Seven Hills 2019

Hallelujah! The highlight of my running year has arrived again! I absolutely love this race and everything that goes with it. I made sure to wear my long-sleeved T to work on the Friday in an attempt to promote the race - everyone from Edinburgh should do it once in their lives! Ha Ha I doubt that will ever happen.

As with the weather so far this 'summer' there was no certainty on the forecast with showers predicted at some point in the day, and the previous week had seen some heavy periods of rain. On the Saturday, I had done a 5 pub crawl down the Water of Leith and seen the river in high levels, the Gormley at Stockbridge with various pieces of vegetation washed downstream and caught around his legs. This meant trail shoes were a must as the 'wilder' sections of the route would be muddy and slippy. The temperature was set to be 14C ish, not too bad.

Waiting for the Challenge start - all smiles

I watched the start of the Challenge race at 09:45, pleased to see the Sheach family at the back recording on their GoPros. I couldn't see Sally anywhere in the pack.

The Challenge start

I then spent the next few mins getting changed, taking on water, fuel and going for a pee before meeting AJ and Anya. Off we trotted to the start line for the 10:15 countdown and we were running.

Down the steps still running and I took a central route up the North Bridge and through the Arcades onto the hoaching High Street. Another pb segment. At the castle, the route through the gardens was closed due to rockfall so all runners were directed down the Johnston Terrace steps. I queued to clip my number, oblivious to the fact there were clippers all the way down the railings of the steps. Grrr. Some time wasted there.

Johnston Terrace to Haymarket passed in a blur, Lothian Road lights working in my favour. On the bus during the week, I had spotted the SGN works at Roseburn which looked like they would interfere with a smooth line on the traditional north side of the road. After Haymarket I tried to stay on the left (south) side of the road with that in mind, but was forced to cross by some other roadworks I'd not accounted for. As I passed the Roseburn Inn, I made sure to cross back south anyway and a guy in green (Mike Milner) that I had passed earlier had followed me and we both crossed back to the north pavement as soon as we were through the roadworks. No idea if that gave us an advantage, but mentally I felt it did.

Onwards to Murrayfield Road and the long slog up to Ravelston Dykes. Mike overtook me here but I kept him in sight as I spied Daisy Henderson walking down the opposite pavement. Onto Corstorphine Hill and it was chaos with people running in all directions, I've not seen it so messy before. After punching my number, I was pleased to see Kevin Gemson BEHIND me. That was a first - I shouted encouragement to him.

Down to Kaimes Road and some fast foot slapping past the house. Before I reached it, I could hear Meg barking from behind the gate and saw AB#2 with the video camera.

An easy crossing of Glasgow Road without waiting and into Carrick Knowe avenue where I caught the first of the obvious Challengers who were walking. Ahead of me up the straight road were runners of all paces. I settled into a rhythm, not following or chasing anyone in particular.

At the steps beyond the tram crossing, I took the wee path to the side and managed to gain a couple of places, even though one of them leapt down each group of 4 stairs like a loony. He muttered something about "That is not a good idea when recovering from an ankle injury." I just laughed. Through Stenhouse Cross round the roundabout on the left and into Chesser. I ran on the road as is my preference and managed to overtake a few more Challengers.

Checking the watch, I could see we were approaching 10km in and it was time for a gel. I took the opportunity at the slowdown of climbing the steps into Allan Park Drive and slurped it down before I reached the canal over the bridge.

The Craiglockhart Hill climb was the busiest I've experienced it, loads of people scrabbling up the roots and mud which was also the slippiest. One chap above me fell on his arse near the top, but without injury. I wanted to try running all the way to the summit, but once beyond the new steps onto the grass, I couldn't resist the walk and joined the crowd of zombies huffing their way towards the sun.

Once I'd stamped my number, I was on my way again and thundered down the track through the trees. I noticed Kate Crichton ahead and made sure to give her a shout. She had no idea who I was so I tried to remind her. At the water station I turned sharp right and took the wee shortcut through the arch in front of the houses; another wee mental advantage.

Greenbank and the Fly Walk passed without event and it was onto the grass of Braidburn Valley Park, slowing to a walk on the path up to Comiston Road. After jogging across I also dropped to a walk up Riselaw...a bit defeatist. At the Braids water station I ignored the water again, and hammered up the track passing as many as people as I could before it narrowed. But once again I felt defeat and slowed to a walk at any of the 'steeper' bits. Quite a few Racers passing me here.

I had to wait for a clipper on the summit - there only seemed to be two of them which was a bit annoying. Onto the golf course, setting free but knowing the wee gorse snicket ahead would likely be busy. I was not wrong, and had to drop the pace behind a group in front of me who were taking it slower than I'd want.

Free from the confines of the gorse snicket, about to enter the Lang Linn

Across the road and into the Lang Linn, as soon as the path widened I elbowed my way past and floored it to the T-junction. A wee jink left and then into the steep cross-slope slither down to the river. As expected, it was muddy and I did well to not skite down like others had clearly done with skid marks in the slope. I ran along the main path to the right alongside the Braidburn for a few metres until I was opposite the path I had spotted the week before. Splash across the burn and then up the path, initially muddy and I passed one bloke struggling through it.

Suddenly I was over the fence and into the field very close to the gate to Blackford and now the steps of punishment. I took my time, ignoring others and soon enough the punishment was over. Turning left, I jogged to the nettle snicket, walking up behind another guy, happy that most of the nettles and brambles had now been beaten back by others.

The summit seemed busy, but with no-one clipping. I think most were taking on water and fuel or looking at the view. I clipped and carried on straight down the northside managing to avoid slipping on my backside through the trees and onto the bottom track. Across the road and into Oswald Road obeying the roadwork barriers. Turning right into South Oswald Road and my lonely (1km flat) run towards Mayfield Road. I think I could hear some gaining feet behind me as I reached Mayfield but was otherwise alone until the turn left and rejoining the throng.

I realised Mike in the green t-shirt was beside me again, I asked him how he was doing as we puffed up towards the Old Bell. He said good, but then asked what time we were aiming for. I told him I wanted to beat 2hr17 and he thought that was definitely going to happen. Good encouragement and into Duncan St and Blacket Place, only pausing briefly for the traffic to pass in Minto Steeet. Mike was getting ahead now, so I decided it was time for another gel before Arthur's Seat.

Round the corner of the Commie Pool and past Pollock. A runner suddenly appeared on the top of the 8ft wall beside me and slipped down onto the pavement. I laughed and he said "That is not a shortcut!!"

The Gutted Haddie on Arthur's Seat was very busy, choked by three or four non-Seven Hillers which was slightly frustrating. I managed to get past them eventually and continue to the summit WITHOUT CRAMP!!!!! I was so pleased.

Slipping on the polished basalt, I got down the north side safely and into the Dry Dam path which appeared to be full of tourists further ahead. I tried to look as fast and crazy as possible as I approached and to my fortune, they stepped aside at my approach and I had a clear descent. Onto the tarmac, past the Parliament and Palace then into Calton Road. I spotted Mike in front again so put the foot down to catch him just as he turned into the steps up to Regent Road.

Up Calton he kept running whereas I slowed to a walk on the road but managed to run again for the final grassy slope to the finish line where Sally and Anja were waiting. I stopped the watch - 2h08!!!!! Yassssssss! I howled a cry of happiness. Yah beauty smashed it.

02:08:41 49 / 196

Cheviot Trail Race

Trawling the SiEntries site with a filter of distance from postcode, I discovered this event which suited the calendar. An additional attraction was the £12 entry fee, plus the opportunity to look at a bit of the St Cuthbert's Way with eyes to running it in a oner.

Unfortunately race information was fairly light online and I wasn't the only one who felt the need to contact the organiser in the preceding week to request info. How difficult can it be to post something online, or email the participants?

Nevertheless, I decided to print out maps of the route, aswell as studying it in order to familiarise myself with what to expect. I also packed my OMM sack taking the camelbak as I didn't want to rely on race provided water stations. (There was a suggestion on Facebook of one at 5miles but that was all.)

I headed down to Wooler along the A697, parking in the free car park near the Information Centre. Then wandered along the wee High Street, a mixture of closed down shops and antique/bookshops just managing to survive. In the entrance to bus station was a green gazebo where I registered and collected my number. It was a bit disorganised which underlined my experience of the race organisation to that point already.

Back to the car to tog up, lots of other runners starting to arrive. Almost all had some sort of pack or water carrier with them so I was glad to not feel overdressed. But I'm past that stage - I know for a half-marathon distance I need some water and fuel. I think anything above 16km I'd be taking water at least.

At 10am three coaches pulled in to the station and we all climbed aboard. I woman from Chester Le Street sat beside me and we had a good chat as the bus squeezed its way to Kirk Yetholm 20minutes away. I was pleased to finally see the Border Hotel, and the wall corner made 'famous' by the Spine Race that we've been entranced by every January. It marks the end of the Pennine Way which is run in one loooong event, won by Scot Jasmin Paris in 2019 in a time which will probably never be beaten.

The advertised race start time of 10:30am had passed, so the organiser, Glen just did a very quick briefing and set us off. No recognised start line or direction pointed. Like sheep we all set off up the road which was a proper hill start. I'd not done one of these since the Scurry to the Sea in 2018 and it was a good way to sort out the pace. The road reaches a high point at 190m, suddenly revealing the hills ahead, but then drops steeply back down to 130m and the first section of trail.

At this point I was following a young lad who appeared to be wearing cycling shorts and a blue cag. He had a strange bouncy gait and had passed me on the road, but as soon as we were on the trail climb, I was able to get past him. Up we went, the field really spreading out. At about 290m one of the St Cuthbert's Way finger posts directed us off the main route and across the hillside towards the English Border on the summit of the 'ridge' (though I didn't notice it!).

By now the people I was following were out of sight so I was having to scan for route markers and junctions. In the distance I spotted them, some were almost a kilometre distant at this point and we'd only covered 4km! Soon enough I was into one of the forestry plantations I had seen on the YouTube run throughs of the St Cuthbert's Way. Thankfully it had been chopped and was just stumps. No navigational problems except for a few walkers to step round.

I was descending now and realised I was catching the guy in front (Jamie Entwistle). I caught up and passed him just short of the farm of Elsdonburn. I grunted a greeting but got nothing back. Onto the tarmac and then there was a long section of single track road (3km). Although this was punctuated by the 'basic' water station at 6.5km (not 5miles!), I found this tough. But looking at stats, I was keeping up a good pace of ~4.10km/min and trying to chase down the guy in red in the distance.

Thankfully I was watching him when he suddenly took a sharp right towards Hethpool. I would likely have missed that turning as the fingerpost wasn't crystal clear. At the top of the slight rise the red guy had disappeared but a bloke standing beside a car sent me off the road along the next trail section. At this point I was starting to need a pee and when passing through some gorse bushes, thought about taking a break.

The trail was difficult to follow here as it took a few unexpected turns. I really wanted a pee now and thought I could try a 'walking wee' that I'd once managed in the Lomonds. Sadly or perhaps fortunately, when I was ready, I looked over my shoulder and realised I was quickly losing my lead with the faffing. I decided to ignore the urge and get on with the race.

At 9.8km on another gentle climb, I decided to eat a gel and sup some water. Over yet another stile but this time into a field with no obvious direction marked. In the distance I could see runners and a large group of walkers heading uphill. I knew from studying the map, there had to be another steep climb about now so assumed this was the right way. But the track disappeared. I stopped, and Jamie was on my tail. "I don't know which way to go!" I shouted. "I can't remember!" he said. At the same time the girl from the Durham Fell Runners (Dawn Metcalfe) behind him shouted something but at that stage I had decided to crow-fly it and head direct to the next stile.

Fortunately it was the correct decision and soon I was on the trail again climbing up to the 335m high point. Jamie caught me and overtook at a walking pace as we passed a couple of stiles/gates held open by large groups of ramblers. At the summit, and on flatter terrain I was able to claw back any distance that Jamie had gained and I followed on his heels and finally at 15km I got in a position to pass him.

We hadn't seen anyone in front of us for miles and I commented on it as I passed him "Its a lonely old race this - where is everyone??!". He replied after a few metres "Maybe we're the only ones that have gone the right way". Or something. I was on my own now and enjoyed the gradual descent until there were a couple of turns at 18km. I panicked as I approached a forest where the gate only had a yellow arrow marker, no St Cuthbert's Way. I groaned. Not lost again??? Suddenly I saw the SCW marker on the other side of the gate and skipped through.

The forest felt darker than this but I was reassured I was on the right route when I saw the camera

Dawn was now my chaser and I hammered hard down through the forest, smiling at the cameraman. The trail jinked into a small car park as it left the forest and I felt a bit disorentated looking right and left for the next marker. I was glad of the drop in pace here as I was starting to pech. I could hear Dawn behind asking for directions in the car park so I knew she was closing me down.

I kind of accepted defeat at this point and expected her to overtake me as we skirted the edge of the next forest at Kenterdale Hill but I reached the high point with 50m to spare. I upped the pace on the downhill and got through the next gate out of sight. The next section was really tricky without knowing the route as we descended fast through a grassy area of gorse and thistles, paths going in all directions. Without signage, I chose the path most travelled and fortunately it was right. One final gate, with Dawn behind me I left it open for her. Then a rocky LR track descending fast to tarmac and the village of Wooler.

Slapping tarmac down down down, dodging cars and looking out for signs. Listening for Dawn on my heels and any other last minute chargers. Into the high street and a reception committee clapping our arrival back at the bus station.

I enjoyed that!

I grabbed a chocolate bar and tried to get some water from the urn. Then visited the bus station toilets. On returning, I asked the timers my position:

9th
01:53:17

Dawn was 17seconds behind me, Jamie was 01:55:02.

CAAC5

I had enjoyed the annual 'sprint' round Turnhouse in 2018 a couple of weeks after Copenhagen so made sure to enter for this year's event. The only difference this year was the weather wasn't so summer-like. It rained off and on throughout the day and when I arrived on site, it was about 13C. This year the club were using chip timing so when collecting my number, I was given a plastic clip for my shoelaces containing the chip.

As expected there were scores of vests and familiar club runners milling about at the industrial estate on the Turnhouse Road, pinning numbers on, stretching, warming up. The road was much busier than before, I think the airport freight terminal is busier these days. Unfortunately the CAAC can't close the road so there need to be plenty of yellow-vested marshalls to shepherd the runners and traffic apart.

I positioned myself about 80 back from the start, knowing those in front were definitely all faster than me. The starting gun fired and there was a shock of "Oooohs" before we shuffled over the start line. Everyone into a very fast pace immediately and we thundered west.

Heading west

The field spread out quite quickly and I didn't feel hemmed in. I wasn't really aware of much overtaking of me, but I very slowly crept past a few other runners. The Alpe de Cammo was fun both on the way up and down the other side. I started to struggle a bit on Cammo Walk and some people passed me. On Craigs Road after a CAAC runner overtook me easily, I tried harder to keep on his heels and just about managed the feat to the finish. Only one other runner passed me.

I was very happy to find I had achieved a significant PB knocking 49seconds off last year's time.

00:33:21 78 / 223

Cateran Trail Run

A few years ago, my good friend Dave had introduced me to this corner of the country and the interesting Cateran Trail. With another friend, the three of us walked from Alyth to Blairgowrie via Bridge of Cally. On the way, we passed through the Bamff Estate and saw the incredible impact of the beavers on the landscape, well documented elsewhere.

The Cateran Trail is a circular route near the Perthshire/Angus border and in the foothills of the Cairngorm glens. Plenty of established tracks and associated furniture of gates and styles, but also some wilder sections on the higher ground.

I knew there was an Ultra race on the Cateran Trail for the superheroes, but also discovered a shorter (18km) version that would take place a couple of weeks afterwards, starting in the hamlet of Kirkton of Glenisla and finishing in Alyth itself. The race was organised as part of a three day festival in the village called Alyth Creates and it included some detailed route information. It looked great!

Unfortunately Sunday 26th May was not great weather however. I set off from home at 7am and sploshed up the soaking M90 keeping the speed down to avoid aqua-planing through Fife. I passed the aftermath of a RTA not far from Kinross which I learned later had been fatal.

I parked in the street outside Alyth Primary school where I'd seen a few other runner types. Then wandered inside out of the drizzle to pick up my race number. At 9am the 72 runners boarded two ancient coaches that were waiting in the car park. Lots of nervous chatter, but also local club runners who all seemed to know the route and race.

The weather was pretty miserable and we headed up Strathisla criss-crossing the River Isla which was brown with torrents of spate water. Fields were sodden and it was clear that the running was going to be pretty heavygoing. After 35mins we pulled into the small car park in Kirkton. Most jumped off into the rain to make a final toilet stop. I waited until 09:50, then headed out. I did a short warm-up along the road and eventually made my way across the footbridge over the Isla to the start.

Since the race would be on a trail, it was not exactly wide so early positioning would be crucial. I negotiated my way to the back of the stick insects and listened to the race briefing. I noticed the guy next to me had a full racing pack, a map case, hat, gloves. "Holy Moley I hope I've not taken this too lightly" I thought. Well, no I didn't. He just looked over-equipped. OK, I had a map in my bag, but nothing else other than water & a gel.

The start of the race was a steep climb for about 100m to a cairn. I managed to overtake a few here at the same time as taking off my jacket (since I was roasting and the rain had almost stopped). From the top, we crossed a moor and through a small stream to join a LR track in a forest. This was fast downhill and I managed to get past a couple more before crossing a shooglie style and settling into a pace.

For the next 3 or 4kms we were on a relatively flat LR track heading south through farmland. I was able to slowly gain on a young guy (Kevin Thomson) in front who was wearing a large blue cag and a hat that he kept removing and replacing as the race went on. I caught him up and had a wee chat - he told me it was his first race! First race???? Wow I was super impressed, not only to take on a 18km wet trail run as his first race, but also to be performing so well. OK we weren't at the front, but we were up the field.

On a descent to the first water station, I took the lead and managed to stretch beyond him. Then it was offtrack and up the side of a field. This was about 9km in, so once onto flatter ground I took the opportunity to eat my gel and sup some water.

As the race went on, I realised I was out on my own with the gap opening behind me. This felt pretty unusual and I even had visions of catching the runner in white that I could see a long way ahead. I made sure to keep up the pace without slipping on wet styles or falling into the muddy slop at the edge of each field.

Into Bamff estate I started to recognise the terrain from my walk there years back, but also started to wonder if I was on the right route. No-one in sight behind or in front, no signs for a while, and hardly any footprints in the mud. Either I was off route or I was near the front!!

As I left the avenue of sodden trees to the north of Hill of Alyth, there was a woman with child holding open a gate for me. "Keep going!" she said. I was also sure I heard her say "You're in 3rd". Oh my God...this is amazing!!!! Surely I can't be in 3rd?? (I was actually in 5th). The climb onto Hill of Alyth was fun as it wove a way through the gorse and wet grass. At every junction was a black arrow on white background, with longer sections marked with canes and red/white tape.

The mist was thickening at this higher altitude and visibility poor. I reached a path junction. The sign was pointing straight between the two forks. What I didn't notice was the sign was on the RHS of the path and with experience, this would have indicated to take the right fork. But my mind decided to go left as this way was to higher ground; I knew we had to pass a triangulation pillar so assumed we should still be climbing. It was the wrong way.

After 200m I realised my error and diverted to get back to the route. Unfortunately an area of gorse lay in front of me and I frantically battled for 150m through it until stumbling back onto the path. My legs were in tatters and I had splinters in my hands. A look down the path revealed my chaser closing fast. I had lost a lot of distance so set off at a canter to get away from him, but he gave as good as I could and kept on my heels all the way to the trig.

The descent from the summit to the first gate was harum-scarum, a fantastic wild run down grassy tracks. I held the gate open for him which was galling. Onto a vehicle track now thundering down towards Alyth. A final metal gate, now I had a decent gap and then onto tarmac, feet slapping on the wet road. At this point my chaser caught me and flew past, he was on a mission and there was nothing I could do to challenge it.

I let him go and just continued at my best pace, thanking each of the marshalls as we turned a few corners into the village, over the footbridge and sprint to finish where a brass band was mid blow.

I shook hands with my chaser - Connor Boylam and was happy to see only a handful of other finishers through. I assumed I was top 10 but only found out 3days later when the results were published.

Great race, really enjoyed it despite the conditions, or maybe because of the conditions! But I was frustrated to have made that error on Hill of Alyth. I think I lost about one minute, so would have come in 5th.

6 / 71 01:33:12

Relive 'Cateran Trail Race (mud)'

       

Balerno Rigg Race

I first heard of this race from Kevin Gemson's Strava feed and also knew of it via Craig Stewart who as a member of the local running club (Harmeny) seemed to be part of the organisers. The race being on a Monday evening meant that it would clash with any training plan as Sunday's are usually big days and Monday a rest, but with some juggling it was doable.

I headed up to Balerno arriving at 18:30 and parked outside the entrance to the school on the main road. There were already a few cars in the same spot. I walked along to the entrance to the Rugby ground Malleny Park and followed signs into the clubhouse to pick up my number. A chap I was following along the road was warmly greeted by one of the marshalls. It seemed the chap had run at the London Marathon, in 2h25min which was incredible.

I returned to the car to tog-up and take on some last minute water. A few runners trotted past on their warm-ups. Eventually it was time to head along to the start and I made sure to run a wee bit. Round the back of the clubhouse were the rugby pitches with plenty of club runners warming up. I headed to the start line when told, and lined up perhaps 30 places back. Lots of club vests and groups of friends.

There was a short briefing before a minute's wait for the hooter that would be blown by this year's Gala Queen. Then we were off for the long two mile uphill towards Threipmuir. I found the climb easier than expected and managed to settle in a steady group.

Powering up the hill - ahem. 

Turning right, the ground levelled off and the road was almost straight for a mile or so. Passing the water station just before 3miles, I ignored the cups and set my mind on catching the female in front. Slowly I gained on her until almost on her heels at the turn back towards Balerno. I posed for the camera at the turn.

About to catch Morag McClelland (maybe)

Who's the nobber in the new vest?

But the turn heralded the start of the descent back to Balerno and the female switched up a gear, very quickly disappearing into the distance. I tried hard to chase, and on the downhill it was fantastic running. I passed the 4mile marker and my watch beeped to tell me I'd just broken my mile record - 6mins1second!

I couldn't keep up that pace though and started to struggle on the flatter sections of the return to town. Thankfully there was good support on the pavements and I kept it going. More downhill into Johnsburn Road and finally a wee chicane into Malleny Park for a sprint finish.

I was fairly spent, but happy to see only a small group of 24 over the line ahead of me, mostly club runners. I gratefully took my goody bag and devoured the water therein. What a haul in that bag for such a wee race - very impressive.

Results were posted within a few hours, maybe even that evening. Photos the following day.

25 / 188 00:39:46

Saltire Trail Race 2019

In the Spring I started to plan out my races for the first half of the year and trawled all the usual sites like the Scottish Running Guide, Entry Central, SiEntries, Scottish Hill Racing and came across a few interesting looking events. One of them on the SRG was the 'Saltire Trail Race' advertised as an inaugural event to raise funds for the Athelstaneford Village Hall. The race information was fairly limited, and the entry system was via 'EventBrite' which I'd not used before. 

It was reasonably cheap at £11.25, but I knew a 10km trail race in East Lothian had to be good fun so quickly signed up. As the day approached, I got the usual email from the organiser explaining race timings and parking details. Crucially it was missing any form of route information. It did suggest the route was linked from their Facebook page, but I couldn't find it. Even a vague route description would have been good. 

Anyway, race day arrived with fine weather. Perhaps 12C and a light easterly breeze coming in off the North Sea welcomed me as I drove into the village. Cloudless skies. I followed the marshall's direction into a field to park in a line with the other racers near the start. An old steam-roller marked the actual start-line. 

The start-line steamroller - the whistle would launch all races

I trooped back along the road into the village to the grass in front of the Village Hall where the "Summer Fair" was just starting up. The Polis and Fire Brigade had turned up in their vehicles to spread the word. Bouncy Castle, Coconut Shy, Book stalls, Tombola, all the usual gubbins. Under a tree was a table with two seated administrators giving out the race numbers. I joined the queue and quickly started chatting to a fellow in front of me wearing a Glen Lyon Ultra 2019 shirt. I knew this race had been the weekend before, and was one I'd considered entering. Ian Burdett was a friendly chap and soon enough we'd established that he was the one who had led Roger Peppiette astray at the final Fox Trail race in March!! Even funnier was the fact that Emma Peveril was one of the administrators to give out our numbers - she had got 1st lady at that Fox Trail race, due to not following Ian.

I went back to the car to eat my lunch and gear up. I watched the 2km and then the 5km race start before taking my place. I soon realised there was a small field of runners, no-one seemed to want to actually stand on the start line, they all stood back. Not me. 

But then there was a delay; a pair were late, still coming up from the village. I decided to do some warming up on my own away from the start. Eventually it was time to go and the steamroller blew its whistle. Off we went along the side of the field, taking care not to stumble into tractor ruts. 

Within 200metres I found myself in fourth place and ran at a pace I was just about able to maintain. The route followed field boundaries for the most part, and only the odd road or track section. On a downhill, I managed to pass the 3rd place chap and stayed in the position until we reached the only water station at 5km. The leader was gone - he was stretching away into the distance. 2nd place stopped at the water station, so I and my follower in 4th took the opportunity to overtake. 

4th place chap very quickly overtook me on one of the ascents and he looked to be chasing down the leader. I was settled in 3rd. The course undulated round various field edges, not great ground but just about runnable. On some steeper ascents I resorted to walking as I was spent and soon enough got overtaken by 4th, and then 5th - Ian Burdett. 

We entered a forest where the trail disappeared and we were following rabbit runs through some thick gorse onto Kilduff Hill. I made sure to smile at the photographer.

Then there was a fast descent back to the fields and more solid ground. I had managed to consolidate my position in 5th and looking over my shoulder at the final turn realised I was safe.

I came in 5th out of 66 and the steamroller peeped its whistle as each runner crossed the rope.

Brilliant race. 00:48:16

Balmoral 15 mile Trail Race 2019

I had enjoyed myself so much at the 2018 event of this race, that I knew I had to return. Fortunately, it didn't disappoint. Once again, the weather was perfect with dry, bright conditions at around 13 degrees at the start line.

This year, I was slightly later arriving in Balmoral than before and was directed to the upper car park, a bit closer to the Castle. I ate my lunch in the car listening to Radio Four and putting my gear on and at 12:35 began to stroll towards the race area. I used the toilet at the visitor centre and wandered round to the start. I positioned myself well back from the front runners again, thinking that like last year I'd used the psychological boost of overtaking the slower runners to spur me on.

The starting hooter went, and we traipsed through the start arch. I moved to the grassy verge and began my overtaking which went well for the first mile or so, but quite quickly slowed down. Either I was being slow, or the runners ahead of me were faster.

The trail moves from tarmac to trail and soon passes a water station after 5k where I dumped my gum and stopped to drink. One of the good things about this race is they use half-filled paper cups. This means you can gulp quickly, and not feel too guilty about dumping the cup, although there are bins.

Onto the woodland path and now I started to struggle, losing some places as I tried to stabilise my pace. At the top of the climb at 10km, I actually stopped to walk and eat a gel. At the same time, a group of five talk/runners overtook me. I couldn't let them go and quickly chased after them on the downhill and settled on their heels, trying hard to remain.

On the climb up to 15k, that group had dispersed with three of them ahead, but me and two others playing cat and mouse frequently overtaking each other. I was fast on the descent to the river, but had to walk on the ascents up to the final water station.

On the easy descent towards the sting-in-the-tail, I actually managed to gain a couple of places, but as per usual lost these on the hill climb where I resorted to walking as others plodded past. I managed to smile for the camera though!

The tumbling descent back to the tarmac was as fun as I'd remembered it but there was no chance of a sprint finish as I was completely spent. Some fella overtook me in the final 50m too.

I got a PB by 20seconds surprisingly, as in 2018 this was 2weeks before Copenhagen, so I ought to have been in top form. I was pleased!

01:53:17 107 / 965