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Glentress Duathlon I of III – The Medium Race!!!The first race of the series saw 35 people setting off on a course which required little skill, but some nerve. The Medium race was chosen due to the probability of reasonable weather, and apart from the mud, it turned out to be a great course (unless you like mud!) The race was lead all the way by Ian, with Andrew from Hubintheforest(.com) chasing hard behind. The interesting focus was whether the Hillrunners could catch up on the running leg. Mark Rigby, with fastest running leg made a valiant effort, but was defeated by the younger and more agile bikers. Will this also occur on the short and long races still to take place next year…? The rest of the competitors were of varying ability, although the overall impression of the courses was exciting but manageable for the average person. A specialist Hillrunner managed to fall over showing his number (or chest?) to the Marshalls! Otherwise, no major spills were recorded, which was pleasing for the First-Aiders on hand. One Elite athlete/orienteer inadvertently ran a "shortened" version of the running course, but then ran round again to record a valid time. True amateur sportsmanship still survives! The Organisers are now expecting an increased entry for the short races in mid-January, as many spectating were wishing that they had taken part. Although low-key for the first race, Peebles has put itself on the map with the first event of this type in the UK. This has been achieved with the support of Villeneuve wines, Walters the Jewellers, Hubintheforest café, Scottish Hillrunners and the Forest Enterprise, the later adding a seasonal touch with Xmas trees to the category winners. Events of this type would not be possible without the excellent support of members of the Peebles Cycling Club who marshalled on the course, and other willing volunteers who made this event a success. Further details can be obtained from Hubintheforest and Peebles Cycling Club.
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