustment" of 79 minutes he could be sitting pretty for numerous bottles of beer (pity he doesn't drink). It has been an excellent turnout and we may have 20 runners taking part at this rate. Please check your times on the provisional results sheet shown here and make sure I know your age (sorry girls). We are busy preparing the final results (the winning "formula") and we have a trophy plus many prizes to hand out on Wednesday. We will be starting the presentation at 9pm at the KB Union bar so I hope to see as many as possible for that...
Bob Johnson
Cuh! There I am reading the excellent and exciting updates for the aC5 when low and behold, harsh words accusing me of not reccieing the race route yesterday!! A full description of the route was added to the Google map a full week ago, so pay more attention I say! Perhaps I'll get a prize for the worst organised race??!?
Chris Henty
Doesn't match the map & description on the AltC5 page! - Ed
16th September 2012
AltC5 - Portobello Beach race

As we gathered on the breezy prom each thought the other might know where the turn point was on the beach race. Oh we'll ask Chris, the routesetter… but he's not coming! So we all assumed that there would be some obvious big steps up at the Cat & Dog home for the return leg, or some other feature. Matt and Gordon steadily built up an invincible lead and apparently decided to go to the very end of the beach before turning. Willy, in a return to good route finding form, hollered and bellowed us to turn much earlier, which suddenly improved my race position dramatically. We decided that the routesetter hadn't actually reccied it, and hadn't turned up so as to avoid abuse!
For those running later today we started on the top step of the rotunda and turned about where the prom ascends to meet the road. You can gain the prom after a short distance returning, where the curled top changes to the blue railings.
Digby
15th September 2012
AltC5 - Culter horseshoe race

The big one. A bit of a shock to the legs after the other races (and after a long time on holiday). Hills that just go on forever, and then some (to Helen's delight). The field spread out considerably as the fast runners, Stuart Whitlie, Andy Fallas, Helen Bonsor etc left the much slower AltC5ers plodding away, so the prize giving was a bit empty as many of the early finishers had to return to Edinburgh. Sorry Matt! But full marks to all the participants, including a late starting Willy (well you can run the AltC5 events at your leisure), especially those tackling a big race for the first time. A welcome sight in a particularly remote spot was Bob J bearing jelly babies and dried apple. The finish was marked by the even more wonderful sight of a proffered bottle of Crook Inn ale by Broughton Brewery and a memento Crook Inn glass (the race was partially a benefit for the 'Save the Crook Inn' campaign, as well as being a trial for the British Champs next year), with the added content of a top notch goretex beanie hat. It took an almighty effort of will not to quaff the beer straight away, but wait and go for the gallons of brilliant soup and cakes at the village hall. The course was particularly well marked and marshalled. Congratulation to Matt Davis for the excellent organisation.
Results - 22 Carnethies ran.
More photos here. Ian Nimmo's photoset here. Alistair Cox from Tinto Hill Runners photoset here
Digby
Must try to keep my language suitable for such a fine website as this BUT today's Culter Fell race looked very "demanding" to say the absolute minimum! The ground was tough as the route used lots of natural terrain and very few paths. I found it hard going in hiking boots and I was only walking and supporting. My dog "Roly" has been fast asleep since we got in with her legs going through the crazy motions in a horizontal plane. It was brilliant to see so many Carnethy vests out today. Indeed, where I was with about 6k to go, the first 4 were Carnethies; Stewart Whitlie and Andy Fallas in a dice for the lead, Tim "Slim" Darlow in third followed by Iain Gilmore. All were offered food and water in equal measures. Helen Bonsor looked in great form in about 7th and first lady. Full results will follow no doubt and Ian Nimmo has provided some excellent photos.
With regard to the Alternative Carnethy 5 - there are very few results in this evening - everybody too tired to type I guess but the illustrious list of "Alternative Carnethy 5" heroes has now grown to 17. We're thinking that we should water down the results from the Culter fell race today otherwise they will swamp the total scores but we'll look into that and perhaps suprise everybody on Wednesday when the overall winner is announced. Well done to all runners today - hell of an acheivement to get round there... See you bright and early (10am) for the final race at Portobello...
Bob Johnson

Late news - Willy's delayed start resulted in this route mess! Definitely a wooden spoon effort.
15th September 2012
AltC5 - results after day 3 and Braids Trail race

Another blustery night saw approximately 10 runners make the mass start of the Braids Trail Race. A great course was set by Helen Bonsor so many thanks for this. One or two runners had navigational issues and three were spotted running vaguely on the right path but 180-degrees out. The field has expanded considerably since last night and we now have 15 members submitting times. Looks like there will be prizes for 4 out of 5 events so stick to it (easy for me to say since I'm not running at all). Looking forward to see runners on Culter Fell - I'll take food and drink up for all Alternative C5 competitors. Just a reminder for all runners to submit their age as well as times. There's an age-adjusted classification so you'd better knobble Bill Gould 'cause he'll get 79 minutes knocked off his overall time. Well done to all...
More photos
Bob Johnson
14th September 2012
AltC5 - results after day 2

Approximately a dozen hardy Carnethies turned up for the "mass start" of the Turnhouse uphill race earlier tonight. Tough course designed by Konrad Rawlik was basically UP and then UP some more. The two dogs, Cody and Roly, coped with the windy conditions best but of the two-legged runners Andy Fallas posted a blistering 13:41 from the wooden footbridge to the summit. Cody didn't get his leg over (the fence of course) and Roly didn't chase the sheep or cattle.
The standings so far are shown above. If people could email Bob Johnson with their times then the table can be updated and considerably expanded after today's trail race.
Bob Johnson
After missing the race proper on Wednesday, I teamed up with Mary to do the doonhiller on Thursday night after the Turnhouse uphill. Mary was well prepared by doing a recce of alternative routes down Caerketton on the Wednesday night, so she was ready to reduce her PB by a good margin. Unfortunately, by the time we'd completed the uphill, descended back to Flotterston, drove to Hillend and ascended Caerketton, it was half an hour after sunset so the course was in complete darkness. Also, Mary could not actually stand on the summit to start the race because the wind kept blowing her over. Perfect running conditions! No PB for me, but I think Mary lopped a couple of minutes off hers. It was actually a really enjoyable run, if a little ridiculous.
Jim Hardie
13th September 2012
AltC5 - Turnhouse uphill

The weather was nowhere near as nice as yesterday as I gathered in front of an excited crowd. Well ok some cows. Upward progress was hampered by a howling wind that forced a crab like approach to the summit. The forecast for the mass start at 6.30pm promises even higher wind! Your reports very welcome - assuming anyone else is doing the challenge!
Digby
12th September 2012
Caerketton Downhill

Over 50 runners turned out once again for the 11th Caerketton Doonhiller. Conditions were favourably bright & cool, with a following wind.
Run of the night went to Charlotte Morgan (Carnethy) who broke her own women’s course record, running a storming 5.45. She was followed home by Neah Evan (Shettleton) and previous course record holder Eilidh Warlaw (HBT), who jump ahead of Jasmin Paris in to 2nd and 3rd on the all-time list. The only other record breaker on the night was Bob Waterhouse (Carnethy) who reduced his own vet 60 record to an impressive 6.38.
Coll Williamson (Edinburgh Uni H&H) took 24 seconds off his time from last year, posting 5.22, the quickest time of the night. Mark Harris was close behind in 5.24, missing out on a new MV40 record by one second! The other category winners were Iain Gilmore (Carnethy) MJ, Senga Plain (Carnethy) FV40, Jean Bowman (Lomond) FV50, Robin Orr (Bellahouston Road Runners) MV50 and Bill Gauld (Carnethy) MV70.
Before any of the seniors arrived, the junior race was run down the bottom half of the course. They apparently took a new interesting winding route through the gorse but eventually popped out with smiles on their faces, led home by seven year old Ellie Dunn.
The night was rounded off by the lucky draw prize giving, Best matched prize went to John Denovan, recently 2nd in the tough man ‘Spartan Race’, who won the Marigold washing up gloves to go with his Westies vest.
Many thanks must go to the race helpers Ian, Anne, Bob, Nicola, Sandy, Cali, Gordon, Bruce, Alex and Simon who helped the race go relatively smoothly.
It was the first year I haven’t taken part in the race due to injury so Scott Cameron (Carnethy) is now the only runner to have competed in all eleven events. And he’s still a junior! (U20). Hopefully I’ll be back next year to start with you all atop the summit cairn.
Mark Johnston
55 runners in this years race on a breezy fine evening. Bruce held on to his MV40 record by 1 second and won a magnificent melon from the characteristically eclectic range of prizes, awarded by lucky dip. Charlotte won 1st lady in 5:45, knocking 14 seconds off her own course record and still the only female to get under 6 mins. Her efforts were rewarded with a splendid bag of crisps. With the works going on up the hill the incontinent dog owners club have evidently relocated to this location, and it is not certain that Bob W was to be allowed back into the car after stepping up and in to collect his prize for an incredibly speedy win in the MV60 category. As is traditional Fraser pipped Willy to the finish. Babysitting the main event Mary ran the race on her own afterwards as the first leg of the Alternative Carnethy 5, and got lost, which is remarkable though not unheard of on the knoll. But plenty of time to have another go! Thanks to Mark Johnston for a successful and fun event, and to all the helpers. More photos here. Alan's photoset here. Results
Digby
12th September 2012
Round Cumbrae 10 Mile Road Race
Sunday 9th September saw the running of the annual round Cumbrae 10 mile road race. The island of Cumbrae is a little island just off the west coast by Largs. A circumnavigation of the island by the main road is usually 10 miles depending on what year it is. This year it was 9.98 miles.
The course is flat with the exception of a wee hill right at the end. However it can be extremely windy and Sunday was no exception. Miles 7 – 9 were purgatory as the full brunt of the headwind was felt by all.
Thankfully the final mile was wind assisted and into the town of Millport (one long street along the sea front) almost allowing you to forget the horrible headwind miles!
The race was a counter for some west coast road race series. So was well attended with 180 runners finishing including someone running in a full body cover novelty lycra “gimp” style suit that covered his face too. Maybe we should get one designed in Carnethy colours?
Anyway, results and photos below. No other Carnethy runners sighted. I finished in 24th place with a time of 1:07. The winning time was quite fast.
Photos here Results here
Craig O'Donnell
11th September 2012
The Dragon's Back

What we all battled to the end for.
Last week I was enjoying a superb journey through Wales and one of those opportunities I'm glad I decided not to pass up. My sympathies go to those at the UTMB races where I would have been if not for this last minute change of plans and fortunes. I was actually finishing a trek in some of the crap weather that effected their races. With thunder, lightning, monsoon rain I was fearing the worst for them after my own 2010 experience. Hats off to all you guys for making the most of it in pretty abysmal conditions.
On the other hand the Dragons Back had the opposite challenge. So whilst we contended not only with the hills, navigation and miles we had to cover each day, we also had to combat the effects of dehydration & heat exhaustion as Wales basked in 7 days of unrelenting hot & sunny weather. For some this proved too much on day one, with only a third of the field meeting the day one cut off, for many the lasting effects were being felt well into the rest of the week.
There are many reports and images on the actual website. But the best reporting seems to be here.
I'm sure in the days and weeks to come I'll look back and appreciate a lot more what I've just achieved. At the moment though last week seems like a blur it went so quickly.
Whether it will run again in the near future, who knows. But purely down to the amount of planning, organising and support it requires to make it happen, it will be I guess a few years before the next. I'm led to believe at some point in the future there will be a film / DVD produced from what must be hundreds of hours of footage taken over the five days, hopefully competitors will be able to get a copy. If so, it might make a nice winter evening slot to watch with a beer.
Matt Davis
10th September 2012
Angela 7th in World Long Distance Mountain Running Championships
Angela Mudge continued her good form after her recent win in the Skaala races in Norway to come 7th in the World Long Distance Mountain Running Championships on Saturday, in a time of 3.39. Claire Gordon (HBT) came 28th in 3.58, and the runs by Sarah O Neil (60th) and Kim Threadgall-Spence (77th) secured 6th place for the Scottish ladies team. Other Carnethy runners Joanne Anderson and Pam Whitlie (Joanne in 5.03; Pam in 6.23) also successfully completed the course, enjoying the atmosphere of the championship race. Results here: http://services.datasport.com/2012/lauf/jungfrau/RANG020-001.HTM
10th September 2012
Simon Wake Comrie Relays
Well done to everyone who ran at the Comrie relays – 29 in total across 6 teams. Carnethy teams picked up the male, male vets and female team prizes. Another superbly organised event by Strathearn Harriers with loads of burgers, cakes and socialising at the finish contributing to a perfect day out for many.
Results here Mary's photos here
Andy Fallas
Iain Gilmore and I were the second leg pairing for the Carnethy B team, being handed the baton from Mike Lynch from the first leg. We were in good company with so many Carnethies standing around in some warm sunshine at the start of Leg 2, so it was good fun waiting for the Leg 1 finishers to come in. Leg 1 seemed to catch-out a few people, and unfortunately Mike was no exception, taking a wrong turn that slowed him down for a few minutes. A shame, as Mike is running really well right now, but he'll be happy to know that at least it provided endless amusement at the handover. Mike and Matt Ball came in together, with Mike uttering: "Sorry guys...the usual happened".
The first ascent is up a fairly runnable grassy path onto the ridge that makes up the bulk of this leg. Although runnable, the path here is fairly narrow so the biggest problem was navigating round Willie whilst still dodging some quickfire chat from Bob. Onto the ridge the climb soon steepened, up over a small top and onto a newly-constructed road. Here we met Mary and Kate, who both seemed in far better spirits than us after that climb, then off the track onto fairly featureless heathery sheep trods. I naively thought we'd have a nice neat trail to follow for this leg, with nice gentle climbs over three gentle peaks, but no, the trods came and went and it seemed quite undulating for most of it. At this point I regretted mocking Mike, as I had no idea where to go and no obvious sign that I was going in the right direction. In short, I got lost too. Thankfully Iain had done a recce, he knew the course, we were still on the right track, and he took to the front whilst galloping over the heather like it wasn't there. I done all I could to keep up with him, but he was always pulling away and I reckoned he could go even faster still. I handed the punchcard to him, and he made good the descent into Glen Lednock and grabbed the last checkpoint. Only a track and road run to go, we both started pushing along to try to catch an Ochils Team but didn't quite get them, and over to Simon for Leg3.
As far as I'm concerned it was an excellent leg, and I'm sorry to say that the success was entirely down to Iain. We were second fastest pairing for that leg after Andy & James which is fantastic. Even better than that, we have more ammunition to rib Mike with for years to come. A truly excellent day!
Jim Hardie
8th September 2012
The Devil's Beeftub Hill Race

As we left a sunny Edinburgh and drove down towards the race we saw a few cars with full headlights on coming our way! Would the mist be down? As we crossed the col of the Beeftub the swirls of mist looked like steam billowing out of the Devil's Cauldron, and then it was clear.
The mist had lifted from the summits by the time we got to Corehead, and a couple of cars were already waiting. Soon a steady stream of cars were arriving and with a couple of runners running off the Hill from the Beeftub Road we ended up with 36 starters.
The weather was warm and still in the bowl of the Beeftub as the 36 headed round the route. We were spotting runners on the skyline and seeing a few red vests at the front.
As the leaders descended Paul Faulkner was in the lead by about 30 metres from Alan Cherry (Ayr Seaforth) but Alan took the more direct line through the bracken and caught Paul. About the same time Paul heard a crunch in his knee and he limped home in second place with Stewart Whitlie in 3rd (1st M50).
Mike Robinson (Dark Peak) was 4th (1st V40) and Bob Waterhouse was 1st V60 in 12th place.
The Ladies were led home by Neah Evans in 11th place, Shirley Singh (Hardrock Hoodlums) 2nd (1st F40), and Julia Conner (Moorfoots) 3rd. Jean Robson (Annan) was 1st FV50.
Thanks to Nick Macdonald for marshalling the last hill (and providing most of the race kit), and Cail Ingham for registration and especially the Saddleworth Supporters for helping with the finish timing (letting Cali run the race) and all the Carnethy bods that carrried the kit to and from the start. More photos here, including some taken by Peter Hutchison (Chairman Dumfries Running Club)
Results
Willie Gibson
6th September 2012
World Long Distance Mountain Running Champs, Jungfrau Marathon
Good Luck to Kim Treadgall and Angela Mudge who are running as part of a strong team for Scotland this weekend in the World Long Distace Mountain Running Championship at the Jungfrau Marathon in Switzerland. Also running, but in the open race, will be other Carnethies including Pam Whitlie and Joanne Anderson. The 42km race starts at Interlaken (566m) with a fairly flat first half, then climbs 1600m in the second half to finish below the Eiger, reaching a height of 2200m.

5th September 2012
Free Beer and Pizza - it must be the Arthur's Seat Handicap!
neil's knees

Brilliant night tonight with 50 runners out on the hill (only 47 actually competed) including 9 Speed of Light Run Leaders (RLs with Dirty Faces), Cat M, Fiona, Gordon C, Jo, Kristi, Lawrence and Roy plus permanent SOL reserve (sad) Michael W (and me of course but organising and officiating so sadly not running, sigh).
First back and winner, Bob Waterhouse (Old Yorkshire Git, or is it Lancashire Git (no matter they're both really the same place)) was rewarded with ... the second clipboard (well he's already got a free bus pass) with which to record runners numbers whilst I recorded their times. On his arrival Willie G helpfully bawled finishing runners' numbers in my ear, so that the vacant space in my head could amplify the sound to Bob which required Willie to stand in front of the race clock from which I was recording the times.
Lawrence Leask, given his initials, was presumably wondering why Tim (Superman) Doyle wasn't there to help him but depite this he was the first RL home whilst Fiona and Kristi were the final runners home (that is last).
Good Kraik and Konviviality at the Kilderkin (an old English measure which doesn't measure up to the old pub) but with (free) pints and pizzas to please.
SOL reserve, Michael W was astonished to find he'd won the series outright but it was a well deserved win and of course a rewarding night for me as race organiser.
Nick
More photos here. Results and final placings are on the Handicaps Page

Individual winners
1. Boghall: Jill Mykura
2. Eddleston: Andy Spenceley
3. Red Moss: Jonathan Hogg
4. Broughton: Iain Gilmore
5. Carlops: Cali Ingham
6. Arthurs Seat: Bob Waterhouse

Overall Championship
(after recount)
Gold: Michael Wilkinson 136.1
Silver: Iain Gilmore 133.4
Bronze: Willie Gibson 130.8
4th Mary Lye 130.2

4th September 2012
Great Glasgow Run

As many Carnethies were competing at Ben Nevis and other races, I entered the Great Glasgow run. I was signed up for Ben Nevis but pulled out as I have the Warsaw marathon coming up in few weeks and I was worried about injury, wimp!
We met our friends from the Footworks gang (who I train on the road with) early morning at Waverley. We arrive in Glasgow and I couldnt believe how many people were at the start. My mate Chris did point out that its one of the biggest half marathons about. I was in the white zone which means fast athletes, great I thought I'm in for a hiding. The start gun blew and we were off, there was this steepish incline at first where some runners where running like Usain Bolt. I gently got into a good pace, enjoying the Glasgow crowd, towards Bellahouston park some Rangers supporters gave me a huge cheers by shouting "we love Carnethy!!". I quickly stopped and shook their hands and wished their team a great season. I continue running and I was astonished how nice Pollock park is and the crowd there great. After that it was around the streets of Glasgow and towards the Glasgow green finishing line. The crowd just before the finish just great, cheering myself and all the runners to the line, as always emotions got better of me. I crossed the finish line and a nice personal best by 6 minutes, 1.35 from previous 1.41. I was met by Monika and Greg at the finish. My mate Abdul did a stunning run in a time of 1.19, the other guys from Footworks had good runs also. Phil Humpries was in attendance also, I forgot his time but it was good. We all headed for the pub after for well deserved drinks. Next up Warsaw marathon on 30th September, can't wait.
Michael Nowicki
4th September 2012
Ultra Trial du Mont Wet
Five Carnethies ventured out to the UTMB races out in Chamonix this weekend, to pit their wits against mountain, trail, and most significantly, the weather. We'd arrived a few days early and spent time up in the mountains with fabulous weather and incredible views.
Nigel (Fawthrop) and I headed down to register for the TDS (114K/7150m) to discover the rumours were true, and that come the days of the races the area would be deluged by rain. The others received foreboding texts from the organisation recommending 4 layers of clothing...
Surprisingly, we awoke to dry skies on the day of the race (which started Thursday morning), but that didn't last long. As the first 1400m climb spread out before us, mist and heavy showers built, and as the day progressed the underfoot mud increased. Snow fell at higher altitudes overnight, and I decided that enough was enough after 60k as I was heading towards a night promising non-stop rain/snow. Nigel ploughed on bravely to around 95k, only to retire due to very sore feet (pictures available on request!) Just 43% of starters completed.
On Friday morning Caroline (Williams) headed out to run a slightly amended CCC (100K/5900m) in non-stop rain, snow, and mud. Completing in just under 23 and-a-half hours (1440th/1900) was an impressive achievement, and had she not been distracted by the local male support in Champex, perhaps 'just under 23 hours' would have been on the cards! Her true reward was to be the first of us to sport her hard-earned finishers gilet. 83% of starters finished.
For the UTMBers (Olly Stephenson and Jason Hubert) the weather failed to improve, and with 50cm fresh snow and 50kph winds forecast the organisers were forced to make last minute changes to the course meaning the route dropped from 160K/10000m to 104K/6000m, with all passes over 2000m removed. Undaunted, they headed out on Friday evening to complete the course in impressive style with times of just over 15 hours for Olly (124th/2500), and just under 18 hours for Jason (471st). Fantastic achievements, especially given the extensive changes to the route and the incessant mud, mist, heavy rain and snow. Clearly the easiest race of the three(!), over 85% of starters finished.
So all in all a wet weekend, and a very difficult job for the organisers. This is the third year that weather has played a very big part in the event, so don't be surprised if next year its run in June, or under a giant Wimbledon-style retractable roof! Needless to say, when it came to departure day, the skies cleared as quickly as the competitors left, and normal summer weather resumed...
Chris Henty
Full race stats can be divulged and digested at http://utmb.livetrail.net
4th September 2012
September handicap - summer's here
As meteorologists have decreed that summer finished on Friday it made sense then that today's run was about the warmest of the year to date.
The excuses were there as normal, but so were most of the usual suspects.
Neil chose today to come along for the first time - thrust into the handicap probably about 15 minutes faster than he should be, but he battled round nonetheless, giving himself a decent start point for next month. Jamie and Russell maintained their turn up late and go for hell for leather approach - one which is never going see them breasting the finishing tape first.
With both Chris Henty and Chris Hill turning up today it was a bit of relief that Jon Ascroft didn't turn up allowing John Askham to be this weeks John A. And a fine run John had too, leaving Cam Murray and myself in his wake up the Crags. Chris (Henty) made the most of his generous handicap (which to be fair he probably deserved for running halfway round the alps the previous weekend), Chris Hill is making the most of the team Sky 'marginal gains' philosophy and chipping a few more seconds off his time. Meanwhile Eddie had forgotten it was a handicap and struggled round in new shoes and the wrong set of legs and lungs.
Up at the sharp end Andy Strathdee (thankfully for my abbreviations Andy Spenceley didn't turn up) powered round the course to knock a couple of minutes off his pb, chased hard by Richie Bell. Paul F, Stewart and Mike were ripping through field, Paul getting within seconds of the 26 minute time, possibly if he'd not had his i-stopwatch in his pocket he might have been spurred on to try and beat the record.
Results below on a day of some fast times despite the overgrown gorsey shortcuts.
Biggest shock of the day was non-appearance of Gordon though - his first miss since 1896 (well maybe not but it's been a long time) Results
Bruce
3rd September 2012
Ben Nevis Hill Race
Carnethy had 30 names on the start list with 20 actually finishing the race.
Charlie Ramsay was up on the course taking photographs and providing words of encouragement.
Conditions reported for the summit before the kick-off consisted of "visability to 30 metres and wind speeds touching 50mph".
If anything the wind seemed to help the runners on the climb and hinder them on the descent which was great if you want to try and slow yourself down on the descent. The race was won by Finlay Wild (3rd win) of Lochaber AC in a time of 1:29:56. Second was Rob Jebb (Bingley) in 1:30:53 and third was Martin Mikkelsen-Barron (Barrowdale) in 1:37:23. First Carnethy member was Steven Fallon in 27th place and a time of 1:52:21 followed by Alex McVey 64th with a time of 1:58:55. No other Carnethies got under 2 hours (must train harder). Results of Carnethies

Also courtesy Charlie Ramsay was a photo of a grey-haired Grandad huffin' and puffin' on the ascent.
Bob Johnson
3rd September 2012
Dala Boteghina a la Zima
From the Bar to the Summit in local dialect!.
A local Kilometro Verticale race, 1000metres climb in 4.3 Km with the last Km steeper than the average of near 25% .
My first race since November 2011 due mainly to three crashes on my road bike . One due to S.Lanarkshire potholes,the second to front wheel fitting neatly between bars in a drain cover in Italy and the worst switching from road to cycle track in France--for Safety! . Woke on my 74th in hospital en route on an attempt to repeat a ride done 50 years ago over the Alps fomm Geneva to Nice.
Got back to running only 8 days before the race with a run up my test hill ,1 min 30 secs compared to 1min 12 sec PB. Reduced to 1.19 in a few days then a 200m climb about 20 % longer than PB. Promising though reduced to painfull walking on the way down . A 2 hr hill walk the day before then decided to have a go. Response-- " you must be barmy!.
Started near the front then rapidly to the back up through the village . After 10 mins started passing people, most with sticks, then felt surprisingly good. Finished 53rd from 97 starters in 1 hour 8 mins .Could have gone harder had I known the course. Really hot but lots of water bottles. Painfull descent without sticks so took the van for the bottom 3 km.
Brian Waldie
27th August 2012
Baddinsgill Round Hill Race
Four Carnethies turned up as part of a small field for this, the inaugural running of the Baddinsgill Round Hill Race, an 11.4 mile/700m route covering the much less-trodden and remoter western end of the Pentland Hills. Map
The start was at the end of the public road at Baddinsgill Farm, approximately 2.5 miles up Medwyn Road from West Linton. Registration was free and brief, while the application of midge repellent more leisurely. The route makes up much of the natural skyline of a circuit of the hills around Baddinsgill Reservoir, with variable degrees of trodden path.

The start was at the junction of the Old Drove Road and the road leading to Baddinsgill House. From there a 1/4 mile of tarmac through the grounds to a gate led off right of the road to the open hillside. A well-worn track led up the hillside towards Faw Mount. Before the summit of Faw Mount, near an enclosure, we trended diagonally across the slope to the East crossing several wet areas, before joining a broad obvious track running parallel to the fence line that rises to the summit of Mount Maw and trig point on the summit. We continued along the ridge again, parallel to fence line, over more wet ground in places, passing Grain Heads, and onwards towards the summit of the Mount. Before the summit of the Mount the fence line bent sharply left beginning our descent over rough heather to very boggy ground around Deer Hope. Once across the boggy ground a long stone wall line ran up and across the west side of Weather Law before another rough heather descent to Henshaw Mouth and more boggy ground. We continued up the ascent of the south shoulder of East Cairn. After a false summit and another small climb the summit ridge of East Cairn was reached. On the north side of the stone wall there was a good, though often boggy, track running west all the way to the large stone cairn of the summit. From here we had to carefully pick the correct track that quickly steepened as it descended over rough heather and rocky ground to the Cauldstone Slap and the crossing of the Drove Road. This was halfway, marshaled, and an escape route, which was only taken by a single runner.
The runners were spread out considerably by this point and underfoot conditions were taking their toll. We crossed the style onto a very wet track running parallel to a fence and wall line west all the way up the big drag to the summit of West Cairn and its cairn and trig point next to a fence corner. A fainter track continued beside the fence line along the summit ridge of West Cairn before eventually turning south towards the large open heather covered moor of Wolf Crags. Here the track disappeared and it was a considerable challenge to find the best line through the heather before crossing the burns around Wolf Crags. There followed another long climb, before reaching the fore summit of Byrehope Mount where a better track, running parallel to a fence line crossing more wet ground, eventually reaching the almost flat summit area and a bend in the fence line. The finish markers could be seen from here, but there was still a final hill to go. A fast descent to the south passing several sheep feeding stations followed before the final short sharp ascent of King Seats. We returned briefly back towards the col and raced round Lamb Rig before a quick sprint across the open but rough ground to the finishing line.
Whether it becomes part of the SHR calender of events remains to be seen. Chris Upson's 3rd place may help sway this, but timing is everything and its close proximity to the Ochils 2000s may overshadow it and make the leading runners stay away. However if a real test over largely unmarked low-rise ground in boggy conditions is what you're after, then it may become a classic. Hats off to Nick Brown of Corstorphine AAC for trying to get a new (probably BM) hill race on the calendar.
Results here:
Mike Lynch
27th August 2012
The Ochils 2000 Hill Race - Sat 25th August
11 Carnethies made the jaunt over the Forth to the Ochil 2000s race on Saturday. Hanging around at the start in Glen Devon, the sun shone, there was little wind, and thankfully no midges to eat us in the car park. There was little to do apart from discuss possible locations to attach the orienteering dibber used to mark our progress round the route - it was decided that in the name of decency and convenience it should be attached to the finger.
The first part of the race is mainly along a forestry track, which spread the field out, before heading through some clearfell and onto the hill. A nice grassy ascent to Whitewhisp hill, over to Tarmangie, then cut the corner of the Dollar Race route to Kings seat. All the paths so far were well worn walkers routes, but the paths start to fade from Andrew Gannel to Ben Ever. After Ben Ever you're grateful if you find a slightly worn sheep trod, and I'd say this is where the race really starts. Blairdennan Hill is surrounded by a moat of bogs and peat hags, and provides some quite tricky running. I managed to fall roughly 4 times into manky bogwater heading towards Blairdennan, and another 7 times heading away towards Dumyat. At this point I just wanted away from all the mank, there were no paths, just heathery tussocky madness, and so it's hard to fight the urge to head straight towards Dumyat, but thankfully Adrian Davis was nearby and kept me in roughly the right direction (thank you Adrian!). Neil Burnett followed somebody along the "straight towards Dumyat" route to find himself in terrain, head-high bracken and nasty ravines - he sensibly avoided the last checkpoint and headed for home after that.
At the front end, Murray Strain ran a fantastic (and very lonely!) race to finish 13mins ahead of his nearest rival and take 7mins off the record! Stewart was first Carnethy and first MV50, in 3rd, Jon Ascroft finished 10th. A fantastic run by Jasmin Paris secured the ladies race in 12th. I managed to nudge ahead of Adrian Davis who was 2nd MV50. Phil Humphries led-in Gregor Heron and Steven Yule - Phil being the only person that crossed the line smiling, I noticed. Paul Nash and Brian Howie followed to complete the Carnethy set. I celebrated my faceplant PB (11) with some lovely free soup and cake at the finish. Special mention of Adrian's dogs who, if they could open gates themselves, probably would've won the race easily. Results with fancy splits here, and some photos here
James Hardie
26th August 2012
Carnethy Monthly Road Bike Outing
The peloton was nearly 8, but the eighth took fright when shown the map of the proposed route- but more on that later. So seven set off over what City of Edinburgh Council seem to think might pass for road surfaces. Is it just me or are routes in our home city now more pothole/longitudinal crack/gaping mantrap than actual road these days? Anyway, showing a collective imperviousness to pain, we held on tight and made it to the comparative safety lying beyond the bypass. The route then included a contrived deviation to ascend the unmarked road from the west end of Wallyford to Tranent used by some for hill climb competitions, for the middle section includes around 400 metres at 12% average with the road gaining around 100m over perhaps 2½ km. I offered free beer and bacon rolls to anyone getting up it in the big front chainring but no takers. Anyway, beyond there, accompanied by Secretary Bob’s dulcet Brummie tones, we headed off on lesser, but nevertheless smooth, roads towards Pencaitland, Haddington, round the south of Trapprain to East Linton and then down over several sections of deferred descent towards, but not to, North Berwick. East Lothian was looking very well with the sun shining, the hedgerows alive and the crops ready. One part of East Lothian looking especially well was the café at Fenton Barns where we paused for a brew and various tempting confections. The journey back west saw the pace ramping up- we didn’t get a chaingang organised but rode cooperatively with all who could taking a turn at the front. Bob did not let this interfere with his lengthy, up-beat soliloquy. Happily this meant I couldn’t get a word in edgeways as conversation probably required more breath than I had to spare. Here is our route- 58 miles KBU to KBU: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=5630901.
As you may gather, these last Sunday of the month outings are aimed at the fairly serious road cyclist- we have quite a few of them in our midst. Additionaly, I have received a number of expressions of interest for rather less intense excursions- maybe of similar duration so perhaps 3 or 4 hours - but half the distance. I’m keen to help get these off the ground, but it would be good to hear of others who might be willing to assist. Anyone out there?
Robin Haynes
23rd August 2012
Angela wins at Skaala, Norway - Sat 18th August
In cold winds and signs of snow , Angela Mudge has just won Norway's most famous fell race, the Skaala. The uphill only race is a renowned beast of an ascent, rising to 1848m from just 29m above sea level in a frightening 8.2km – that’s an average gradient of 22%! Angela took 1:22:22 and just managed to beat, by 24 seconds, the course record holder (1:20:06), Anita Håkenstad Evertsen of Norway, who is the former European Mountain Running Champion (2007) and World Mountain Running Long Distance Champion (2007). A record field of 1780 finished this 11th edition of the race with the winner being the six-time European Mountain Running Champion, Ahmet Arslan of Turkey and the six times World Mountain Running Champion, Jonathan Wyatt second. Details and Results
23rd August 2012
Aberfeldy Middle Distance Triathlon
Welll done to Kathy Jarvis who completed her first ever middle distance triathlon in Aberfeldy.
She finished the 6hrs 30 with a 35min swim, 3hrs 30 cycle, 2hrs 20 "painfully slow" run.
She is keen to find any other triathletes in the club who want to join her in any other middle distance triathlons.
22nd August 2012
The Inaugural Ritchey Trailmasters 17th -19th August
On the 17th – 19th August, the inaugural Ritchey Trailmasters event was run. The event is a 3 day Mountain Bike Event in South Wales incorporating long linking stages with 2 “Enduro” special stages per day, including a night time trial.
The first thing to mention: The Biblical Rain.
3 days of persistent rain (a brief respite on Saturday afternoon of glorious hot sunshine that melted my chocolate ? ) created deep puddles, ney, oceans of water and mud to navigate. At times, it was hard to decide weather the trail was running alongside a river, or if the river was the trail.

Next: The Stages.
Due to the challenging weather conditions, the linking stages were modified to suit. However the majority of the linking stages and special stages meandered through the main forests surrounding the area, typically 50 – 60km long and up to ~2000m of climbing. One stage was supposed to be a long loop out into the Elan Valley but this was changed to another forest route due to the flooded conditions that would have made the moorland crossing “interesting”. There was plenty of singletrack on offer and enduro special stages (anywhere from 2 minutes to 10 minutes of flat-out racing) with a balance of technical descending, climbing biased stages or downright mud plugging bogcycling.
In summary, a great long weekends riding, just a shame about the weather!
Craig O’Donnell, the sole Carnethy, finished 10th in Open Male category.
Results here
Website here
Craig O'Donnell
22nd August 2012
Sedbergh Hills Race - Sunday 19th August
A car full of Carnethies nipped down south to the Howgills for the 14 mile Sedbergh Hills race. Having admired the curvaceous hills many times from the M6, it seemed a good opportunity to try them out, especially as they are to provide the setting for this year's OMM. The pre-race mooch indicated that the turnout was a modest hundred or so, affected by Saturday's English counter at Weasdale.
After the usual huff and puff up the initial climbs, a great contour path led us round the west side of the hills and into some remote folds in the landscape. The bad weather that had been forecast was running late, so we thankfully had decent visibility over the grassy trodless wilderness. When the route regained a track back south, it was at that cruel steady gradient that makes it a challenge to keep running. A few undulations and route subtleties in refreshing rain, and then the final plunge and finish 'dash' through the village lanes.
Andy Brown of Clayton le Moors was first back in 2h22. Jon Ascroft was 9th in 2h38, Tim Darlow 21st in 2h45, and new member Matthew Curry 61st in 3h07. Fiona Hughes of Cambridge Uni (and recent Creag Dhubh victory) was first woman in 2h44. Tea, cake, and loads of Pete Bland voucher prizes were dished out. A great long race and interesting route.
Jon Ascroft
20th August 2012
Lomonds of Fife - Sunday 19th August
Charlotte had a good run (2nd Lady and only seconds behind 1st) showing the boys a clean set of heels.
10 Charlotte Morgan Carnethy FS 01:42:58
12 Iain Gilmore Carnethy MS 01:44:41
16 Simon Titmuss Carnethy MS 01:46:01
17 Neil Burnett Carnethy MV 01:46:21
19 Jonas Anderson Carnethy MS 01:47:37
26 Ally Robertson Carnethy MS 01:52:38
27 Neil Gilmore Carnethy MV 01:54:15
58 Neil Campbell Carnethy MV50 02:15:35
88 Karen Meikle Carnethy FV50 03:04:50
Photos (from Charlotte Morgan and Neil Campbell) are on the google photo page and full results are here
20th August 2012
Inferno Half-Marathon - 18th August 2012

Paul and I managed to negotiate a side trip to take in another race from our family holidays in Zinal, Switzerland and took in the Inferno half-marathon on Saturday 18th Aug. The race started at the Jungfrau campsite in Lauterbrunnen at an altitude of 795m and finished at the Schilthorn revolving restaurant (made famous by James Bond movie , On Her Majesty's Secret Service ) at a height of 2970m. Getting to the start line from Zinal was a bit of an adventure but that is another story! Having completely ignored Angela’s advice for the Sierre-Zinal race the weekend before (i.e. start slowly) and blowing up with about 90mins of running left, we decided we would have to revisit our race strategy for this one. First step was to avoid Beer/G&Ts and limit ourselves to one miserly glass of wine each the evening before the race. The course which was pretty much all up-hill, consisted of approx 700m of climbing in the first 7k followed by a relatively flat 6k with only 150m of ascent. Then it got down to business with 800m in the next 4k. The climbing relented slightly in next 2 km and then finished with a fairly brutal final 400m climb in the last 1.5k. We tried to encourage each other before the start, saying it was really only like climbing Ben Nevis followed by an ascent of Glamaig! (or to be very precise, Ben Lomond, Glamaig followed by Dumyat)! We didn’t really have much of a clue how long it would take but we met Martin Cox (one of Angela Mudge’s alpine running partners) shortly before the race, who gave us the same advice as Angela had provided for previous weekend’s race i.e. start slowly. So we decided to take that on board this time around and positioned ourselves reasonably far back from the start-line to avoid getting sucked along by the fast folk. This seemed to work reasonably well and we set of at a more comfortable pace and able to look around taking in the fabulous surrounding views. The Eiger and a number of other 4000m peaks provided the backdrop for the race route. The route was a mixture of tarmac, trails, forest track, scree and near vertical rocks with fixed ropes to pull yourself up as we reached the summit and as expected, it got hotter and harder as we climbed up the mountain side.

However, we both really enjoyed the race, were overtaking a few folk towards the end of the race (unlike previous weekend) and finished in reasonably respectable times\positions: Paul was 30th in 2-31 and I finished 22nd in 2-27 (3rd V50). 476 finishers.
Respect to Angela Mudge who still holds the ladies record with 2-16 set in 2002.
So if you are looking for a pretty tough alpine half marathon with fantastic scenery (the views on the course and for the post race pasta\beer were really stunning) or just want to record a ½ marathon PW, then would highly recommend this one.
Stewart Whitlie
18th August 2012
Sierre-Zinal, Switzerland – 12th August

Stewart Whitlie, Paul Faulkner, Andy Fallas and Pamela Whitlie, were joined by top Scottish runners out in Switzerland to compete against many of Europe’s (and the World’s) top elite in the Sierre-Zinal race. The race follows a 31km course through the Swiss Alps from Sierre (580m) to Zinal (1600m) with most of the route following fast tracks and paths between 2100 and 2400m accompanied by stunning views towards the Matterhorn and other 4000m peaks. The Scots all found the combination of a long climb in the heat at the start followed by fast running at altitude in hot dry conditions to be somewhat challenging and a bit different to what they are accustomed to. Despite this, Stewart managed to finish 2nd supervet in 3.09 (79th overall from over 1100 runners). Andy and Paul also had decent runs, finishing 71st (3.07) and 87th (3.13). Pamela also had good run finishing 709th (104th female) and probably took in more of the views than the boys. There was no team prize but if there had been, Carnethy would have been beaten by the HBT combination of Joe Symonds (18th), Murray Strain (24th) and Tessa Hill (along with others from France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, USA, Columbia etc.). Results here: http://www.sierre-zinal.com/
Andy Fallas
16th August 2012
Carlops handicap

The streaming rain and scudding clouds presaged an unpleasant Carlops race, but fortunately it stopped in time for the start and it was the going underfoot that was the main handicap. From ground mangled by hooves into an ankle threatening sea of holes, deep bog grass and nettles, and treacherous bracken the course also challenged the navigation of those who hadn't run it before. 'Keeping Willy in sight' was a major goal for those whose maps were running too.
Having said that the considerable number of runners that flew past me didn't seem to be having too much trouble. First home was Cali, who ignored Keith's aberrant route finding advice, and last, a somewhat out of form Bob. A blurry photo of the plucky pair can be found on the Carnethy Facebook page. Remarkably Jason did a faster time than Cali, even though a knee problem forced him to walk the entire route.
Post race get together in the Allan Ramsay, which does a fine pint and is a proper cosy country pub. Food's good too. Results and positions after 5 races
Digby
16th August 2012
Turnhouse Race - Wed 15th August
4 Carnethies chose a wet Turnhouse over a wet Carlops. Registration was swift and then there was a lot of rain spotting from inside warm cars. At this point we couldn't see the top of Turnhouse and were starting to wonder what makes fairly sane people 'do this'?? Pre-race nerves obviously got the better of Philippa as she decided to ask a startled looking chappie in the next car for some race fashion advice- he was far too hardy to wear a jacket and advised us to do same. I did point out to Phil that it was a bit girly and not 'very Carnethy-like' to ask what to wear..
Anyway we ventured out of car and jogged to start to wait in the rain. As always a very friendly, if mad, bunch. Kindof the last we saw of most of them as we were definitely at the back of the pack. But great race over varied terrain and real 'free your mind' descents. Another race bagged along with some wet weather fashion tips.
Mandy Calder
14th August 2012
Philiphaugh Hill Race, Selkirk

A few Carnethies made the trip down to Selkirk for this, the third running of the Philiphaugh Hill Race. A seven and four mile race option was offered, with both races starting at Corbie Lynn. Registration was across the field at Selkirk Rugby Club, with all proceeds going to the Selkirk Play Park Project.
The route was a mixture of terrain, up a stony road and up, and along and up until we finally topped out at the Three Brethren, the highest point of the Southern Upland Way. There was then a not too steep down and once we got back down to the tree line the route took a number of twists and turns, includeding a run though ferns beside a wall, some newly logged forestry ground, a run across a field and into another field and then into a path through the forest. We finally came out on the stony road back down for a fast hurtle to the finish.
Steve Best put in a great run, lying third at the turn he lost a place on the back section to finish an excellent 4th in 49:54, behind the winner Gala Harrier's Fergus Johnston, who set a new record of 46:45. Mike Lynch finished 15th in 56:24, Michael Nowicki was 32nd in 1:03:40, Karen Meikle (First V50) was 42nd in 1:10:24 and Senga Plain 55th in 1:19:39. First lady was HBT's Morag McCracken in 54:59, which was also a new record.
Results here
Mike Lynch
14th August 2012
Arthurs Seat Monthly Handicap
With the Olympics in full swing an elite dozen (well as a baker would have it) took inspiration from the antics down South to take to the Seat.
As I sat this one out I'm really making this report up based on the stats and comments from the participants, but as that's never stopped me in the past;
Highlights/Excuses:
Tired runners after weekend racing and speed of lighting
Returns from exile (Jon) and Injury (Chloe)
New start (Alan)
Mud
Vegetation
Hidden Rocks in the gutted haddie overgrowth
Inadvertently Stopped Watches
Inexplicable exactitude
Anyway: results here - well done to Paul for yet another 26 minute time, welcome to Alan and welcome back to Jon
See you again in September after the Ben Race
Bruce
9th August 2012
Caerketton Hill race – Wed 8th August
Fine evening for first outing on new extended Caerketton race route this year. Paul Faulkner (Carnethy) had an excellent run to win ahead of the HBT duo, Dan Gay & Don Naylor. Paul had a great climb and was well clear at the top and did enough to stay ahead of a fast finishing Dan. Paul’s winning time was approx. 5mins slower than typical winning times on previous course. Charlotte Morgan had another great run to make it double for Carnethy and had a comfortable winning margin over Eilis McKechanie (HBT) and Neah Evans (Shettleston). Old git male prizes went to Carnethy members : Steve Fallon (next V40, 5th place), Stewart Whitlie (1st V50, 4th place) and Bob Waterhouse (1st V60, 38th place). Carnethy ladies picked up 1st V40 (Nicolla Dunn) and 1st V50 (Cali Ingham) with Shiela Strain picking up first lady over 60 prize.
Results
Junior race was won by Iain Innes ahead of Fergus Campbell who I’m sure will be giving his dad a run for his money in a few years time. Iain had a great run and this was on the back of 2 ½ hours ski training earlier in the afternoon. 1st girl home was Katie Ross (in 3rd place overall) just ahead of her sister Jessica. Good turnout in both races with 75 runners taking part in the senior race and 10 in the junior race. Thanks to all for coming along and to those who helped out with marshalling, time keeping activities.
Junior Results
Stewart Whitlie
Some photos of both races here
8th August 2012
Ben Kenneth Hill race – Sun 5th August
This unusual race involved swimming – and all for £1 entry. Having driven south through Benbecula, I managed to bag the graham on route of course, we registered at Lochboisdale Pier in South Uist. We set off at 7.30pm to the firing of a rifle(!) and headed up the main street to the Post Office. We then had an option of turning left, running an extra 1.5km out and back and staying dry, or turning right and swimming across a deep channel to the foot of the hill. Not wanting to be a chicken I chose the open water only to see Des returning from the sea…cluck cluck…and deciding on the dry option. After reaching the summit and taking in the beautiful views, the route back was the same. The return swim was more refreshing for me and everyone was cheered on with locals honking their car horns at the finish. Everyone won a prize in this fun little hill race. Results
Kate Friend
8th August 2012
Beinn Lee Hill race – Sat 4th August
Deciding to try some new races we headed up to the Western Isles. We took the ferry from Uig to Lochmaddy (North Uist) on Sat morning and arrived in plenty of time before the start of Beinn Lee hill race at 7.30pm. After registration runners were taken by boat across the bay to the foot of the hill where we set off up to the summit, across to a second top, then down and across a never ending bog to the road where the last 3km was on tarmac. There was a good mix of locals and hill runners and I managed to pick up 3rd female prize. Having brought the winning trophies over with them on bikes, Kate Jenkins and Craig Mattocks won the race and turned round and took them home again! Results (soon)
Kate Friend
7th August 2012
Superb win for James at Creag Dubh Race - Sat 4th August

The second short race in the SHR Scottish Champs on a hot day at the Newtonmore Highland games saw a quality field of 135 and at £2 entry fee; every finisher getting a minature of Dalwhinnie with full bottles going to James Waldie 1st, Paul Faulkner 3rd, and Stewart Whitlie 5th (and 1st V50) along with good money prizes. Charlotte Morgan finished 2nd to lead the ladies team home as well. Obstacle course consisting of a lap of the packed arena followed by barrier leap, rough field dodging cars, fences, river crossing, steep bank climb to road crossing and then track to the hill with flagged short cuts on the ascent which were not marked for the descent! Return was the same route. Great day in dry conditions and the was whisky flowing - £2 for an engraved glass with 3 nips !! - unfortunately Bob had to drive ! Results

Gordon Cameron
7th August 2012
One Two at Borrowdale Fell Race - Sat 4th August
Whilst many headed north to Creag Dhubh, a group of Carnethies ventured south for a longer run at Borrowdale Fell Race (17miles, 1700ft), this year an English Championship counter (416 runners). Despite the rather ominous forecast of thunder and heavy showers, the weather was lovely, and we enjoyed fantastic views the whole way around this classic route, which climbs from Rosthwaite to Bessyboot, then along to Scafell Pike, Great Gable via the Corridor Route, Honister Pass and a final brutal climb of Dale Head. Despite feeling rather tired at the start, I found my stride later in the race, and overtook the leading lady Lauren Jeska on the climb to Great Gable. Unbeknown to me, Helen Bonsor was not far behind, having a cracking run and clearly on great form after her recent alpine success. Spotting her behind me on the final descent had dual effects – I shouted over my shoulder ‘well done, great run’, whilst simultaneously sprinting off as best I could. I finished 1st lady (38th) in 3.32, Helen Bonsor was a close 2nd in 3.33 (43rd). Andy Fallas also had a great run in 3.16 (18th), with the overall victory going to Ricky Lightfoot (2.49). Sandwiches, tea and a very generous prize giving rounded off a lovely day. Results
Jasmin Paris
5th August 2012
Hot sun at Largo Law Race - Sat 4th August
This was the largest field (about 105 started) since Anster Haddies took over this very long established race and lengthened the course considerably. You now start with a long run through the woods, which was slippy and slow and with plenty of water at the stream crossings (all four of them), but once out the woods the main problem was an unusual one for Scotland - the sun ! The rest of the race was run in serious heat and everyone struggled with lack of acclimatisation. As usual loads of Carnethies out (who didn't fancy the long drive to Newtonmore for Craig Dubh race).
First back was John Hammond in 7th, followed by Andy Spenceley, first Over 50, in 13th - in his first open hill race of the year. Karen Meikle coped well with the conditions to pick up 1st female Over 50. The race was won by Don Naylor (HBT) and Claire Ward (HBT). All runners got a free pint at the Crusoe Hotel in Lower Largo afterwards and the washing facilites consisted of junping into the harbour.
Results
3rd August 2012
North Berwick Law Race - Wed 1st August

I have to confess that I wasn't particularly looking forward to this nippy wee three miler, as my racing fear usually only wanes about five miles in, but a handful of "Quiet Life" pills, some reasonably decent weather, and the lure of a coastal fish supper took me, sweaty-palmed, to the starting line. Pre-race nerves were further jangled by an unexpectedly loud starting gun (there was some squealing...it may have been me), and a horde of runners, including plenty of Carnethys, began their charge to the top of the volcanic plug that is North Berwick Law.
Murray Strain was an awesome sight as he thundered downhill causing ascenders to dive aside into the foliage, possibly again squealing. I assume he won! Everyone was awarded with a medal and H2O, and I received a further badge of honour: a skinned knee. Results here
Mary Lye
3rd August 2012
Desert Race Across The Sand

While others were getting soaked and hypothermic at the WHW race, I was dealing with dust and dehydration on my second go at the Desert RATS race in Moab, Utah. This is a 6 day/5 stage event held along the 148 mile Kokopelli trail, running roughly along the line of the Colorado River between Grand Junction and Moab. It's a similar idea to the Marathon de Sable with harsher cutoffs, but you only have to carry a day sack and there were only 30 competitors.
This year the event was hottest of the eight its been run, most days it hit 40C in the shade, and it was much higher during the long stretches though sandstone canyons and occasional tarmac. The highest ground level reading I saw was 60C. With about half the competitors DNFing on one or more stages due to the conditions, including some very experienced elite runners, I went from a high of being 3rd place male on the first stage (there's a story behind that...) to DNFing 27 miles into the 52 mile stage due to foot problems. On the 40 mile day, despite thinking I was on top of my fluid/salt consumption. I managed to loose over 5% of my body weight, yet I was in better shape than some.
The Carnethy buff made an outing on the final marathon day, seen below on the Porcupine Rim trail at about 18 miles and at the finish line with my son Gregor. The buff is highly recommended for its cooling powers when kept soaked in water, who'd have thought it?
Joel Sylvester
2nd August 2012
Lakeland 100

Well actually its 105 but I guess it doesn't have quite the same ring to it. It's not very often I go to the Lakes and don't visit the higher fells for one reason or another. And this was one of the reasons I particularly fancied this event as it takes you on a tour around the lower slopes and villages circumnavigating the higher peaks. I thought it might make a nice change. Met office pretty much got it right and other than a few heavy squalls which had me reaching for a waterproof during the run, it was by enlarge a dry and pleasant outing. I set off with no expectations other than to try get finished during daylight Saturday and with this in mind settled from the start at a pace that felt comfortable. During the length of the run I settled in with 2 or 3 groups for long periods until some turn of events saw us parting ways. In some ways it was good to have them to keep pace with and navigate with, but in other ways it felt odd to me maybe because I usually do my long runs solo. The night stage gave me chance to try my replacement Silva light out and very pleased I am, an improvement on the old one. Managed the obligatory chucking up as a result of a coughing fit which along with feeling tired at the time took me few hours to come round from, which on reflection was my only low point of the run. In the main the course is on very runnable terrain and although I couldn't do it justice the winner clearly could as he romped home in 19:50:37. I mean while shuffled home a little later in 27:41:41.
This isn't just well organised event, its thoroughly professional and the team down there can be justifiably proud of putting on a high quality event. Throughout the year there are several organised recce's of the whole course and if your unfamiliar with the Lakes probably useful as they help sort the A to B logistics. All the check points are really well stocked with all the things runners want and can actually eat so you don't have carry too much extra and they provide a drop bag half way if you want to change or resupply. Certainly pleased I've done it. Now I just have to shake off the cough I made worse.
Matt
2nd August 2012
Alpe D'Huez Duathlon

A quick 5k run, hop on the bike for a short 15k cycle, and then a 2.5k sprint to the finish line – sounded like a fine way to while away an hour or so while holidaying in the Alps. OK, so I knew that the 15k cycle was straight up the 1100m of Alpe D’Huez (the race name sort of gave that away) but I hadn’t quite bargained for either the swarms of super bronzed, super athletic looking competitors nor the 30 degree plus temperatures down in the valley where the race started. And so it was that the scorching temperatures were matched by a blistering pace. No other Carnethies were seen but I did get an encouraging shout on the first run from some ERC chaps. A good deal less faffing on my transition than in the Corrieyairick, but felt pretty sluggish as we all too soon hit what is a pretty relentless road climb (was it the heat, the altitude, or just trying to battle hard against the locals?). Eventually off the bike and I managed to overtake a few on the short run at the top to finish 26th overall (and first Brit) to some welcome drinks. A very well organised race in some fantastic scenery, although most Carnethies, like me, might find the out and back flat runs a bit dull and contrived. Results here. Some less frantic (and more enjoyable) hill running and biking interspersed the rest of the family holiday including a cycle over the definitely recommended Col de Péguère in the Pyrenees - where the carpet tacks had thankfully all been removed.
Paul
2nd August 2012
Kentmere Fell Race, Sunday 22nd July
The problem with pitching up to a race alone is that there is nobody with whom to discuss what to wear. So it was that a week past Sunday, I was sitting in my car in a field in Kentmere performing a statistical analysis of runners' sleeve length. The cloud was down on the higher tops, there was a brisk breeze blowing in the valley, and at least 80% of those runners surveyed were sporting an additional garment under their club vests. What to do... Well, by half way up the initial climb, I was relieved to have opted for vest only. Following this ascent, the running is fairly fast - a mixture of paths, grass and trods, with just a couple of rocky descents (careful now). A bit of navigational luck in the cloud at the point identified on the Pete Bland race description as 'the easiest point in the race to get lost' gained me a good few places, as a fairly large cohort set up off Thornthwaite Crag instead of heading towards High Street. From this point, the winds really picked up, making running almost impossible. The guy behind me found this so entertaining that he was taken by fits of the giggles, his sinister cackling raising suspicions that he had had a hand in summoning the gales himself. Come to think of it, he was dressed all in black... Whatever, the cloud lifted sufficiently to show the route along over Kentmere Pike, then down to Hallow Bank and a flattish flagged mile or so to the fininsh. Clearly much of the female competition was hampered by poor clothing choice, as I somehow managed to scoop 2nd lady (and 1st L40), garnering enough vouchers to buy a couple of new running vests. A brilliant race - results here
Jane Jackson
31st July 2012
Torridon Raid by Captain Craig O'Donnell and co-pillock Bob Johnson

A Torridon "raid" was completed on Saturday 28th July. This mission was captained by Craig O'Donnell with Bob Johnson acting as first-orificer and co-pillock. The mission was highly secret but we covered Torridon Upper > Torridon Lower > Loch Damph. Flight path included 2000m of climbing (see attached) and approx 55 miles of flack. We attacked from the north and the south flying in ***some text removed by censor*** with normally-asperated Mk III with 3000psi of boost. Casualties included ***censored*** plus one headset, one bruised knee and a sore shin. Photo shows team posing in front of one of the flying machines.
We retired to the mess soon after.
Bob Johnson
26th July 2012
Hurry Curry Run - Wed 25th july

With a week to go and eleven signed up for the curry run, I was expecting a quiet time but then I sent out the reminder email. The replies fired in and soon the numbers were up at around 20. Organising the pre-order became hard wok and on the Wednesday lunchtime I remembered the complaints about all the fences last year. I hitched a lift to Woodhouselee and found a new route without any fences, Oz will be happy!
A phonecall from a quiet Copperbowl at 5:45 was chasing the order so I dropped in the story so far, picked up Joel and Kate and headed for KB. The crew all arrived on time and Moira filled her car with the after run gear and headed off to hand in the final order and then head for the hills to meet us.
It was a really lovely warm sunny evening the final turnout was a massive 27. Running from Kings Buildings over the shoulder of Blackford Hill, up Braidburn Valley to Swanston we were all more or less togethe. Al was a little off the pace but told us he knew his way to the Copperbowl so we headed on up Allermuir to meet Moi. There was a sudden slow of pace on the climb, but soon sorted out with a quick drink of Ribena and we all headed down to Bush for a well deserved curry (and meeting some who had decided to just turn up for the curry!).
Al did find his own (muddier) way to the Copperbowl and turned up just as his food was being served.
The staff at the Copperbowl did a superb job of feeding the hungry sweaty horde; taking it all in their stride, before Lothian Buses took us all home.
Thanks to Moira and Gilly for sorting out the gear and order delivery, and to all who took part. Photos
Willie Gibson
21st July 2012
Lee Pen hill race, Innerleithen

Flying the colours at the St. Ronan's games were local boy racer Mike, Al, Charlotte and I for the short 3 miler up Lee Pen hill, with an ascent of 1100ft. Short and sharp. Charlotte overtook Kate Jenkins on the descent to claim 1st lady. 1st man was also 1st vet, thus depriving a very worthy runner of the M60 prize, which didn't exist. Mike put in a brave performance not having raced for a while, and Al brought up the rear in magnificent style. More pics
Digby
18th July 2012
Angela smashes record at Laugavegur Ultra Marathon, Iceland - Sat 14th July
Another of Carnethy's top women, Angela Mudge, decided to miss Glamaig for bigger things. Angela Mudge knocked 20 minutes from the record of the 55km Landmannalaugar to Thorsmörk ultra race in Iceland. The course covers sand, gravel, grass, snow, ice, rivers and streams...and sometimes the water you run through is is hot ! She was 5th finisher overall in the race from 289 and over 30 mins in front of the next woman. Results and race details here.
18th July 2012
Jasmin dominates at Wasdale Horseshoe Fell Race - Sat 14th July
On what turned out to be near perfect conditions with a little cloud covering the tops, Jasmin, myself and Adrian ran in this super long Lakeland classic fell race. Covering 21miles with 9000ft ascent, the Wasdale horseshoe loops around Wast Water taking in the tops of Whinn Rigg and Seatallen before heading over the tops of Pillar, Great Gable and Scafell Pike (via Esk Hause) before descending down Lingmell nose to the finish at Brackenclose.
There was great support along the way from many including Joss Naylor handing out drinks from his house at Greendale and Helen with her mum on top of Great Gable. Jasmin had an excellent run to finish first female and 12th overall in 4-30, despite going a bit off-route along the way, costing at least 10 minutes. The unending supply of rolls, tea and cake at the finish made for a perfect day out.
Andy Fallas

Also having a great run was Andy Fallas who was 6th in 4hrs 13min. Adrian Davis was another Carnethy on form as he finished 16th in 4hrs 37. Results
14th July 2012
Rigby record broken at 25th David Shepherd Memorial Glamaig Hill race

In good running conditions, Finlay Wild (Lochaber) dominated the 25th Glamaig Race with a superb run to break Mark Rigby's 1997 record by 14 seconds. He reached the summit in just over 32 minutes, 3 mins in front of a chasing group led by Carnethy's Paul Faulkner, and flew down the hill to win by a staggering 6 minutes. Finishing in second place after another fast descent was Brian Marshall - the winner of the previous 9 races (!). Brian missed his 10th consecutive win but had the consolation of breaking the Over 40s record. The race for first woman was much closer than the men's with Charlotte Morgan, who was 3rd to the top, taking the lead on the steep descent only for Catriona Buchanan to get past on the flatter ground towards the end. Catriona and Charlotte ran the 2nd and 3rd fastest women's times ever ! The 194 finishers was yet another record, by a long way.
Photos and results from todays race.
13th July 2012
Maddy Moss
Wednesday 11th July dawned clear and bright, with light winds and the occasional high cirrus cloud only serving as contrast to the blue sky. Oh, ok, it was pishing down, and the forecast was for more of the same. Jim Hardie spent most of Wednesday eschewing work in favour of scrutiny of various weather forecasts, and reported that the cloud was due to lift and the rain to cease in time for the 7:30 start time. Indeed. Driving north from Edinburgh, we were perturbed to see no sign of the Ochils, but instead a large floor-to-ceiling cloud. On arrival in Tillicoultry, the heavens, which had previously just been ajar, opened fully, so we sat in the car waiting for the rain to stop. Once it became clear that we might actually miss registration if we didn't get a move on, we emerged, to find four more Carnethies - Paul Faulkner, Jon Ascroft, John Hammond and Dave Gibson. Enough preamble... the race itself was an absolute blast. For those who haven't had the pleasure, it starts steep, then goes runnable-for-mere-mortals for a few miles, then heads down a narrow trod above a burn, which must be excellent fun in normal summer conditions, but was almost indecently exciting in the current mudfest. A steep descent back to the finish line, where the midges awaited. Oh, and the cloud wasn't too thick, and the rain stayed off. Good runs from all Carnethies - Paul Faulkner got 2nd bloke, Jon Ascroft 7th, John Hammond 11th, Jim Hardie 22nd. I managed to pick up an excellent prize of beer, chocolate and cash for somehow getting first lady, and Dave Gibson would have got the prize for most stylish leap of the Maddy Moss bog had there been one. Many thanks to the Ochil Hill Runners for an excellent race.
Results here. Bog-leaping photos here
Jane Jackson
12th July 2012
Broughton Handicap

Ian Gilmore was 1st home by a considerable margin, but then we had 19 runners finish in the next 4.5 minutes. Andy Fallas clocked the best time (45:13). Surprisingly the average run time of 62.49 was nearly a minute faster than last year, despite the damp conditions. Results. Results after 4 races here.
Phil
A surprise on driving up to the walkers car park at the start of the handicap is the huge baronial mansion towering over you on the hillside. It's not as ancient as it looks, and was designed by Basil Spence in 1938 (see wiki article). The incessant rain let up for a bit and the midges must have been stuck to the ground, for we were relatively untroubled. The route is fairly simple - you follow a fence more or less all the way round, keeping an eye out for the key 3 way branches. This omission led to Mike exploring some of the other areas of the surrounding countryside, with a small contingent of trusting runners following along. The views, sparing, were lovely - mist and cloud wreathed. Afters were at The Laurel Bank - a mixture of pub and cafe, with a tasty pint of local Clipper IPA and good food, jealously guarded puddings, and a chance to warm our fingers.
Digby
9th July 2012
Jasmin breaks record at Arrochar Alps - Sat 7th July
Another great day out at the Arrochar Alps hill race on Saturday. Leaving a water-logged Edinburgh on Saturday morning, there was feeling of trepidation in the car. However, things started to clear up on route through and Ben Lomond was clear as we headed up Loch Lomond to the race. The rain stopped on arrival at the car-park, and with all 4 tops clear it was pretty much perfect running conditions for the race.
A good Carnethy contingent out for the race. Jasmin Paris had another superb run to take nearly 17mins off her course record from last year to win the ladies. Paul Faulkner had another great run to finish first Carnethy in 3-26 which was good enough for 16th place overall. He would have finished a few places higher and a couple of mins quicker but missed the left turn on the tarmac about ½ mile from the finish. A quick river crossing saw him coming across the finish line in the wrong direction :-). Myself and Andy Fallas finished 18th and 19th in 3-27 and 3-28. I managed to sneak past Andy coming off Ben Narnain having followed one of a number of Borrowdale runners who seem to have found a quicker route off the last hill!
Back to the village hall afterwards for what is probably one of the best post race spreads on the hill running calendar. Thanks to the organisers and marshals for putting on another great race. Results
Stewart Whitlie
P.S. Ben Bardsley (Borrowdale), who won the race, broke Billy Bland's 1987 record by 20 seconds!
8th July 2012
Angela wins at muddy Chevy Chase
The 56th Annual Chevy Chase was run over a modified and shortened course due to adverse weather and dangerous burn crossings. Most of the route was very boggy and a thick scotch mist made navigation interesting. Carl Bell from Howgill Harriers won in 1.54.48 and Angela Mudge was 8th overall and first woman in 2.10.16. I came in at 3.24.51 having got lost in the mist a couple of times but did get a spot prize for muddiest runner courtesy of a face-plant in knee-deep mud shortly before the finish. A hosing off then tea and cake was provided for damp and hungry walkers and runners. Thanks to Mary and the Wooler Running Club team for a good race under difficult circumstances.
Nicola Dunn
7th July 2012
Carnethy pair take 1- 2 on day 4 of Salomon 4 Trails Race!
Helen Bonsor had a superb run on the last day of the 4 Trails race to convincingly win the stage and pull back nearly all of the 21min gap to first woman. Kim Threadgall has also got stronger as the race progessed and came home in second place on the stage. This last stage, from Landeck in Austria to Samnaun in Italy, was the toughest of the four, being 44.5km long with 2844m ascent and 1820m descent. Helen took 6hrs 29m 23s while Kim was just behind in 6hr 32m 36s. The race leader took 6hr 47m 16s. Overall, after 4 days of running, Helen finished 2nd in 20hrs 50m 38s, just over 3 mins behind the winner, while Kim was 3rd in 22hrs 01m 50s.
Race details are here. Results are here

Many thanks to everyone for their support for the Salomon 4 trails race over the last week - really appreciated. Kim and I had a fantastic experience, and I would thoroughly recommend one of these stage races to anyone in the club. A full report to follow in the next Carnethy newsletter.
Helen Bonsor
7th July 2012
Helen strong at Salomon 4 Trails Race, Day 3 - 6th July
Helen Bonsor is improving each day of this event and on the 3rd day, from Inst to Landeck in Austria, she came in equal first with the leading woman. She is now only 21 mins behind and with the last day being a mega 44km day with lots of climbing and descending and reaching a height of over 2700m, there is everything to play for. Kim Threadgall is also improving, finishing 3rd on the day and 4th overall.
Race details are here. Results are here
6th July 2012
Salomon 4 Trails Race, Day 2 - 5th July
This event is a four day race through the alps; running from Germany through Austria into Italy, a distance of 152km with 9376m of climb over the 4 days! On the second day Helen Bonsor continued her strong start by moving into a clear 2nd place, with fellow Carnethy Kim Threadgall 4th in the senior women category.
Race details are here. Results are here
5th July 2012
Brig Bash 5
With the Lothians and Fife plagued with biblical storms yesterday I decided to head north to sunny Perthshire for the Brig Bash 5 - Perth Road Runners' 5 mile road race.
Although when I arrived I thought I had turned up for an 80's retro rave going by the number of dayglo vests on show. Carnegie and Kinross doing their best to endorse the myth that runners really are fashion-blind.
My Carnethy vest was alone at the start (and looking better than ever in a sea of bright yellow), and I didn't see any other Carnethy runners during the race.
There was a good crowd for the race, well over a hundred had turned out and it was a good mix of club runners and locals taking part.
The race is held around the village of Bridge of Earn and is a lolipop route out into the surrounding countryside, around some fields and back. All in time for tea and cake.
The race was well marshalled and there was no chance of getting lost on this one - although being a Welshman I did think it was distracting for them to have a flock of sheep herded along the side of the road.
I paced my run well, and although I'm not the fastest runner I came in at 39 minutes - and unless I hear otherwise I'm claiming the title of fastest Carnethy - the only time that will ever happen!
Dave Gibson
5th July 2012
Carnethies in the wash, or Wed training

It being rather warm and sweaty a lot of runners gathered for a mass washing and the Craiglockharts were chosen. Starting off in a light drizzle, by the time we got to Napier University the shower was cranked up to full and we stood under a tree for a bit, but the tree was faulty so we moved on, water streaming down and mud working its way up we squelched around to contemplate the great mud wall of Craiglockhart, behind the sports centre. The challenge was to ascend without using hands and unlikely as it looked, it was less slippery than we imagined. Most took a longer diversion and it would have been impossible without good studs anyway. By the time we got back to Blackford Hill through the compulsory foot bath at the tennis courts we were treated to a fine display of layered mist and cloud and a glimpse of the Pentlands. In the interests of research Chris kept his test waterproof jacket on the whole way round, and showed no obvious signs of suffering, though whether he was any drier inside it was doubtful! GPX download
Digby
5th July 2012
Salomon 4 trails
Helen Bonsor and Kim Threadgall are currently placed 2nd and 4th in their category following the first stage of the Salomon 4 trails. Results here: http://services.datasport.com/2012/lauf/salomon4trails/
Andy Fallas
4th July 2012
Earlston Blackhill Race

This race, now known as The Milestone Garden & Leisure Blackhill Race, Earlston, was on its 40th running last night, and a surprisingly large number of Carnethies (5) made the trip to the Borders Badlands to take part in the Civic Week activities.
After the Junior race had finished on Whitehill, we were all set. 67 runners had signed up, which was a record, and in addition to the Carnethies we spotted Ronnie Gallagher wearing the vest of Lauderdale Limpers, his local club.
The course is 8.2km and only 220m of climb, but it is nearly all concentrated on Blackhill, so, as expected, it was fast and sharp. We were started and sent off for a loop of the school playing field before heading off up a country road and into a field. A quick ascent to the top of Whitehill was made and then a gentle drop was had to the base of Blackhill. A gentle climb up a tractor track was made and the real climb was begun up the steep side of the hill. This was a bit scree covered and once the top was reached a very gentle descent was had down the East side, before a sharp dogleg and return along a muddy sheep trod at the back of the hill. This followed round the begining of the hard climb and returned via the path out and back to the School, where another lap of the playing field was made before the finish line.
The midges stayed away but it was very muggy, so we were glad of the bottled water at the finish, along with other very generous offerings in the goody bag - engraved medal, branded technical t-shirt, sweeties and pen - all for £6!
As for the race, it was by a Moorfoot Runner, Darin Dougal, with Ronnie taking third and first Lauderdale, and Jill Mykura first lady (and first Carnethy!). Gordon, Bob and Mike stayed fairly together until the summit when Gordon's decision to dispense with his Stars and Stripes shorts allowed him to pull ahead to the finish, with Bob, Mike and Hilary (who was having her own private battle with Davie Duncan of Ochils) behind.
The smell of cooking burgers and undecipherable Borders chat was enough to send us scurrying back up the road to civilisation. A great evening all round. Results to follow, probably in a few months.
Mike Lynch
4th July 2012
Lavaredo Ultra Trial

Last weekend at the end of a weeks holiday I took part in this race http://www.ultratrail.it/en/path.html
The distance was increased again this year and it wouldn't surprise me if in a few years it hasn't grown to join the 100 miler race club. Not knowing the route only added to the fun. About 600 of us congregated under the clock tower in Cortina for the 10 pm start. There then followed 6 hrs of night running on a magical mystery tour which was a little disorientating at times as it wove its way up, down, round, in and out of the woods and valleys on its way over to the Tre Cime. As I trotted off into the dawn after resupplying from a drop bag I was reminded to let my food settle as I got to reinspect my earlier coke & banana. This was, however, offset with me being lucky enough to see sunrise light up these famous rocks before heading down into the valley mists. The route then traversed through two very long valleys for which I was glad of the shade the towering cliffs were providing as the heat of the day was increasing. Inevitably though as I stared up the valley climb to the Col Dei Boss I was sweating buckets, the heat intensifying and the effort required being made much harder from the reflection from the scree and rock we were treading over. This section though was truly stunning as it had everything so was some compensation. The shorter race competitors started whizzing by us about here, initially a little dispiriting until I realised what I'd already done. With still three climbs to go it started to feel at last like you were on the homeward leg as I reached the top when for the first time I could recognise some surroundings. The last 20 Kms were a bit of a stutter as I had trouble with with my quads and wasn't able to fully take advantage of the downhill, but at least I was in good company as several others who I'd been yo-yo'ing most of the day with seemed to be in the same boat.
Really enjoyed the race. Good mix of technical trail and mountain running and at times quite rough underfoot. Very friendly, well organised, but yet low key. In the end I was glad I'd come self sufficient as other than the odd bit of banana there was little in the way of food. Getting there was dead easy; Jet 2 from Newcastle to Venice Marco Polo, direct coach from airport to Cortina and quiet camping on the outside of town with a good network of public buses to help you explore.
Matt Davis
2nd July 2012
Coast-to-Coast or Sea-to-Sea Saturday 23rd June

Coast-to-Coast or Sea-to-Sea? I just love hyphens so I thought I'd have a go at this cycle-ride. If you thought that the Pennines were a narrow rib up the centre of the country, I can assure you, they're NOT. The Pennines seem to be about 50 miles wide on this route! The route map is shown attached - we started at Whitehaven on the Irish Sea (0515 Saturday morning) and finished at Tynemouth on the North Sea (2000 Saturday evening). We clocked
135 miles in 10 hours riding time with 3800m of climbing. Locals near Kirkland waved us down saying that the road ahead was impassable due to deep floods and a "charging current". All 19 riders attempted the "blockage" and all got through OK apart from a few soaking bottom brackets and grease nipples. An excellent day of adventure (albeit on a bike sorry) with more than £3500 raised for charity.
Bob Johnson
2nd July 2012
Midsummer handicap
Stevie Wonder once sang about it being hotter than July. Well, this year that isn't difficult. So far drier than June would be a good start but as it was the great summer of 2012 has led to a very verdant and supremely slippy handicap route. For once I got there in time, and spotted several runners heading off in several routes. Opting for the more gentle but more runnable route looks to have been a reasonable choice as those of us taking the diretissimo approach up the North Face struggled for grip. Except for the returning Mr Fallon who passed me just as the gradient eased off and soon drifted off into the mist of the Crags... read more and see the results
1st July 2012
European Masters Championship Bludenz
The course was similar to that used in the World Masters in 2007 with 1.4 km of road starting in the town, then 2km of forest paths, 0.5km of road, and finally 4.5km of gravel road. An extra 1km dog leg at the start for spectators was thankfully not included this time. There was a new timing system www.bibchip.com which involved considerable fidding tying a chip in a bit of paper to running shoes. The British contingent was fairly exclusive with only Sue Ridley and myself from Scotland. It had been very hot since I arrived in Austria the preceeding Wednesday but clouded over with threats of thunder during the race.
I found the race very competitive and had to slow down on the road after the start as I could not cope. I then passed all the runners who had passed me on the road when going through the forest and several more in the rest of the race. So I got 20th out of 29 in the vet 60 class. The vet 55s started with the vet 60s and I had the pleasure of passing the first two Lady vet55s in the last km. Tony Grabonov from Germany whom I have raced against for the last 31 years was two minutes ahead of me though I only saw him at the finish.
The only noteworthy performances from GB were Sue Ridley second Lady vet 45 and Anne Buckley from Bingley and sometime HBT was fourth vet 45. I was also honorary photographer for four Irish runners. Results
John Blair-Fish
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