Race review 2016

As there's only 4 days left in 2016 and I'm closing in to finish my second Marcothon, I thought I'd write some notes on my race running year.

At the start of the year, I committed to running an organised race in every month of 2016. Just for a laugh. No targets aimed for, just the participation and chance to keep fit throughout the year.

In February, I started with the Glentress Trail 10K. I don't recall how I'd become aware of it, but it was certainly not on my radar having never been to Glentress before. In Dec 2015 I had completed my first Marcothon, so was obviously maintaining some underlying fitness level which permitted me to come in 5th position. It was a good race, over interesting terrain with a good atmosphere and quite well organised. The fine weather helped. 5/113 48:58

March was a bit of drudgery, not a good selection of races available. I chose the Kilomathon to finish at Murrayfield Stadium. That was about the highlight. It was a little dull with far too much razzmatazz at the start and the route was more than contrived with a strange wandering sojourn in Victoria Park and then a ridiculous appendage before entering Murrayfield Stadium at the end. I'm sure the organisers could improve the route with a little more imagination.  79/1329 56:33

In April I wanted another trail run so headed up to the Balmoral 10K on a cold and snowy Spring day. I had never been to Balmoral (like Glentress) so enjoyed the bit of associated exploration. It was a big event, clearly well established with a strong local following. Everyone sounded like they were from Deeside/Aberdeen. It was a long way to go for a short(ish) race therefore am not sure I'd do it again.
133/1734 45:10

May passed with no organised race due to other commitments so that I packed two into June. First of all starting with the ultimate Highlander Mountain Marathon which we had booked many months previously. We knew what to expect from an event perspective having previously competed in the 2014 event but not the venue. Such is the spice of life that we were kept guessing until the bus departed from the registration building in Cannich. We had a great two days of trotting over the Affric/Mullardoch/Strathfarrar hills in some spectacular weather and not a midge in sight. 15/46 (Class C). Then at the end of June, still in fine weather came the highlight of the year, the Seven Hills of Edinburgh event. Missed the registration in 2015, fast on the mouse click for 2016 we managed to get into the Challenge. It was everything I had hoped it would be, and my few days of reconnaisance seemed to pay off and found me in first position at Craiglockhart until passing Pollok Halls. My fatal mistake was ignoring the Gutted Haddie going up Arthur's Seat and I lost the lead, then coming off the Seat my calves started to cramp up. I slogged over the finish line after a wonderful race. 5/290 2:18:56

Again July seemed to be lacking decent Lothian races. so I ended up entering the Moffat Festival of Running on a Tuesday evening. Information was light and I failed to find a route map anywhere online but made a guess from a description on the event site. It was a 15km job up an undulating valley then a steep climb to the Edinburgh road before returning to Moffat. After work I drove south and parked up on the outskirts of town. The race was pretty intense with a real club feel to the other competitors and a stonking pace to match. I tried hard but suffered from abdominal pain on the long descent back to town. 58/218 01:09

In August it had to be the Coll Half Marathon. I had supported Sally in 2013 on a windy day, but she was happy to return. We were lucky with the weather and enjoyed a fast run round the island making sure to beat Rob Wainwright on the way! Calmac even laid on a return ferry service for us back to Oban on the same day so we could relieve the oldyins of their childcare duties as soon as practically possible. 24/161 01:41:15

I had initially planned to enter the Edinburgh Half-Marathon in September with promises of fast times due to a flat course, but soon binned that idea when I discovered the entry price was beyond my means. And ridiculous. So I found another race on a similar weekend...that was asking £4! However (there is always a downside), it was an event on the British Hill Running calendar - the Merrick Hill Race and I found myself amongst some leggy ants trotting as fast as I could across some of the hardest terrain of the year. 123/197 02:02:00 

In February after the Glentress Trail 10K, some kind fellow had planted a leaflet on the parked car windscreen advertising the inaugural Tunnel Trail Race for October. Sadly the registration and start in Hay Lodge park was beset by freezing fog but was almost clear as we trotted along the Tweed. This was a dibbing start as opposed to a mass start which made for an intriguing pace as you weren't sure who was fastest or leading. It was probably best to just run your own race and enjoy the route. Fortunately some of the scenery was good with good technical terrain through the forest and eventually through the disused tunnel. 18/140 01:41:33

In November I entered the Edinburgh Mens 10K after a friendly recommendation of good 10K timings on a fast course. However, with a field devoid of women at the top of the Mound, the first 1k was was challenging few minutes of elbow jostling and positioning. The straight flatness of the Western Approach road was hardest and I struggled to keep the pace as we entered Murrayfield Stadium for the sprint finish. I've already entered 2017! 154/1190 41:51

Hardest - Merrick
Fastest - Glentress
Slowest - Moffat
Won't repeat - Kilomathon
Will repeat - 7hills, Glentress, Mens 10K

And so...to end the year I decided to challenge myself to the Marcothon again.

M16.4 Pentlands

Meall an Fhudair

Edinburgh Men's 10K

My final race of 2016, I had registered for this one a few months ago after seeing a flyer at Ratho EICA. A friend who had competed in 2015 said it was a fast course and a chance for a good time.

Once registered, I was bombarded with frequent emails from the organisers reminding me to download and read the Entry Information Pack but any of the links I followed seemed to take me to the registration page. Very frustrating, but all I needed to know was where to go and when : the Lawnmarket for 10am on Sunday 6th November.

The forecast was suitably seasonal with temperature of 5C and a strong northerly wind; I chose to wear leggings rather than shorts which would be their first race outing since Glentress in February. After dumping the car in Murrayfield Road, I caught the 26 bus with a few other like minded runners and disembarked at George Street when it started on a diverted route due to the race course at Market Street.

A short trot up the Mound stopping for a pee at the public toilets on the corner of Princes St and then I found myself on the Castle Esplanade with a few dozen other lycra clad men pretending to warm up in the biting wind. I was very early, still 30mins till the start gun so I found some shelter behind Ramsay Gardens.

Down to the start pens and I lined up with The Yellows. I had presumably been asked to predict my finish time so had been allotted a category. As far as I could tell, the order was White, Red, Yellow and then Green. Two pace-makers jostled their way through the pens, one for 50min the other for 45min. I made sure to keep an eye on the 45min guy - he was my initial target.

10am came and off we went after a minute or so of walking to the start and then it was hell for leather down the Mound to the gap between Art Galleries. Not a great route, and then sharp right along the path in front of the Scott Monument. This was not great territory, more akin to the start of the Cramond Parkrun. Narrow, many mixed paces and no opportunities to pass. Quickly we emerged onto Waverley Bridge and I was able to get the pace up curving into Market Street. Into Jeffrey Street and I was able to pass the 45min pacer before we careered onto the Royal Mile again for the long and fast descent to Abbey Hill. I was passing many runners at this stage, but made sure to keep my place once we hit the flatter ground to Royal Park Terrace.

I passed another runner and took a triple take as I went by - it had to be Spud (Ewen Bremner) from Trainspotting fame. [Sadly he wasn't - according to the results]. Into the Queen's Park and flat ground allowed me to settle into a self-dictated pace. I targeted runners ahead and gradually picked them off as we reached Dynamic Earth and the turn onto the Cowgate. Of course there had to be some uphill and my pace slowed as we toiled up past the excellent Holyrood 9A burger joint into the Cowgate proper.

Into the Grassmarket and the noise of some supporting spectators at the west end spurred me on into the West Port and the wee kick up towards Lady Lawson street. I swung the arms to keep the pace up and onwards into Bread Street. Ahead I could see some major traffic restrictions in Lothian Road and I made sure to follow the marshall's directions into the west lane that was bollarded off. Round into the Western Approach Road and then a joyful 3km back towards Murrayfield Stadium. What a pleasure it was to run along this road that has no pavement!

But at the 9km marker I looked at my watch - 37:37. Hmmm no chance of beating 40mins then. Struggling a bit now, as a couple of blokes panted past me. Down into the stadium complex, past the war memorial and then a bit of contrived routing round a marquee tent to make up the distance to 9.96km! Now being overtaken by a fair few athletes. Into the stadium for my final 16second blast to the finish line. 41m51sec. 154/1190.

Definite room for improvement. Next time I'd make the following changes:

1. Position myself nearer the head of the Yellows at the start
2. Concentrate on one runner who is going faster than me and try to keep him in view
3. Avoid being overtaken (if at all possible) on the Western Approach road
4. Be concious of segments on the route

Strava stats and route here:

Tweed Valley Tunnel Trail Race

Back in February when we did the Glentress Trail Race which started my year of races, there was a leaflet left on our parked car windscreen advertising this new race to be held on 1st October 2016. The details were a little light at that stage, but the main tag line was the 600m disused railway tunnel that would be used on part of the route. I kept hold of the leaflet, and later in the year when planning my race for October, this one suited best.

When I left Edinburgh, the fog had rolled in so that my drive down the A7 to Peebles was interspersed by fiddling with fog lights and slower than normal traffic. As I passed theough Eddleston just north of Peebles, the car temperature gauge registered +2C!! I was soon parked up at the Hay Lodge car park by 9am. In the still thick fog, I wandered across the wet grass of the park towards thr sounds of a PA system down by the river. 

I was obviously early, and managed to register, pick up my number and dibber with little drama before returning back to the car to wait in relative warmth. By 09:40, there was a definite brightening to the sky with suggestions of blue above the fog. I got changed and headed down to the start where there was now a long queue of people waiting to register. 

10am arrived and the man with the Microphone suggested those keen 20km athletes should gather at the start. I hung back and decided to film the actual first dibbers. But soon enough the sheep instinct took hold and I entered the funnel. 

Very quickly I was regretting my decision to hang back, since the first kilometre was very narrow and I struggled to get past the many slower runners in front. Once we were onto the old railway past Neidpath Castle, I was able to pass unimpeded and for the next six or so kilometres I was gaining and passing all runners ahead. 

The climb up the steep tarmac of 'The Sware' was the first tough section which required some walking to my shame. A quick swig of cold water at the first water station where we entered more of a trail section through woods with a gradual climb up towards the high point. 

Out of the trees and at last the fog has cleared

Through a wall and back into the woods again for a very technical slippy descent back down to almost river level. I was being chased by a panter now, and it spurred me on. I let him through at a gate, but then we played cat and mouse back up the road towards the farm of Edderston. On the gentle descent to Manor Sware, I cranked up the pace and stormed ahead into the trees again athe confluence of the 10K route. This section through South Park Wood was perhaps the least satisfactory of the course; a lot of weaving around trees and fallen trunks, not a very direct line.

Since we had now joined the 10K route, there was much more traffic on the trail to negotiate, but they all kindly stood aside when they heard my puffing.

Into the tunnel

The tunnel was not quite what I was expecting, with only a couple of orbing lights. Underfoot was heavy stones, laid evenly but quite tricky to run fast on. Add to that the darkness, and it made for a challenging 600m. I almost ran into at least two people when trying to overtake.

The finishing 1km was around the Hay Lodge Park which seemed a bit contrived, not dissimilar to the Kilomathon around Murrayfield Stadium in March. I dibbed at 1hr41m33s, 18/140.

Merrick Hill Race

The fast descent off The Merrick

Earlier in the summer, I had my mind focused on my September race as being the Two Breweries on 24th September. It would certainly be the azimuth of my running year and I would need to do a couple of recces to understand the route. But late in August, a double booking on the weekend in September, meant that I couldn't enter the Two Breweries race. Plan B was another race on the weekend of 17/18th September. Looking at the excellent Scottish Running Guide calendar, I found the Edinburgh Half-Marathon on the Sunday might be worth a look. It promoted itself as "a great route for fast times, if you want a PB, this is the course for you!"

I started the registration process and then reached the payment page....£37! Someone is having a laugh surely. How can they justify that? Its not even a marathon. My wallet closed and I went back to the Scottish Running Guide for another scan.

Aha! I thought as I spotted The Merrick Hill Race on Saturday the 17th. I knew The Merrick, having previously walked up it in 1999 and I had walked through Glen Trool on the Southern Upland Way in 1990. I could imagine running up and down that. The distance of 12.4km sounded doable and I remembered the ground being fairly grassy. What was even better - the entry fee was only £4!

Saturday 17th arrived and the weather forecast was perfect, dry with no rain expected, light winds and cloud base above summits. It was going to be warm. Lazily, I let the car satnav decide the route to Glen Trool and I ended up on some very windy single track roads. I had plenty of time though, so made sure to enjoy the views of the Rhinns of the Kells as I drove south.

I arrived at the old Caldons campsite car park at about 11:45 with other racers joining me. I took the bike out of the back and headed along the road towards the start at The Bruce's Stone. I heard a few grumbles from other racers who were having to walk the 1.5miles each way. At registration, I was asked to show my gear (all competitors had been emailed in the week to bring full body cover, hat, gloves, map and compass). But as a clueless amateur I left it all back at the car. Fortunately they let me off; I wasn't a contender clearly!

Back to the car to get changed and eat some lunch before heading back to the start line. On the advertised map of the route, it struck directly up the Fell of Eschoncan where someone had used a garden strimmer to beat a path through the thick bracken. How kind.

At 13:00 we set off, me not too far from the back keeping clear of these athletes. A short trot up the road and then onto the bracken path. I had not experienced something like this before so wasn't sure of the etiquette, but it all seemed amiable. There were very few chances to overtake and I think most people were happy to stick at the pace of the mass.

Head down for the initial ascent

Shortly the bracken receded and the slope fell back after 200m or so of ascent, the trotting began along a single track bog to eventually reach a forestry track where I could increase the pace and strides. It was downhill at this point before passing an encouraging  marshall and entering the forest for a steep climb towards Corse Craig. Ahead I could see the familiar figure of Ranjit in his FiveFinger shoes. I recognised him from the Moffat race in July. As him I passed I said my greetings and we panted a brief conversation. He wanted to know what club I was running for and insisted I joined Carnethy.

Out of the forest, the path improved. It was a surface of gravel with good drainage ditches. Although it was steep, there were some sections could be jogged briefly. I looked ahead and was amazed to see tiny figures in the distance approaching the summit of Benyellary already. I fell in step with a male runner from Westerlands I think. He was wearing a yellow vest with a W on the back. However, I started to get a bit annoyed by his pace. The slope of grass was wide and uniform. I would start a brief run for a few metres and gradually pass him; he seemed to start running just as I did, but then continued beyond where I would start walking and start walking directly in front of me. He did this on at least ten occasions and it became irritating.

Even as we ran down the Neive of the Spit towards the Merrick, he matched my pace so that we reached the summit at the same time and then began the delightful descent down the Rig of the Gloon together.

Starting the descent off The Merrick with my shadow in the way

I tried to loosen up and increased the pace on the soft grass, but too soon the ground degenerated into wet slop and rocks and the brakes went on. He passed again. Then the terrain became a bit more technical with crags, tussocks and man-eating bogs. I face planted tripping over a tussock near base of the ridge. The W man was ahead and I managed to pass him again just before we reached the Kirn Burn. I sploshed into the water, grabbed three quick mouthfuls and then struggled up the boggy tussocks beside the wall onto Cragnine. The W man was behind me but distant. At last!

Now I was following a red vested man who was doing a steady pace. I set in behind him, legs really tiring now so no energy to overtake. Coming off Buchan Hill I was now behind a group of 4 and I made sure to stick on their heels as we careered down into the cow field. The fallen fence almost garotted me as I ran into the single strand of wire and boinged back up the slope.

Descending off Buchan Hill, W man in the distance

I made sure to pose for the camera

The bottom of the field was another fence just beyond a stinking bog of cow shit, mud and water but travelling too fast to care. On the other side of the fence were a group of spectators and marshalls I think. I heaved myself over the fence like a numpty and onto the track. I was now following a female who powered up the steep track.

The final fence. Some runners actually jumped over this, aye right!

Some runners who had already finished were walking down the track giving encouragement. But it was far too steep to run properly and I waivered between walking and very slow jogging. The finish appeared round a corner and I struggled through the line in 2hrs 02mins. 123/197

Good race but I think I need a vest. 

Coll Half-Marathon 2016

For August's race I chose the iconic Coll half-marathon. Mrs AB had competed in 2013 supported my me & the family. The weather had been atrocious with gale force southwesterly wind battering the island. Happily the forecast was much kinder for 2016!

On our way to the start

This time, we decided to leave them kids at home and use the new return ferry on the Saturday evening to compress the time away.

After work, I met Mrs AB at the Newbridge services  on the Friday evening then drove north to Callander for dinner. We arrived at the Roseview campsite in Oban at 11pm. In bed by 11:20.

Next morning, we drove to the ferry terminal, parked the car and paid our £5 fee for the car park. Thence to the ferry which sailed at 07:15. It was rammed with potential athletes plus a few auctioneer and livestock drivers heading to Tiree.

Uneventful crossing, we disembarked and made our way to Arinagour and the shinty pitch at An Cridhe to pitch the tent. And wait. The sun was hot and we slumbered in the tent reading and waiting. The midges were trying to make their presence known when the breeze lulled.

At 1:15 we headed back down to the pier, sweltering in the hot sun. I found some shade beside the men's toilets to wait until 2pm and the start.

I went off at my normal pace and soon found myself in a small group of three or four men as we left the village and bypassed the first cattle grid. My throat was drying up already so knew I'd be using the next water station. Michelle machine Heterhington overtook at about 4miles and slowly disappeared into the distance. At the airfield, I started to suffer my abdominal pain and had to slow the pace. Fortunately the weather became overcast and I felt some drizzle as we left the tarmac for the sand dunes.

Mrs AB had talked about the sand, but I hadn't expected it to be a vehicle track. When the sand became too deep to run on, I just moved to the grass in the middle for a few paces. Halfway through the dunes, the next 'water' station offered a wee dram & a Jelly Baby. Yes please!! What a laugh.

Back to the tarmac and view of the north coast over to Eigg at about 9miles. Dougie Wainwright overtook me. The turn back towards Arinagour and the air became clammy. I am sure I got midged around here, just as two females over took. I felt I was slipping back a gear and was now on survival mode.

At last I spied the church steeple in the distance - ony a mile to go. Past the hippies at the next cattle grid and water station. Keep going, up a small incline and then there's the 13miler. Donwhill to the village, and I can hear the cheers at the finish. I am the only one in sight, they are cheering for me!

24th Position, 1hr 41

At the 'awards' ceremony at 6pm, the first male vet (over 40) was awarded to the man who had finished behind me. I was robbed!!!!!! :-(

At 7pm we packed up the tent and headed back to the pier stopping for a wee swim on the way. Then caught the ferry back to Oban and the long drive home.

Leg Six : Cape Wrath Trail - 2016 [Kinlochbervie to the Cape]

10-11th August 2016

Distance : 26km

Height : 750m

Time : 7hours

First view of the lighthouse (telephoto) not long after leaving Blairmore

In 2015's stage, I successfully finished at Kinlochbervie after walking over Foinaven and down the Loch Inchard road. This meant that 2016 would be fairly straightforward from an 'effort' point of view, with not much distance to cover to complete.

I decided to incorporate the final leg within a family holiday to the North-West in a campervan. This would hopefully allow me the freedom required at this stage. However, things were slightly complicated by me being the sole driver...

We departed the Clachtoll campsite near Lochinver and drove to Durness (Sango Sands campsite) via Handa Island. Arriving at 2pm meant I had an hour or so to pack the rucksack and check my overnight gear. I also made three phonecalls. Firstly to the MOD to check whether the Cape Wrath range would be operating the next day. It wasn't. Secondly, to John, the ferryman for the Kyle of Durness - yes he would be working. Finally to James, the bus driver to ask what time the first bus from the lighthouse would be leaving. This was the important call - it would determine my walking schedule. John told me 11:30am would be the departure time.

Off to the Durness Visitor Centre for the 15:40 bus to Kinlochbervie. The driver pulled in with his bike trailer clanking. This was the same bus and driver who had collected me in 2015 from Kinlochbervie and returned me to my car at Inchnadamph. We rattled off to Kinlochbervie, patiently negotiating the single track road from Durness to Rhiconich. I jumped out at the pier, he wished me luck and after setting the watch, I headed north.

Onwards to Sandwood

The wind was quite keen so I had to zip up and wore gloves as I walked the road through Oldshoremore and then Blairmore to the car park for Sandwood. I had last been here in 2000 when it was a whole lot smaller. There was a cafe now, toilets and at least thirty parked vehicles. It was about 6pm by now and there were many walkers arriving back from Sandwood looking like they'd had a good day.

I had a feeling of smug satisfaction to be walking in the opposite direction at this time of day and made sure to greet them all as I passed on the track. It was clear the John Muir Trust have tried to improve the track, but not enough to make it a simple motorway.

After another hour or so and passing 37 other walkers (yes I counted!), the bay came into view and I wandered down through the dunes to the sand. The wind was blowing from the north-west straight into the bay with some huge breakers crashing onto the shore. The tide was out, but the water was still trying hard to stay on the land.

I walked north along the sand, enjoying the wonderful sense of solitude here. Sandwood really is a special place and I was happy to find it still invoked the same wonder I felt 16years earlier. Soon enough, I reached the outflow from Sandwood Loch curving across the sand to the sea. Just as I was deciding on the best place to cross, I noticed a large tent in the dunes from which a family of three and a dog emerged.

Sandwood evening stroll

They had wellies so made light work of the river crossing. I had to remove my boots and socks (not for the first time in the past 5 outings!) and waded to the other side. In my bare feet, I continued walking along the sand after a quick glance at the map to make sure I wasn't going to a dead end against cliffs. After a couple of hundred metres or so, with the boots back on I left the beach and climbed up the hill beside the Amhainn Strath Chailleach. It was a significant river and I vaguely recall reading about previous accounts of it being impassable. I made sure to cross at the earliest opportunity and then followed it inland for another fifteen minutes until the land flattened out into a wide strath.

It was now about 8.30pm so I decided to pitch my tent on some very tussocky ground near the river. After cooking and eating some food (pasta) which required some nursing of the stove in the breeze, I wandered up to a nearby knoll for a look back towards Am Buachaille at the south end of Sandwood. The sky was clearing of clouds and I worried if the wind dropped, it was going to be a cold night.

As expected, I shivered through the night in my lightweight sleeping bag only to be awake by 3am tossing and turning trying to stay warmish. At 5.30am I gave up and with the light of the sun brightening the flysheet, decided to start the day. My estimates on the map suggested only a couple of hours walking to reach the lighthouse from here, so 11:30am felt like a long way away. I would take it slowly.

By 6.30 I was on my way, sunglasses on the head as I was walking almost directly into the early morning north-easterly sun.

The moor between Sandwood and the Cape was a lonely but beautiful place studded with wee lochans

Soon enough, I reached the fence-line marking the boundary of the MOD area beside the Keisgaig River. I took heed of the warnings not to "Pick up suspicious objects". Looking at the land ahead, I decided I would climb one final peak before the end of my walk and altered direction slightly to the east to the domed summit of Cnoc a' Ghiubhais (298m). The map suggested cairns on the top - and there was a huge one on the main summit constructed of sandstone blocks. I wondered if the military had been involved.

From this viewpoint I was to finally see the north coast sweeping west to the Cape and then turning south. The blue sky was striated with high-level cloud being whipped by the wind. The end was in sight!

The end is in sight! (under my right elbow)

It was 8.30am. I had about 5km to go to the lighthouse so sat down in the lee of the wind for some food and thought over the whole walk.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

Although I hadn't walked the whole route in one expedition, I felt an enormous sense of achievement in reaching this point. The logistics of arranging transport at either end of each section were fun to plan but the most enjoyable aspect of planning was finding a route. This 'trail' is not your average long-distance footpath. It is unmarked and there is no optimum line. With the publication of various guidebooks and websites, there is a popular route appearing but I was able to ignore that. I wanted to incorporate hill summits where possible, Corbetts preferably. I had compleated the Munros in 2011 and had changed my focus to the Corbetts soon after. Conveniently, there were several Corbetts not far from the traditional Trail.

The Geograph website had been my most valuable resource for researching a route by providing me a vague idea of whether I'd be wallowing in peat-hags or if a river was likely to be crossable.

I had used Citylink buses, Scotrail trains, local buses and the D&E Durness Bike Bus to get to my start/finish points. Sadly I hadn't resorted to hitch-hiking but that would have added too much unreliability to my tight schedules. Time was limited and I didn't want to be waiting beside a Highland road longer than necessary.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

After some photographs from the cairn, I reluctantly continued north. No need to look at the map now - everything was laid before me. A little short of the lighthouse road, my boots became wet for the first time on this leg. That was fairly incredible to believe, but the ground was dry and since I was taking my time, I'd been able to choose the best lines. I walked on the rough tarmac for a few hundred metres before leaving it and climbing up to one last bump at Dunan Mor (163m) where the lighthouse came into view.

The lighthouse from Dunan Mor

The weather was changing now with clouds thickening from the north and as I wandered around the delapidated complex I felt some dots of rain. The cliffs of the Cape were impressive and I marvelled at the nesting sea birds far below. At 10:30am I heard the low hum of an engine in the distance and then spotted the first minibus chugging along the road in 2nd gear.

The minibus approaches.

Tourists disgorged towards the light; some went into the Ozone Cafe which had sprung to life in one of the adjacent buildings. I patiently waited for the bus to leave and take me back to civilisation and the end of my journey.

Pentland Skyline

I ran this route twice in 2015; once in Easter then later at the end of August. I decided it was time to try another attempt. With Strava I could compare the three attempts to check fitness levels.

The traditional Skyline route start and finishes at Hillend, passing over Caerketton and then Allermuir (twice). But all of my attempts were from Flotterstone, so ~3km shorter with one less hill. On the map it makes for a much more logical route.

Cloudy but warm at 19° I parked at Flotterstone at 4pm when the car park was starting to clear of day trippers. Shoes on, a final swig of water and the watch was started. 

The climb up Turnhouse was uneventful - 18mins, managed to run on anything that wasn't steep. No stop at the top, just passed straight over and down to the col and onto Carnethy. No stop, then down to the next col running fast on the descent feeling good. On the climb to Scald Law I was in the zone with my mind wandering. Dropping off Scald Law I passed a couple of women heading over from South Black Hill. Checked the watch - 49mins. I knew my last attempt took 68mins to West Kip, and was now certain I could beat that. I cranked up the pace over East Kip and horsed to West Kip in 58mins. Happy Days! 

Stopping for a break, I gobbled some peanuts and water before taking a couple of pictures

The view east from West Kip back along the ridge.

Dropping off West Kip,the segment fever grabbed me and I descended as fast as possible to the Drove Road getting a PB on the way. Just before reaching the track, I tripped on a tussock and fell head over heels into a bog. 

Onto the track, I continued the jog, passing a couple of walkers who I'd seen on the summit of West Kip earlier. Onto Hare Hill, still running everything I could until the path deteriorated into wet bogland and moss on the descent to Green Cleugh. I was expecting wet feet, but not as bad as this on the descent. Into Green Cleugh, the summer bracken guarded the rough mudside down to the marsh in the base of the pass. From above I had seen traces of squashed grass about 10m to the south of the wall-line and decided to follow it. Not a good plan - soon I was splashing knee deep through copper coloured watery mud to stumble onto the track on the far side. Oh the joys. 

Up through the avenue of bracken onto Black Hill and more knee deep heather slowing progress. The descent off Black Hill was not too bad, the path is improving until a couple of hundred metres above Den's Cleugh when it disappears and I had to weave a way through the bracken and flies. 

I climbed slow and steady onto Bell's Hill, starting to feel the pace now, 2hrs in. Plodded down to Maiden's Cleugh and over Harbour Hill. the descent to Phantom's Cleugh made my legs feel like jelly and the leap over one of the wee streams was an effort. 

At the summit of Capelaw, I collapsed to the ground for some more nuts & water 2hrs 22mins. 

I struggled to get going again for the run down to the Red Road and ascent to Allermuir. Really peching now. I knew my best time between Allermuir and Castlelaw was 11mins, didnt think that was under threat now as I slogged along the track over Fala Knowe past a cyclist coming up from Castlelaw Farm. 

On the final climb to Castlelaw I had to stop for a breather - unusual but allowed me to have a quick glance at the view and the kilometres under the feet. The red flag on the summit was blowing indicating activity at the firing range below. I descended the loose hill side to the track and jogged slowly down to the farm passing the hill fort. My knees and feet were hurting now. 

In the gloaming I spotted three or four groups of soldiers carrying large packs and weapons. Some were wearing coloured bibs, I guessed it was some sort of exercise. Through the gate behind the farm and then down to the tarmac at Glencorse. It was 2hr57min on the watch. I had thought the 3hr mark might be achievable so kept glancing at the watch on the final jog back to the car. 3hr01.

Moffat Festival of Running 2016

I stumbled across this race on the excellent Scottish Running Guide directory (where I find most of my races!). Looking for something in July that would fit my schedule.

This one was advertised as a 15km 'hill' race as part of the annual gala celebrations in Moffat. I found a video on YouTube that displayed the course - it did look good fun:

With a 7.15pm start on a Tuesday evening, I could leave work at the end of the day and drive down the M74 in time. All looked good.

The day arrived and after an uneventful drive, arrived at Moffat one hour before the race start. I parked the car on the way into the town centre just before the kids' race passed by. I walked into the town centre to register and pick up my number before returning to the car to change out of my work clothes.

At 7pm I headed back towards The Ram, a famous statue in the high street that marked the start location. There was a noisy atmosphere with a lot of chatting and nervous laughter from other competitors. I soon noticed there was a good number of running vests around, more than other races this year. Many were club vests. "Aye Aye" I thought, a bit of a serious feel to this race...

At the start

There was a 5-4-3-2-1 countdown by a woman with a loudspeaker before a gala attendant blew a hooter for the start and off we went. As per usual, a cracking pace to begin up the high street north.

Soon enough we left the Edinburgh Road and onto the single track road towards Ericstane. The first mile clicked past - 6min35 - whoah too fast. But the field spread out and I found myself in a group of four; three men, one wearing Vibram Five Finger shoes slapping his way up the road. One woman keeping silent but with a graceful running style.

I tried hard to keep the pace, but gradually over the first 6km slipped back until I was alone in my reverie as we left the tarmac. The race itself is in three parts: from the entry central page: "the first 3.75 miles undulates with a subtle but gradual rise of 350 feet.  This is followed by the most challenging part of the route, just under one mile of steep track rising 550 feet.  Care should be taken here with the track being stony and uneven in places.  On reaching the top, there is a spectacular 4.6 mile downhill descent back into Moffat town centre on the A701."

The hill at Ericstane was definitely the crux of the route with everyone reduced to walking some sections. With the early evening sun low in the sky, we actually ascended into the light. I ran when I could, but could not sustain a pace much faster than walking. Eventually I could see the A701 ahead and salvation from the ascent.

Onto the tarmac again and DOWN!!! All the way back to Moffat. Athletes were all spaced widely which made for a pleasant run, but once again I suffered cramps in my right side which caused me to slow the pace.

A crowd surrounded the finish line which I crossed in 1hr 9mins. 58/218.

7hills Challenge 26th June 2016

Waterloo Place, before the sun came out

Finally, after 10years of living on the route, the planets coincided and we got our chance to compete in this iconic race. The premise is simple; start on Calton Hill, run over 6 hills of Edinburgh in order and return to Calton Hill. No set route, you choose but you must pass in the right order.

As we arrived early on the hill, before registration had opened, the weather was cool (12C) with an easterly breeze. We got our bearings and joined forces with Andy & Anja to gather thoughts and selfies.

09:45 arrived, we gathered at the start, and odd start location in the long grass on a slope and with a 5-4-3-2-1 we were off with a cheer. 290 runners.

The Castle passed in a flash, the only short cut option being the arcades onto Cockburn Street. My last recce up the High Street had been marred by coaches of tourists spilling out to the Castle. Thankfully our strength in numbers this time meant some more of a running thoroughfare and after a quick paper punch, I was off down Johnston Terrace.

I overtook a pair of blokes in Bread Street and then didn't see any other competitors for a while. Something was up.

At Roseburn the run up Murrayfield Gardens felt lonely, and at the top I decided to go straight on along Lennel Avenue to Ravelston Dykes rather than left along Campbell Avenue. As I joined RD, another runner passed in front of me. Rats!!

I followed him up Corstorphine Hill  between the golf course and as I reached the tower, I overheard a marshall saying I was in 4th position! Happy Days! Returning to the meadow on the descent, there was now a train of runners - must keep going.

I reached the car park, some dog walkers looked like they were waiting for me to pass left down the track - obviously the other 3 had gone that way. I went my own way down Kaimes Road and was soon on their heels at Old Kirk Road. A hairy crossing of Glasgow Road and then at the cyclepath I passed the mother-in-law who was out to photograph us.

Through Carrick Knowe, Stenhouse and Chesser we were a steady 4 although I could see the fellow in 2nd slowing and being caught by 3. The sun burst through near here and on went the shades. At the Allan Park steps we both caught 2 and overtook him. I was now in 3rd.

Past the tennis courts at Craiglockhart, and then up the tree roots. The guys in 1 and 2 went up the right hand side of the slope, I went left (the way I had gone on recce) and suddenly I was in the lead!

To be First up Craiglockhart felt weird, and a great welcome from the marshalls. Grabbed some gummy bears and stuffed in my mouth before hurtling down to Greenbank and the water station for my first drink.

Through Braidburn Valley Park and left onto Braid Road. The steps up to the hotel were a killer and if I hadn't heard the panting of number 2 behind me I would have stopped for a breather. At the top of the road, the water station was still setting up, I didn't stop but just thanked them for volunteering. Onwards to the summit, a quick stamp and then across the golf course.

As I crossed the fairway, a golf ball bounced along the ground in front of me - quick! run faster and get off this place. Number 2 was on my tail, but didn't seem to be gaining; I wondered if he was just using me and waiting for the final straight to streak past.

I found the Gorse Gutter easily enough and with my trail shoes made light work of it bursting out into the light on Braid Road where a group of mothers and bairns stood waiting at the top of the Lang Linn with a banner for Daddy. Sharp right long the Burn and down to the bridge to pass a load of dogwalkers blocking the way.

Immediately I stopped to walk the Blackford ascent. Number 2 caught me up. Asking him how he was doing I then confirmed my suspicion - he had come all the way up Ravelston Dykes. That meant (since he was going at my pace) that Haymarket is no quicker. I veered off right for the Black-Murray alternative ascent to Blackford - aka the avoidance of the sleeper staircase. Walking and jogging I got out of the trees onto the meadows and saw a huge contingent of supporters/marshalls on the summit. No sign of Number 2.

With 50metres to go he appeared at the trig point to a cheer of applause. Rats again!! However, as I reached the trig, he opted for some water - I opted out and headed off the hill to laughter from the marshalls.

As I approached the infamous Allotment gate my right upper quadrant pain started. Down the steps, a wave to the camera and then a bit of wandering through, not quite sure where I was going. Along West Savile Terrace the pain worsened and I felt my pace dropping. But number 2 was not gaining.

Up Mayfield and past the Cigs, I was definitely flagging. I chose to cross to the east side and doubled over for a 10second break. Meanwhile number 2 continued up the west side. I watched him pass. He was not looking good either, a very slow pace. At Duncan St I passed him again and got across Minto Street just as the lights changed.

In Blacket Place, Susan(?) from the Parkrun shouted support and told us the water station was "Just round the corner!". And so it was, I ran up Dalkeith Road the water in sight.

Two cups and a bit of banter with the marshall, number 2 appeared for some drink too. On we plodded past the Commy and then at the entrance to Pollok Halls, the ground started to rumble, the air crackled and the lightning whoosh of the race leader whizzed past. "Och well," I said, "that's not too bad, I was expecting to be caught about Craiglockhart!".

Hill 6, just after the race leader passed into the distance

I couldn't run any further after the grass, and the stone stairs up Arthur's Seat were really tough going. I just wanted to stop and sit. But the panting of Number 2 was still there and I kept going. "Out the way slow people!" I felt as I squeezed past other hill climbers who had as much right as me to be there.

A few steps short of the left turn I realised Number 2 was no longer behind me. Aha! He's finally succumbed to my stonking pace. But it was not to be. He had gone up the gully, and was just reaching the foot of the final summit dome as I started the traverse left. Rats!! Again!

The summit was hard won, but the rising wind a pleasant cooler. I looked over my shouder and noticed a baldy fellow in a white t-shirt approaching fast. Another racer I presumed.

Me punching on Arthur's Seat, oblivious to the fact I was now in 4th position

Down to the Dry Dam path. Number 2 was 100m ahead now and running hard on the descent. The path was very busy, the busiest I've seen it when running and I had to herald my approach a few times to clear a path. Another racer passed.

As the path levelled out and turned left towards the Parliament my calves started to twitch with cramp which was quite unsettling. Thankfully it looked like Number 2 was suffering the same effect and soon enough I was alongside him talking about cramp as we ran past Holyrood and I overtook again.

More racers streaked past into Calton Road. I kept going up to the footpath which I was looking forward to as a walking break. Near the spot of the path where I'd normally start running again, another competitor passed and we both agreed it was too late to run. I automatically assumed he was a racer, but I now know he was a Challenger...

Up the final hill to Calton, lots of runners passing now. I was spent. They were gone round the corner out of sight.

Onto the grass, a final burst of energy and the adrenaline of the finish led me to the line.

What a race. I loved it. 5th position.

Thanks to Number 2 (whoever you were*) for keeping me going.

*I think he was Simon Beckett #322.

Post Script...Having now reviewed photographs captured around the route, I now see Number 2 and I both dropped to 3 & 4 on the Arthur's seat climb. And then I dropped from 3 to 5 about two hundred metres from the finish.

Next time...I would change three sections of the route:

1. Braidburn Valley Park
2. Blackford Hill
3. Arthur's Seat

The Challenge results are in and I can now reveal that the runner in 4th (5th) position is....

Highlander Mountain Marathon 2016 [The Final Fling]

Day Two, emerging from the cloud above Strathfarrar

In April 2014, Sally and I had competed in our first Mountain Marathon together, held in the hills around Glenfinnan. The weather had been spectacular and made for a wonderful weekend romping over the rough hills either side of the Mallaig road. We came 12th overall in the C class event, which for a first time team we were very happy with.

In April 2015, we tried to do it again and drove all the way to the start line at Elphin in Assynt. However, the weather was against us and freezing temperatures combined with driving wind and snow made for an ominous feeling at registration. As we stood in the queue for the minibus to the start, we both looked at each other from under our already soaking hoods...and binned it :-(

2016 came round and we were determined to compete again. Thankfully the planners had chosen June for the event so at least (we hoped) there would be no snow! Our training went reasonably well, both completing the Marcothon in December 2015 provided a decent foundation of fitness on which to build. We had a good two days in the Ben Alder forest in May testing out gear and navigation. We managed to get over four Munros and a Corbett in reasonable time. Unfortunately Sally suffered from a respiratory issue for the weeks leading up to the HMM, and I stupidly over did it on a walk in the Blackmount on the 30th May (26km, 2600m ascent, 10hrs). By the time Saturday 4th June arrived, we were both operating at ~85% of capacity....

Gear

I had ditched my coldest gear (spare gloves/balaclava/down gilet) and had bought a very lightweight windproof jacket (Mammut Ultimate Jacket) to replace my Haglofs heavier fleece. We took the Vango Banshee tent again (for comfort) but I took my ridiculously light (and thin) Mountain Equipment sleeping bag with a silk liner. We both decided to take poles; there wasn't much of a decision to make. We can be the bumblies with poles. I opted to run in shorts, but packed tights for the overnight (and potential windy summits). Sally carried the food, I carried the tent and stove. We both carried midge nets!

Day One

We drove into Cannich at 07:15 on the Saturday morning, directed to the church to park the car. The weather was heavily overcast, with no wind. Changing into our Fellraisers at the back of the car, the midges began to bite. After registration in the village hall, we boarded the 08:00 bus (one was due to leave every 30mins) and set off. Cannich is the access point for three major glens - Affric, Mullardoch and Farrar, but still we were unsure where we were going. 

In April 2009 when I was trying to gather up my remaining Munros, I passed through Strathfarrar and spotted a huge white marquee tent set up on a flat area of grass halfway down the glen. There didn't seem to anyone around. Later research revealed it was the site of the 2009 HMM. With this knowledge, I guessed the HMM might be returning to the same location for its final fling. 

The bus didn't turn left down Affric, nor right to head for Struy at Strathfarrar, instead it chose the middle road and headed up Mullardoch. Twenty-five minutes later we stopped just short of the dam for a brief walk up the tarmac to the start pens. 

On the hillside to the north of the dam, we could see many teams already striding purposefully across the heather in all directions. The cloud base was at about 350m, only one hundred metres above. After a final kit check to fasten straps,buckles and laces, we dibbed in the Clear thingy before pacing to the start and the clock started. 

I chose to plot only the first two CPs - and quickly realised we'd be heading for Strathfarrar to the same mid-camp spot as 2009. Happy days!! 

The first CP was easy to find above the dam, but the next was going to be trickier. Logic told me to follow the ridgeline over the hill even if it meant ascending higher than necessary, but with very poor visibility due to the cloud, it would be an easier nav. And so it turned out, many other teams were doing the same and we pursued a pair of men all the way to 800m.

The sky brightened and suddenly we emerged from the cloud at 850m to observe a cloud inversion all the way to the Strathfarrar Munros to the north. But alas, within minutes we had descended into the cloud again to find CP#2 at  a stream junction.

Our route to CP#3 was not great, and I think I hurried the nav for this leg so that we were dragged with the fall of the ground rather than heading the in the right compass direction. It was very difficult in the poor visibility. At about 400m we emerged below the cloud and could see a sparse forest below. That placed us on the map and we made 45° direction change to eventually reach the CP#3.

Down through the forest to CP#4 on a Knoll at 250m, now racing with two other teams stepping on groundfall branches and twigs. At the CP, Sally had to adjust her shoe and apply a Compeed.

Looking at the map for the next CP, we could see it was across the other side of the glen and the easiest route would be to follow the obvious tracks on the map. There was a more direct route, but it would be through more heather and tussocks - to be avoided!

Crossing the River Farrar was via a ford (thanks to Nick Brown for recording the moment!)

Crossing the River Farrar - cool feet!

As we started the ascent of the north side of the glen, we were passed by two runners slogging their way up the hill. Very impressive. We grabbed a cup of water crossing the Allt Toll a Mhuic and then another 2km to CP#5. Time for some food and we stuffed some nuts & chocolate down our necks. Meanwhile two or three teams passed through the CP...I was champing at the bit so got on their tail as soon as we could.

We then climbed Gob a Chairn to the Munro top of Creag Ghorm a Bhealaich up a long easy angled grassy slope. Superb underfoot conditions, but the sun was beating down and without a breeze it was slightly sweaty. A mixed team in front of us were struggling; well, the male member was struggling and the female heroically took his pack and carried it up the hill on her front! What a woman!!

The view from the summit was stupendous, now that the cloud layer had burnt off, and I could see our next CP was going to require a ridge walk for a km or so.

The ridge east to Sgurr a Choire Ghlais

At the bealach before the next climb, we stopped for more food and then contoured around the west side of Sgurr a Choire Ghlais. Dropping down the south ridge we managed a trot on the grass, but were passed by a fast running male team just as we were spotting a route to descend into Coire Mhuillidh where the next CP was located.

A drink and refuel at the busy CP; teams on our route, others appearing from the south. As with the HMM in 2014, there was a long section of contouring near the end of day one, and so it transpired. The terrain was not kind and I found it difficult finding a decent line. There were actually teams above us and below all following different contours, but generally heading in the same direction. The teams below us were making faster progress.

Eventually we reached the penultimate CP of the day and then quickly headed down to the Allt Choire Mhuillidh where there was a bridge marked. I could just see the teams that had overtaken us on the contouring scouting back and forth near the river. So we headed in their general direction. Soon enough I spotted a hydro dam in the defile below, but 20m further upstream in the trees (literally) was a wooden footbridge - happy days!!

On the far bank we joined a LR track and we trotted down the hill to the final CP two hundred metres short of the finish.

Overnight Camp

As expected, the camp was on the flat grassy expanse near the outflow of Loch a Mhuillidh. The marquee tent was twice the size as in 2014 with food & beer on tap. At the road bridge over the river, two signs marked upstream for drinking water, downstream for washing. Competitors in lycra stood and sat in the water washing salt and sweat from their bodies. As the sun descended, the wind rose, at least the midges were absent, but it was a bit parky. The ceilidh burst to life at about 8.30, but I was asleep by 9.30, drowsing to the hum of the generator interspersed by the whoops of the flingers. 

We were awake at 5.45, packed by 6.15, in the marquee by 6.25, queuing for bacon butties, breakfasted by 6.50, in the MASSIVE queue for bogs at 7. One difference between 2014 and 2016 - there seemed to be fewer bogs, and with more competitors, made for some long queues. 

Day Two

The start was located on One Tree Hill or Tom a Mhein on the map, a wonderful spot to start the day amongst the midges and heather. 

One Tree Hill (day two start). Thanks to Simon Caldwell. 

Since we all started within 30mins of each other between 7am and 7.30am, there was a different feel to the day, with several trains developing and after two CPs it was clear who we were competing against. The climb out of the glen to the south was bloody awful. Loose and muddy, midgy, mild and thick clag. But at 500m as with day one, we emerged from the cloud into bright sunshine to CP#3. 

Sgur na Diollaid lay between us and the next CP. Knowing it was a Corbett that I hadn't climbed forced my hand. Even if the optimum line was a lower level contour, I had to climb it. 

Sgurr na Diollaid

The peak itself is actually two rocky tops, the western one had a CP on it, not sure which class, but it wasn't ours! The rest of the route for day two was fairly straightforward, and with the train ahead of us, we just ensured we kept our place. At CP#4, there was a choice of routes to CP#5 - along and up, or up and along. Defying the train ahead, we chose up and along. It turned out to be the right choice as we reached CP#5 ahead of the train we'd been following, and ahead of team C11. Sadly our decision to eat some food resulted in the train overtaking us here and we were on catch up again. 

The last three CPs were mostly contouring, not a lot of ascent and with the dry ground made for decent progress. The final descent off the hill was a delight - we picked up a good LR track at about 400m and trotted down it passing many teams still walking. At the road at 60m was the penultimate CP and then a 1km slog along the tarmac to the finish in a dusty car park outside the village hall. A bit different from the Glenfinnan railway viaduct in 2014!! 

Overall we were pleased with our result, 15th in C. 12:04:53, and with our new found veteran age (combined 91!), we were 2nd placed Mixed Vet team in Class C! Almost certainly the fastest team with poles. Is there a category for that? I think we could maybe have skimmed 20mins off the time on day one, but day two we were at maximum (apart from the chosen Corbett diversion!) The weather had made the event special and apart from CP#3 on day one, the navigation had been straightforward. 

Very sad that it is the final event for the HMM but glad we were involved in the last three. I would be gutted if I had only competed in 2016. 

Balmoral 10K

Saturday morning I drove up the A93 in cold temperatures to arrive in Braemar in a full snow storm. When I'd finally reached the car parking field at Balmoral, the snow had turned to rain.

There was a running festival over the Saturday and Sunday. The 10K was only a small part of the event so there were many runners and families coming and going. I got changed in the car park and wandered to the start passing by the front of the Castle.

Balmoral

Behind the start line, markers were laid out to group runner in their expected finish times : 35mins, 40, 45, 50, 55 etc. I lined up at 45 and was relieved to see some other old duffers like me.

Balmoral 10K start

The first 3.5km followed the river Dee through the forest and a light snow snow shower coated the wobbling lycra. There were a few kilted runners bravely lollopping past; I was impressed. Soon enough, the killer hill began and we turned left away from the river to climb steeply up a loose gravel track for about a kilometre. At the summit of the climb, a pair of bagpipers heralded our passing and the RAF cadets served out water. Then it was a fast descent back towards the Castle, past the walled garden and a U-turn along the front of the castle to the finish. 

45m10s 133/1734

Kilomathon 2016

Next on the schedule was the Edinburgh Kilomathon...13.1km (odd distance) starting at Ocean Terminal and finishing at Murrayfield Stadium.

On Sunday 20th March it dawned bright and dry. I jogged to the bus and arrived at Ocean Terminal by 8am where I stood in the doorway of the shopping centre enjoying the warm sun though the windows. There was actually a keen easterly wind which made standing about outside for a long time slightly uncomfortable.

With a few minutes to go, I headed to the start pen for my estimated time. There was banging music playing and a great atmosphere. Off we went round the back of the shops and past Brittania, soon to join the North Edinburgh Cycle Path for a couple of km to Victoria Park. Some contrived looping round the park until rejoining the cycle path and continuing to Murrayfield. Then through Roseburn Park and into the Stadium complex for some more odd route weaving to extend the distance. (Not a great event). Finally a wee sprint beside the pitch along the west stand.

56m34s.

Strava route

Glentress Trail 10K

Today I started my year of official running events. I'm trying to compete in one event per month. I reckon I can afford the time and physical impact on that schedule.

My first race was a cracker. Held at the mountain bike Mecca of Glentress, it was a 10K trail run through the woods and up the steep inclines of the hills near Peebles. The weather forecast was kind, if a little cold.

Sally and I drove south in blue skies with a temperature below freezing and some ice on the roads at Eddleston. We parked up in the frozen grassy field near the cycling centre with a few hundred others and went to registration. There were three races being held today, each starting within 15minutes of each other. First, the marathon (42K) set off and this was the biggest field. Next was the Half; a smaller field. And then was out turn. There must have been about one hundred runners.

The route ascended gradually through the forest on wide tracks before switching to narrow footpaths for a few sections. Eventually we reached 300m altitude and I felt I was in a good position so cranked up the pace. It was great running, very good underfoot, with any mud well frozen.

The last km was through some wonderful pines and then a steep descent back to the start. I was back in 5th place.

The Half-Marathon starts at Glentress