Full results here
Junior race report and results here
Unmarking the course – in the sort of weather we would have liked yesterday. Today’s attempt at clearing the course marking, which wasn’t entirely successful! Snow had drifted a lot in places and but visibility was much better, with views to the Isle of Arran and Ben Lawers. Any remaining markers buried in the snow will be cleared as soon as conditions allow.
Alun Morton Lloyd
From the marshal on the descent to The Howe
Cammy’s pics here (curtailed by incipient hypothermia!). Matthew Curry’s photos here. Blog by a visiting runner here. Jonny Muir’s report ‘Carnethy 5 Hill Race a Humbling Lesson‘. A video view and blog from the back of the pack from Tristan Reid. Louise Provan’s blog. Tim Allan’s Flickr Album here
In a snow covered course, poor visibility and cold winds, Prasad Prasad became the first Over 40 year old to win the Carnethy 5 race in its 46 year history (see previous winners here) – and next week he is due to become a father for the first time! He just managed to hold off a flying Sam Hesling, visiting from the far north after these two had chased eventual 3rd and 4th placed finishers, Tom Addison, and British Champion, Finlay Wild, up the gully on Carnethy.
Pre-race favourite, Carnethy’s Charlotte Morgan retained the women’s title with Sarah McCormack (Ambleside) in second place, not far back. Despite the conditions a massive field of 499 finished the race, including 120 women (or nearly a quarter). Sarah Adams (Westerlands) in 232nd place became the 15,000th finisher in the race history and won a special prize.
Jimmy Jardine (Lochaber) carried on his amazing race run with his 46th completion, i.e. all the races; while almost as amazing, James Rowley (Law & District) finished his 43rd race.
Willie Gibson (The Carnethy Club President!), Shelagh King (Gala) and Janice Smith (HBT) earned their 21 race Quaichs.
Helm Hill Runners came north in force from the Lake District with the intention of retaining the Claymore they won last year for the winning team, but it is such a competitive race they ended up second behind Shettleston in the men’s team (giving Shettleston their 3rd win after wins in 2012 and 1997). Helm Hill were second behind Carnethy in the Women’s team after Carnethy successfully defended their title.
Hopefully Helm Hill will be back next year to try again!
Conditions were ‘character building’. The marshals’ characters must have been built quite a lot. At least us runners were warm from exertion. Another triumph of organisation by Olly Stephenson, and a fantastic feat of endurance and commitment from all those out putting up tents and marshalling the course. Conditions meant it was not a very fast run. Slippery in places and with snow blowing in the eyes. Bum slides off West Kip and the steep bit down to The Howe. The marshals hiding behind the hill on West Kip to keep out of the blizzard, and simply suffering on Carnethy. A small snowdrift built up on my camera lens but I flicked it off and carried on. If Instagram wants a new idea for a filter… Then back to Beeslack School for the very welcome meal, which I always look forward to, and the prizes of which I remember little, but the details are on the results page.
Digby