Didn’t we have a lovely time the day we went to Comrie?
Our FV50 team had a great day out on Sunday 10th Sept at the Simon Wake Comrie Hills Relay, despite the weather. The rain varied from light drizzle to torrential downpours and very poor visibility at times, interspersed with the odd dry, grey interval.
This annual event is always great fun, well organised by Strathearn Harriers, and followed by burgers, tea and cakes at which point the sun put in an appearance.
Legs 1 and 4 are marked, legs 2 (paired) and 3 involve more navigation. I did leg 1, which I did 2 years ago. Having been in close contact with the map throughout that previous run, I decided to employ a different tactic and tried to hang on to the pack; thankfully a kind gent from Carnegie Harriers shouted after me when that strategy backfired! Moira Stewart and Kathy Jarvis started well on leg 2, passing a number of teams, however thick mist posed a navigational problem. Nicki Innes on leg 3 encountered a hail storm, but still finished smiling, as did Cali Ingham on the 4th leg, running in full waterproofs the whole way. Mass starts on legs 3 and 4 meant the field was never too spread out. We were delighted to receive the first female vets prize. You read that right! First (over 40) Vets. This goes to prove that you don’t need to be the youngest/fastest runners out to have a lovely time and maybe even come home with a prize, …but you do need to turn up.
Other prizewinners were Angela Mudge and Eoin Lennon with fastest times on Leg 1.
It was perplexing that the turnout was lower this year- 23 teams compared to the usual 40ish, and Carnethy had only 2 when we have often had half a dozen teams. Relays, be they Comrie, Devils Burdens, FRAs, whatever, are a great way to get to know your clubmates and folks from other clubs, and have a good day out/ weekend away in interesting scenery. Do give it a go! Results will be here .
Hilary Spenceley