Wednesday 26 December 2012

Boxing Day Run 2012


Nine runners for this year's Moorfoot Boxing Day Run up to the mast on Dunslair Heights, and good to welcome some new faces and some visitors.
The weather was as good as we could have expected - low cloud but technically not raining and there was next to no wind.
After making it to the mast, the run descended down to the Glentress Peel cafe where we met up with the Moorfoot Juniors who had been doing their own Boxing Day trail run.

Well done to all who made it out.....

Thursday 13 December 2012

Moorfoot Christmas Activities

Yes, December has arrived and the first early season snows. The Peebles leg of the Borders XC series is behind us, so time to have a quick think about Moorfoot activities over the Christmas period....

A Night in the Pub...
...well not actually all night, but various club members and associates meeting up in the Bridge Inn Peebles (aka 'the Trust') on Saturday 15-December at 8:00pm for a few beers and a blether, and possibly moving on to some other local hostelries over the course of the evening.
No lycra or singlets please....other than that no dress code....see you there.....

Boxing Day Runs....
Hopefully nothing to do with a dodgy turkey roast the day before....but the tradtional Moorfooters run up to the radio mast on Dunslair Heights. Approximately 7 miles and a big climb but run at a fairly slow speed and we will regroup at different points to keep everyone together, so dress for stop/start running.
Meet at the Gytes Sport Centre Peebles 0945 for a 1000 start - slight change this year in that we will descend into Glentress forest and get a hot drink and some cake at the Glentress Peel cafe (1130) on the way home.

Fancy getting out, but the mast run sounds a bit extreme ?

Meet us at the Glentress Peel cafe at 1130 and run back with the group along the new cycle path afterwards
...or simply meet up and enjoy the 'hot drink and cake' bit...

Key an eye on the blogger nearer the time for any last minute updates.....

Sunday 9 December 2012

Team Gold for Sarah with Ireland at Euro XC Champs

After her nightmare 2-day solo journey to Budapest and a late night arrival the day before the race Sarah McCormack collected a team gold with her Ireland team. Sarah (3rd from left) finished 36th and 5th of the Irish girls on the snowy 8km course in temperatures of -6C. Team-mate Fionulla Britton defended her title and the girls were tied with France but won on countback. Presentation clip here...
More to follow.

Saturday 8 December 2012

5 Medals at East XC Champs

The juniors amassed an impressive haul of 5 medals at the East District XC Champs at Cupar today. On a frozen solid rutted course of hay stubble and tractor tracks Selkirk based Zaynah Aziz took silver in the girls' U13 race over 3.2km and combined with Fiona Grant in 9th and Mairi Wallace in 12th to take team silver. Scout Adkin, after a tentative start over 5km, picked her way through the U20 field for bronze. Then the U17 men had a ding-dong race amongst themselves for 3rd, 4th and 5th over 6.4km, leading to a comfortable and thoroughly deserved team GOLD. Jacob Adkin turned a 7-8m advantage over Selkirk-based John McLean into a 7-8m deficit by going temporarily off-course with 1km to go and couldn't quite get back to John who just held on for the individual bronze. Jack Stanners wasn't far behind in 5th. There were also top-ten finishes for Kobe Stevens, 8th in the U15 boys' race, and Sophie Collins, 7th in the U17 women's race. (Photo LtoR: Lucas, Zaynah, John, Jack, Jacob, Scout)

Friday 7 December 2012

Watch Sarah Live at Euro XC Champs Sunday

..................if she gets there! Flight cancelled this morning (Friday) due to snow in Amsterdam. Then Budapest airport closed due to a fire in the control tower! Hopefully now flying via London Saturday. Senior women's race is 12.15pm Sunday (our time). BBC2 live coverage from 12noon or a live stream on the European Athletics Association website www.european-athletics.org
Ireland team fancied for a team medal. Go on the Moorfoot.........!


Tuesday 4 December 2012

Carnethy5 2013 - Entry Details....

New and improved entry process for 2013...read carefully if you are planning to enter this popular hill race in February....

Sunday 2 December 2012

Peebles BXC 2012

Junior Start - pic Alan MacDonald
Clear blue skys, wall to wall sunshine, snow covered park, a mixture of frozen and soft mud and a big hill - what's not to like for a winter cross country race.

Record fields* again, with ~220 seniors and ~80+ juniors on a picture postcard Haylodge Park. A slight course change in the Southpark fields to by pass a nailed closed gate, but pretty much the standard Peebles XC route.

Carnethy's Mike Reid was clear winner over the tricky four mile course in 26:30 with Carnethy's Charlotte Morgan home as first lady in 30:14

Well done too, to Moorfoots Russell (31:13) and Brian Hood (37:57)

Provisional results here..

A big thanks to all the marshalls and helpers both on the day and behind the scenes - it was a cold day for marshalling, but well appreciated by the runners and the series organisers.....

See you all at Paxton in January !

* - TBC...

More pics here and here...

Fancy a midweek hill run ?

Moorfoot Rhoda McPherson is looking for some running mates...

"Intending doing a reece for this [Feel the Burns] hill run on Wed 19th or Thur 20th Dec...any one interested in joining me ? Email Rhoda McPherson rhodamcphersonATbtinternet.com"

Monday 26 November 2012

Peebles BXC 2012/13 - Runner Information

Update 1-Dec 1630
 
Course marked out - icy in a few places, muddy in other places, but very runnable. Peebles had a light snow fall on Friday evening so crusty snow on top of frozen ground - hard frost forecast for Saturday night and then  a clear sunny day on Sunday - wrap up warm !!!
 
Please heed the parking advice below...see you on Sunday..... 

 
 
Details above of Moorfoot Runners hosted Peebles BXC leg on Sunday 2-December 2012.

A familiar course and the usual Peebles ingredients - plenty of mud, the 'heart-attack hill' at the 2.5 mile mark and plenty of cheery marshalls dotted around the course - looking forward to welcoming everyone to the race....

Car parking - please avoid a car park melt down and Sunday morning road rage incidents by considering parking in our plentiful town car parks and walking to the park - this may add 10 mins to your day but will help reduce everyone's stress levels and help the organisers focus on the race event - thanks you !

Juniors Contribute to Team Borders Success


The East District Cross-Country League moved on to Livingston on Saturday 24th for the second of three legs and there was a significant contribution from Moorfoot juniors in helping Team Borders again prove to be the leading force across the seven age-group races.

On a perfect if chilly day for cross-country running, the muddy underfoot conditions proved a tough test but one to which the Borders runners rose with vigour.  Leithenburn recruit Craig Angus showed good improvement to finish 7th and 3rd team counter in the U11 Boys race. Barring a non-return in the 3rd and final leg in January, Team Borders' incredible 93-point overall lead in the league is unassailable.

The U-11 Girls also took the team spoils with Beth Hobbs home 4th and 2nd counter and newcomer Molly Falconer, who ran steadily for 9th in only her second competitive cross-country race, giving a team total of 15 points and an 11-point winning margin. They too lead going into the 3rd leg, but their current 15 point cushion over Edinburgh will need some strong defending.

The young U-13 Boys team showed good improvement from leg 1. Euan Hood was 15th helping Team Borders to finish 3rd team on the day just ahead of Edinburgh.  With all of the team eligible again next year, they are doing well to lie 4th overall.  Selkirk based Zaynah Aziz produced an excellent individual win in the U-13 Girls race. Newcomer Fiona Grant had a tremendous first outing at this level to finish strongly for 11th with Mairi Wallace just behind in 13th – all 3 counters being Moorfoots and shaping up nicely for a medal challenge at the East District Champs in Cupar on 8 December when it’s back to club representation rather than Team Borders. The girls lie 2nd overall in the league with 61 points in what is a hotly contested age-group with Central leading on 52 points and Edinburgh close behind in 3rd on 64 points.

In the combined U-15 Girls/U-17 Women’s race it was heartening to see Sophie Collins show some signs of a return to being competitive at this level with her 21st place finish for Team Borders helping them to 3rd on the day behind two strong Edinburgh teams. Edinburgh A have an unassailable lead overall and the Team Borders girls will have to pull out all the stops in leg 3 if they are to make up the current 8-point deficit on Edinburgh B for the runners-up spot.

The strength of the Team Borders U15 Boys squad was demonstrated by their team win despite the absence of top performer Nathan Cox from Gala. Kobe Stevens showed good commitment to come home as first counter in 8th. But with Edinburgh’s team likely to be strengthened by the return of UK no.1 Josh Kerr for the 3rd leg, the 19-point overall cushion which Team Borders will enjoy going into that final race in January is by no means secure.

The U-17 Men’s squad is stronger still and they again dominated their team race with a trio of Moorfoot counters. Jacob Adkin ran a committed second lap of the 4 mile course to take 2nd place with Selkirk based training partners John McLean and Jack Stanners in 3rd and 5th, Jack perhaps suffering in the latter stages from setting the early pace. Their 63 point overall lead ahead of Edinburgh would appear to be at risk only from a non-return in the 3rd and final leg. With Lucas Cheskin backing them up in 18th, the boys look nailed on to medal at the East Champs at Cupar – but what colour this time after their team bronze last year in Aberdeen?

OTHER MOORFOOT RESULTS
U11 Boys:  28th Finlay Collins
U13 Girls:  34th Ailsa Innes
U15 Boys: 29th Ruairidh Britton; 32nd David Collins
U17/U15 Girls: 33rd Niamh Shaw (Moorfoot)

In the senior women’s race Scout Adkin, who had missed the previous week’s Scottish Students Championship with a minor calf strain, showed no signs of any hindrance to finish a commendable 10th overall and 1st U-20.

Sarah Hungary For Irish Success


Sarah McCormack took 3rd place in the Irish European Cross-Country trials just outside Dublin on Sunday and has been duly selected for what will be her biggest athletics test yet in the European Cross-Country Championships in Hungary on Sunday 9 December.


With defending European champion Fionulla Britton racing in France but guaranteed her place in the team, Sarah thought there were four more places up for grabs for the team of five in what promised to be a very competitive trial. However a further two of the top contenders for the team were absent from the start line and with only the first two in the trial guaranteed selection it was touch and go whether Sarah’s 3rd place finish would be enough to get the nod. In the end though, perhaps taking account of how competitive the team could be for a medal, the selectors announced a maximum team of six (5 to count) with Sarah’s name inked in for the trip to Budapest.

Countdown to Peebles BXC 2012 - Help Required

The Peebles leg of the Borders XC Series 2012/13 is on  Sunday 2-December in Haylodge Park.

As the host club, we have a number of duties to perform in the running of the race:
  • course marking
  • marshalling
  • start/finish time keeping
  • tidy up
We need about twelve volunteers on the day for a couple of hours, from approximately 1100 through ~1300

Please can you email me (Kenny Club Secretary) on kg.davidsonATbtinternet.com if you can spare a couple of hours to help out.

If you are planning to run in the race as a Moorfoot member, it would be appreciated if you can provide a substitute helper to assist on the day.

Regards....

Kenny

PS - wrap up warm - the Moorfoot BXC race usually heralds the first snow of the winter !!!

Saturday 24 November 2012

Feel The Burns Hill Run - new for 2013!!!

A new local hill race in January - sounds interesting.....
 
Sheila Cochran writes:
 
Saturday 19th January 2013 12 noon start
“Feel the Burns” is a 13.7 mile hill run not for the faint hearted!!!! Climbs will include Peat Law, Three Brethren, Brown Knowe and Foulshiel Hill.
It will take on a Burns Supper theme and a hot meal will await you at Selkirk Rugby Club.
Fancy it? I will get printable route to you all soon with entry form.
All profits will be in aid of Tweed Mountain Rescue who have supported our summer “Philiphaugh Hill Run”

Route map here...

Sunday 18 November 2012

Dunbar BXC 2012

Jacob Adkins leading the Moorfoot charge - photo Bob Marshall
A beautiful sunny November day (a chilly wind) and a massive field - both juniors (x95) and seniors (x224)  - descended on Dunbar's Whitesands course. The inevitable delays to the start due to long queues of new series entrants and some car parking challenges, but a big 'well done' to the two person registration team operating out of a small drivers side car window and the host club for keeping eveything under control...

The race - Hector Haimes (HBT) 24:51 finishing ahead of Carnethy's Mike Reid 25:10....but also some terrific performances from schoolboys John McLean of Selkirk (26:43 6th place), Moorfoot's very own Jacob Adkins (26:44 7th place) and Lucas Cheskin (29:10 37th)

Else where, more Moorfoots in action....Kenny (29:20 39th...), Russell Anderson (30:35 57th) back after a lengthy absense, Clive Adkins (32:59 110th), Brian Hood (36:31 160th), Mike Peasron (46.14 218th)

Onwards to Peebles in two weeks time (Sun 2-Dec) - if all the runners who have entered the series turn up it will be a bumper turn out - Moorfoot club members, we will need 'all hands' to help out.

Please see earlier blogger entry about making yourself available to help on the day - thanks....

Results here...



Saturday 17 November 2012

Tinto Hill Race 2012

Julia and I completed the Tinto Hill race last Saturday. Another large field of 260 runners. A bit of a mud bath going up the first section of track , conditions underfoot were much wetter than last year and times were down slightly. I made an effort to have a steadier than usual start which meant I felt marginally better on the final push to the summit cairn. I managed to keep Julia in my sights all the way up and nearly knocked her over in a slippery overtaking move coming down off the summit area. (I hope she has forgiven me!). We both finished with similar times to last year – 43:36 – 79th (myself) and 45:12 - 107th (Julia)
Apparently a few unregistered runners caused havoc with the reconciliation of numbers at the end! This is now a pre-entry only race.
Cheers
Eddie

Sunday 11 November 2012

Sarah 13th in IAAF Permit Race in Spain

Sarah McCormack finished an excellent 13th in the highest quality race of her career on Sunday at the Atapuerca Cross Country in Spain, the first of this winter's IAAF Series of International races. Up with the leaders early on, the injection of pace on lap 2 of 4 by World XC champion Linet Masai stretched the field  but Sarah kept on well and produced her usual fast finish to pick off 2 or 3 in the finishing straight, coming home in 26.41 for the 7.8km course. Her dip for the line wasn't quite enough to gain the verdict for 12th. Of her Irish team mates European XC champion Fionulla Britton was 4th in 25.48, Olympic marathon runner Ava Hutchinson was 9th in 26.28 and Kerry Harty was 19th in 27.23. Fingers crossed Sarah's performance and a good run in the Irish trials in 2 weeks time will gain her selection for the European XC Champs in Hungary on 8 December.

Saturday 10 November 2012

East District XC Champs

Info is now online on the SAL web calendar re the East District XC Champs at Cupar on Sat 8 December. Entries must be made by the club. If you have not already received an email from Gregor and you want to be entered please contact him on 01721 723370 with your DoB and SAL registration number no later than Wed 21st.

Thursday 8 November 2012

Lauder BXC 2012

A lone Moorfoot at this years Borders XC series in Lauder - Ian Munro....

Full results at link here....

Tuesday 30 October 2012

Lauder BXC Update

Please read the update below on the BXC website before Sunday's race at Lauder...if you can download the entry form and have it filled out in-advance, and the exact money for entry, you will speed the registration process.....thanks....
Note also that registration  is now in the park where the race starts (different regitsration venue from previous years)

http://www.bordersxc.com/2012/10/round-1-lauder-4th-november-2012.html

Monday 29 October 2012

Inside the Ultra

I ran in yesterday's ultra marathon. It was a good route, just very hard going across the fields and alongside the Tweed, the climb over the 3 Eildon was actually one of the easiest parts of the course. Route finding was my greatest challenge (I managed to run off course 5 times) the organisers had done a good job marking the route but there were a few junctions that were a little unclear and this coupled with failing brain power in the latter stages cost me dear. I moved into 4th position just after the 3rd of the Eildon summits but then missed the left turning just after Bowden and ended running past Bowden Kirk, after realising my error I retraced my steps and managed to re-take 4th place just after Maxton. Just as 4th place was looking assured I missed the right turning on an estate road just 4 miles outside of Jedburgh and then quickly got lost again turning left rather right through the woods (just for good measure I jumped across a stream and ran around in a big circle in a farmer's field which was no where near the route!). While all this was going on the 4th, 5th and 6th place runners over took me, meaning I ended up finishing 7th in 6hrs 20(something). Definitely an event I'd do again, I just might stick to the conventional route next year.

Cheers James


(Confessions of a mad man ? [Ed])

Sunday 28 October 2012

Jedburgh Festival of Running 2012

Colin at ~1K (photo Bob Marshall)
Tenth anniversary event this year and a record turn out for 10K and Half Marathon, plus a new Ultra Distance event - Moorfoot participation in all three !

10K
OK, the short one, but a lumpy course and the inevitable westerly wind after the half way turn makes for a tough race.

Mike McGovern (39:11) was first Moorfoot home, on his comeback race after a period of injury. Hot on his heels was Kenny (39:21) - pleased with that; well paced and gained a good number of places on the second 5K.

Well done also to Peebles' Corrine McGovern (53:56), Graham Foreman (53:26) and Peebles High School teacher Caroline Wallace (42:19) who took 3rd place in the Ladies race.

Half Marathon
The 'original' Jedburgh Running Festival race - same course as 10K at the start before extending out to Eckford for the turn and the torturous return into the wind.

Darin was first Moorfoot home (1:19:30) and this impressive time was good enough for 2nd Vet40.
Colins was next (1:25:31) in what looked like a good tussle with Innerleithen's Craig Rendle (1:25:14). Andy Cox's hot early pace looked like it 'cooled' too soon, but 1:28:52 was still a very good time. Paul Nichol (1:39:23) showed that his recent Marathon has not slowed him down, and it was good to see Watt Barrie (1:44:12) back in action again...

A mention too for a few of my neighbours - a good turn out from Edderston Road and the nearby streets...

Neil Turner 1:50:53, Sheena Turner 1:54:53, Martin Holt 1:37:20, Iona Minto 2:04:34

Ultra
The big one - 38 miles, including the Three Peaks of the Eildons (yes, you run almost to Melrose and up the hill before heading back to Jedburgh....) ...yikes !!

Results still coming in - winning time was 5:34....Innerleithen's Izzy Knox was first lady in 6:46
Possible Moorfoot time to capture in  here.....

*Update* - James Britton 7th place in 6:26

All results available here....

Club Entry for Virgin London Marathon 2013

The Moorfoot Runners' club have applied for club places at next years (2013) Virgin London Marathon - we have been allocated one entry.

This entry is available to Moorfoot members under the following conditions:

  • Must be paid up Moorfoot Runners member in 2012
  • Priorty will go to those who have applied in the ballot for 2013 places and have had a rejection letter
  • In the case of multiple requests from paid up members with rejection letters, we will draw a name out of a hat
  • In the case of no one having a rejection letter but still multiple interest, we will draw a name out of a hat
  • In the event that the lucky winner then pulls out of the event in advance, they must return the place to the club for reallocation

  • Please inform me (Moorfoot Club Secretary kg.davidsonATbtinternet.com) of your interest in this club place by Friday 9-November - if we have multiple interest, we will draw a name out of a hat at a committee meeting and inform the lucky winner.

    Monday 22 October 2012

    Juniors to the Fore for Team Borders

    A muddy Stirling Uni was the venue for the 1st of 3 East District Cross-Country League races on Saturday and a good representation of Moorfoot juniors helped Team Borders to 4 age-group team wins out 7.

    In the U11 races (1600m), new member (on the day!) Craig Angus from the Leithenburn running school was 8th boy and Beth Hobbs 4th girl, the girls sneaking a 1-point team win over Edinburgh but the boys romping home by 32 points from Aberdeen thanks to 1st and 3rd places from the Gala runners.

    Selkirk based Moorfoot Zaynah Aziz was 2nd in the U13 girls race over 2,800m, backed up by good running from Mairi Wallace in 10th. Kazya Stevens was a bit off form in 34th and Ailsa Innes unfortunately DNF'd with her off/on knee pain but Team Borders still secured 2nd team. The Boys' U13 team comprised lads who were all stepping up from U11 so did well to finish 4th team, helped by Euan Hood's solid run for 17th.

    Recent recruit Charlotte Barber ran a well-paced race over 3,200m for 15th in the combined U15/U17 Girls race (8th U15) but Niamh Shaw was hit with a bad stitch. She did well to battle on bravely for 27th and will improve on that. Their team was 3rd. Kobe "The Cube" Stevens finished strongly for 10th in a hot U15 boys race helping Team Borders to another team win. Ruairidh Britton was also 27th.

    Finally it was a resounding 18-point win for the U17 Men in their 6,000m race courtesy of Selkirk based Moorfoots John McLean and Jack Stanners in 1st and 3rd with Jacob Adkin continuing his good form to come home in 6th.

    With the composite Team Borders only contesting the age-group races, Scout Adkin was the sole Moorfoot in the senior/U20 race in which she ran strongly to finish 2nd junior and 9th overall.

    Thursday 18 October 2012

    Scottish Hill Runners - end of season 'doo'

    SHR is having its prize giving and annual doo on Saturday 3rd November in Aberfoyle (two weeks time!!!). More details at


    http://www.shr.uk.com/NewsItems.aspx?NewsItemID=1313

    The cost is £20 a head for dinner and ceilidh with B&B available in the village.
    Contact Angela for further details - angela.mudge@btinternet.com

    Tuesday 16 October 2012

    New Moorfoot at the Liverpool Marathon

    Liverpool Marathon 2012


    As a new member of Moorfoots I ran the Liverpool marathon on Sunday 14th October. I had run my first marathon just 6 weeks before (the Moray Marathon) and had enjoyed it so much I thought I would try a big city event! Liverpool is my home city and so a visit to my parents combined with a race seemed like to good a chance to miss.

    The weather was glorious and the setting superb – 12 miles on the Wirral side of the Mersey, much of it running along the coast looking across to the skyline of Liverpool, then a run through the Mersey tunnel (a strange experience!) and another 12 miles or so in Liverpool. The crowds were fantastic and their support was especially needed as we climbed for a mile up Upper Parliament Hill on mile 18 towards Toxteth and Sefton Park.

    I came home in 3:39:04 – exactly 5 minutes slower than my debut run 6 weeks previously, but more than happy with 2 sub 3:40 runs in my first 2 marathons. Gave the brand new Moorfoots vest its first outing (see photo) and had several shouts of ‘Go Moorfoots!’ on the way round!

    Look forward to joining in some Moorfoots events in 2013.

    Barry Hughes...

    Moorfoots at the Pentland Skline

    A record field of runners for the Pentland Sykline on Sunday (250). Myself and Julia were the only Moorfoot entries (Michael Reid was wearing a Carnethy vest!).


    A very slow frustrating start (unless you were at the front) with much jostling for position on the initial steep climb above Hill End ski centre. The field gradually spread out as each hill took its toll.

    Conditions underfoot were extremely wet with a couple of runners dissapearing into the bog infront of me, there were some thigh deep river/swamp crossings to negotiate on the return leg which freshened the legs up.

    I managed to stay ahead of Julia until about 3 miles from the finish when I completely died and really struggled to finish. Not sure what happened - tight chest and feeling dizzy. Julia was also not on top form with a cold, she did have the excuse of running the Manor Water Hill race the day before.! So not very impressive times Julia - 3:44, myself 4:06. Mike Reid was up at the sharp end in 8th position with a time of 2:46.



    regards

    Eddie

    Monday 15 October 2012

    Moorfoots at the Kielder Marathon

    A cold but sunny Sunday morning was the Kielder Marathon. It's promoted as Britain's most beautiful sporting event and you can see why.


    I thought that I was the only Moorfoot but met Watt from Yarrow. I said I would give him a name check on the blog.

    The course is all off road except bits of tarmac path and where you cross the dam.

    The bit which gets you if you have never done it before is the surprise climbs and descents which in some cases are very steep. Really takes is out the legs and strategic walking is recommended.

    Managed 1.55 to the turn but waned in the second half and finished in 4.20. I'm told to add 10% on to a normal road race so I am putting that down as a 3.55.

    Would recommend this a team event for next year as this is right up our street but might be too early after the 2 breweries. Will almost certainly do it again next year but will need to spend more time on the hills and in Glentress.

    --

    J. Paul Nichol

    Thursday 27 September 2012

    Tuesday Evening Group Runs Resume 2 October


    Tuesday night "winter" group runs will resume in Peebles at 6.30pm on Tuesday 2 October. These are very informal and not restricted just to the juniors. Everyone is welcome. Indeed it's good to have some mums and dads or seniors to  run "shotgun". (However parents of U-16s should note that this can’t be guaranteed.)  
    It's as safe an evening route as you will find - up Springhill Road, round behind Spar, through Victoria Park and back along Kingsmeadows Road to start the loop again (i.e. no roads to cross). There aren’t too many driveways but you do need to stay alert to the possibility of cars coming out of driveways. Also, take care not to send pedestrians flying when you run round corners! If you need to pass someone, either a pedestrian or another runner, choose a good time and place so it is safe (for both you and them). It doesn’t matter if you are slowed down for a few seconds. Don’t run in too tight a bunch. Watch your step until you get to know the route. Take care on the bumpy pavement by the tennis courts. Take it easy when you turn left at Spar which is a blind corner. The pedestrian path into the park is steep and you should avoid running too fast downhill on such a hard surface. (You can use this downhill section to ease off for a wee breather, then pick up the pace again when you are back on the level.) Take care at the steps out of the park at Priorsford Bridge. There are also a few places on the loop where the pavement/path is a little bit uneven. Take extra care if it is icy and don’t run if it is too slippy. As you will be running on a hard “road” surface for quite a long way, good running trainers should be worn, not casual or fashion trainers.
    We will aim over a few weeks to build up the distance covered at a fairly easy pace, then we start to vary the pace a bit, then look for a harder more sustained pace. We have a real mix of ability and speeds, but it is about everyone doing what is right for them, whether that is a fairly easy 3 laps (c. 2.25 miles) for the younger ones (or older mums/dads!) or 8 hard laps for the more experienced runners. 
    See you Tuesday at Kingsmeadows car park - ready to run when the Parish church chimes 6.30pm i.e. be warmed up before then. Although it won't be dark when we start, it will be getting gloomy towards the end so wear something light in colour and preferably something high vis. 




    Sunday 23 September 2012

    The Two Breweries 2012

    Cool dry and sunny conditions for this years Two Breweries Race  -soft underfoot conditions though due to some very wet conditions through the week.

    A good showing of Moorfoots - Mike Reid leading the charge (3:07), taking some twelve mins off his previous best time, followed by James (3:16), Andy Cox (3:32), Colin (3:37), Julia (3:42) and Chris Blackwood (4:15)

    Results still to be published but should be available here soon.....
    Thanks to Ian Nimmo for the photos taken at the top of Trahenna, just prior to the final ridge run, descent and run along the road to the finish....



    Scotland Vests for Scout and Jacob



    Scout and Jacob Adkin were both in action for Scotland at the hill running Home International at Melmerby near Penrith on Saturday.

    Jacob, in his first international race (he was selected in June for the WMRA International but could not attend due to a clash with the PHS battlefields trip) had a stormer to finish 6th and first Scot over the 4.3km uphill only Under-16 course. He had finished 3rd in the Scotland trial but was finishing strongest that day and he duly turned the tables this time, again closing in on those ahead towards the finish at the top of Hartside.

    Scout, an experienced international at junior level for Scotland and GB, was earning her first senior vest having only just turned 19. She too had an excellent run over the 10km uphill course, finishing strongly after a sensibly steady start to come home 12th overall and 3rd of the 5-strong Scotland team. A couple of firsts for Scout - she actually overtook someone on a downhill section across the undulating ridge to Hartside and she also won a sprint to the line!!! :-)

    Full results here http://www.ukresults.net/2012/uphill.html

    Saturday 22 September 2012

    Date Change to BXC 2012/13 Opener at Lauder

    Was Sunday 28-October, which clashed with Jedburgh Festival of Running....

    ...now moved to Sunday 4-November (Lauder, including registration for full series)

    More details at http://www.bordersxc.com/

    Now you can run both !!!

    Culter Fell Horseshoe Race 2012

    Eddie on Culter Fell
    Two , Eddie and Russell at the reinstatment of the Culter Fell Horseshoe Race.

    Good runs by both - Russell 11th in 2:37 and Eddie 21st in 2:52 - 53 finishers - over the tough 18Km course with almost 1500m of climbing.

    Full results here..

    Sunday 16 September 2012

    Sarah and Scout in Scottish 10k Road Race Championship Wins

    Flash news from the Stirling 10k this morning which comprised the Scottish 10k Road Race Championship is that Sarah McCormack took the senior women's title in an unofficial 33 mins 33 seconds and Scout Adkin took the junior women's title in 38.43. Double gold for Moorfoots!

    Saturday 8 September 2012

    Paul at the Great Scottish Run

    Paul does the Mobot
    I think that I was the only Moorfoot there although as usual there was good representation from Peebles.
     
    Weather was perfect. Dry and warm but not too warm. Managed a 1/2 marathon PB (1.38.19) and over 5 minutes better than last year. Must be the new training regime and diet.
     
    The photo is of the Peebles crew doing the Mobot in George Sq after the race. Couldn't miss an Olympic moment.
     
    Next race is Kielder marathon on the 7th Oct. If anyone else is going and want to share a lift email me at jpanichol@gmail.com

    Paul..

    Wednesday 5 September 2012

    BXC 2012/13 - Dates now confirmed

    See link to BXC news page below:

    http://www.bordersxc.com/

    All kicks off at Lauder on 28-Oct (clash with Jedburgh HM and 10K !!) ; Peebles leg on 2-December !!

    SPORT KELSO Two Bridges Race

    SPORT KELSO Two Bridges Race - ~5K multi terrain

    Local race at Kelso this weekend (Sunday 9th September 2012 at 1.00 pm )

    Registration from 11.30 am  at Shedden Park, Kelso; entry on the day

    More details from:

    yfit@aol.com 07805 034932

    Details of last years race (results and times) here....

    If you are going, please also get in touch with last years ladies race winner Scout Adkins (01721 729651) - she has a trophy she is looking for someone to return for her (she cannot make this years race...)

    Tuesday 4 September 2012

    Sarah at World Mountain Running Championships

    Gregor has texted in a quick update....

    "Sarah was 15th at World Mountain Running Champs today - brilliant ! Beat Wilkinson, Robinson and Clayton from GB. Results at WMRA website...

    Also, at Scottish Home International Trials at Menstrie - Scout 3rd in Ladies, Jacob 3rd in U16 Boys and Lucas 7th in U16 Boys
    Puts Scout and Jacob in reconning for International call up at end of September..."

    Results here...

    Wednesday 29 August 2012

    Return of the Culter Fell Hill Race

    Thanks to Eddie Balfour for bringing this to our attention...

    Culter Fell race - it is running on Sat 15th Sept 12am - from Crook Inn Tweedsmuir. It is on the SHR website but has not been that well advertised.


    It has not been run since the Crook Inn shutdown and the funds from race will go towards the Save Crook Inn campaign

    It is a great route heading into the head of Glenholm valley - up Chapelgill race route and then over Culter Fell.

    I will be going if anyone else wants a lift.
    Cheers

    Eddie

    Details at Scottish Hill Running website

    Monday 27 August 2012

    Badingsgill Hill Race

    I took part this morning in the first running of a new hill race in the Pentlands - a horseshoe route of the hills around Baddingsgill Reservoir above West Linton. It's a hilly but mostly runnable course if you don't mind running over rough boggy and heathery ground. A couple of dozen runners took part, most from the organiser, Nick Brown's club, Corstorphine. Being the first running and something of a trial, he kept it low key but plans to put it on the SHR calendar next year. There's more info about the race here: http://www.caac.org.uk/Baddinsgill_Round#comment-form


    If value for money races interest you, this one tops the lot. Cost: zilch. And for that you got a marshalled race with free banana and bottle of water at the finish, plus beer prizes awarded at the Gordon Arms afterwards.

    It was a nice route, wet underfoot (where isn't, this summer) with great views and fast finish down a grassy ridge. Scope for navigational errors (maybe not a race for you, Mike McG!), in fact Fergus Johnson of Gala Harriers was well in the lead until he took the wrong route off the second last hill and blew his lead.

    I finished about ninth, in just under two hours, which I was quite happy with since it was my first race since Easter.
    Cheers. Russell

    Moorfoots at Teviotdale 10K - 2012

    Four years since I last did this race - in fact it was my first race in the Moorfoot colours after moving back to Peebles. Recent recovery from sprained ankle and a persistant summer cough had my expectations set to 'just get round the course', so dipping below 40 mins (39:30) was a pleasant surprise....
    (must get back to churning out 1Km/1mile reps....)

    Good runs too from Scout (39:25 - not enough hills!); Mick's 44mins involved hobbling in from 6Km with a calf injury (but he would have settled for this time before the start!). A surprise appearance by Mike Pearson (1:02) made up the Moorfoot attendance....

    Good wee race over the two lap course - number of finishers ~70, no doubt affected slightly by the new 13K race at Melrose...

    Regards...

    Kenny

    Saturday 25 August 2012

    Sarah warms-up for World Champs with another track victory

    Some useful "speedwork" for Sarah McCormack on Saturday evening in the 5000m at the British Milers' Club Grand Prix Final at Bedford as she prepares for the World Mountain Running Champs in Italy on 2 September. A 30sec PB in 15.49 and some good scalps in the process. Athleticos tweets tell the tale -

    - 9:32.7 at 3000 metres is splitting them up. Brown still pacing with Walker on her shoulder. Hieblinger-Schultz second.
    - Potter has been gapped, but McCormack goes past the Austrian to take second-place. She is on for a personal best.
    - McCormack really going nicely in second, just four or five metres behind Walker. A best of 16:39 as recently as 2011.(GN correction - 16.19 in winning Scottish 5000m June 2012.)
    - 12:44.8 at 4000 metres for Brown, who is pacing very well. Walker still there and on for 15:56 at the moment.
    McCormack just about onto Brown and Walker now. Hieblinger-Schultz still ahead of Potter.
    Great race on now. Walker and McCormack head-to-head with one lap to go. 14:39.13 at the bell.
    A second wind from McCormack with 200 metres to go!
    15:49.02 for McCormack! Enormous improvement from the Lancaster University student. 50sec improvement over two years.
    McCormack provided a tremendous sprint-finish, akin to her effort in the 10,000m at BUCS in May, where she beat Jess Coulson.

    VIDEO link now available here  
    http://www.athleticos.org/coverage/249685-2012-BMC-Grand-Prix-Final-Bedford/video/654536-5000m-A-women

    Friday 24 August 2012

    Fancy Helping Coach the Juniors?

    At the recent Committee meeting, interest was shown by Tom Hobbs and Mike McGovern in obtaining a coaching qualification with a view to helping coach the juniors. This followed last Tuesday's junior session when there were 23 juniors present but with different competitions coming up I was trying to oversee 5 different running sessions!

    Help is mostly needed April to the end of August on the Tuesday "club" night 6.30-7.30pm. Interest need not be restricted to coaching running. The coaching assistant course is the first rung on the coach qualification ladder and it is a generic course. Once we get the new facilities at the High School, Linda intends to resume sprints/jumps coaching and there would certainly be openings for someone to help with these disciplines or to take throws, possibly even progressing to specialise in any of these disciplines.


    See the links below for details of SAL coaching assistant courses and also the Borders coach scholarship scheme which should mean a fair bit, possibly all the cost being refunded. As agreed at the meeting, if the course fee was not 100% refunded, the club would pick up the rest so you were not out of pocket.


    Options for courses, which unfortunately are over 2 days, are 29/30 Sept at Livingston, 17/18 Nov at Carluke, or 1/2 Dec at Grangemouth.

    Give me a buzz if you are interested or want to discuss.

    Gregor (Tel: 01721 723370)


    Monday 20 August 2012

    BBQ and Handicap Race Results

    Thanks to all who supported the Moorfoot BBQ...

    The weather let us down a bit for the handicap race, but the shortened course 2-person trail relay went down well, with Brian and Clive taking top spot in a closely fought battle; well done to all runners though (and spectators) for braving it through the torrential down pour.

    The facilities at Glentress Peel were spot on for a summer BBQ in unpredictable weather - the sitting out area being ideal during the rain on what was still a warm muggy day.

    Top marks to the Glentress Peel cafe and their staff for the food and service....and a final thank you to Mike McG for the organisation.

    Friday 17 August 2012

    Team Adkin at Turnhouse (plus Julia, obvi)

    The re-arranged Turnhouse hill race took place at Flotterstone on Wed 15th and there was a tremendous 3rd place finish in 28.21 for Jacob Adkin (16), beating Fergus Johnston (Gala) into 4th by 34s. He was only headed by Murray Strain and Don Naylor. (Sorry to rub it in Sarah, but his time was also 29s faster than your female course record from last year!)

    Big sis Scout was first female in 31.17, close to 1 min faster than last time, and Julia was narrowly beaten into 3rd in 35.08.

    Moorfoot BBQ - Sunday 19-August



    *** Update 17-Aug ***
    Meet at Glentress Peel Cafe at 4:30pm for the handicap race - this is planned to be a relay race (teams of three  1 adult, 1 youth, 1 wee person) over a course of less than 1 mile); we'll head up from the cafe towards the eastern side of the lochs away from the bikes, cars and general forest traffic and run the race here, before returning to the cafe for 5:30pm and the BBQ.

    The showers at the Glentress Peel are open until  6:00pm, so you can refresh before eating if you want...

    Pay at the door - Adults £6, Children £4, Families (2 adults, 2+ children) £20

    See you on Sunday....

    *** Update - online poll now activated - please click on this link and tell us the individuals who are planning to attend the BBQ, such that we can plan numbers. ***

    A date for your diaries - Sunday 19-August-2012 - Moorfoot Runners Barbeque and Handicap Trail Race.

    Mike 'Club President' McGovern is organising a club BBQ at the Glentress Peel - rough plan at the moment is:

    • Handicap trail race for juniors (Jacob - your handicap is slashed !!) and seniors (probably around 4:30pm)
    • BBQ and drinks from around 5:30pm
    • The club will be subsidising this event , but we will expect some element of contribution from members - prices and ticketing to be finalised
    • We will need to get some advance commitment for numbers - more details to follow soon from Mike....
    Weather forecast for the day is apparently 'BBQ weather'.....

    Monday 13 August 2012

    Philliphaugh Hill Race 2012

    Another win for Gala Harrier's Fergus Johnston in this community hosted event run out of Selkirk Rugby Club. A warm sunny day and enough good weather in the last week to have dried out most of the trail up to and back from the Three Brethren Cairns at the top of the 7 mile course.

    Good runs from Andy Cox (50:22, 5th) and Colin Williams (52:21, 6th); Julia's 55:52 just missing out on first Female (and too young to get the FV prize...)

    It was my first competative running outing since Easter - good up to the Cairns but a tumble on the descent resulted in a hobble home (57:05 12th) and a swollen ankle which is currently being iced.

    Mention too for young Beth Hobbs who completed the 4 mile 'fun' course in 31mins....

    Kenny.....

    Friday 3 August 2012

    Run with Sarah - Thursday 9th


    Ahead of the World Mountain Running Champs in Italy on 2 September, Sarah McCormack is looking for partners to run with her, or act as hares, even just part of the way, in a “trial” on Cademuir on the evening of Thursday 9th August.

    She will run to try and replicate the start of the uphill only course in Italy – a flat run c.1.25km, a short steep climb of about 400m, then a gradual up/down slope of c.2km before the real climb kicks in, for a total course of 8.8km. The plan is:
    6.30pm park at the bottom of the forest road to the Cademuir car park (up Bonnington Road and c. 500m beyond the national speed limit signs). Easy trot along the road, heading away from Peebles, to the Crookston Farm road. Complete warm-up there.
    6.45pm “race start” at Crookston Farm road, heading away from Peebles. Stay on the road until 300m beyond the cattle grid. Bear right onto hillside. Steep slope up (half a “hell rep” run hard) then turn right onto the John Buchan Way (ie heading back towards Peebles). Stay on the John Buchan Way for c. 1.5km. About turn at the signpost just before the drop down to the telegraph poles and retrace steps on the JB Way to the “saddle” between the two summits. Bear left up the steep path to the eastern summit and continue heading back to Peebles over the undulating top then down towards Tanta (Sarah will not be running hard downhill). About turn at the gate into Morning Hill field, then run the JB Way all the way to the main (western) summit of Cademuir. Finish on the top. Easy trot back down.

    The route provides plenty options for others to dip in and out, turn earlier, or just run either the first half or the second half to/from Morning Hill if you don’t want to (or can’t!) run the full route with Sarah. With a 6.45pm start she reckons she will be at the Morning Hill gate by about 7.10pm. You can call her on 07903 353459 to discuss or confirm your participation and what part.

    Tuesday 10 July 2012

    Moorfoot Social Run to the Top of the Moorfoots - Sunday 15 July

    hi - please let me know if you are coming as I only have 1 definite. Cheers


    I am planning to take a social run from Innerleithen up to Windlestraw Law, which at 659m is the highest point in the Moorfoot Hills. Meet at the Cuddy bridge behind our house, 52 Leithen Road, at 10am on Sunday morning if you are interested.
    This date clashes with the Kelso 10k so let me know if lots of people are planning to do this as if they are I can move it.
    It is quite a long run 16km there and back and about 700m ascent so I would expect 2 -2.5 hours for a social relaxed pace run. Depending on the turn out we could split into two groups - with a more relaxed pace or shorter route and a faster group if some people want to have a bit of blast. Either way it will be good training for the Lee Pen race at St Ronans Games the week later.

    Tea and cakes will be laid on at our house afterwards. Please let me know if you are thinking of coming so I can get enough cakes!

    Colin

    email - (replace at with @) colin.m.williams (at) talk21.com




    Saturday 7 July 2012

    Sarah 8th at Euro Mountain Running Champs

    No feedback from Sarah McCormack from Turkey yet (her own blog to follow) but the official results are here http://www.denizli-pamukkale2012.org/2nd_language/index.html  A fantastic top ten finish and only 1s off 7th. A great improvement on last year. She was comfortably ahead of the 3rd counter in the GB team which took team gold. Looks like she was 7th at the top of the first lap ascent, picked up on the descent to 5th, was 8th at the top of lap 2 and after the lap 2 descent, and only just failed to get 7th on the run-in. She finished in 40.55 only 1.01 behind the winner.
    Some consolation for Scout who only just missed out on the GB U20 team was that the GB U20 girls also took team gold with 1st, 4th and 6th demonstrating that the GB trial was a top-notch race.
    Short video from EAA on this link with a couple of quick shots of Sarah in the green of Ireland (No. 75). You might need to use your pause button though!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PCVvLk8H94&feature=BFa&list=PL04826EAA64027872
    Also lots of photos here
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/24280411@N06/sets/72157630471240542/show/


    Saturday 23 June 2012

    Sarah's Euro trial run Tuesday cancelled

    Sorry if you read the earlier blog and had planned to run with Sarah Tuesday evening. Plans have changed due to cancellation of a trail race near Aberdeen today so she is now running Cademuir Sunday on return from Aberdeen.

    Wednesday 20 June 2012

    New local race - Melrose 13.1Km RR

    3rd Annual Melrose Road Race taking place on Sunday, 26 August 2012 at 11am. Registration begins at 9.30am in the Corn Exchange along with a quick race briefing before the short walk to the Start Line.


    Full details here..

    Tuesday 19 June 2012

    Moorfoot Victory in 7 Hills of Edinburgh Race

    Mike Reid of Moorfoot wins 2012 Seven Hills of Edinburgh Race in 1:44:22...

    Results here...

    Monday 18 June 2012

    Moorfoot Runners' Beltane 10K Trail Race 2012

    Saturday's torrential rain turned what had been a dry firm course (as tested on the Wednesday) into a mud fest which was more appropriate to a Winter XC series race.

    However, it did not deter 72 runners from tackling the 2012 Moorfoot Beltane 10K Trail Race, and there were plently of smiles on the faces of the mud spattered finsihers.

    Steve Cairns (HBT) completed his hat-trick of Trail race wins in an impressive 36:22, and Edel Mooney (Lotian RC) was first lady home in 40:45 (9th overall)

    Moorfoot Runners won the Team Prize, led home by Moorfoot Junior Jacob Adkin (38:59 (4th) and first Local) followed by Mike 'el presidente' McGovern (39:23 (5th) and first Vet) and fast improving Andy 'Coxy' Cox in 41:35 (12th)

    So, all over again for another year....the number of runners on the day was a bit disappointing, but given the previous day's weather and forecast for the Sunday, this was expected to some degree.

    A big thanks to all who helped out behind the scenes, both in advance of race day and on race day itself - this was a massive Moorfoot Team effort - lots of complementary comments from the runners - well done to all !

    Results can be found here....




    Friday 15 June 2012

    Moorfoot Beltane 10K Trail Race - 2012 - countdown....

    The Moorfoot Beltane 10K Trail Race 2012 is this Sunday (17-June).

    Weather forecast looks more promising again and the final preparations are all but completed.

    Post race tea/coffee/cakes for runners and helpers will be served in the Peebles Community Centre from 1300 - looking forward to seeing you there for a blether and some refreshments....

    The race day schedule is as follows:

    Race Day Schedule
    0800 meet at Gytes to start course marking (South Park Woods to be marked out on Saturday evening)
    1000 Set up Registration
    1030 Registration starts at Gytes Leisure Centre
    1100 Access to Drill Hall for tea/coffee/cake setup
    1115 Marshalls Meeting (Gytes)
    1130 Junior Fun Run; marshalls head to positions on course outwith Gytes
    1200 Main Race start
    1300 Tea/coffee cakes served
    1315 Last runners coming in
    1400 Prize Giving (Peebles Community Centre)
     
    More race details on the Moorfoot website
     
    Entries taken on the day up until 1130.....
     

    Tuesday 12 June 2012

    Moorfoot Eddie at the LAMM

    "The Lowe Alpine Mountain Marathon (LAMM) was held last weekend in the Ben Cruachan area (West of Tyndrum). The event is billed as the connoisseurs mountain marathon , meaning that it is always held in some remote part of the Highlands, (lots of climbing rather than long distances). For those who have not done this type of event before you have to enter as a pair and you have to carry equipment (tent, food, stove etc) for a remote overnight camp. You can choose the length of course you prefer, Elite , A , B C or D. The entries tend to be concentrated in the B,C,D categories with about 100 teams in each of these, the Elite (20 entries) and A (35 entries) have much smaller fields.
    The last time I did one of these was around 12 years ago and I should have realised that there was a very good reason that I stopped doing them. Apparently bad memories are erased much quicker than good ones so perhaps that was a factor.
    I entered the A course with a neighbour Bruce McGorum. Day 1 (Sat) started with a short bus journey and then ferry crossing to drop us somewhere on the shores of Loch Etive. You get your map about 5 mins before you start and then as you start you get handed a short list of grid references which are the controls you have to find. Your route choice and map reading skills are as important as your fitness. On Day 1 we were out for just over 8 hours, covering around 35km and 1800m of ascent. The ground was devoid of any tracks and was continuously either rough tussocky grass or boulder fields. We overnighted in Glen Kinglas and then set off for a repeat performance on Sun, about 32 km and 1700m of ascent. We blew about 25mins searching for one control which was well hidden in a gully and were out for 7hours+. We ended up being 16th in our A course and 3rd Male Vet team so were reasonably pleased. Both of us suffered with old mans knee problems on the descents and I had a sudden "hitting the wall " event on the very last climb, a few caffine loaded gels revived me enough to get to the finish. Suffering pain for the best part of 2 days is a given, the rewards are some incredible scenery and being able to move quickly in some of the remotest part of the Highlands. The comradery you get with fellow competitors is also something special on these types of events"
    Cheers
    Eddie

    Thursday 7 June 2012

    Moorfoot Social Run to the Top of the Moorfoots - Sunday 15 July

    I am planning to take a social run from Innerleithen up to Windlestraw Law, which at 659m is the highest point in the Moorfoot Hills. Meet at the Cuddy bridge behind our house, 52 Leithen Road, at 10am on Sunday morning if you are interested.
    This date clashes with the Kelso 10k so let me know if lots of people are planning to do this as if they are I can move it.
    It is quite a long run 16km there and back and about 700m ascent so I would expect 2 -2.5 hours for a social relaxed pace run. Depending on the turn out we could split into two groups - with a more relaxed pace or shorter route and a faster group if some people want to have a bit of blast. Either way it will be good training for the Lee Pen race at St Ronans Games the week later.

























    Tea and cakes will be laid on at our house afterwards. Please let me know if you are thinking of coming so I can get enough cakes!


    Colin


    email - (replace at with @)
    colin.m.williams (at) talk21.com


    Burnside, 52 Leithen Road
    Innerleithen EH44 6HY

    Sunday 3 June 2012

    Moorfoot Runners at the Glentress7 2012

    The Moorfoot Runners had several riders entered in the Tweedlove 'Glentress7' event - a seven hour mountain bike endurance race.

    Kenny and James had achieved 8 laps in 2012 and were looking for the 9 lap breakthrough. Not to be though this year, following an early lap 'mechanical' which dropped them from 25th to 70th in their category after lap two. However, the subsequent laps saw a rise through the leader board up to a final 29th place for thheir 8 lap toils.

    Eddie Balfour, making a late change from Solo to Pairs category, ahead of next weeks Mountain Marathon (very wise Eddie - keep your powder dry !), achieved a very mertiable 18th place for his team's 8 laps.
    Tom Hobbs, suffered for his sport in the Solo category following some early lap back pain, but still recorded 8 laps and 18th place in the Solos (5th MV) - a top performance.
    A great event - great atmosphere, great course, great organisation, great fun !

    Saturday 2 June 2012

    Scottish Gold for Sarah


    Sarah McCormack continued her fine run of form with victory in the 5000m at the Scottish Athletics Track and Field Championships at Scotstoun in Glasgow today. Despite running the event for speedwork ahead of forthcoming international trail and hill races, and after a hard training week, Sarah still had the legs to outkick her main rival, GB marathon Internationalist Susan Partridge, to sprint clear for victory.
                                     
    It was a disappointingly small field but with pre-race favourite Partridge in the line-up, who had recently posted a fast 3000m PB, a quality race was still ensured. In what was almost a mirror of her recent British Universities 10000m win, Sarah was 25m adrift at half-way but Partridge’s fast early pace started to drop in the face of the stiff breeze up the home straight. With Sarah lapping consistently, the gap gradually closed and she worked hard to latch on again with 2 to go. Sarah then sat on the leader’s heels until unleashing what is fast becoming her trademark devastating kick with 130m to go and sprinting over 30m clear for the gold medal in 16 minutes 19.83, a 20-second PB despite the wind.

    “I didn’t taper for the race, so my legs weren’t as fresh as they could be and I had to really dig in to get back in contact with Susan. I wasn’t as confident going into the final 200m as I was at the British Universities so I delayed my kick a bit but still managed to produce a good sprint to win.”

    On receiving the 5000m trophy Sarah was pleased to note the names of Peebles based EAC runner Susan Ridley, winner in 1992 and 1994, along with fellow Moorfoot and sometimes training partner Ruth McKean, winner in 1999.

    Tuesday 22 May 2012

    Moorfoot Beltane Trail Race 2012 - Your Club Needs You


    This year's Moorfoot Beltane 10K Trail Race (Sunday 17-June) is now only four weeks away and the final preparations are underway.

    As ever, we need a good turn out of club members to support all the on-the day activities which make a successful race - course set-up, registration, course marshalling, time keeping and results, after-race hospitality, tidy-up etc.

    The more helpers, the easier it is for everyone and the more successful the event for both the club and the runners. The main registration starts around 1000 and the prize giving is normally completed by 1400ish

    This year, we have the Drill Hall in Walkerhaugh booked for the after race hospitality/prize giving and cakes/sandwiches, so we will need a few extra helpers to assist here in preparing the teas and coffees.

    Please can you provide your support by emailing your availability to me (kg.davidsonATbtinternet.com) such that we can get organised in advance.

    As a club member, if you are planning to run in the race, please ensure that you are providing a substitute helper on the day and let me know who this is in advance such that we can plan them in to our activities.

    Thanks in advance....

    Regards...

    Kenny
    Moorfoot Runners Secretary