Moorfoot Runners Members Blog

BowHill Enduro Duathlon (25-Aug)

2012-01-22T12:50:00.000-08:00

Here's a slightly unusual 'local' event, that might appeal to some Moorfoots....

...the Bowhill Enduro Duathlon.

Those familiar with the Durty Triathlon Series, will know organiser Paul McGreal who is the master mind behind this new event at Bowhill near Selkirk.

More details below, but essentially...

"MTB 'Enduro' Style - Race as a Solo, or bring your mates to share the load and race as a Pair or Quad. Crack as many complete laps as you can in 8 hours. One of the team is racing at any one time. A lap is 1 x Run + 1 x Bike. All we ask is that each team member completes at least one run and one bike.."

http://www.tri-enduro.com/bowhill-duathlon-enduro.html

BXC Norham 19-Feb-2010 - venue change

2012-01-22T12:44:00.000-08:00

The final leg of this years BXC series is hosted by the Norham club, but will be run at Kelso in the grounds of Floors Castle. The series prize giving will be in the nearby Kelso Rugby Club.

More details on the BXC blogger...

http://www.bordersxc.com/2012/01/next-two-legs.html

Devil's Burdens 2012

2012-01-22T08:54:00.000-08:00

Three Moorfoot teams were entered in this years Devil's Burdens Hill Relay Race, hosted by Fife AC in the Lomand Hills near Falkland. This year's Moorfoot master strategy was a mix of Male, Female and Male Vets teams, so plenty of inter-Moorfoot rivalry interest as well as taking on the other 160+ teams from all over the country.

Colin storming down the final descent of Leg1

Male Team (aka 'Moorfoots - Pride of the Borders')
A storming first leg (40:42) by in-form Colin and guest runner Paul before the hand over to second leg runner Eddie who put in a solid 32:55 (although it was commented that Deeside runner Robbie Simpson jogging past on his Leg2 days best 23:45 .."made me feel like I was running backwards...")
James and Mike Reid broke the hour over leg 3, before Moorfoot stalwart Wull anchored the team home on Leg4.

15th place, total time 2:43:11

Fi 'work those arms girl !' on Leg4

Female Team (aka Moorfoot Ladies)
Julia and Rachael made light work of the first leg (51:21) handing over to the in form Sarah who blasted out a second leg 29:58 (taking back about six minutes gained on leg 1 from the Moorfoot Male Vets !!). Ruth and Scout tackled the long and challenging 3rd leg (joined by Sarah who kept on running after leg 2!!) and ground out a very strong sub 70min (?) run, only 5 mins or so behind Darin and Mike. Fi Williams completed the final leg in ~36mins.

43rd place, total time 3:06:12 (5th Female Team)

Tom 'Terminator' Hobbs on Leg4

Vets Team (aka Moorfoot Male Vets)
Russell dragged Kenny over East Lomond in 45:36, before handing over to Johnny 'sick bed' Hall, who despite recent unwellness managed to hold off (just!) the fast finishing Sarah to complete leg2 in 35:40. Darin and MikeMcGovern handled the tough 3rd leg in just over the hour (the time sheets for legs 3 and 4 have been 'mislaid' so no offical splits for these legs yet) before the home run from Tom.

24th place, total time 2:51:54 (5th MV40)

So well done again all participating Moorfoots (and friends) - great that a relatively small club such as ours can turn our three full teams, and be competative in what is one of the largest hill running events in the calendar.

Provisional Results here..

Photos on Fife AC bulletin board here...

Moorfoots on Birkscairn 15-Jan-2012

2012-01-15T09:44:00.000-08:00

The Birkscairn Six (inc shadow of photographer Russell Anderson)

A cracking run today up through Cardrona Forest onto Birkscairn Hill and back again - 'ground as hard as iron, water like a stone' and all that.....and barely above freezing all day. A wee detour at the end to have a cup of tea and a quick tour of Ian Nimmo's new 'grand design' up on the hill - the views from every room are stunning, especially on a day like today....

Moorfoot Sunday Run - 15-Jan - Cardrona

2012-01-08T10:24:00.000-08:00

With the Devil's Burdens Relays only a couple of weeks away, a long steady training run has been arranged for Sunday 15-Jan.

Meet at Cardrona Village Hall to start running at 10:00am.

Route to be finalised but will take in the trails around Cardrona forest and possibly up to Birkscairn Hill - probably about 90 mins worth of running.

All welcome- see you there....

Moorfoots at Paxton 2012

2012-01-08T10:11:00.000-08:00

Mike Pearson in action at Paxton

The first BXC series event of 2012, and fifth in this season's series took place at Paxton, deep down in the Borders only a stone's throw from Berwick.
The weather was again mild and the rain stayed away - the course, modified from last year, took in a couple of fields and a lovely riverside path and woodland section; largely fast and flat but with a couple of short-sharp bankings to ascend and enough mud (and cow slurry) to keep the 'hard core XC'ers satisfied.

Mike Reid got back to winning ways with another fine win (20:02), which makes for an interesting finish to the series at Berwick and Norham.
Colin Williams' 22:06 (13th) was another fine performance in what has been a good series for him so far.

Kenny (23:56 45th ('off the pace today !!), Russell (24:17 49th '(ran Callander Crags race on Saturday') and Ian Munro (24:36 56th) were bunched together mid pack, with Brian Hood further back breaking the 30min barrier (29:28 122nd)

Alan Strain made a return in Moorfoot colours (33:23 139th) ahead of Debbie (34:10 142nd).

Mike Pearson (37:23 154th) took back the bragging rights from Ian Nimmo (37:56 157th) in their latest BXC 'dog-fight'.

With 160 seniors and 100+ juniors participating, the series proves as popular as ever.

Next BXC series event is at Berwick (Spittal Beach) on Sunday 29-Jan, before the series finale hosted by Norham (and possibly to be held at Floors Castle grounds in Kelso !!!)
Full results here...

Moorfoots at Greenmantle Dash 2012

2012-01-05T12:29:00.000-08:00

'Snow -free' this year for the the local new season's Hill Race opener at Broughton...

Four hardy Moorfoots in the mad dash over burn and bog before the short but very sharp ascent and descent of the steep slopes at Ratchill.

No results published as yet (I read something about numbers being written with pen on hands, so they may never appear in print...), but well done to Mike Reid, Eddie, Russell and Julia who I spotted in the photos - apologies if I missed anyone...

Carnethy5 2012 - Online Entry

2012-01-05T12:15:00.000-08:00

Countdown to this year's Carnethy5 Hill Race on Saturday 11-February - a popular one so get yourself organised if you are planning to run this year.

Entries will open here on Monday 9th January 2012 at 5pm (entry list here). We expect the race to be full within 1-2 hours.

More details on Carnethy website

Moorfoots at Portobello Promathon 2012

2012-01-02T06:14:00.000-08:00

Mike sporting the 'mask of pain' in the final yards
pic courtesy of RoadRunPics

The first race of the new year and a record 384 finishers in relatively mild but breezy conditions.
Three senior Moorfoots stretched their legs with the 'city fast boys' in what is a good benchmark of early season fitness over this flat and fast 4 miler.

Darin was first Moorfoot home in a scorching 21:43 for 12th (a Promathon PB ! 5:20 min.miling !!); Mike McGovern opened his new year account with a 23:04 (34th) - a bit below par against his usual promathon benchmark.
Kenny was pleased with his 24:11 (51st) - some six seconds faster than last year and ten places gained in the second half of the race after the turn.

Results here...

Some great pictures at RoadRunPics

Moorfoot Christmas Handicap 2011 - Junior Results

2011-12-28T02:04:00.000-08:00

A great turn out of Moorfoot Juniors on the tough 2+ mile course (perhaps nearer 2.5 miles ?) by the Leithen Water - well done to all !

1st Jacob “the stroller” Adkin 19.20 (h’cap -3.00)

2nd Kobe “first there for a change” Stevens 20.15 (-2.35)

3rd Ruairidh “hack it up” Britton 20.40 (- 2.05)

4th= Mairi “tight laces” Wallace (1st girl) 21.45 (-1.10) and Euan “the red” Hood (-1.30)

6th Niamh “where’s the start” Shaw 22.36 (-1.00)

7th Eilidh “quick change” Davidson 23.11 (-0.10)

8th Craig “hi-vis” Angus 23.59 (-0.40)

9th Mhairi “the hare” Davidson 24.25 (0.00)

10th Rian “the All Black” Dougall 25.23 (-1.10)

11th Kazya “stop and admire the view” Stevens 29.54 (-0.40)

Win for Sarah at Ambleside

2011-12-28T01:58:00.001-08:00

Sarah McCormack broke off from her festivities to do the Wansfell race today (above Ambleside) and came first lady - her first Lake District win. "Took a few tumbles but very graceful ones!"

Moortfoot Mast Run 2011

2011-12-27T09:30:00.000-08:00

Twelve runners this year for the 2011 Boxing Day run up Dunslair Heights to the radio mast. The weather was very kind compared to previous years, with a balmy 13C compared to previous years knee deep snow. A tail wind up the climb also helped before the long and fast descent back into Glentress and then back down Jenny's Brae. Great also to see some juniors and new faces joining us this year...perhaps enough intertest to organise some further long pack runs in the new year.

Route details here if you want to 're-live' the run...

Moorfoot Christmas Handicap Results 27th December

2011-12-27T06:54:00.000-08:00

There was a good turn out for handicap today with 13 seniors and about the same number of juniors. Here are the results for the Seniors for the 3.1 mile rough, muddy and undulating course:

Name	Elapsed Time	Handicap Finish Order	Scratch Time	Scratch Order	Pace (Min Miles)
Fiona Williams	10:42:54	1	00:28:24	12	00:09:10
Angela Wallace	10:44:41	2	00:33:41	13	00:10:52
Craig	10:45:07	3	00:23:07	5	00:07:27
Julia Connor	10:45:36	4	00:24:36	7	00:07:56
Russell Anderson	10:45:41	5	00:23:11	6	00:07:29
Darin Dougal	10:45:45	6	00:19:45	1	00:06:22
Kenny Davidson	10:45:56	7	00:22:26	3	00:07:14
Scout Adkin	10:45:57	8	00:22:57	4	00:07:24
Mike Lamont	10:46:40	9	00:28:10	10	00:09:05
Brian Hood	10:46:48	10	00:28:18	11	00:09:08
Eddie Balfour	10:47:36	11	00:25:06	8	00:08:06
Mick Warrington	10:48:05	12	00:28:05	9	00:09:04
Mike McGovern	10:48:09	13	00:22:09	2	00:07:09

The first home was Fiona Williams as she benefited from a very favourable handicap from me (her husband), so the Angela Wallace was awarded the win and took home the winner's chocolates!

Darin Dougal had a blistering run to record by far the fastest time and ducked under 20 minutes, with Mike Mc keeping up his own tradition with a wrong turn. And there were some good tussles over the course between Scout and Kenny; and Brian and Mike Lamont.

I will post the junior times when I get them, but see some of the photos below:

Mince pies, tea and snacks in our garden and conservatory after and a good catch up, but not many takers for my mulled wine, so I will enjoy it in my own time!

Maybe use the course for a double loop some time in the summer or autumn.

cheers

Colin

Christmas Handicap - 27th Dec - Innerleithen

2011-12-17T13:14:00.000-08:00

First start at 10am on Tuesday 27th Dec, starting near the Cuddy Bridge here

The proposed route is shown below. Depending on the weather the start will be either from just by the Cuddy Bridge or at the Stones on Pirn Hill. The seniors route is 3miles / 5km and there will be a juniors route of 2 miles too. About half the route is on trails which are muddy and uneven in places - you will get wet feet! The other half is on forest road.

Please let me know if you are planning to attend so I can try to work out handicaps.

For anyone running in fancy dress 30 seconds will be knocked of the handicap (or a minute depending on my discretion!).

Hope to see you there, but be aware if it is terrible conditions we may have to cancel. A decision will be made on Boxing day.

As Kenny mentioned mince pies and refreshments in our conservatory after but it isn't heated so bring a warm coat!

ho, ho, ho

Colin

email - (replace at with @)

colin.m.williams (at) talk21.com

Burnside, 52 Leithen Road

Innerleithen EH44 6HY

Simonside Cairns Race

2011-12-17T09:08:00.000-08:00

I crossed the line yesterday [11-Dec] to do the Simonside Cairns Race. Ice had made the rocky path along the Simonside ridge dangerous so we ran an alternative route round the back of the ridge and back through forest tracks. This made it more of a trail than a hill race. Wooden boardwalks across the boggiest bits of the moor were slimy and treacherous - a guy fell in front of me and split his head open - I jumped over him and didn't lose much time. Shortly after half way the route went into a particularly dark bit of forest - you had to wait for the eyes to adjust to see the next marker - suddenly we ran into a hollow lit with christmas tree lights and the sound of Slade's Merry Christmas . Nobody there, was it a halucination? No the sound of the generator gave it away.

A good race in a nice part of England. Unlimited soup and coffee after plus a bottle for 2nd V50, not bad for the £5 entry.

Results here:
http://northumberlandfellrunners.co.uk/html/raceresults/2011/SimonsideCairns2011.html

Cheers. Russell

Bronzes for Sarah and U17 Team at East District XC Champs

2011-12-17T09:06:00.001-08:00

A healthy Moorfoot quota battled through the early morning snow last Saturday on the way north to Aberdeen for the East District Cross Country Championships. And the journey was certainly worthwhile for Sarah McCormack (ok she went up on the train the day before) who took bronze in the senior women’s race over 6.5km.

The runners were met by cold but calm and clear weather in the Granite City and the frost in the ground meant hard but relatively fast ground conditions, a considerable contrast to the gales and muddy conditions encountered in recent weeks in the Borders.

A hamstring niggle has curtailed the intensity of Sarah’s training over the last month or so but a strong final kilometre in only her second race of the winter saw her gradually pull away from the small pack chasing the bronze medal. She finished a clear third in 24.24 mins, 18 seconds off the winner. Scout Adkin had a very solid run to finish 20th overall (26.41) in the combined senior/U20 race and 4th U20 finisher, just outside the medals.

The junior contingent all did very well including the recent recruits from the Selkirk running “school” of PN sports reporter Davie Knox and fellow coach Steve Nisbet. In the U17 Men’s race over the same 6.5km as the women, John McLean ran well for 9th (24.18) and Jacob Adkin (25.10) and Lucas Cheskin (25.55) both showed their well-being after recent enforced breaks due to injury and illness. Their 12th and 14th place finishing positions combined with John to secure team bronze for Moorfoots, just one point off silver. Sophie Collins showed signs of a return to form with a strong finish for 10th (18.03) in the U17 Women’s race over 4.3km. In the U15 Boys race over the same course there were good runs from Jack Stanners (16.06) in 8th, Kobe Stevens (16.48) in 17th and Ruairidh Britton (17.58) in 24th which saw the team finish 4th overall in one of the biggest fields of the day. Earlier in the day, Zaynah Aziz was competing in her first Championship cross-country race and had an excellent run in the U13 Girls race, keeping on well to finish just outside the medals in 4th place.

A good day all round for the Moorfoots then with everyone running to their potential. It’s not often that you don’t have any blips, mishaps or off-days so to have everyone run really well after the early start and long journey to Aberdeen was very pleasing. When you take into account the fact that all the age-group runners bar one (Jack) are eligible again for the same age group next season, there is much to look forward to.

Gregor

PS Ah…….…the lingering perfume in my car from the boys’ Macdonalds, but at least it was from the way back down the road, not on the way up.

PPS Hope Ruth McKean doesn’t read this!

Peebles BXC 2011

2011-12-04T08:58:00.000-08:00

Russell Anderson at speed....

Snow on the hills, road chaos in central Scotland, plenty of mud and a cold biting wind - must be the Peebles leg of the Border XC series.

This season's fourth leg at Peebles was successfully completed before the winter snows this year, and the conditions did not affect the enthusiasm of over 250 runners between the junior and senior races - another fantastic turn-out.

Parts of the course had been under water during the week, so mud was guaranteed..and indeed it was particularly slippery in places.

Andrew Crichton (Dunbar) was in a diffent league (25:11), romping home to win by over a minute from Moorfoot's Mike Reid (26:21).

Moorfoot Sarah McCormack ran a stormer, home in 27:58 for 15th place, and first lady by ~45 secs over series leader Susan Ridley (Edinburgh AC).

Other Moorfoot results:

Colin Williams 28:26 for a fine 20th place.
Russell Anderson 31:33 68th place
Debbie Hardie 43:32 174th place

A big thank you to all the helpers - a cold day for marshalling, course reccing/sweeping and time keeping. A great team effort and everything cleared and packed away by 1:15pm - thank you again..

Results here....

Some additional photos here:

Product Testers Required

2011-12-01T13:03:00.000-08:00

Local runner Chris Blackwood has been in touch in his official work capacity, asking if there would be any Moorfoot Runners interested in being product testers for clothing fabric company 'Gore'.

Here's what is required:

Willing to come in for 2 face to face meetings January and April [at Livingstone]
Willing to sign NDA and return garment at end of trial
Access to internet and willing to input data and answer online survey every 2 weeks
Activity for minimum 8 hrs per week
Activity includes – running (road or fell), biking, trail hiking
Activities excluded: rock climbing, hunting, off-trail hiking
Backpack is OK, but must be less than 20 lbs.

Anyone interested should contact Karen McClure [details below]

Karen McClure
NPD Associate
WL Gore & Associates
Simpson Parkway
Kirkton Campus
Livingston
EH54 7BH

Tel: 01506 678 254
e-mail address:kmcclure@wlgore.com

Moorfoots at Gala BXC 2011

2011-11-27T12:02:00.000-08:00

Normal service has been resumed....cold, windy and muddy (plenty of mud..calf deep in places !) just like winter cross country should be.

After the semi tropical conditions at Dunbar the week before, it was back to the sort of weather more associated with late November. A large, quality field assembled at the popular Gala Harriers' course to tough it out on the hilly terrain behind the local academy.

The mud was the key feature of the day - the organisers making a decision to shorten the course on the day which had few complaints from the competitors.

Mike Reid didn't get it all his own way this week, but still pulled off a strong 4th place (23:47), with only a second separating him from Teviotdale's Darrel Hastie.

Tom Hobbs' 15th place (24:46) was slighly further back in the field than he has become used to recently, but again it showed the quality of the field.

Colin Williams was back in BXC action again and had another top run for his 18th place (25:02).

Kenny's 26:18 (34th) was workmanlike if not spectacular. Ian Munro (67th 28:18) and Russell Anderson (71st 28:28) had there now regular mano-a-mano battle, and Clive Adkin made his BXC 2011 debut with a solid 29:20 (82nd).

Brian Hood, making his BXC debut, revelled in the mud, finishing in 32:58 (119th)...and it was Debbie Hardie bringing home the team in 40:19 (147th).

Well done to all....a tough day's racing !

Full results here....

Peebles next week, and more mud guranteee - marshalls and helpers required as ever, so please take a step forward and offer your assistance or provide a 'substitute'....

Border XC - Peebles 4-December (Race Details)

2011-11-25T07:37:00.000-08:00

Head for Peebles and then towards the west of the town on the A72 (Glasgow Road) towards the car park opposite the Haylodge Park entrance (mid way between the Hospital and the new Kingsland School). See Google Maps location here...

Registration/race start is in the park down towards the Fotheringham Bridge (foot bridge), less than 5 mins from the car park.

Moorfoot Handicap - date change

2011-11-20T12:17:00.000-08:00

The Moorfoot handicap we had scheduled for 27-Nov on Cademuir Hill has been cancelled due to the rescheduling of the Gala BXC to this date.

However, fear not, Colin Williams has stepped in and will host a Moorfoot Christmas Handicap on Tuesday 27-December at Innerleithen, on the banks of Leithen Water.
(A wee 5Km loop, or possibly a 10Km double looper...juniors, seniors, visiting friends and guests all welcome...)

A chance to work off the Christmas Day and Boxing Day excesses before putting it all on again with ~~mice~~ mince pies and mulled wine afterwards....

Tuesday 27-Dec AM - put ther date in your calendar - more details to follow on the blogger....

Peebles BXC - Helpers Required

2011-11-20T11:30:00.000-08:00

The Peebles leg of this seasons BXC series is on Sunday 4-December at Haylodge Park, hosted by the Moorfoot Runners.

As ever, we need a number of volunteers, to marshall at various points around the course and help with other duties during the races.
Helpers should assemble at the Fotheringham Bridge (Haylodge Park) at 1045 on the Sunday - junior races start at 1130; senior races and final tidy up should be completed ~1315

Please let Kenny kg.davidson@btinternet.com if you are available to help on the Sunday for the two and bit hours above.

Thank you...

Moorfoots at Dunbar BXC 2011

2011-11-20T11:16:00.000-08:00

Winter cross country - cold, wet, windy; dash out the car, run the race, back into the car, home to the warmth - right ?

Um, no actually.....picture a still sunny day, waves lapping the shore, next to no breeze, kids paddling at the water edge - welcome to BXC global warming style at White Sands !!

Another good turn out of runners - the weather probably helping - with over 200 runners between the seniors and juniors.
Beach start (including an intersting rock pool and seaweed section for ~100m) out and back, some dunes and stoney stuff, more beach, then back over the tussocks and footpaths - slightly longer than last year - perhaps an extra Km - nice backdrop of Barns Ness lighthouse if you had a chance to look up....

Mike Reid blasted home in 1st place (27:35), setting the early pace and opening up a substantial lead before hanging on in to win by a few seconds at the end, the field chasing him down right to the end.

Tom Hobbs found the early pace and lack of hills not best to his liking but stuck to his task and grabbed another good top10 place (10th 29:34) and another MV45 podium (3rd).

Kenny liked the fast early pace for a while before struggling on the way back a bit but hung on in for a 20th place (31:08), grabbing back a few late places with a late surge (sounds impressive...)

It was good to see Russell Anderson back in BXC action, recording 32:42 (39th), with Ian Munro (33:27 47th) not far behind.

A special mention too for Debby Hardie, flying the flag for the Moorfoot ladies, coming home in 47:42 (136th).

Gala next week - definitely not a flat one - get some hill efforts in !!!

Results here...

Moorfoots at Tinto 2011

2011-11-13T13:04:00.000-08:00

Eddie Balfour navigating the lower muddy slopes...

Another big field at Tinto this year - 269 starters - who would have thought that running up and down big hills could be so popular !

A mild day for November, but slippery under-foot on the lower slopes, so it was always going to be a big cagey on the 'fast bits' - ie.the mad dash at the beginning - the painful bit inbetween - and then the fast bit at the end again...

Tom Hobbs was the Moorfoot 'top gun' with an excellent 11th place (35:17 - a Tinto PB!) in a strong field - picking up a 3rd MV40 category.

Mike McGovern was going well but unfortunately took a tumble near the end, hurting his knee and had to limp in (DNF).

Kenny (64th, 41:19 Tinto PB!) and Eddie Balfour (83rd, 42:56) ran well, and Julia managed to carve a massive three mins off her previous Tnto best time, finishing in 43:56 (104th)

Definitely a race to try if you fancy a proper hill race without having to travel too far - we can perhaps organise a wee sociable Sunday recce sometime if anyone fancies giving it a go.

Ian Nimmo's race day photos (thanks Ian) at this link...

Full results here...

All I want for Christmas is....

2011-11-09T14:01:00.000-08:00

Time to write that letter to Santa....

...how about a head torch for your Moorfoot Headtorch Night Runs ?

Hot product recommendation from Tom Hobbs - the Alpkit 'Gamma LED Headtorch'

http://www.alpkit.com/shop/cart.php?target=product&product_id=16345&category_id=288

..or what about a hi-visibility vest for these Moorfoot mid week interval sessions around the streets of Peebles..?

New Kelso based online sport clothing company 'All Fitness Sports' have a great half price offer on reflective bib vests...

http://www.allfitnesssports.co.uk/51585

Lauder BXC 2011

2011-11-06T11:21:00.000-08:00

This years BXC Series is off and running, with a well attended race (186 senior finishers !) hosted by Lauderdale Limpers over the tough Lauder course which takes in part of the Southern Upland Way.

The early frost and mist soon burnt off, revealling a perfect Autumn day - conditions underfoot were muddy and slippery, but with the sunshine and absense of wind, there could be no complaints.

First Moorfoot home was Mike Reid (27:14 3rd), behind 'young guns' Andrew Crichton (1st) and hill racing's newest superstar James Waldie (2nd)

Colin Williams showed some great early season XC form with a 13th place (29:22). Kenny was pleased with his 31:01 (32nd) and Ian Munro had no complaints with his 33:45 (72nd)

Pete Collins, making his Moorfoot BXC debut had a very respectable 40:46, on a tough course for your first BXC race.

And adding another BXC Series to his list, Mike Pearson had his own personal mano-a-mano race with Ian Nimmo - Ian taking bragging rights this time in 50:01 to Mike's 51:21

Full results here...

Scottish Athletics Award for Scout

2011-11-01T13:45:00.000-07:00

Scout Adkin swapped her hill running shoes and running kit for a posh frock and heels on Saturday for the Scottish Athletics Annual Awards dinner in the Glasgow Marriott hotel. Rubbing shoulders with Olympic athletes and in front of an audience of 400, Scout received the Eddie Campbell Memorial Medal for U20 hill running.

The late Eddie Campbell was from Fort William and holds the record for the most Ben Nevis races, competing on 44 consecutive occasions and winning three times. A single medal in his memory is awarded each year by Scottish Athletics to the U20 athlete, male or female, who has best demonstrated consistently high performance and sportsmanship in Scottish hill races and outstanding achievements at International level.

Headtorch Training Run

2011-10-31T07:20:00.000-07:00

"..a head torch run at Innerleithen next Tuesday night at 5.30 pm.."

Mike McGovern is arranging a training run next Tuesday evening (8-Nov) meeting at Innerleithen (Hall Street).

Bring your own torch/headtorch - run route details TBC but will be about an hour in duration.

More details from Mike....leave a comment on the Blogger if you are interested to give Mike an idea of numbers.

Cross Country Countdown 2011

2011-10-30T13:41:00.000-07:00

The first BXC race of the 2011/12 season takes place at Lauder on Sunday 6-Nov.

Full details on the BXC website....

The first race is the registration for the whole series so take a minute to read the entry form and perhaps complete it beforehand, and have the correct entry fee available on the day.

No snow forecast (yet !) so get your spikes or trail shoes ready for some seasonal mud plugging...!

OMM 2011

2011-10-30T13:37:00.000-07:00

What do you do when you've run all the one day Scottish Hill Races but are still looking for a further challenge..?

Run a 2 day Mountain Marathon.

Well done to Julia and her racing partner Katie Steen who participated in this years Original Mountain Marathon (OMM) at Comrie in category B, and came in 71st, after a combined two days of running and navigating (15 hours 41 mins).
Day1's 111th place looks like there may have been some problems, but day 2's 47th place appears to suggest that things were back on track again....

More info on Mountain Marathons here...

Moorfoots at Jedburgh 2011

2011-10-30T13:25:00.000-07:00

Half Marathon and 10K on offer at Jedburgh it what more or less marks the end of the road running season for the year.

In the 10K, it was the Moorfoot 'Mr & Mrs' show - Mr. Mike McG burning up the outward 5K, but the long uphill at ~8K and the return headwind taking it toll on the return - but still a stong 6th place in 37:27.
Mrs. Corrine McG ran an excellent 51:53 in what is a tough course - a sub50 definitely within reach in the Spring....

The Half Marathon is the headline race at Jedburgh and there was a good representation of Moorfoots in the field.
First home was Wull in 1:21 (9th and 2nd MV40).
Just outside the magic 90 min mark by a whisker was Chris Blackwood (1:30:31).
In what looks as if must have been their own personal 'dogfight', Wattie (1:48:40) finished a minute ahead of Fi Williams (1:49:39).
Not far behind, Paul Nichol brought thw Moorfoots home in 1:52:08.

More stuff and full results on the race website...

Well done all.....!

Colin's Welsh Adventure

2011-10-19T02:59:00.000-07:00

I spent the weekend catching up with family in Chester and managed to fit in a local race just over the border in North Wales.

The Ceiriog Canter fell race was 10.6km and had 1750ft of ascent.

It was a pretty low key - the sort of race where they call you to the start line and no one really wants to step forward. Anyway I had a good race and from before halfway had settled down into 3rd or 4th place running shoulder to shoulder with another runner for the rest of the race. I just managed to pull a few metres ahead in the final run in to the finish to secure 3rd place in a time of 49.32. The winner 46.15 I think and was a long way ahead.

Results here: http://www.canolfanceiriog.org/canter_results

ManorMouse 2011

2011-10-11T16:59:00.000-07:00

ManOR Mouse is the competition for the combined results for the Manor Hill Race on the Saturday and the Pentland Skyline on the Sunday. Those tough enough (crazy enough) to do the back to back races are in the mix....

Manor Hill Race
Wet conditions this year, with the cloud down over the hills from start.
Top Moorfoot was Mike McG in 5th place (76:16 and 2nd MV40) with Darin a minute or so back in 7th (77:45). Colin Williams ran strongly for a superb T10 finish (9th 79:07) and his best result in this race to date;p last years winner Mike Reid not far back in 81:45 (12th)...perhaps keeping his powder dry for a Man or Mouse attempt....
Julia took 3rd Female spot with a solid 94:08 (35th), and another race chalked off in her recoprd brfeaking year - will she achieve 50 SHR races in 2011..?

Pentland Skyline
Three Moorfoots in the race - two of whom were in with a shout in the Man or Mouse competition...

Mike Reid managed a sub-3 2:59 for 12 th place, in what were less than ideal conditions, with runners buffeted by the wind all day.
Russell Anderson's 3:14 (35th) was good enough for 3rd MV50 and Julia's 3:35 had real Manor Mouse potential...

Manor Mouse
So, Mike Reid and Julia did both races....how did they fare in the combined competition..?

Mike was 3rd, his 4:20:58 only 4 seconds behind the 2nd placed runner...

Julia's 5:09:18 was good enough for 2nd placed lady.

Well done both...that's a lot of running in a weekend !

Full ManOR Mouse results here, courtesy of Carnethy Hill Running Club...

2011/12 BXC dates now confirmed....

2011-10-07T02:49:00.000-07:00

http://www.bordersxc.com/

6 November 2011 - Lauder

20 November 2011 - Dunbar

27 November 2011 - Galashiels

4 December 2011 - Peebles

8 January 2012 - Paxton House

29 January 2012 - Berwick

19 February 2012 - Norham

Note original 'kick off' at Gala on 23-Oct is now changed - first event is at Lauder 6-November.

A busy four weeks in November !!!!

Wagers on the first heavy snow fall of the year..?

Tinto Hill Race - Sat 12-Nov

2011-10-04T07:55:00.000-07:00

Tinto Hill Race - Sat 12-Nov

This is a pre-entry only race, with a maximum runners limit which is reached every year due to its popularity.

Online entries at link below:

https://www.sientries.co.uk/event.php?event_id=582

Don't hang around too long in making your decision, over a hundered places from the 250 (?) maximum already taken...

Moorfoots at Norham 2011

2011-09-30T15:15:00.000-07:00

With many Moorfoots at the Two Breweries Race on the Satrurday, the Norham 10K RR on Sunday was always going to be a lower turn out, but three strong Moorfoot performances non the less...

Darin 5th place in 37:03 on the tough hilly course.

Hilary, a fantastic 53:51 (is this a PB ?) from a fast improving runner who only broke the hour mark for a 10K earlier this year (correct me if I'm wrong...)

Mike P. (Mr Moorfoot) bringing rhe 'red and blues' home in 66:50....

Two Breweries 2011

2011-09-25T12:01:00.000-07:00

Team Moorfoot - Two Breweries 2011

After the recent spell of mixed weather, Saturday stayed fair and it was actually quite warm in the glens while breezy on the tops - ideal weather for this years Two Breweries Race.

The under foor conditions were perhaps slightly wetter and slipper than you might expect at this time of year, but it didn't seem to affect the race times too much.

Tom Hobbs, racing his first Breweries Race, led the Moorfoots home in an impressive 3:16(14th), closely followed by Wull (3:17 16th) in a closely fought race.

Mike McG, starting to come back to form, followed in in 3:25 (23rd) and was pleased with his race.
Kenny and Colin had a closely fought battle, Kenny reversing last years result in 3:38 (37th) to Colin's 3:44 (40th).
Julia, running in her 40th SHR race of the year, brought the Moorfoots home in 3:46 (43rd).
Full results and analysis on the really rather good Scottish Hill Racing website...
Lots of tired legs afterwards but we still managed to hobble along to the Broughton Village Hall for refreshments and a blether before the return drive home.
Another grand day out, and top marks again to Pete Baxter and his team of helpers for putting on another great race.

Porties' blog on this years race here... including some good pics

Lots of good SHR photos of the race here by Ian Nimmo...
(including the one of me simulating running at the top a Trahenna !!)

Title for Julia

2011-09-20T03:00:00.000-07:00

Moorfoot Julia Connor was yesterday named first female in the Dumfries and Galloway hill
running championship. This championship, now reinstated after a gap of
ten years, is based on the 5 hill races in the region: Criffel, Screel, Durisdeer, the Devil's Beeftub and Merrick. Trophies were awarded after the Merrick Race prizegiving.

Well done Julia !

Two Breweries Hill Race 2011 - Roll Call

2011-09-18T11:14:00.000-07:00

Smile for the camera.....

One week to go until the 2011 Two Breweries Hill Race (Sat 24-Sept 1200 start) - the local hill running classic.

Looks like another good Moorfoot entry again this year but with a few 'Breweries regulars missing this year due to other commitments.

Don't forget that it is pre-entry only - see link below:

http://www.entrycentral.com/index.php?festivalID=212

Tom Hobbs and myself did a quick recce on parts of the course on Saturday - it's wet and muddy up there on Hundleshope and Whitelaw Hill !!

Moorfoots at Hawick Half Marathon

2011-09-18T10:54:00.000-07:00

This is about the third running I think of the Hawick Half Marathon - a hard hilly road running route, which puts off all but the toughest runners.

Wull Hynd was back again this year as defending champion and made a good effort at defending his title, only losing out this year to Grant Wilkie (Costorphine) by a matter of seconds over thr 13.1 mile course.

Grant 1:18:14
Wull 1:18:28

Good also to see Walter "Wattie" Barrie back in the results with a solid 1:53:29.

Moorfoots at Kelso Two Bridges Race

2011-09-18T10:49:00.000-07:00

Scout is first lady at Kelso Crawlers Two Bridges Race....

Photo and results here..

Moorfoots in Albania

2011-09-18T10:45:00.001-07:00

Sarah continues her globe trotting in Irish Hill Rinning colours...

Strength and mental fortitude are essential attributes for hill runners and
Sarah McCormack certainly proved her elite status in Tirana, Albania last
Sunday when representing Ireland in the World Mountain Running
Championships. She was delighted to finish in 37th place out of an elite
field of 63 from all round the world, despite turning an ankle on what
others have described as a very dangerous course over 8.8km and 500m of
ascent/descent. She was the first Irish finisher and came home ahead of one
of the GB team which picked up team bronze. No Scots made the GB team.

Sarah said "I was happy with my run but the race itself was awful - 35
degrees, no shade, they ran out of water, and very dangerous narrow
switchback descents. Half the Irish team was injured or sick or both. I came
down with food poisoning after the race and was ill across three countries
on the return journey!" An enforced but deserved rest follows.

USA took gold, as in the men's race, Kasie Enman finishing over 1 minute
ahead of the field.

(No results published online yet but report here
http://www.wmra.ch/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=727&Itemid=2 )

Moorfoots on Ben Nevis 2011

2011-09-05T03:36:00.000-07:00

Well done to Darin who ran in this year's Ben Nevis race, finishing in 1:52 (well within his sub 2hr target) for an excellent 38th place.

Good also to seee the return of Ben Nevis veteran Russell Anderson after a prolonged absence, recording 2:12 (151st).

Scotland most prolific ladyohill runner (?) Julia Conner was there also, making her first Ben Nevis appearance, recording a very meritable 2:27 (255th)

480 (!!) finishers.....

A race for every hill racer's racing CV (I may regret saying that !!!)...well done to all...

Results here...

Weekend Round Up - 27/28 August

2011-08-30T13:17:00.000-07:00

Wull and Mike McG were running at Hawick at the Teviotdale 10K road race - Wull putting in a 'vintage' performance for a good second place (35') behind HBT's Steve Cairns; Mike, still struggling a bit with a chest infection, managed 10th (37').

In the hills, Julia was at the Ochils 2000 recording a 5th place (3hrs:44mins) amongst the ladies over this long and testing route.

In the same neck of the woods, Scout was particapting in the Junior Home International Trials at Menstie, being pipped for top spot by a mere 10 secs over the U19 Girls 5.2Km course.

Portobello Hill Race - Sunday 4-September

2011-08-25T08:48:00.000-07:00

Um...yes, really - a hill race from Portobello - up Aurthur's Seat in Edinburgh (and back again....)

More details here....

As part of the Portobello Village Show. Portobello Running Club were asked to put on some races within the local park. These vary from 100m to 1 mile and are open to everyone. We've also bolted on a 4.4m hill run from Porty up to the summit of Arthurs seat and back down.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/107649644

The route is very straight, from the park, over Harry Lauder Road via the pedestrian bridge, then up through Figgate Park. We'll marshall the crossing of Willowbrae Road, as it's a bit 'seven hills-esque' as Bruce Smith remarked, then your onto a Parsons Green park below Dunsappie Hill. Either over or round this and up to the summit, then return. It could be quite an interesting fast route as the 214m climb is gradual, and I reckon 75% is in parkland, with only very short road sections.

Due to the short timescale this year's run won't be an 'official' race in terms of the SHR calendar, but we will record all the times and publish these on our website. There will also be 'portobello related' prizes on the go. There is no cost for entry, (but we're taking (non-obligatory) donations for a local charity - Richmonds hope) so just pick up a number at our stall within the park.

As it's not advertised, we've no idea of the numbers, so please feel free to pass this on to anyone who you think may be interested. The village show is quite a family event, and had about 500 at it last year, with food and wine stalls etc and was surprisingly good. The show runs from 2pm to 5pm on Sunday 04 September at Rosefield Park. Races from 3pm, and the hill race at 3.45pm.

Moorfoot Handicap Race - Sunday 27th November

2011-08-24T06:30:00.000-07:00

It's a while since we did a Moorfoot Handicap Race, so here's a placeholder date for your diaries.

Venue will be Cademuir Hill in Peebles, a 10:00am start - nice wee figure of eight course taking it part sof the John Buchan way, some other sheep tracks and the obligatory 'big hill'.
Full senior course and a junior (shortened but still challenging) route also....

Seems a long way away..?
Yes, but a lot of Autumn races - hill, road and XC - to fit in between now and then...

More details to follow.....

New Penchrise Hill Race (near Hawick) 16-Sept-11

2011-08-22T08:48:00.000-07:00

Info on a new hill race near Hawick hosed by Teviotdale Harrier Keith Murray - More details here...

Moorfoots at Peebles Duathlon 2011

2011-08-21T13:18:00.000-07:00

Single Moorfoot (Kenny) participating this year; in fact something of a lack of local participants - the event being a bit on the pricey side - but still a relatively good field of 65 starters.

The format is a 5Km run (Three Bridges circuit in reverse), a 20Km cycle (to Howford Farm and back) and then another 5Km run (Three Bridges circuit in reverse again).

A good first run 18:40 (don't get carried away, still a long way to go...), somewhat outgunned in the cycle by lots of aero-barred, carbon jobbies and pointy helmets, but managed to hang on to a bunch and then put in a 'Contador' type attack on the uphill from Kirkburn to get back in the game (37:43 including the two transitions) before a calf cramping shuffle second run - half a lap before I could run properly after the bike exertions - and started working my way through other walking wounded to the finish (20:20) for an overall 17th place (17 of 65) in 1hr 16mins....

...almost exactly the same time as two years ago - two years older but still maintaining my levels of mediocrity.

Full results to follow here...

Moorfoots at the Two Inns Race (Glencoe)

2011-08-15T13:35:00.000-07:00

Roving runner Mike Reid reports from Glencoe...

Finally managed to sort myself to be free so headed for this long classic.
http://www.hillrunningscotland.co.uk/hill-running/two-inns-race/

My report should stress I took the 'long' part very seriously and ensured I spent an excessive amount of time to complete the race. Would love to claim this was part of maximising the day.

Excellent race and one I would recommend if you like few paths, real bog for miles on end, sharp non runnable ascents and steep knee jarring descents, just over 16miles and more than 5000ft of climb.

Safe to say I found this very tough and was not helped by losing sight in the mist of the lead pack near checkpoint 3 and then spending the next 1.5hrs trying to find out exactly where I was with a Lochaber runner in tow. He however despite being local had no area knowledge and as I discovered had little understanding of navigation. However we muddled on eventually dropping down off the ridge, to get out of the mist to find out where we were, to then reclimb back to last checkpoint.

Rest of race I therefore paid more attention to the map and slowly reeled in back markers. Think I finished about mid table position but hours behind Al Anthony who won by 2mins from Andy Fallas. (Worth saying they followed a Lochaber local that knew the route and then left him behind on the last climb.)

Julia also ran and finished but I think had similar navigation issues as myself but great effort to complete what has to be the hardest race I have done to date.

Regards...

Mike R

Weekend Round Up - w/e 14-Aug

2011-08-15T03:35:00.000-07:00

Lots of Moorfoots in action this weekend....

Morebattle Border Games Hill Race - Darin taking a 2nd place over the 3.9 mile course, round about a minute down on the winner; Brian Hood making a return to the hill racing scene and getting his legs ready for some Autumn hill action (Two Breweries ?)
Special mention to young Moorfoot Findlay Collins who completed to full course in just over and hour for 4th place in the Junior category.

Two Inns Race Glencoe - Julia was on her travels, taking in another Scottish Hill Racing Long Classic, the 15 miles Two Inns Race - results and report to follow...

Philliphaugh Three Brethren Hill Race - a new course this year making up a full 7 mile circuit which started and finished at Corby Linn near the rugby club and taking in the iconic Three Brethren cairns on the Southern Upland Way. Last years 4 mile loop was another option, but positioned more of as a family fun run.

170 starters in the two races - on the 7 miler, Darin (47:43) bagged another 2nd place in consecutive days, not far behind Gala's Fergus Johnston (47:22), who appeared to lead from start to finish. Wull was 7th (49:22), Colin not far behind in 51:03 (11th), Mike McG still struggling with a summer cold a few places further back (53:25) and Kenny hot on his heels in 54:09 (pleased with that !!).
Full results here...

Well done too to Hilary, Rian and Joe in the four miler.

A great wee race - soft from the recent rain, but pretty much runnable all the way - very well marshalled and excellent pre and post race facilities at the Selkirk Rugby Club.

Some photos from local photograher Grant Kinghorn here...

Philliphaugh (Selkirk) Hill Race - Sunday 14-Aug

2011-08-10T03:30:00.000-07:00

All the details here...

Parking / Changing facilities and toilets will be available at Selkirk Rugby Club.

Registration will be at Selkirk Rugby Club and open from 9.30am until 10.45am.

The Start and Finish will be at 11.00am from the bottom of the Corby Lynn (approx 0.5 miles from Rugby Club)

Prize Giving will be back at the Rugby Club (approx 12.30pm)

Refreshments/Food will be available at the Rugby Club

World Champs Selection for Sarah

2011-08-10T03:09:00.000-07:00

Good recent form has secured Sarah MacCormack pre-selection for Ireland for the World Mountain Running Championships in Albania on 11 September. Sarah was top Irish finisher at the uphill only European Championships earlier this summer. She justified her World Championship selection ahead of the Irish Trial race by smashing Christina Rankin’s women’s course record at the recent Turnhouse Hill Race by one and a half minutes and then reducing her 5000m track personal best by a whopping 44 seconds to 16.49 at the Glasgow Miler meeting at Scotstoun last Friday.

Gregor Nicholson

Moorfoots at Oxton Games Hill Race

2011-07-26T10:37:00.000-07:00

First place and third place to Darin and Mike McG respectively....well done both !

More details here...

Moorfoots at Lee Pen Hill Race

2011-07-17T06:53:00.000-07:00

A record 46 runners entered Lee Pen with a good quality field. Al Anthony won.Mike McGovern was 6th, Will was 9th and Sarah McCormack 2nd lady.

Results here...

Moorfoots at Rattlesnake Point (Ontario, Canada)

2011-07-16T16:39:00.000-07:00

Spot the Moorfoot...

When arranging our family holiday to Canada to visit some friends, we managed to find details of a nearby trail race, sponsored by Salomon - part of the 5 Peaks Trail race series - which fitted nicely into our schedule.

So the running gear was packed in the suitcase, and the first week of the holiday had some early morning runs squeezed in, trying to acclimatise to the mid 80s F temperatures.

Race day was hot - but the trail was bone dry and dusty (and rocky and rooty !) - an unusual course starting at the top of the Niagara escarpment, running through the shade of the trees along the edge of the canyon, before a descent down to the canyon floor, a long climb up the other side, before re descending and then climbing back up the other side again to the finish - just under 13km for the 'Enduro' course.

The heat took it toll latterly but I still managed a respectable 55mins (54:58) for 20th from 319 finishers and 5th in the MV 40-49 category. Full results here...

Eilidh raced in the shorter 'Sports' course (4.7Km), finishing in 27 mins and actually taking first place in the W10-14 category - 'go girl !!!"

Lee Pen Hill Race - Sat 16-July

2011-07-13T07:15:00.000-07:00

Run up a hill, run down a hill, relax with a beer or ice cream to watch the St Ronan's Games....what better way to spend a Saturday afternoon in July.

The Lee Pen Hill race is this weekend (Sat 16-July) starting at Victoria Park in Innerleithen - sign-on/registration around 1:00pm in the football ground.

Moorfoots in Turkey

2011-07-13T07:10:00.000-07:00

A 20-hour journey, temperatures approaching 30°C, and 1600m altitude - these were just some of the challenges faced by Scout Adkin and Sarah McCormack at the European Mountain Running Championships on Mount Uludag near Bursa in Turkey on Sunday 10 July, never mind the select fields of Europe’s top mountain runners from 26 different countries.

In her first outing in a GB vest Scout (17) secured a hugely creditable top half finish, coming home 15^th in the Junior Women’s U20 race. She completed the uphill only course of 4km and 405m of ascent in 25mins 10 seconds, just over 3 minutes behind the clear winner and defending champion Denisa Dragomar from Romania and one place and a few seconds adrift of her GB team-mate Ffion Price from Wales, reversed form from the selection race four weeks ago.

Sarah was making her International debut for Ireland in the senior women’s race over 8.5km and 865m climb and picked up a few places with a strong second half to finish 42^nd and top Irish finisher in 56 minutes and 33 seconds, not too far behind 4^th GB counter Nicola Meekin.

This was a huge learning experience for both. Scout is still eligible for the U20 age-group next year and Sarah is still a relative newcomer to hill running so there is much potential for further progress. After a short re-charge, their attention will now focus on gaining selection for the World Championships in Albania in September.

Interview with Sarah at this link

Moorfoots at Eildons Hill Race

2011-06-28T14:16:00.000-07:00

Over two hundered finishers this year, with the race being an SHR Championship counter.
Last year's winner Mike McG had some stiff competion this year, managing to take over a minute off last years time finishing in 18th place (31:35), slightly ahead of Darin (31:46) in 20th.

There was tough competion for the ladies too, with Sarah coming home in 36:23 for 5th lady, and Alex Campbell taking 5th F23 in 41:13.

Lairig Ghru Race - Sunday 26th June

2011-06-28T13:06:00.000-07:00

I only entered the Lairig Ghru race the week before as I've always fancied travelling this route and I thought that I would be able to cover the distance Ok considering all the marathon training I did earlier this year, and this proved to be the case.

The race runs 27 miles from Braemar to Aviemore and has 2100 feet of ascent. After all the road running I've been doing I found the tricky bit was tackling the very very rough ground in the middle 7 miles or so when you are actually in the pass. I was totally unprepared mentally for how rocky it was with some sections where you are literally scurrying through boulder fields with no sign of a path. I came a cropper too on the descent when I tripped but got away with cuts and bruises and it didn't slow me down too much. When it finally flattened out a bit and I hit the forest trail I started to crank it a bit and must have passed about 7 runners in the last few miles.

I think I came 25th (the results aren't out yet) out of the 151 starters in a time of 3h53, the winner covering the course in 3h16. It was a really wild and beautiful run and I think I'd like to do the course again but not as a race so I can actually look up now and then to take in the views, instead of constantly staring at the rocks you are trying not to trip over on!! Cheers, Colin

* See me modelling my new Moorfoot T Shirt in the photo!

Moorfoot Runners Beltane 10K Trail Race 2011

2011-06-20T10:22:00.000-07:00

H - B - T !!! Steve Cairns in full flight at the finish...

A slightly soggier affair than previous years, but the muddy bits did not seem to deter almost 100 runners in the main 10K trail race, who all completed the course before the real rain started in the afternoon.

Steve Cairns was again 'untouchable' with a fine performance ( 35:19) to take this year's honours, and in doing so actually taking 50 secs off his previous trail race time and setting a new course record...

Local running legend Susan Ridley had some 'young pretenders' on her heels but was again too strong for the challengers, coming home first lady in 41:26 and another course record....

Moorfoots won the first male team (Mike McG, Darin, Ian Munro), and also picked up the first ladies team (Scout, Carol Moss, Alex Campbell), so a great day all round for the Moorfoots.

The Junior 3K and Fun Run races were also a hit - this year, for the first time we split the race into 'mini juniors' and 'big yin juniors', although we had many mini's who wanted to run the full 3K distance.
More than forty runners participated with Moorfoot Jacob Adkin comfortably winning first 'big yin junior' boy and fellow Moorfoot Mairi Wallace taking the 'big yin junior' girl prize.

Full 10K Trail Race results here...

A big thank you to all the runners who took part.....

Another big thank you to all the helpers on the day without whom hosting this event would not be possible.
We have received many complements from runners on how much they enjoyed the race and how well looked after they were....

Right, now to getting the Moorfoot Gazeebo dried out....

Moorfoot Ladies in the News

2011-06-20T10:21:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Sarah in winning the Irish Hill racing selection race, and now looking like she will be joining Scout in Turkey for the European Hill Running Championships, sporting the colours of the Emerald Isle....

Back home in Scotland, the SHR 'Bog & Burn' mid-week series has completed five races with Julia leading the Ladies...

Come on chaps, time to raise our game....

Weekend Round Up

2011-06-20T10:21:00.000-07:00

There were other races on this weekend apart from a popular local trail race...

Julia was over on Arran on Saturday competing in the Glen Rosa Horseshoe hill race, picking up a 3rd place in the Ladies...

Results here...

While on Sunday, a gaggle of Moorfoots were in Edinburgh taking team honours in the Seven Hills

Mike (7th place), Wull (16th place) and James (14th place) picked up the team prize at the 7 Hills.

7-Hills 2011 Male team winners - with their prizes...or are these fish suppers ?

Rachael also set a new PB in 2:21 (8th lady).

Full results at the attached:-
http://www.seven-hills.org.uk/results.asp

Countdown to Moorfoot Runners Beltane 10K Trail Race

2011-06-17T01:21:00.000-07:00

...with a couple of days to go until race day (Sun 19-June), please find below a short summary of the key timings for the day - all activities below centred around the Gytes Leisure Centre Peebles...

0830     the early shift - start course marking and setup
1000     registration starts
1100     marshals meeting and briefing
1130     junior 3K fun run
1145     registration closes
1200    Beltane 10K Trail Race starts
1315    last runners in hopefully...
1330    refreshments available
1345    prize giving
1400    final tidy up
1430   all over for another year.....

We are still looking for helpers on the day....if you can spare a couple of hours, please report to the Gytes just before 1100 for the marshals' briefing....

Many thanks.....

Great Britain Call-up for Moorfoot Scout

2011-06-13T14:04:00.000-07:00

She may be a vegetarian but a mountain of Turkey awaits Scout Adkin who slogged out a convincing victory in the UK Athletics Uphill Euro-Trial Race near Keswick on Sunday, hence guaranteeing her selection for the GB U20 team for the European Mountain Running Championships in Turkey in July.

Scout was neck and neck with Ffion Price from Wales for most of the course over 4km and 400m climb on the slopes of Lattrigg and Skiddaw. But even Price, the 2010 World Youth Mountain Challenge winner and 2011 Welsh Cross-Country Champion, could not live with the relentless pace set by her Moorfoot rival on the last grueling 500m section and Scout drew clear for a clear victory with the rest of the field spread-eagled behind.

The European Championships alternate between uphill only courses and up/down courses. This was Scout’s first taste of uphill only racing but she will head for Bursa in Turkey on 10 July knowing she is well suited to the tough physical and mental test which uphill racing entails.

Gregor

Weekend Round Up

2011-06-12T11:15:00.000-07:00

A busy time of year for the Mootfoot multi-sportsters....

A wet day !

Darin (1st MV40) and Mike (2nd MV40) were winning prizes at the Trapain Law Hill Race on Saturday in East Lothian (Results here......)

Kenny, Tom, James, Eddy, Rhoda, Johnnie - were all participating in the Tweedlove Glentress7 mountain bike enduro (how many laps of the ~11Km course can you do in 7 hours).
Some fantastic feats of cycling endurance as the rains came after an hour or so and the challenging but still dry at that point course turned to 'custard'...possibly the muddiest event of the year so far...

Tom - solo, 8 laps - the man is a metronome, lapping like a machine...
Eddie - solo, 8 laps - overcame major tyre and puncture problems in lap one to still complete 8 laps - awesome...
Johnnie - solo, 4 laps - big 'stack' over the handle bars in lap four and retired injured...
Rhoda/Gordon - pairs, 6 laps - when we do the running and swimming bit ?
James/Kenny - pairs, 8 laps - James broke a bit off his bike on lap 3 so had a long push back to transition , but the team solidered on to complete a respectable lap count (phew - if James had been any faster, I might have had to go back out for an extra lap at the end...!)

Moorfoots at Yetholm Hill Race

2011-06-10T03:20:00.000-07:00

A championship race this year, so much bigger field (189 finishers), but with a reduced Moorfoot partipation due to injuries and other commitments...

A top20 placing for Darin (19th), 2nd Lady for Sarah (36th but unfiortunately picking up an injury) and a course best time for Julia (89th).

Full Results here...

Moorfoot Win at Cort-ma-Law Hill Race

2011-06-10T03:15:00.000-07:00

Well done to Julia for a win the the Ladies' category at the mid week Cort-Ma -Law hill race north of Glasgow in the Campsie Hills

Results here...

Helpers Required for Moorfoot Runners Beltane 10K Trail Race

2011-06-03T06:16:00.000-07:00

Two weeks to go until our annual Beltane 10K on 19-June hosted by the Moorfoot Runners - a trail race again this year on the popular Tweedside mult-terrain and traffic free course.

Full details on our website here...

As ever, we require as many club members as possible to assist on the day with various admin, timekeeping, marshalling, etc. duties. The more help we have, the easier and smoother running the day is for everyone...

Work starts on the day from ~8:00am marking out the course and is normally finished by 3:00am following the prize giving and tidying up. If you are available for all of this, great - but there will be plenty of jobs to do, particuraly marshalling between 11:00am and 1:30pm if your availability is more limited.

Please confirm your availability to help out to kg.davidsonATbtinternet.com (replace the AT with an @)

The question arises every year about whether club members can run in their own race....the general guideline is that your first priority is to support the hosting and running of the race; however, if you do want to run, we would look for you to provide a family member or friend to help out with duties on the day.

Regards....

Kenny

Moorfoots at Broughton Heights Hill Race (Inter Counties)

2011-06-03T05:28:00.000-07:00

Results

A top qulaity field for this Inter Counties hill race at Broughton, taking in some familiar and unfamiliar aspects of local nemesis hill 'Trahenna'.

The quality fo the field was such that there were no Moorfoots in the Top 50, but some strong runs all the same...

Darin recording a rare win over Mike Reid, with Sarah nipping at their heels just a minute or so back.
Another strong performance from Julia and good run from Brian Hood.

Craft Running Clothing at bSpoke (Peebles Cycling Shop)

2011-05-28T03:08:00.000-07:00

The Peebles cycling shop bSpoke (next to Osso ) are now stocking running clothing from 'Craft' - good quality stuff at very competitive prices - worth having a look...

bSpoke Cycles launches bSpoke Run

Many of our cycling customers are also active runners and tell

us that there is nowhere local to buy good quality running gear.

THERE IS NOW

We have long been a fan of the materials and design of Craft

cycling clothing from Sweden which comes at reasonable
prices. So we have built up a selection of their running kit in
both mens and womens ranges:

base layers
shirts
shorts
capris
tights
jackets

Come in and try it - 10% off your first purchases

Regards, Gary and Ewan at bSpoke Cycles

Sunday Run - Sunday 29-May

2011-05-23T01:33:00.001-07:00

Ahead of Scout’s uphill GB junior trial race in Keswick on 12 June I have planned an uphill only trial for her on Cademuir on Sunday 29 May. It will be approx 3.5k starting from the bottom of the Morning Hill field, mostly on the John Buchan Way then the direct path to the top. If anyone is interested in joining in could they call or text me on 07545 322750. Subject to interest, it would be informally handicapped (based on ½ Gypsy Glen times or equivalent form) although if some want to run in pairs or small groups that would be fine. Meet at the road end by Tanta 10.00am for a 10.15am start. Propose re-group at the top before making your own way back, whether direct or via the other summit and “the roller-coaster” path.

Gregor

Talk on Sports “Physiology, Nutrition and Endurance”

2011-05-23T01:29:00.000-07:00

An invitation to all Moorfoots and friends from Peebles Cycling Club:

You'll be pleased to hear we have another PCC Club Night at the

Tontine planned for Friday 27th May.

The format will be same as last time, meeting in the bar at 19:00ish
followed at 19:30ish by an educational and enjoyable talk of 2 halves,
giving you the opportunity in the middle to refresh your glasses.
The topic of this talk to be given by Dr Susan Gray will be:

“Physiology, Nutrition and Endurance”

Gypsy Glen Hill Race 2011 - Results

2011-05-23T01:27:00.000-07:00

Results now available....see link here

Well done to Sarah (35:27) for a fine win (and new Ladies course record !) for the Ladies, after a real battle with Susan Ridley.

Mike McG didn't have it all his own way this year, with a strong contingent from Edinburgh and Fife taking the first four places; Mike's 5th place (34:29) good enough still for first Vet and Wull was 8th (35:19) for 3rd Vet.

Further down the field, Kenny knocked a full minute off his previous GGHR best with 37:35, holding off the fast finishing Scout Adkins 37:46.

Julia finished in 40:54, ahead of Eddie Balfour 41:45, reversing their recent Screel Hill Race result.

Well done too, to our celebrity Scott Hasting who completed the course in 48:55 - not bad for your first hill race !!

Well done to all involved, including the Peebles Community Councel for agreat wee race

Some nice comments and race commentary on thwe Portobello blogger here....

Edinburgh Marathon Report 22 May

2011-05-22T12:19:00.000-07:00

I did the Edinburgh marathon, with an outside hope of breaking the big 3hr barrier. Unfortunately it wasn't to be, but I had a vast improvement on my disaster in 2009, and finished in 3.05:27 in 244th out of 6700 odd. It was an understatement to say it was windy and I wasn't able to use the tailwind on the way to build up a big enough buffer for the onslaught in the return leg. I was still hanging in there fairly well at about 21 miles but the energy I had used to stay on pace since the turn at mile 17 started to tell and I struggled the last five miles dropping about a minute a mile. I have a vivid memory at Prestonpans when we were greated with horizontal rain gusting at about 40 mph, thinking that it felt like someone had squashed me with an mattress and got on top!!

All in all I am happy with the performance and I will have to see if I have another crack one time. A banner I saw on the way round made me smile - "pain is temporary, 3hrs is for ever".

Cheers, Colin

So you think you're a Hill Runner..?

2011-05-19T04:50:00.000-07:00

http://www.scottishhillracing.co.uk/Home.aspx

The above link is to the Scottish Hill Racing website - great info on the Scottish Hill racing scene (event calendars, results, routes, runner profiles and histories...)

Worth a we look....go into the 'Runners' menu and you can see a history of your hill races over the last few seasons including some great summaries of your 'percentage of winning times', number of races recorded etc....and even an sample photo of you in hill racing action !!!

Gypsy Glen Hill Race - Wed 18-May

2011-05-18T02:00:00.000-07:00

See you there....registration for Hill race at Gytes from 6:00pm; Junior Fun Run - turn up at Victoria Park for 7:10pm start

Race Route and Info

Moorfoot at Goat Fell

2011-05-15T13:36:00.000-07:00

Another fine podium place for Julia on her hill running travels, this time another second place in the Ladies at Goatfell on Arran (37th overall in 1hr49mins) and less than thirty seconds behind the first lady. Must have been a good chase back along the road from the castle to the final lap of the football pitch...

Results here...

Moorfoots at Gala 10K

2011-05-10T13:06:00.000-07:00

The sharp end of the race...so that's what it look like !

A new course this year - a 3 lapper - due to the works having started on the old railway line which will become the future new railway line. However, still a great wee run, a relatively fast course despite a few twists and turns and the big grassy lap round Netherdale Rugby Ground to the finish.

A reasonable turn out of Moorfoots, with Wull (7th 35:28), Darin (8th 35:32) and Mike McG (13th 36:44) leading the Moorfoot charge - good enough for the team prize - well done chaps !

Further back, Kenny (21st 38:55) held off the fast finishing Innerleithen Runner Robert Patterson by a few seconds in a final 400m battle...

Performance of the day was arguably Hilary Dougal's 55:07, shedding several minutes from her 10K PB set earlier this year at Dunbar.

Well done to Gala Harriers for a well organised race and a splendid sandwich and cake spread for the prize giving.

Moorfoot Success at Ben Lomond

2011-05-10T12:47:00.000-07:00

Sarah McCormack was a convincing winner of the women’s race at Ben Lomond on Saturday in 1 hour 23.39 mins (17/121 overall) and with Alex Campbell and Julia Connor backing up in 6th and 9th, Moorfoots claimed the women’s team race.

I haven’t been able to find the results of the Junior races which were the Scottish Junior Champs but can report that Scout Adkin unfortunately had a day to forget in the U18 Women’s Championship race, severe cramps causing her to stop when in the lead at the start of the 2nd lap. However after watching all her opponents run past she soldiered on and still managed to secure the silver medal behind the Scottish Road and Cross-Country Champion Halina Rees from Fife AC. (Louise Mercer finished between Halina and Scout to lift the U16 Girls Championship.)

Lucas Cheskin was outsprinted for 4th on the run to the line in the U16 Boys Championship race.

http://www.shr.uk.com/Home.aspx

Gregor

Gypsy Glen Hill Race & Junior Funs Run (Wed 18-May)

2011-05-07T09:48:00.000-07:00

A wee reminder that the Gypsy Glen Hill Race is being held on the evening of Wednesday 18-May.

Registration at the Gytes from 6:00pm - race starts at 7:00pm sharp.

This year, while the senior runners are out slogging up the Gypsy Glen, a Junior fun run will he held in Victoria Park - actually two junior fun runs; U10 (<1Km) and an Over10s (~2Km) shortly afterwards.

These races will be over before the seniors return from 'the hills', so we should have a big crowd for the final run into the finish line (also in Victoria Park).

Prize Giving will be in the Gytes shortly afterwards, with Scottish Rugby legend Scott Hastings doing the honours.

Hope to see lots of Moorfoot vests out participating on the evening.....

More details of the senior hill race here...

Moorfoot Eazi-Up Gazebo

2011-05-02T09:33:00.000-07:00

Dog and garden pixie not included....

Largely funded through a grant from the Tweeddale Sports Council, the Mootfoot Runners have invested in an eazi-up gazebo for use in local events. (typically for getting changed in, leaving your kit etc. at races where we have a 'massive' of Moorfoots, or for our own events for race admin etc.)

The more 'eagle eyed' of you may have spotted it at the Three Bridges Race on Sunday, where it was borrowed by the 'Guitterblood Society' for their fund rasier stall at the fete which accompanied the races.

Look out for it again at the Gypsy Glen Race and forthcoming Border games events...

Moorfoots at Stuc A Chroin 5000

2011-05-02T08:55:00.000-07:00

Clue's in the name...it's a long race (up a Munro) with a lot of climbing....so a long day in the hills, especially in the recent hot conditions.

Mike Reid, James and Julia were the 'Moorfoot Three'; James finishing in 14th place in 2:39, just ahead of Mike (17th 2:42)
Fresh from a series of shorter Bog and Burn hill races, Julia achieved an excellent 2nd place in the Female category in 3:15

Results here..

Moorfoots at Three Bridges Race 2011

2011-05-01T13:00:00.000-07:00

Slow motion action shot...!

A perfect summers day (in May !) greeted the assembled crowds and runners at this years Three Bridges Races, hosted by the Peebles Beltane Games Committee.

Plenty of Moorfoots in action, from the primary races, up through the Open Youths, Open Seniors and the Fun Races - well done to all who took part and were there in support.

In the senior Open race, a slightly larger field than previous years assembled, with a good cross section of runners - fun runners through racers, youth through vets.

First man home was Kelso runner XXX, who ran through from the scratch postion overtaking the entire field to win comfortably. In a well fought 2nd place, Darin Dougal also ran from almost the back of the field for another Three Bridges podium position.
In a surprise 3rd position was Kenny Davidson, who ran to handicap and hung on laterly to get into the prizes.

Also running in the open senior race were Moorfoots Scout Adkins, Ian Munroe, Johnny Hall, Mike McGovern and multiple past Three Bridges Champion Tom McNaughton.

Next local race is the Gypsy Glen Hill Race on Wednesday 18-May....

Moorfoots at Screel Hill Race

2011-04-22T00:54:00.000-07:00

Screel Hill, down on the Urr Estuary near Dalbeattie in Galloway - lovely venue....

Great wee race down near Castle Douglas. Short steep run up through mature forest onto open hill with fantastic views over the Solway Coast (if you can afford the time to look). Then a fast, technical descent through trees and over rocky drops. I managed 12th place (35:38), Julia 25th (4th lady - 40:51). Julia was just behind me at the summit but lost a few places by trying to stay in control on the descent!

Well worth the drive down.

Eddie

Moorfoot at Virgin London Marathon 2011

2011-04-18T14:07:00.000-07:00

So close and yet so far...Johnny' valiant quest for the sub-3hr marathon...

Unfortunately, I strained my hamstring on Wednesday during my last serious training run. I was just finishing up with 3 x 1 minute at 10k pace and I got a twinge in my right ham (I damaged the other one on NYD) at 50 seconds in on the last pickup! The annoying thing was that I felt great previous to that, everything was effortless.

I left it 2 days, it seemed ok and then on Saturday, I went for a 3 mile run to see how it was and it went again. I knew instantly that I was screwed - there's no way to run a marathon on a strained hamstring that won't end badly.

Still, I tipped up to the start line and thought I'd give it a go, see how far I could get and if the hamstring went again, I'd get the tube back to the finish and watch the end.

Half a mile in, it started to hurt, by mile 3, the 2:59 pacer went past and I made no attempt to stay with him (I was running sub 3 pace anyway) because I didn't think I was finishing. It got worse and at mile 5 I felt it roll down the back of my leg. Horrible. At that point, I'm thinking that as soon as I see a tube or a train station, I'm done.
But, it didn't get any worse, so I thought, I'll just run to the next mile. And I kept doing that, mile after mile. I went through halfway in 1:30:17 but I wasn't feeling great. It's hard to focus on running well when you keep expecting your hamstring to rupture or spasm.

Eventually, the strain of compensating for a bad muscle spread to the rest of my legs - my quads turned to wood and my calves started seizing. The funny thing was, I wasn't bothered now - I knew my goose was cooked on the start line, so the fact that I was still running was amazing to me.

I started slowing significantly from mile 17. It was hot but that was the least of my troubles, everything hurt now. I was still running about 7:30-40 pace but it felt like I was going backwards. Nell Mcandrew came past but I couldn't stay with her (I tried, she looked good from behind).

At mile 24, I started feeling sick. At mile 25 my hamstring finally started to get worse and started to spasm. I crossed the line in 3:09.21.

On the one hand, it was a nightmare. On the other hand, I did something pretty crazy and survived. I suffered for 26 miles and learned a bit more about myself.

Today, I woke up with the back of my leg so sore, I can't touch it. That, along with seized quads, means I'm in a bit of a state.

I believe I fit enough to run sub 3 4 weeks ago when I cruised round Alloa in 1:23.11. I've just suffered because I've devoted all my time to running on the road - it has made me fitter but weaker. No serious hill running and no cycling has left me with a succession of niggles. And the timing of the last one killed my race. Still, no-one to blame but myself. No point being fit and injured.

Cheers, Johnny

Carnethy5 on BBC iPlayer

2011-04-17T12:48:00.000-07:00

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b010hj64/The_Adventure_Show_2010_2011_Episode_8/
Only a couple of days left to watch this. Good shots of Sarah and Mike Reid, a glimpse of Julia, and is that Eddie Balfour being interviewed on the run at one point?

Regards...

Gregor

Moorfoots at the Edinburgh Half Marathon

2011-04-11T03:42:00.000-07:00

It went very well, but... the course was 13.4 miles for some ridiculous reason considering it was an out and back. They simply put the turn about 250m to far along the road, so I got a massive pb, and went through 13.1 miles at about 1:22.40, however finished in 1:24.32, in 38th position overall (out of 3019). My average split was 6:19, however I was run a bit slower than that, but managed to do the last 2 miles in 6 min mile pace, until I faded when the finish line didn't appear!

All in all I am very happy, and 6 weeks until the full marathon so a few long runs to go yet.

Cheers

Colin

JBW Run 2011

2011-04-10T11:37:00.000-07:00

The Moorfoot John Buchan Way (JBW) club run coincided with possibly the best day of the year so far, with balmy breezes and sunshine from start to finish.

Six Moorfoots and two dogs set off about 10:00 from Broughton Place encountering generally dry and dusty conditions (and a few wee muddy bits) - no wooly hats and full body cover this year....

Cademuir Hill towards the end of the run was 'alive' with Orienteers, and we even bumped into ex-President Mike Pearson out walking his dog...

The run finished back at Edderston Road where cake and buns were served sitting out in the sun - perfect !

Moorfoots at Dunbar 10K

2011-04-10T11:29:00.000-07:00

Darin crossing the line..

The Dunbar 10K is a regular calendar fixture for the Moorfoots, although a slightly lower representation this year than in previous years.

Mike Reid again led the Moorfoot colours home, in a fourth place (35:31), with Darin just over a minute further back in 36:53 for a top ten finish (9th).
Steve Martin was just over the 40 minutes in 40:04 for 24th place.

Special mention to Hilary Dougal who recorded a sub 60 minute result in 59:18 - a great result on a tough course which is anything but flat !!!

Moorfoot Hill Racing Results - Deuchary Hill Canter and Birnam Hill Classic

2011-04-10T11:19:00.000-07:00

A bit late with these results folks....my apologies...

At the Birnam Hill Classic on the Saturday (26-March), the Moorfoots were represented by Sarah and Julia, in a particularly large field for this SHR Championship event..
Sarah took 3rd lady in 35 mins (42nd overall), with Julia finishing in 133rd place in 41:45 - there were 240 (!) finishers.

Results here..

On the Sunday, the Deuchary Canter was held, as part of a weekend 'triple header' - Mike reid was the lone 'Moorfoot' but still managed a 2nd place (1:31) a couple of minutes behind the winner who set a new course record over the 12 mile course.

Results here...

Edinburgh Half Marathon - Sunday 10th April

2011-03-23T15:07:00.000-07:00

Hi I'm doing the Edinburgh Half Marathon on Sunday 10th April and was wondering if anyone else was? It's a 9am start, but does not start and finish in the same place so I was looking to coordinate with transport. let me know if you are, Cheers Colin 01896 831 866

Run the John Buchan Way - Sunday 10-April

2011-03-20T12:18:00.000-07:00

...run the John Buchan Way from Broughton to Peebles.

Plan would be to meet at the Gytes in Peebles, for 9:30am (note, earlier start than usual !), share the minimum number of cars we can to drive up to Broughton (start from Broughton Place) - then run back, in one two or however many 'packs' - stopping off at the Davidson house(52 Edderston Road, Peebles) for a cup of tea and a cake on the way back to the Gytes.

Assuming we get running for shortly after 10:00, we should be back in Peebles by 12:30, even at a sociable pace. (13 miles, 10 min-mile pace, ~2hrs +)

For those who have left their cars at Broughton from the start, we'll arrange a driver to transport you back for collection of your vehicals.

Drop me (Kenny) a note if you are interested, so we can get an idea of numbers.

Sound too long ? We can arrange a 'Half Buchan' (Stobo to Peebles) alternative if there is interest, perhaps starting slightly later such that the Full Buchan runners can merge with you on the way back...

Weekend Roundup

2011-03-20T12:06:00.000-07:00

A busy weekend , with Moorfoots competing in the local Deerstalker and 'adventure' race, Chapelgill Hill Race and further afield at the Alloa Half Marathon.

At the Deestalker, the Moorfoot charge was led by Darin and Colin, achieving 4th (1:20) and 11th (1:25) respectively, but unable to hold off the HBT raiders who took the first two places, well clear of the rest of the field.
The Moorfoot rearguard action was led by Mile Pearson and his daughter Kate, who finished in 3:26 (in the dark !!) - well done...

Eddie Balfour was the sole Moorfoot at the Chapelgill Hill Race, securing a good 14th place in this short and very sharp 'to the summit and back' sprint.

Out on the roads of Alloa, Johnny and Steve were battling it out - a close one this - with Johnny taking the honours this time by a slender margin in 1:23:11 (55th) against Steve's 1:23:54 (66th) - two PBs..?

And not to be out done, James has been continuing his Ultra distance training...

James wrote:
"I ran from Traquair to Moffat along the Southern Upland Way (about 33 miles) on Saturday. The route to the Ettrick valley makes for an excellent run, the 5 mile road stretch up the Ettrick valley into the wind was a hard slog and the final 10 miles over to Moffat is a real wilderness. The route took 5 hours."

2011 Moorfoot Runners Memberships now due...

2011-03-11T02:49:00.000-08:00

Dear Moorfoot,

Following our AGM last Friday, the subs for 2011 have been agreed and remain unchanged from last year.

Annual membership subs are due now for membership from 1st April 2011 to 31st March 2012.

Please find 2011 membership renewal form at this link:

http://www.moorfootrunners.co.uk/MembershipForm2011.pdf

Regards,

Kirsty

Durty Triathlon and new Durty Trail Race

2011-03-11T02:35:00.000-08:00

Some 'Durty' News....thanks to Johnny for passing this on...

Durty Tri 2011 30-July-2011

Race date this year is Saturday 30th July. Durty Tri is proud to host the Scottish Off-Road Triathlon Championships this year - all Tri Scotland Race Licence holders are eligible, and there are cash prizes for the first 3 Men and Women across the line. Yee-hah!. Of course, there will also be the usual range of truly amazing Durty Tri trophies as well. Hmmm. Well, beer anyway.

The event details are at http://www.durtytriathlon.com/

Those good folks at the Tri Centre in Edinburgh are supporting us again this year. Please help us by helping them - they'll sort you out for wetsuit hire, and shiny triathlon toys of all kinds - www.thetricentre.com

Durty 10km Trail Race 28-July-2011

New for 2011, and due to popular demand (well, we hope it will be popular!), we've added a 10km trail race to the Durty roster. It's over the same ever-so-slightly-tough-and-undulating 10km course that the Long Hard Durty uses. A good opportunity fto race or your long-suffering water-hating friends and supporters?. We hope so.

The course starts with the beautiful undulating lochside paths, and then climbs, climbs and climbs on forest roads through the Bowerhope Forest. Did we mention the course climbs yet? A short rough and a little bit boggy (!) section through a forest break takes you out onto the amazing open hillside, with spectacular views over the Yarrow Valley and St. Mary's Loch. You'll then plunge headlong down the hillside on rough quad track and re-emerge for tea + medals (well, possibly not medals, we think they're a bit naff) in the finish field to the respect and adulation of your family and pals. Sounds great, huh?.

Online entry for both events at http://www.entrycentral.com/index.php?festivalID=45

Moorfoots at Bishop Hill

2011-03-07T13:57:00.000-08:00

With the SHR season well underway, it was a return to the Lomond Hills, scene earlier this year for the Devil's Burdens, for Julia and Russell.

A short, sharp one thjs, by the looks of the times - Russell in 28th place (22:48) and Julia in 52nd (26:07).

More info here..

Moorfoots at Lasswade 10 miler

2011-03-07T13:50:00.000-08:00

Colin in action...

The Lasswade 10 mile road race unofficially marks the end of the XC season and the start of the road racing season, and usually proves to be a good judge of winter form for all those 'returning to the road'.

A capacity field lined up at the start, with six Moorfoots in the mix this year, looking to put down a good start to the season. Despite the sun being out for this year's race, a cool breeze kept the temperatures on the chilly side, but still ideal racing conditions.

First Moorfoot home was Mike Reid (57:05 7th) securing a top 10 placing in a strong field.
Wull Hynd, returning after rest from a niggling injury, put in a strong run for 11th place in 58:36 (and 3rd MV). Mike McGovern's 24th place (61:22) secured an overall Moorfoot team placing of 4th, behind Costorphine, HBT and Lasswade.

Darin came home close behind in 61:41 (28th), with a very strong run from Colin Williams (62:55, 37th) showing that his early season training for a Spring marathon must be going well.

Last Moorfoot home was Kenny in a new PB of 64:39 (47th) - more than a minute faster than last year !

This years race also incorporated a Scottish Vets series leg, and a chance catch up with some former clubmates from Calderglen Harriers. I heard you liked the 'hills'...!!

Full results here...

Bob Marshalls photos here...

Entries now open or Jura Fell Race

2011-03-03T11:28:00.000-08:00

Russell writes to say:

Isle of Jura Fell Race is open for entries. Entry form on the race website. Should sell out within a few days.

Cheers. Russell

More details on SHR website:
http://www.shr.uk.com/RaceDetails.aspx?RaceID=RA-0044&System=Imperial&Month=5

Moorfoots at Dunbar XC

2011-02-27T12:15:00.000-08:00

Mike Reid 2010/11 Border XC Series Champion

Dunbar hosted the final race of the 2010/11 Border XC series, on a changed course from recent years based at White Sands, east of the town.

The beach start was followed by an undulating course downwind past Barns Ness lighthouse, before more beach and then a hard slog back into the wind through the seaside links to the finish. A slightly shorter course than some previous legs, but making the pace hot from the off...

Mike Reid secured his series win with a solid 4th place (24:11) - some forty seconds down on his series rival Keith Hood who revelled on the fast flat course, but only managing a 2nd place behind the U20 Lasswade runner Ross Mathieson who was in a different league today...

Russell, returning after a few weeks rest following injury, came home in 32nd (28:08), securing 2nd place in the series in the V50/54 category - another trophy for the cabinet.

Kenny set of hard before struggling a bit towards the end, just missing out on a top20 placing in 26:52.

Mike Pearson and Ian Nimmo had another 'battle royale' further back down the pack, Mike coming out on top this time by over a minute in 45:53.

Final team placings to follow, but congratulations to Gala for this years team win.

Well done to the Dunbar club for a well organised race and some slick results handling to be able to do the full prize giving an hour or so after the last runner crossed the line.

Full results here...

Some great on the day and series results for the Moorfoot juniors too...lots of horse brasses and glass trophies to be polished and dusted....

So another XC season over - although this one looked as if it would never actually get started back at the end of November due to the snow, but we got there - road and hill races beconning in March and beyond....

Moorfoot Runners AGM - Friday 4th March

2011-02-20T13:53:00.000-08:00

All senior members should now have received an email confirming the details of the Moorfoot Runners 2011 AGM

The 2011 Moorfoot Runners' AGM is to be held on Friday 4th March at 8pm in The Courthouse, Peebles.

It is proposed that the AGM takes no longer than an hour, leaving plenty for general discussion and socialising afterwards.

We are always pleased to welcome new committee members with fresh ideas and enthusiasm. If you would like to join the committee, please complete and return the nomination form. The current committee will meet in advance, and we will propose membership fees and committee members for approval at the meeting.

Under 'any other business' on the following agenda, anything can be raised, but if you have a specific matter you wish to raise, it would help if you please submit it in writing to me, Club Secretary, by Friday 18th February.

I will circulate any proposals in advance, which will give us all a chance to think about it before the meeting.

Agenda
i. President's report.
ii. Treasurer's report, and vote to approve the Accounts.
iii. Junior section report.
iv. Vote to approve membership subscriptions.
v. Election of committee.
vi. Any other business, including club plans for 2011.

To help plan numbers, I would appreciate it if you could let me know whether you are able to attend or not.

Regards,
Kirsty