I counted 6 Carnethy’s plus a few social members at the D33 Ultra Marathon today, some virgins and Graham Nash becoming one of 11 to have completed all 5 since the race started. D33 runs from Duthie Park in South Abredeeen running west to Banchory as an out and back route along a largely tarmaced old railway line, so there a no major hills although those that there are are noticeable gradients at around the 21-24 mile mark. For those venturing into the ultra world it is probably a good taster and comes highly commended for the low cost, great organisation and the fun of seeing people going in the opposite direction after the half way turn. Oh, and reception of finishing was excellent with a African drumband, cheering supporters and loads of goodies – food, hand made medal plus gissets and beer.
The weather made for excellent running conditions starting cool and overcast but ok for shorts and T shirts. Everyone who raced last year agreed this was a lot more enjoyable than the near hypothermic conditions in 2013. 367 folk had registered and about 300 started at 0900. After about three hours the sun came out and with a westerly wind on the return leg threatened it even got quite hot, before clouding over again and cooling a bit. There was a wee bit of local competition in the race. Phil and I set of too fast (for me) chasing the dissappearing shirt of Graham and the fast leading group. Phil then overtook me and raced off with a small group and had about 1/4 mile on me at halfway, I had a rice and drink at the mid point then surprisingly caught Phil and we ran a while together to the 3/4 feed station before I kicked off a bit leaving Phil. Paul, who I had missed at the turn around point suddenly sneaked past me while I was forcibly projecting a peanut, date and jellybaby gloop which refused to go south and had to forced north along with the water and gel I’d just taken. Annoying habit! Luckily it missed Paul, but I didn’t catch him again but smashed my PB for my1/2M, M and D33 distances times.
Carnethy results included:
Graham Nash (9th, PB by 9 mins, 9th, 3rd MV40, 3hr:56)
Graeme Dunbar (12th place 4.01.33 MV social member)
Kathy Henley (26th, 2nd FV, 4hr:25, social member)
Paul Nash (31st, PB by 1 min, , 4hr:29)
Mark Hartree (32nd, PB by 21 mins, 4hr:30)
Phil Humprhries (36th, 4hr:32, legs suffered following x country ski race)
Myvanwy Fenton-May (79th, 4hr:48, first ultra)
Rod Dalitz (278th, 6hr:31, nth ultra!!)
Results @ http://deesidewayultra.webnode.com/
After a great buffet, lots of tea and a few beers, Graham, Mark and Myvanwy enjoyed a social train journey back to Edinburgh with plenty of banter and long pitch to Russel Beswick, a potential new member….if we didn’t put him off! Apologies if I missed anyone.
regards,
Mark