Carnethy achieved a pair of 2nd places at Dollar last Saturday with John Hammond coming 2nd overall and Charlotte Morgan finishing 2nd in the ladies race. Aside from these two podium spots, there was only a modest additional Carnethy presence of 3 others (Helen Wise, Fraser Gibson and me), a bit disappointing for an excellent, relatively local race which in the past has seen a strong Carnethy contingent and surely this is the first ever occasion that we’ve been outnumbered by French runners (there was, randomly, a bus-load of people from France who turned up, all complete with the appropriate full body cover kit). Perhaps everyone was saving themselves for Arrochar Alps the next day although its results (again, only a handful of Carnethy runners but, once again a 2nd place finish) would suggest otherwise? Come on people, are we a running club, where’s your pride in the vest………….?
The race itself followed the usual route up through Dollar Glen to Saddle Hill and then ever upwards to Whitewisp Hill. By this stage, the cloud was down with a refreshing light drizzle (the French must have been loving it) which meant navigation on the featureless tops was a challenge (or at least meant that I desperately had to keep the runner in front in sight at all times which probably helped me achieve a PB). A couple of over-eager Frenchmen had to be called back as we left Maddy Moss to climb up to Andrew Gannell Hill but I think they all eventually finished and I see from the results that the final few stuck together for a mass finish which must have delighted the marshals on the hilltops since they were well behind.
Anyway, a great race with a lovely ‘spread’ afterwards and one which I hope is better attended in years to come. Results here
Neil Burnett