With the vast spread of races on across the country last weekend I plumped for the relatively nearby Gargunnock Show race as a wee recovery after Jura. Whilst Digby was enjoying all the trappings of the Helensburgh Highland games James Waldie, myself and about another 60 odd runners also had a field to start in. Less big men throwing things here though but more young farmers tug of war, best sheep in Stirlingshire, and shining tractor competitions to keep us amused before the start. Oh, and plenty of poo to avoid in the start arena after the earlier beast judging.
Talking to the regulars before the start turned out fell shoes were a mistake and trail would have been enough to cope with the terrain. Wee lap of the field, out onto the main road and then up some pretty decent tracks for about 1000ft onto the flanks of the crags to the south of the Forth (not sure if they’re the Touch hills or Gargunnock Hills, but as it’s the Gargunnock show I’d plump for the latter*). Up front in the race (from what I saw as the road reared up through the edge of the town) Ochil local Graham Gristwood was ahead with a Dark Peak runner being chased by James.
Route takes a nice winding path up the hillside, steep, (but tantalisingly not too steep to start walking) before levelling off at marshal with very large flag (and some much needed water). Descent is down a good fast LandRover track back to the road, after which it switches into a woodland cross country (with a wee climb to keep you awake) back into the finish.
A free bottle of Fallen brewery beer, energy bars, oranges and cake at the finish to make it all worth the while (and no cramped legs which was also nice).
*(which rules it out being subtitled either The Johnny Cash/Depeche Mode memorial ‘reach out and Touch hills’ or the AC/DC ‘Touch too much’ race)
Bruce Smith