Boxing Day Handicap Fun Run for Juniors and Mums and Dads

Give the turkey a break, and get out and try your new running gear....

"While the seniors slog up to the mast on Boxing Day, all juniors (min. age 8) AND Mums and Dads are invited to take part in a handicap 2km fun run round Whitstone and Kerfield (2 laps).

Given the freezing temperatures this is very likely to be run in the snow but with no more than 2” lying in the park, it is runnable.

However you take part at your own risk. Hats, gloves and full body cover (running tights or trackies) are strongly advised. There will be spot prizes for the most dandy of each. Bring your own snack and drink for afterwards especially if you are waiting for the seniors to get back to The Gytes (which is not open).

Meet at 10am by the cricket pavilion for a group warm-up.
Race starts c. 10.15am.

Handicapper Gregor has the final say.
Race Rule No.1 - no-one is allowed to say “snow”, especially “snow fair” if unhappy with the handicapping!"


Gregor Nicholson

Moorfoot Boxing Day Run

The traditional Moorfoot Boxing day run up to the Mast on Dunslair Heights will take place this year on Sunday 26-December, meeting at the Gytes at 10:00am sharp.

All welcome - a sociable (read 'slow') pace planned - snow and ice guaranteed - full body cover recommended (although remains optional for the more hardy hill runner).

The route goes up Soonhop Valley to Shieldgreen Centre before climbing up behind the cottage; then up the mountain bike track for a bit before changing to a walkers' track before joing the mountain bike track again for the final ascent to the mast.
Route back is pretty much down the fireroad to Buzzards Nest and then down the Jenny Brae Road.

Probably about 90 mins + worth, given the conditions....but some scope to cut short before the main climb, if you don't want to over do it....

See you there.....

Peebles Leg of Border XC (19-Dec) is CANCELLED

See here...

Sorry folks, we tried our best.....

Borders XC - Peebles Leg

After much discussion and numerous 'pitch inspections', we have a course which we believe will be runnable in the current mid-winter conditions.

Registration will be at the Peebles RFC Pavillion in Haylodge Park from 1000 onwards.
To speed up the regitsation process, please download and complete the entry form beforehand and have the exact money fo your entry.

Juniors will run on a modified course within the park - race start 1130

Seniors will run on a modified course on the south side of the river - race start 1200 (after the junior race)
Note that there is a short walk from the park to the start of the senior course (approx 10 mins walk from registration)

Please use the car parking at Haylodge Park (off the Glasgow road near the new Kingsland School)

Marshalls should meet at the Fotheringham Bridge in Haylodge Park at 1100 - make sure you have done any race registration before hand.
It will be extremely cold, so please dress appropriately....

Map of modified Junior course below:

Note to Juniors and Parents/Carers/Guardians:

As things stand a modified junior course in Hay Lodge park (2 laps of just under 1km each) is runnable but entrants should be aware that there is 1 inch of powdery snow on the course and suitable footwear - spikes, studs or trail shoes – is strongly advised. The usual steep hill has been taken out but runners who wear road-style training shoes without a good tread are likely to be disadvantaged, although no more so than in muddy conditions.”

Moorfoot Victory in Italy

News from the Moorfoot Italian chapter....

Moorfoots victorious in Italy !


Its been almost 30 years since I’ve been able to claim victory in a race, but somehow I managed to win a 15k Christmas race here in Northern Italy at my new work. Admittedly most of the better runners were running the half marathon course! It was a pretty hilly course and I managed it round in 1:08:55 so I was happy with that and even made it back to the finishing line before the official timekeeper who was still out directing people on the course. There were several bottles of Prosecco on offer at the finish too – something I will encourage at the Moorfoots handicap races when I return. Most of the runners in the club here are French or Belgian, so conversations during lunchtime runs are usually in French with a smattering of Italian - so I can keep my breath for running. I’m missing the hills around Peebles – but there are some serious hills around my house here – rising to over 1000m. Fortunately you can get a cable car up and just run down, so don’t expect too much on my return.

Have a good Christmas!

Laurence

Sunday Run - 12-December

Lauder XC is postponed so a Sunday run has been rescheduled meeting at the Gytes Peebles at 10:00am - all welcome....sociable pace, should be back around 11:15ish..

See you there....

Peebles Borders XC - Volunteers Required

The rapid thaw this week means that we are still hopeful of the Peebles leg of the Borders XC series going ahead as scheduled on Sunday 19-December.

As host club, we need a number of volunteers to assist with various marshalling duties to make the event run smoothly.

We need volunteers on the Sunday from 1030 through to ~1330 - some course marking out and then course marshalling.

Please can you confirm your availability to Kenny (kg.davidsonATbtinternet.com) and further information on duties and where to meet will be provided.

Remember, if you are planning to run in the race as a Moorfoot, it would be appreciated if you can provide a friend/family member to assist with marshalling duties.

Regards...

Kenny
(Club Captain)

Lauder BXC Postponed

Due to the ongoing wintery conditions and the hard frosts forecast for the next few days, a decision has been made to postpone the Lauder leg of the Borders XC series.

See BordersXC website here....

Some possibility of a thaw starting next week, so no final decisions on the Peebles leg (19-Dec) yet, but will remain under review...

Moorfoots at the Glentress Duathlon (Medium Course)

With the snow getting the better of the Borders XC race at Gala, the first of this years Glentres Duathlons also looked in doubt, but with some course modifications, the race went ahead abeit with a significantly depleted field...looks like everyone had a great time.

Moorfoot's Tom Hobbs ran and cycled to second place (1:05), pulling back two places in the run over some of the speedy PCC juniors.

Eddie Balfour also showed good running form gaining nine places in the run to finish in seventh place (1:12).

Alison Caw and Julia Connor contiunued their duelling from last years duathlons, Alison going into the cycle/run transition with a three minute lead. Julia though, clawed back the time in the hill run to pull ahead, finishing in 1:24 to Alison's 1:26 - good racing !

Full results here...

Gala BXC Postponed

The snow overnight on Friday has caused the Gala leg of the Borders XC series on 28-Nov to be postponed.

See Hala Harriers website here...

Any one still wanting to fit in a run, there are a few of us meeting up at the Gytes on Sunday at 10:00am.

Moorfoot Constitution

The Moorfoot Runners constitution document can now be found at this link.

Note that this document can also be accessed directly from the main page of the http://www.moorfootrunners.co.uk/ website.

Moorfoots at Tinto

Some changes to the ever popular Tinto Hill race this year, with the pre-entry closed at the 250 limit some weeks before the race, and the mandatory kit check enforced (well, it is a hill race in November after all...). But other than than that, the same brutal, up the hill, straight back down again...

The top was free of cloud, but is was decidedly chilly at the pre-start (much of the 'full body cover' being worn rather than carried), and the ground was staturated after the recent wether making for slippery conditions particularly lower down the hill.

Tom Hobbs led the Moorfoot charge, home in 36:09 for a very creditable 13th place.
After a bit of a struggle on the way up, Kenny picked up some places on the lower slopes to record a personal Tinto course best of 41:54 and 65th place.
Julia ascended strongly as ever, reaching the summit around the 30 min mark but by her own admission, struggled a bit coming down....but still manged a time 30 secs faster than her last Tinto outing, finishing in 46:56 and 155th place.
Brian Hood conquered the hill in 52:01, putting in another strong run and getting more race experience ahead of the Borders XC series.

Full results here...

Two weeks to go now until the first Borders XC race at Gala - a hilly one, and almost guaranteed to be muddy - see you there...

Moorfoot Christmas Night Out

Turkey time !!!

Can it be that time already !!  Yes it is....

This year's Christmas Night out is being organised by Mike McGovern and is planned for Saturday 4-December (7:30pm) at the Green Tree Hotel Peebles.

More details to follow - get the date in your diaries now....(less than four weeks away )

Moorfoot Cardrona Pursuit Race - race report

Some crisp, frosty conditions on Sunday were a welcome surprise after the heavy rain on Saturday, and the racing proved to be very close and competetive over the popular Cardrona forest circular/hilly course. (6.6 miles)

Conditions underfoot were soft and slippy, and runners even had some frozen puddles at the top of the course - views out to and over the Moorfoot hills were stunning, with snow dusted tops and clear blue skys.



James' handicapping made for an exciting finish, with all runners finishing within three minutes of each other !!! (keeping the time keeper and photographers busy...)

'Kardrona King' for the day was Kenny, holding off the fast finishing Mike McGovern by only a few seconds; Ann Nimmo was first lady home, leading the field for most of the race before the 'mele' in the final few hundred metres as the handicaps positioned the runners into the final race for the line.

In the junior race, over a shorter but equally challenging 2.5 mile course, Eilidh was first runner home in 26mins, with wee sister Mhairi close behind in 29 mins.

Thanks again to James and Rachael for organising and marking out the courses, to Kirsty for time keeping and prizes. Full results below....

Position/Elapsed/Handicap/Corrected/Mile Pace
1.      Kenny 47:49:00 07:00 40:49:00 7:14:42
2.      Mike McG 43:13:00 02:15 40:58:00 6:32:53

3.      Colin 45:54:00 04:30 41:24:00 6:57:16

4.      Ann 63:32:00 22:00 41:32:00 9:37:35

5.      Eddie 50:48:00 08:45 42:03:00 7:41:49

6.      James 42:22:00 00:00 42:22:00 6:25:09

7.      Rachael 55:01:00 12:00 43:01:00 8:20:09

8.      Johnny 48:41:00 05:15 43:26:00 7:22:35

9.      Rhoda 54:02:00 10:30 43:32:00 8:11:13

10.  Steve 47:05:00 03:30 43:35:00 7:08:02

11.  Mick 54:08:00 10:30 43:38:00 8:12:07

12.  Mike L Ran off course 13:30 (third over junior course !!!)

13.  Wattie Ran off course 10:30 (most miles run !!!)

For those who missed the race due to other commitments or the Lasswade XC 'fixture clash', Colin is organising a further handicap/pursuit race early in th new year at Innerleithen - watch the Blogger for further details....

Selected photos (thanks to Ian and Eilidh...)

Moorfoots at Snowdonia Marathon

Mick Warrington returns to Snowdonia in search of a faster marathon time and better weather than the year before.....

"..After finishing last years' race I was adamant that I would never run this brute of a course again, however a few months later when the memories had become a little fuzzy, and helped by a couple of pints of beer, I was persuaded that it would be a good idea to have another go.


We arrived in North Wales on the Friday afternoon and stayed in the lovely seaside town of Llandudno. Saturday morning gave us bright sunshine by the coast (after all the weather couldn't have been appalling for the second year could it?) but as we drove into the hill for the start at Llanberis the sky clouded over and the heavens opened! By the time we had walked to the start the roads had become rivers and the off road tracks on the course had transformed into slippy mud covered challenges.

However, all started well - even the race started on time - and by the time I reached the first hill I well warmed up (although still wearing gloves!) and feeling great. Then the long slog (3 miles) up to the top of Pen-y-Pas at just over 1200ft, the rain eased a little and from the top it was a steep run down the valley side before turning right towards Bryn Gwynant. The cloud had cleared and the views of the Snowdonia range were certainly enough to take your mind off the miles to come, the race went off road for a while which made footing a little tricky but managed to come through without too much trouble. Cleared 7 miles in the first hour, all on schedule and thankfully no signs of tight calves. Reached Beddgelet, which is about half way and then started another climb up to 800ft over the next 2 miles or so. By this time the field (1300 starters) was well spread out but the locals were out in force cheering us on despite the rain (and the hail!!) returning!

Through 14 miles in well under 2 hours, always wondering if the wheels were going to fall off and hit the dreaded "wall" but as the miles went by I felt fine, no doubt the endless training around Manor and Walkerburn were paying dividends. Latched on to another couple of runners and we paced ourselves steadily through 21 miles (under 3 hours) until we reached the beast of a hill after 22 miles at Waunfawr. Here the route takes you from the valley floor up and over the ridge to the highest point of the course at 1300ft all in the space of 2 miles. Absolute agony! Only managed to run up half of it (the majority of the field likewise) just too steep for tired legs. Still we plodded on and the road became a muddy track and levelled off before dropping steeply onto the next valley where Llanberis and the finished could be seen awaiting us. Here things got difficult with tired leges and an extremely steep muddy surface folk were sliding all over the place (a bit like the Borders Cross Country series but more extreme!!) had to be very careful until the track became tarmacked again at @ 25 miles, then a downhill "sprint" to the finish line at the end of the main street.

Was totally exhausted but came through unscathed in 3 hours 49 minutes for 317th place and more pleasingly 8 minutes quicker than last year.Then adjourned to the pub for a few well deserved beers!

I would recommend this race as a challenge for anybody (supposedly voted the toughest marathon in Europe), it is very well organised and marshalled with plenty of water stations en route just a shame about the weather! But as for me I think I'll try something a little flatter next time!..."

Cheers

Mick

More Moorfoot Race Results

Not to be outdone by PBs a-tumbling at Jedburgh, Mike Reid was 'scorching the tarmac' in the Standard Life 10K in Edinburgh...

Mike wrote:

"Never saw a sole from start and worried as first 3k in sub 10mins and realised I had gone out v hard. But conditions good & felt strong as no hills/ additional clothes to carry or slippy underfoot issues.


So pushed on to give myself a time (33.20 and clocked first 5k in 16.16) "
Well done Mike - bring on the XC races !!

Moorfoots at Jedburgh

No rain, no wind, birds singing ?...could it be the Jedburgh Half Marathon and 10K..?

James reports...

For me the Jedburgh half marathon was a tale of two halves.


Before the race started just unmitigated pain and suffering. Nowhere to park at the race venue, no spaces in the town car park and no race officials remotely interested in giving suggestions as to where we might find a space. Once we finally did find somewhere to park we were confronted by an irate local who failed to comprehend the honour associated with having the car belonging to two members of the Borders' pre-eminent running club parked outside his house. After finally parking in an even more peripheral location we ran to registration only to find massive queues to get our race number which we finally received with 5 mins to go before the start (admittedly some of the above could have been avoided if I'd got out of bed at a decent hour).

Once the race gun fired the sun shone, the birds sang and I ran a new PB (1:15:58 chip time, 1:16:00 gun time) and got 4th place with little or no pain (well at least not until the hill after 11 miles). Darin ran 1:20:15 for 11th place and Rachael 1:31:36 for 4th lady and 76th position over all. Whilst in the 10k Mike McGovern ran 36:58.

Cheers

James

Borders XC Series 2010/11 - Dates Confirmed

Final Dates now confirmed
There are 7 races in the 2010/2011 series.


Dates and venues are:

28th November @ Galashiels

12th December @ Lauder

19th December @ Peebles

9th January @ Paxton

23rd January @ Berwick

6th February @ Norham

27th February @ Dunbar (prize-giving at Hallhill Healthy Living Centre).

New web site: http://www.bordersxc.com/

All courses TBC but based on previous years are approximately 4 miles in length, and all have some form of 'local twist'...
Still plenty of time to find your winter XC running legs....good chance for a practise race pace run at the Cardrona Club Handicap trail race on Sunday 7-Nov (see separate post on blogger)

Moorfoot at Chicago Marathon

Some recent international Moorfoot activity from Paul Nichol...

I completed the Chicago Marathon on the momentous date of 10-10-10.


My time was slower than planned due to the incredible heat 85 degrees F ~ 30 degrees C. Just as well that the race started at 7.30 in the morning. The weather is known for being unpredictable ~ it snowed one year.

The atmosphere was amazing with crowds 4 deep in some places. Definitely one to to especially since all you have to is pay to get in ~ no qualification required. There are however 45,000 other people there are well so not for the claustrophobic.

Picture attached (before the race). The one after the race is not so good.

Paul..

Moorfoot Constitution

A quick thank you to those who responded and voted for the adoption of the Moorfoot Runners club constitution.

There were no objections and the document will be made available on the main moorfootrunners.co.uk website very soon...thank you.

Regards,

Kirsty
(Moorfoot Runners Secretary)

Moorfoots at Kielder Marathon

Well done to Walter 'Wattie' Barrie for completing the Kielder Trail Marathon - sounds like a new race we could have more Moorfoots at in the future...

just a short note to let you know i took part in and completed the Kielder Trail Marathon on Sunday. My time was painfully slow at 4hr 15mins which put me 407th out of about 1600 runners. The course was much tougher than I imagined it would be, with about 3,000 ft of elevation !!!. However the day was excellent with really good paths and magnificent views all the way round. If you are going to do any marathon this would be the one to do. All the best to everyone and hope to be over soon.

Bye for now, Wattie.

Moorfoot Handicap Race - Cardrona 7-November

Pic - last year at Cardrona..

James has kindly offerred again to organise a club handicap race at the Cardrona forest, over the same course as last year (approximately 10K - mixture of forest tracks and paths).

Date:          Sunday 7-November

Time:          First runners off at 10:15am (be there for 10:00am)

Location:    Cardrona Forest - meeting point (start/finish)
Junction of Kirkburn Upper Road/Castleknowe Road (park at Cardrona Village Green  - start is ~ 10 mins jog from here...

These were a very successful and popular format last year - good chance for a run and a bit of socialising....hoping again for a good club turn out.

Also, if there is sufficient interest, we will put on a Junior race over a shorter (~3Km) course - good warm up for the forthcoming Winter XC series.

Weekend Roundup

A quieter weekend for races this week....

Colin Williams was competing at the Men's Health 'Survivial of the Fittest' urban assault race in Edinburgh, coming homne in a creditable 115th place in 49:04 - not bad for a 10K with lots of time consuming obstacles.

Jedburgh 10K and Half Marathon coming up at the end of the month (31-Oct), Tinto Hill Race on 13-Nov and then thye Borders XC series starting sometime in November also, so lot's of races coming up....

Moorfoots at the Skyline

Several Moorfoots, fresh from their Manor hill race exploits the day before, took on the classic Pentland Skyline race on the Sunday, and by default entered themselves into the 'Man-Or Mouse' competition.

The murky, low cloud conditions of the previous few days remained, so some navigational challenges no doubt over the complex Pentland geography.

Top Moorfoot was James in 2:47, good enough for a top10 placing (9th).

Wull came in just outside the three hour mark (3:06) with Julia (3:26) and Rachael (3:49) bringing home the colours.

Top 'Mouse' went to hill running legend Angela Mudge (who set a new record at Manor the previous day), but closely pursued by Moorfoots' James Britton who was 'pipped' by a mere 4 mins over the combined two race times.

Moorfoots at Manor

Lots of alliteration opportunities here....

"Moorfoot Mike masters the Manor"...or "Many Moorfoots make merry at Manor"....but I digress...

Mike Reid, of the Moorfoots, won at the Manor Hill race (70:32) , holding off previous winner Brian Marshall of HELP in a closely fought battle over the 10 mile course - a first race win for Mike  - well done !

The Moorfoot massif were out in numbers, in one of the largest club turn outs of the year, with eleven seniors and three juniors taking part in the races.

Some very close racing and lots of Moorfoots in the prizes !

Good support too from Johnny and Esme, the Hobbs' girls and Mike P. at the finish....

Full results here

Johnny's photos here..

Moorfoot Constitution

All senior club members should now have received an email from the Club Secretary with the proposed Moorfoot Runners club constitution.

Please can you ensure that you reply with your support/objection/questions to the Club Secretary by Friday 15-October.

Weekend Round Up

More Moorfoots in action again this week....

Wull was running the inaugral Kilomathon, recording a very strong 1:41 (3:50 min Kms !!!) for the 26.2Km (Marathon length but in Kms rather than miles...), for 9th place and first V40.



At The Ben Venue Hill race, Russell took top V50 honours on a tough wet and muddy course with a time of 1:30 and 16th place; Julia, looked to have had a 'tough day at the office' coming home in 1:50 for 70th place.

Other news...

The Scottish Junior Hill Running League final results were announced, with Scout and Alex recording a Moorfoot one-two in the Girls U19 category - well done both !

And last, but not least, more Moorfoot babies.....congratulations to Aegir and Laura on the birth of twins 'Otto' and 'Anna'...

Moorfoot 'Team Hobbs' Dominate at 'Gallop & Grind'

Well done to Moorfoot Jane Hobbs who had an oustanding race in picking up the Ladies' 'silver medal' at the 2010 'Gallop and Grind' charity duathlon in Glen Nevis, in a time of 1:28.

"This is the pinacle of my Duathlon career," said a triumphal Jane.

The post race celebrations went on long into the night apparently....

Husband Tom, also did OK in the less competative Male category, also winning a medal.

More Gallop and Grind details here....

Moorfoots at Norham 10K RR

Fellow Borders XC club, Norham Running Club host their local 10K, usually on the same weekend as the Breweries Hill Race, but this year, several Moorfoots made the journey 'o'er the border' to compete.

Full results to follow, but quick update...

Wull Hynd in 3rd place (35:40)....another very good result on the back of his Hawick Half Marathon win.
Mike McGovern recorded a low 38 min on  his first race back after an extended injury...Steve not far behind, in 39 mins...
And Mike Pearson making a rare appearance in  preparation for the forthcoming Borders XC series, came hoem in 67 mins...

Local runner Darin Dougal also ran strongly for a 5th place, not far behind Wul in 36:31.

Results now available here...

Moorfoots at the Two Breweries

Cold but clear conditions this year, with fantastic visibility from the tops in the northerly airstream sweeping over Scotland. This meant warm conditions on the southern lee slopes but chilly conditions on the tops and back down the north facing descents - pretty much an ideal hill running day.

James and Mike Reid, resplendent in his new Moorfoot vest, lead the Moorfoot charge - James picking up 10th place in 3hrs 13mins and good enough to be in amongst the 'beer' prizes; Mike, running his first Breweries, bagging a very creditable 3hrs 20mins (16th) - a time he will no doubt better now that he knows the course.

With a few of the Moorfoot Breweries regulars opting for the Norham 10K RR this year, the racing in the mid-pack runners was very competitive - Colin, Russell, Kenny and Julia all keeping visual contact for much of the race.
Kenny led at Birkscairn by a small margin, before Russell and Colin passed on the descent to Glensax. It was 'even-stevens' again at the top of Hundleshope, before some smart route finding gave Colin a lead over Stob Law pulling Russell with him. At Glenrath, Colin and Russell were out of sight, but Julia was still chasing hard keeping Kenny under pressure. At Stobo, Colin suddenly reappeared in the distance ahead on the long drag up to the base of Trahenna, and then at the very foot of Trahanna, Russell , Colin  and Kenny were reunited again (all very friendly...) and worked together up the wall-like (slight exaggeration there - ed.) slope. At the Trahenna top, Colin pulled away again, Russell stopped to do some contortions brought on by cramp and Kenny dug in deep. The gap closed again before on the final descent to Rachill Farm, Colin's free-fall descent opened up another 30 sec gap, which he held all the way along the final mile through the village to the finish (fighting cramp all the way !).

Colin 3hrs 35 mins (12 mins faster than 2009 !!)
Kenny 3hrs 35 mins and a wee bit (17mins faster than 2009 !!!)
Russell 3hrs 37 mins (5 mins faster than 2009 !!!) and age group 'beer' winner
Julia 3hrs 42 mins (some 25 mins faster than 2009 !!!!) and age group 'beer' winner

Final results here..
Loads of pics here...
Johnny's pics here....

Special thanks to the Moorfoot supporters en route - Jock at Howeford Farm; Johnny and Esme (start and finish); Kirsty, Eilidh and Mhairi (start and finish)

Also, another thank you to Pete and Elspeth Baxter and their team of marshalls and helpers, for what is one of the best hill races in the calendar, both en-race and apres-race.

Tinto Hill Race 2010

Saturday 13-November (2:00pm) ...is pre-entry ONLY this year....and likely to sell out based on the popularity of the last couple of years. You have been warned.....

Full details here...

Scout wins U18 Junior Home International Hill Championships

***STOP PRESS***

News Flash from Ireland. Scout 1st in the U18 Junior Home International so British and Irish champion.

***STOP PRESS**

More to follow.......

Scottish Athletics report here...

Well done to Scout !! I also heard the news on Radio Borders this morning....!!!
Scotland win Team Gold medal for U18 Girls also...

Moorfoots at the Merrick

Russell and Julia on their hill running travels again  - this week at the Merrick (Galloway's highest hill) down at Glen Trool, near, well actually, not near anywhere big; quite close to Newton Stewart.

Russell picking up seventh spot (1hr 50 mins) and Julia twentieth overall and third Female in 2hrs and 12 mins).

Hope you've both left 'something in the tank' for next week's Breweries Race !

SHR results here...

Prestonpans 10K(with a difference...)

PACEMAKER FOUR TEN RUN.


Run 10K at 10am

On

Sunday 10th October 2010.

at MEADOWMILL SPORTS CENTRE PRESTONPANS.
Predict your finish time and win a prize.
Entry fee £10.

Payment to: Pacemaker Enterprises

45, Whitecraig Crescent, Whitecraig.
Musselburgh EH218NQ

e-mail for entry form: pacemakerenterprises@talktalk.net

telephone: 0131 653 2547. mobile:07960039136

ALL PROFITS TO GO TO
EAST LOTHIAN ATHLETIC DEVELOPMENT GROUP.

Rod Rutherford Memorial Trail Race (Berwick)

Dear All,
I am contacting you with the attached flyer to let you know about an event that Berwick Harriers are organising in memory of Rod Rutherford,our former club secretary, who sadly passed away this year. Rod died from cancer, so all proceeds from the run will be donated to cancer research.

The date of the run is Sunday,October 10th (11am start) and is a multi-terrain event over 10k, starting and finishing at Spittal Point. Entry fee is £10.

If you require any further information, please reply to the above e-address or my mobile number is 07739 091324
Kind Regards

Dave Stewart
dave.marisa592@btinternet.com

Moorfoots at the Beef Tub

Russell and Julia, possibly Moorfoot's most prolific hill runners of 2010, took on the Beef Tub hill race near Moffat last weekend.

More success, with Russel coming home in 24:58 for 8th and 2nd V50; Julia had some 'navigational issues' but still managed 2nd Female in 32:48, only some 14 secs behind the first lady....

SHR write up and results here....

Record Breaker...

Pic - Russell 'goes for it' at the start of the down hill time trial.

The Caerketton Doonhiller is a unique race in the Hill Running calendar, in that it is a down hill time trial.

On a night when records were tumbling all over the place, Moorfoot Russell Anderson become the first V50 to break the 6 min barrier on the 1.8Km 300mm descent course.

Full story and results here...

Wattie's Back !

Walter 'Wattie' Barrie, of the 'Ettrick Valley' Moorfoot chapter, has been back in action after a busy spring and summer on the farm...

"..just a short note to let you know I took part in the Hawick Half Marathon on Sunday 12th. Also there were Steve, Wull and Darren. Hawick is what is euphamistically known as an undulating course !!. I don't have the official results yet but Wull came in first in a time of 1 hr 19 mins followed by Darren [1:27] & Steve [1:33] with myself well back coming in at 1 hr 47.
My next race is the inaugural Kielder Marathon on the 17th October, they say its very scenic, maybe not if you are on your hands and knees !.

PS also did the Glasgow Half on the previous Sunday in a time of 1 hr 46. Bye for now !"

Well dome Wull on a Moorfoot win at Hawick, and good luck Wattie at Kielder !

Moorfoot at Powerman Zofingen

Pic - Johnny Hall, the Moorfoot's tallest man, in action...

Hi. I'm back from Switzerland from the Powerman Zofingen Duathlon World Championships (similar to the concept of Baseball's World Series, I guess!).


I finished in 7:57 for the 10k/150k/30k race, 83rd of 274 and 19th of 44 in my age group. My target was to get as close to 8 hours as possible and under if I was having a good day. Turns out I had a good day.

My extended race report is here:

http://www.recipher.co.uk/powerman-zofingen-2010

Complete with action photos. See you at the Breweries.

Johnny

Moorfoot at Blairgowrie Games Hill Race

She may still be a junior but Scout Adkin warmed up for further Scotland representative honours in the hill running Junior Home International next weekend with an excellent 3rd place overall and 1st female in the Blairgowrie Games Hill Race last Sunday.


The Home International takes place in Glendalough, Ireland on Sunday 19 September and doubles as the British and Irish Junior Championships. Scout finished just outside the medals in 5th last year in the U16 age-group but this will be her first foray into the U18 age-group at international level and she’ll face tough opposition from a strong England team and World U17 Mountain Running Champion Ffion Price.

Moorfoot at Duathlon World Championships

Well done to Moorfoot Rhoda McPherson, who finished in 13th place in her age category at the Duathlon World Championships in Edinburgh, held on 5-September, representing GBR.

Rhoda's time for the 10Km run/42Km cycle/5Km run  course was of 2:40:54.

A week or so's well earned rest and then we'll see you back at training for more winter hill reps - OK !

The Elite woman's category was won by Scot Catriona Morrison in 2:02:47
(note - slightly shorter course than the age group ladies !!)

Moorfoot Runners Committee Meeting

The committe are meeting in The County Hotel, Peebles on Tuesday 14th September at 8:00pm to discuss what is happening for the club in the next few months - Borders XC series, Constitution and AGM, 10 year anniversary plans and ideas. All club members welcome!

Upcoming Races

A selection of September and October race dates for your diary - Moorfoot planned participation in all of these I think...:

Devils Beef Tub Hill Race  Sat 11-Sept

Two Breweries Hill Race Sat 25-Sept

Norham 10K RR Sun 26-Sept

Manor Hill Race Sat 9-Oct

UKA British Fell & Hill Relay Champs Sun 17-Oct (team of six - in the Lomond Hills at Falkland)

Jedburgh 10K/Half Marathon RR Sun 31-Oct

Take your pick, and get training....

Glentress Duathlon Dates

For those who like the bike and run discipline, the dates for the 2010/2011 Glentress Duathlon series are now posted and online entry open.

Medium - Sunday 28th November 2010


Short - Sunday 16th January 2011

Long- Sunday 27th February 2011

Be aware that these dates can sometime clash with the Borders XC series dates, the 2010/2011 dates of which are still to be confirmed.

Weekend Roundup

It was the annual Ben Nevis Race at the weekend, and Russell was conquering the UK's highest hill race in  2:05 (wow !) and a comfortable top 100 placing (95th) in a field of over 400 runners. The high altitude training from his trekking holiday in India earlier in  the year, is obviously now paying dividends...

Elsewhere, Jock and Julia were participating in the Peebles Cycling Club 'Tour of Tweeddale' cycling sportif - Julia completing the 90 mile course in a shade over 6 hours (a very respectable average speed of ~15 mph); Jock was 'cycling below the radar' without a number, so no time recorded, but hopefully safely home !!

Paul Nichol was 'through West' at the Glasgow Great Scottish Run , completing the Half Marathon in 1:39 - very respectable !
And congratulations to Scout ,who has been selected again for the Scotland Team at the forthcoming Home Internationals in Ireland for the U19 girls cross country team.

Last, but by no means least, congratulations to Colin and Fi on the arrival of baby boy Austen Findlay Williams on the 5th September...!

Running elsewhere for the Moorfoots ? - let us know and we'll update the blogger...

Bog & Burn Success

Most blogger devotees will know that Russell and Julia have been regular participants at the SHR 'Bog and Burn' Hill Races this year - a mini series of mid week hill races.

The ten race (best four to count) series has now been completed, with Russell finishing in 3rd place in the V50 category (50 pts, best 4 from 9) and Julia finishing in 3rd place in the F category (206 pts, best 4 from 7).

Well done to both !

Full results here...

Weekend Round Up...

Well done to Wull and Juilia who took part in the Ochil 2000 hill race this weekend - the flat featureless plateau giving some navigational challenges - Wull recording 19th place in 3:23 and Julia not very far behind in 3:36 (and claiming some notable 'scalps')

At the Teviotdale 10K in Hawick, Steve recorded a 38:30 ish, slightly slower than his best, but a solid time in windy conditions.

Moorfoot BBQ at the Courthouse - the verdict

A big thanks to all those who supported the Moorfoot BBQ at The Courthouse Peebles - the sun shone, the beer flowed and the burgers vanished quickly....feedback seems to have been very positive, with over eighty attendees.

Special thanks to Kirsty, Jane and Alison for organising....same time next year ?

Moorfoot win at Philliphaugh

A bit late with this one (didn't get my Peeblesshire News until Monday this week !), but well done to Wull Hynd for winning the inaugral Philliphaugh Hill Race at Selkirk.
82 runners completed the ~ 4mile course, and feedback appears to generally have been good as to the course/route.

Watch out for this one becoming a regular fixture....

Moorfoot Vests - new stock available

The classic vest, Moorfoot red and blue harlequin, 'Moorfoots' text and the 'five-toed logo' on chest, now available in stock to paid up Moorfoot members, at a very reasonable £10.

Sizes Small, Medium and Large.
(they are quite a big fit - depend if you like your vest flappy or tight !)

We'll bring them to the BBQ, or arrange to pay and collect at a forthcoming training session or race.

Moorfoot Barbeque - Sunday 29th August

Pic - gratuitous sausage shot - vegetarian options also offered...

A date for your diary....

Sunday 29th August, mid afternoon, The Courthouse, Peebles.
Barbeque and refreshments and a chance for a bit of socialising - absolutely no running !!

All Moorfoots and their families invited....further details now available:

A club BBQ has been organised at The Courthouse, Peebles on Sunday 29th August at 3.30pm.

Tickets are priced at £5 for adults, £3 for under 18s and children 5 and under are free.
This includes a burger of your choice, salad and a drink.
We have exculsive access to the outside garden and patio of The Courthouse for Moorfoots, their families and guests.

To help us plan numbers we would appreciate it if you could buy your tickets in advance.

Tickets are available from :

Jane thehobbs@tiscali.co.uk 01721 722824
Alison alisoncaw@yahoo.com 01721 721895
Pete peter.collins@man.eu 01721 722856
Kenny kg.davidson@btinternet.com 01721 723200

More Moorfoot Hill Running Results

Nine Munroes in an afternoon and some change from 5 hours - well done to Julia for completing the gruelling Glenshee 9 in 4:48.

This was the last race in the SHR Championships 2010, with runners requiring four from six, and at least one race in each of the short/medium/long distances.

Congratulations to Russell Anderson for his 6th place in the V50 category, with only four points separating him from 4th and 5th place.

Final results here...

Next years SHR 2011 Championship races have already been announced, with two Borders races usually well attended by Moorfoots in the six races - Eildons and Yetholm...

Moorfoots at Haddington Half Marathon

In preparation for another go at the Snowdonia Marathon in October, Mick Warrington and Alan Strain have been pounding the roads of East Lothian...

Mick wrote:
Mick and Alan travelled over to East Lothian for the Haddington Half Marathon last Saturday and despite a week of cold wet weather the sun decided to show its face and it become a rather hot afternoon. This is one of the prettiest half marathons in the area, it's run on quiet country roads through the gently undulating (hilly?) countryside. There were around 200 finishers on the with Mick recording a pleasing 1hr 35mins and Alan coming in a while after with his multi marathon exploits in Hungary still taking its' toll on his legs. The race was well organised with plenty of marshals and water stations (necessary in the heat). For those of you who have not run this course put a note in your diaries for next year - it's well worth it.


Results here...

More Bog & Burn Action

Pic - is it a bird, is it a plane...

Russell Anderson and Julia Connor have been SHR Bog and Burn die hards this year....more results, this time from Caerketton, a short sharp one !

Results here...

2010 UKA British Hill & Fell Running Relay Championships - Sun 17th October

Pic - like this, but without the snow (funky headgear optional !)

This year, the UKA British Hill & Fell Running Relay Championships will be held in the Lomand Hills in Fife (same location as this years Devil's Burdens Relays in January where we had three Moorfoot teams participating).

Teams of 6 running over four legs (all legs start and finish in  the same location so the runner logistics are a bit simplier than the Devils Burdens !!) - two legs are for solos, one leg for pairs and a navigation leg for the other pairing.

Fife AC are hosting the race - more details here...

Tom Hobbs is gauging interest for a Moorfoot Team (or can we even make it 'teams' ?)

Please add a comment on this post if you are interested in participating or contact Tom directly.

PCC Tour of Tweeddale Cycling Sportif

The Peebles Cycling Club 'Tour of Tweeddale' will take place in Sunday 5th September this year - the usual choice of 50/70/90 mile routes.

This is a great mass participation event and very well organised with 'bacon butties' at Tweedsmuir en route and tea/coffee cakes at the Gordon Arms on the way home.

Several Moorfoots participated last year  - perhaps a few more this year, armed with their new road bikes....?

Full details on PCC website here....

'The Breweries'

Pic - cool shades Mike !

Yes, it's that time of year again, and it's time to start deciding if you are doing the local Traquair to Broughton Two Breweries Hill Race (Sat 25th September), known more simply as 'the Breweries' (29Km, 1500m ascent)

Entries and more details here

In preparation for this event, some of the Sunday runs in August will take on more of a 'hill' content, with slightly longer duration (~2 hours) - watch the training dates section on the blogger for details.

First scheduled longer Sunday run will be 22-Aug taking in some of the Southern Upland Way (Walkerburn to Three Brethren & back ?) and the annual Breweries Recces (Part 1, Innerleithen to Glenrath; Part 2 Glenrath to Broughton) will be scheduled soon....

...oh, almost forgot, all finishers get a bottle of Broughton Ale and the soup/sandwiches/cake/coffee spread at the end is amongst the best of the running year !

Upcoming Races

Peak holiday period, but still a healthy selection of mid-week and weekend races to choose from for the keen Moorfoot....selection below, at which there is some level of expected Moorfoot participation....

Wed 4-Aug North Berwick Law Hill Race 7:30pm
Sat 14-Aug Haddington Half Marathon 2:00pm
Sat 14-Aug Morebattle Borders Games (Hill Race)
Sun 29-Aug Teviotdale 10K RR 1:00pm  (NB - get back quickly for the Moorfoot BBQ later in the afternoon !!)

As ever, a non-exhaustive list...let me know if you have any others and I'll add them here...

Weekend Roundup

Moorfoots at Musselburgh 10K and Oxton Hill race this weekend.

Musselburgh 10K - Kenny gave a fine exhibition of 'how not to execute a race plan' by going off far too fast and then suffering after 4K - limped home in 39:51 to salvage a sub-40.
Ex Moorfoot, soon to be coming back/maybe Darin ran well for 36:29.
There were 350+ runners in this race - very well organised and top cake and sandwich spread afterwards (and a free ice cream !!)

Oxton Hill Race - a third place for Wull (19:11) and a first lady for Scout (21:32), in this new hill race at the Oxton Border Games - well done both !; twenty two finishers...

Lee Pen Hill Race Results

The rain started just as the race started so it was a bit slippery on the slopes of Lee Pen this afternoon.

Mike McGovern ran away with the race - first to the top and unchallenged on the descent - well done!
Wull was 2nd to the top but lost a couple of places on  the slippery descent to ex-Moorfoot Mark McLeod (2nd) and a a Teviotdale runner (3rd).

Elsewhere, Kenny's cautious start/power walk tactics got him to the top in 5th place, before Steve and Colin blasted past on the downhill to finish 5th(Steve), 6th(Colin) and 7th (Kenny).

Alex was only a few places further back after a very strong ascent, to take the Ladies prize uncontested.

Fourteen runners started.

More here...

"The leg-sapping Lee Pen Hill Race also produced a local winner with Cardrona’s Michael McGovern crossing the line more than a minute ahead of Mark McLeod of Peebles and Teviotdale Harrier Craig Greive. The 40-year-old Moorfoot said: “Coming into the final 100 metres I could ease off a wee bit but it was tough. It was slippy and windy up there. “I’m delighted to have won.” Alex Campbell from Peebles was the first woman finisher – just over two minutes behind McGovern."

Lee Pen Hill Race - Saturday 17-July

Pic - looks fun, doesn't it !

Race starts around 2:00pm (could be earlier) so advise being at Victoria Park Innerleithen by 1:30pm.

Entry fee is nominal (a few quid)  - this gets you entry into half an hour(ish) of lung bursting, leg sapping hill race, after which you can kick off your shoes (literally) and enjoy the St Ronan's Games festivities over a few beers and ice cream....

See you there !!!


Footnote - this is possibly my favourite Moorfoot picture of 2009 - I think a caption  competion is called for - please send through your one liners via the 'comments'...

More Moorfoot Race Results

Holiday time for some, but the hardy Moorfoot never misses a of chance of mid week racing glory.....

Earlston Black Hill Race - with Mike and Wull getting pipped into 2nd and 3rd place by a Gala Harrier, and Alex and Julia fighting it out for podium honours, ...(Alex getting 3rd spot by a less than a minute)

Maddy Moss Hill Race - 3rd female placing this time for Julia (1:13:39) at the mid-week Bog and Burn series race. A return to racing action too by Colin Williams (1:04:35) following a knee operation earlier in the year...

Upcoming Races

Some further races in July where there may be Moorfoot participation....

Tues 6-July - Earlston Black Hill hill race - enter on night - more details from Mike McGovern

Tues 13-July Moffat Gala Race (15K hilly RR) - enter on night

Sat 17-July Lee Pen Hill Race, Innerleithen  - enter on day (1:00pm -ish start)

Sun 18-July Kelso 10K RR - enter on day (11:00am start)

Sat 27-July Musselburgh 10K RR - pre-entry only !! (10:30am start)

Let me know if there are any other races that I've missed and we can add them to the list....

Moorfoots at the Eildons

Another win for Moorfoot Mike McGovern at the Eildon Two Hills race, after some further route finding difficulties, this time in the gorse bushes of the Eildons. But after working his way back through the field, a final sprint finish resulted in a win by a mere two seconds in 33:50.

Russell finished in 15th place in 36:19, with Julia further back in 39:20.

Results here...

Moorfoots at the WHW Race

Well done to Paul Nichol for completing the West Highland Way Race (all 95 miles !!!) in 30:45 (hours: mins) - fantastic effort....!

At 6.45 am on Sunday the 20th June two Moorfoots ran into the Nevis Centre in Fort William. It was the end of 95 mile West Highland Way Race which had started at 1m on Saturday morning.


For one of the Moorfoots Richard Leeson it was the first time back on the course since completing the race in 2008. For the other Paul Nichol it was his second time on the course have assisted Richard in 2008 when he completed the race. The other two intrepid support crew members were Douglas (Dougie) Tait and Chris Downie.

The WHW race is a journey of endurance starting at Milngavie in the North of Glasgow via Drymen, up the side of Loch Lomond by Balmaha, Rowerdennen, Inversnaid, Bhein Glas Farm and then on to Tyndrum, Bridge of Orchy, Rannoch Moor, Glencoe Ski Slope, The Devil’s Staircase, Kinlochleven finishing at Fort William.



The 1am start was amazing because of the atmosphere but already tiring because I had been up since 6am. By the end of the race I had been awake for 55 hours which does some amazing things to the brain i.e. Hallucinations.



All started well for my planned 24 hr finishing time. I even got told off by my crew for going too fast. As the day drew on and the temperature got up running became harder and because I was on my own for some of the way really boring. Fortunately from Auchtertyre Farm before Tyndrum I could be accompanied by my crew and simply having a conversation made a big difference. When the night set in at 12 midnight at the top of the Devil’s Staircase fatigue was becoming a big issue and Douglas was having to put up with my continued whining of ‘are we there yet’. There in this case being Kinlochleven. At Kinlochleven Richard took over and we pressed with him trying to keep me awake by playing I-Spy. I am now officially the worst player unable to get Sky ‘S’ and Hill ‘H’.

At Lundavra it is 7 miles to go so spirits were lifted with strong coffee. Most of the last 7 miles were run and there was a tear in my eye (literally) as I came out of the Breveheart car park at Ft. William and I said to Richard ‘I’m going to make it’. The last 100m were a sprint – who know why and I finished with a glug of malt whisky.

It would not have been possible without my crew who I salute.

Weekend Round Up

There were other races being held this weekend, despite the Gytes being the centre of the running universe on Sunday :>) !

On Saturday, Russell and Julia were back on Arran, this time for the gruelling Glen Rose Horeseshoe Hill Race. Russell put in his usual strong performance, completing the round in 2:52 (22nd place). Julia got distracted in the latter stages of the race and lost some time doing a bit of 'rock climbing', but got back on course to finish in 3:55 (88th place) - that's a long day out !

Also on Saturday, Mike McGovern was running for charity at Ballater, in what was nominally a Half Marathon, but turned out to be a 13 mile trail race - no problems though, Mike coming home first in 1:19 and first place....final monies raised still to be confirmed...

On Sunday, Wull, Mike Reid, James and Rachael took on the Edinburgh Seven Hills - an unfortunate fixture clash with our own trail race.
Wull led the charge (1:50 8th) with Mike Reid close behind in 1:51 (9th). James, still recovering from a recent mountain bike accident, finished in (1:57 19th); Rachael completed the course in 2:31 (129th).

Moorfoot Beltane Trail Race 2010

Pic - Alex #11 looking strong with 9.9Km to go...

It really was ''..mid flaming skys of June..." for the 2010 Moorfoot Beltane 10K, as the sun shone down for our annual race.

The feedback generally was very positive for the change this year to a trail race - the surprise 'hill' perhaps not being everyone's favourite, but other than that, many comments about the scenic setting etc. The use of the Peebles Cricket Club Pavillion provided a great setting for the 'apres race' lounging and relaxing as well as a stage for the proze giving from this year's Beltane Queen Alana.

In the 'big' race,Steve Cairns was a class above the rest of the field, leading the runners home in just over 36 mins. Moorfoot Alex Campbell, took first lady honours in a very respectable 45 mins (well done !) ; Dunbar Runing Club took the Male team honours, Penicuik took Ladies team and first local was Darin Dougal running under Leithenburn Runners.

In the 'wee' race for juniors, Moorfoot Calum Gray was literally 'head and shoulders' above the field to take the Junior prize.

The real winners of the day though were the numerous marshalls and helpers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, both on the day and in the weeks preceeding race day - well done to one and all ! A big thank you for all your hard work !

The change from 'road race' to 'trail race' for the Beltane 10K appears to have been successful, but we'll gather feedback over the coming weeks and pause for relection on how we can perhaps modify or fine tune whatever aspects we think can further improve our annual race.

Full 2010 Beltane10K Trail Race results here...

Calderglen Harriers race report here... (thanks Calderglen for your support on Sunday !)

Penicuik Harriers race report here... (well done with your ladies'team prize !)

Trail Race Countdown...

One week to go...

Thank you tyo all those who have volunmteered to help - still more helpers required, so please confirm your availability to kirstyhdATbtinternet.com

Dates for your Diary:

Tues 15-June    Final Trail Race Preparation Meeting in Country Hotel, Peebles, 8:00pm - all welcome
Thrs 17-June     Trail Race course recce as the training session - we'll mark out the Km marker points so a slow pace with a lot of stops

Sat 19-June        Some course marking out work later on Saturday afternoon - watch blogger for meeting time and location

Sun 20-June       Race Day - course marking out at Gytes from 8:00am; Marshalls meeting 11:00am (Gytes)

Regards...

Kenny Davidson

Weekend Round Up

Pic - Wull in the undergrowth

On Saturday, Wull and Mike McG headed thjrough to East Linton on Saturday for the gala day Trapin Law Hill Race.

Mike continued his good form, and bagged a sixth place in a strong field; Wull came ina couple minutes further back for a very creditable twelth place.

Full results here...

On Sunday, Kenny was competing in the Peebles Triathlon in a 'dad v daughter' head to head. Daughter Eilidh was first out the pool and completed the course in an excellent 49mins. Dad, floundered a bit in the water but managed to restore world order on the cycle and run to finish in 38 mins.

More Moorfoot 'Bog & Burn' Action...

On Wednesday evening Julia and I travelled to Lennoxtown at the foot of the Campsies to run in this, the 5th race in the Bog and Burn series. The sun came out for the race but a cool head wind on the outward leg kept it comfortable. The race starts with a fairly steep climb but becomes more runable once you reach the plateau with its gently sloping tops. Although the weather has been mainly dry, the route crosses blanket bog with hidden deep wet bits. They sap your energy when you sink in. Tales of sinking up to the knee and up to the thigh were swapped after the race. The last quarter is all downhill on good grassy turf, steepening as the finish line approaches.


Unlike last week, Julia was just pipped by Alayne Finlay of Ochils on the descent but did well to finish 6th in a strong women's field including 2 or maybe 3 Scotland ladies. I finished 15th in a not so strong men's field and took 3 seconds longer than last year.

Results here:
http://www.shr.uk.com/RaceResults.aspx?RaceID=RA-0061&RaceYear=2010

Regards...

Russell

Helpers for Beltane 10K Trail Race

With just over a week to go, we are are still on the look out for more helpers to ensure that the day's pre-race, race and post race activities go smoothly.

If you are available on Sunday 20th June (mid morning to mid afternoon), please make yourself known to the Club Secretary (kirstyhdATbtinternet.com) as soon as possible, and we will allocate you to an activity.

The race day preparations start around 8:00am with the marking out of the course; registration commences at 10:30am with a marshalls briefing at 11:00am. First race off is the Junior 3K at 11:30am followed by the main race at 12:00 noon. Last runners should be home by ~1:15pm and the prize giving will be at approximately 1:45pm. We should be completed and packed away by shortly after 2:00pm.

Please note - as a Moorfoot Runner member, your first priority is to support the organisation of the event, before you consider particpating as a runner.

If you are running in the race, it is only fair that you provide a substitute helper - partner, spouse, family member, friend, whoever.....thank you.

Once we have your confirmation of help, we will contact you with further details of your allocated duties and times.

Thank you again for your support in making this year's Moorfoot Beltane 10K Trail Race a successful and enjoyable event for all our participants.

Regards....

Kenny Davidson
Club Captain
01721 723200

Moorfoots at Yetholm Hill Race

This is another Moorfoot favourite - 8 mile race around a horse-shoe of hills straddling the Scotland/England border, hosted by the fellow Borders XC club 'Norham'.

Six Moorfoots headed south to the border to participate this year. Following Saturday's hot sunny conditions, Sunday was thankfully somewhat fresher after the overnight rain, but with rain forecast and the inevitable low cloud almost a certainty.

The race started rain-free, but we were in the clouds within minutes of the start, and navigational mistakes were going to be order of the day with visibility down to less than 20m. Sure enough, Mike McG, trying for a hat-trick of wins in recent races got up near the lead but had a few moments of doubt in the cloud and had to settle for a still very respectable third place, behind a Northumberland Fell Runner (1st) and fellow Moorfoot Tom Hobbs who stormed to an excellent second place over his more preferred hill running distance.

Russell Anderson ran strongly as ever to be third Moorfoot home, ahead of a tired Wull Hynd, still trying to get ~50 miles of three-peaks racing out of his legs from a week or so back. Kenny was next home (in an almost identical time to 2009) with Julia Connor hot on his heels only a couple of minutes further back (3rd lady ?)

The forecast rain then started as we drove out of the carpark.....

Moorfoot Mid-week Results

Long summer evenings and plenty of mid week races for the keen racer types....

Tuesday saw the annual running of the Lauderdale Limpers 'Two Pubs Race' - a 4.6 mile handicap trail race with a field of runners of all abilities - joggers through to club speed merchants. The 'handicapping' Gods were smiling on Mike McGovern this time, who with a rare generous handicap, raced through the entire field (he was giving the early starters some ~20 mins start !) to outsprint the challengers in the final 100m to take first place.  (two wins in a row - can he make it a memorable hat-trick at Yetholm on Sunday ?)
Steve and Kenny plodded in somewhere further back amongst the masses....
Excellent buffet and free drink afterwards - great wee event - I think we need to look a similar 'community' event for the Moorfoots in the future...

Wednesday was 'Bog & Burn' night for the Hill Running set. Russell and Julia headed through to Kilpatrick at the north end of the Erskine Bridge and took on the steep Kilpatrick Hill Race.

Russell wrote:

Julia and I ran in the Kilpatricks Hill Race last night. A fine evening,
the ground conditions were about perfect. Julia had a great run, passing
an Ochils lady and holding the place down the fast descent to finish
second lady. I ran OK, not great and was well down in the places but
surprised to find it was a PB for the race which I've run four times
before.

Cheers. Russell

Request for Support Runner (Midsummer Madness)

I’m running the WHW race on the 19th and the 20th June and one of my crew has had to pull out.


The problem is he is the runner i.e. If you leave Blackrock Cottage or Kinlochleven by 10pm you need to be accompanied to the finish at Fort William. Blackrock to Fort William is about 27 miles.

Is there anyone in the club that would be willing to support. The full commitment would be 1am on Sat morning to 12 noon on Sunday but it might be possible to get away with 4 pm on Sat to 12 pm on Sunday if that means someone can come along. I appreciate that this coincides with the Beltane Trail Run so not great timing.

Contact details are below for someone to get back to me. I’m having a meeting this Friday at 8.30 at my house.

Paul..

J. Paul Nichol

paul@nicholfamily.plus.com

01721 721131

07920 252528

West Linton to Peebles Run - the verdict

Russell led six Moorfoots from his house just outside West Linton (Boghead), across the fields and over Wether Law, into the Cloich Forest, out at the Meldons road, before contouring round Hamilton Hill and descending into the outskirts of Peebles via Standalane Farm.

Approximately 12 miles, and at a sociable pace with a few brief stops, in just under 2 hours.

A great route - a nice mix of field, hill, forest, trail and drove road - none of the ascents or descents being too severe. One I'm sure we will do this one again....

Thanks again to Russell for organising this Sunday run.

Races in June

A busy month at the best of times, even busier if you are trying to fit in some races....some ideas from various Moorfoots who may or may not try to do them all !

Tues 1-June Two Pubs Race Lauder - see previous blogger update
Sun 6-June Yetholm Hill Race - 8 miles, 2500ft - run along the Scotland England border !!

Wed 9-June Costorphine 5miler
Fri 11-June BlackRock5 - for those who like a run on the beach...
Sat 12-June Trapain Law Hill Race - 5miles 650ft
Sun 13-June Dechmont Law 10K Trail Race

Thrs 17-June Portobello 4 mile RR
Sun 20-June Moorfoots Beltane 10K Trail Race - as many club members helping on the day as possible please....

Friday 25-June Calderglen Harriers 10K Trail Race (note - Beltane Friday !!)
Sat 26-June Eildon Hill Race (note - Beltane Saturday !!)

Moorfoots at Scottish Islands Peaks Race

Pic - rowing into Jura
Well done to Wull Hynd for completing this year's Scottish Islands Peaks Race on board yacht 'Loonautics', in a total time of 75:57 (hours !) with a cumulative run time over the three peaks (Ben More Mull, Paps of Jura and Goatfell on Arran) of 15:24 (hours !) - mad !!!

This years race had beautiful sunny weather (very hot over the weekend) but lack of wind for the sailing - lots of 'rowing' though apparently....

Provisional results here...

Lots of photos here...

More info about the race here...

Moorfoots at the White Peak Marathon

Our latest Moorfoot Marathon man....well done Alan, and run on possibly the hottest day of year !

On Saturday 22/05/10 I ran the White Peak Marathon. The race is along the disused railway lines of the Tissington Trail and the High Peak Trail in the Peak District. The weather was incredibly hot, the course was steadily uphill for almost 22 miles and finished off along a canal towpath at Matlock Rugby Club. The organisation was superb by Matlock AC and the marshalls and support were outstanding. As far as the race went, 189 runners completed the race, the winner in 3hr 10min. I managed to hobble to the end in 94th place on 4hr 29min. I can only describe the event, my first marathon, as a baptism of fire. There was blood, blisters, cramp and a calf strain to contend with, but I survived!


Regards

Alan MacDonald

Club Run Sunday 30-May

A month with 5 Sundays and no races planned, so time for something a wee bit different...

Russell has offered to lead a run from West Linton to Peebles.

"..I'd be happy to lead a run from my house to Peebles, first going over Wether Law and the ridge then the rest on the Tweed Trails marked footpath through Cloich Forest, down over the Meldons and by Hamilton Hill. It should take in the region of 1.5-2 hours at a sociable pace. A nice mixture of grassy hills and gravel tracks, quite similar to the John Buchan Way but different.


I would leave a car in Peebles beforehand so would have 2-3 seats from Peebles to the start and could ferry 2-3 people back to my house at the end to pick up any cars left at mine.

Could you put this on the blogger and get people to phone (01968 661204) to let me know they're coming.

Cheers. Russell.."

Those leaving from Peebles, meet at Gytes at 9:20am - I can take six people (plus driver) - to be up at Russells for 10:00am.

Moorfoots at the Gypsy Glen Hill Race

Pic - McGovern 'in charge' at Gypsy Glen

The Gypsy Glen Hill Race is nominally part of the Peebles Activities week, and is run by the Peebles Community Council, with help from Mike 'Moorfoot' Pearson.

This years race was another successful event with 70 starters and a 'home win' for Moorfoot Mike McGovern (33:35) on a slightly modified course (and hence he gets the 'course record').

A total of twelve Moorfoots took part in the race - full results here..

Moorfoots at Goatfell

Russell and Julia headed to Arran for the annual Goatfell Hill race.

Two strong runs, with Russell in 18th place (2nd MV50) in 1:35, and Julia 39th ( 4th lady ) in 1:50; 83 runners completed the course.

Results here..

Beltane 10K Trail Race - Readiness Meeting

About a month now to go until our annual Moorfoot 10K race (Sunday 20-June), which this year as you know is a trail race from the Gytes, up round the Viaduct and then back to the Gytes - all on paths and tracks and therefore 100% traffic free.

A meeting has been scheduled for Thursday 20-May at 7:30pm in the Country Hotel (High Street, Peebles) to go through the checklist of activities we need to do in the final countdown to race day.

All members are invited.

If you cannot make the meeting, please confirm your availability to help on the day, as there will be numerous tasks to be supported before and during the race.

If you are planning to run the race as a Moorfoot, please ensure that you supply a substitute helper to assist on the day.

Lauderdale Limpers Running Club - Two Pubs Race

This race is a wee cracker - open to runners of all abilities - very well supported by local Jog Scotland runners as well as Club runners. It's a handicap race, so fastest off last - run over quite back roads and an old railway line....

A 4.6 miles handicap race from the Tower Hotel Oxton to the Lauderdale Hotel Lauder
Tuesday 1 June 7.30 pm

Registration from 6.45 at the Lauderdale Hotel, but register your entry by 30th May on 01578722799 to help catering and organization.
(Last bus up to the start 7.20)

A £10 entry includes race organization, coach to start, buffet supper and welcome home drink voucher.
Changing and Showers available at the Leader Leisure Centre until 9.00 pm.
Sponsored by the Lauderdale Hotel

(Please note that this event is not covered by public liability insurance and entry is at your own risk)

Sponsored Stair Climb

Well done to the Moorfoots who participated in the Parish Church sponsored stair climb to raise money for the disabled access.

A total of 479 laps were recorded in the hour, (equivalent to two Ben Nevises and a Cademuir I am reliably informed !!) raising £80 for the disabled access fund.

A special mention for Stan (6), Max (4), Ruby (7), Beth (8), Megan (6) and Holly (4) who lapped the Moorfoot adults several times (too much blethering !) boosting the total number of laps significantly....

Weekend Round Up - 9-May

Pic - Russell on the 'flat bit' of the Ben Lomond path

Moorfoots in action all over the place this weekend.

On Saturday, Russell and Julia took on the mighty Ben Lomond - Russell recording a time of 1:26 for 47th place and Julia, not far behind recorded 1:36 for a top 100 placing in a field of almost 200 runners; very good results in a strong field in what was a SHR Championship race.

In the Junior Ben Lomond race, Scout came home in first place in the U19 girls, not only winning but also qualifying for a spot at the European Junior Hill Running Championships in Italy later this year - well done !

Also on Saturday, Tom and Kenny ran in the Penicuik 10K, on what is a quite a hilly course (OK, so it's not as 'hilly' as Ben Lomond !!) recording times of 38:08 (15th) and 40:12 (29th) in blustery conditions. This qualified them for as much cake as they could eat at back at race HQ afterwards....

Then on Sunday, Mike, Steve and Wull headed south to the Langholm Muckletoon Doctors 8 mile road race  - another 'hilly' one....
Mike was 4th in 46.03, Wull 7th in 48.13 and Steve 9th in 49.16.; good enough to pick up the team prize prize. Mike was also 1st vet and Steve 1st "doctor" (Brain Surgeon !). 7 trophies between the 3 of them and 50 quid prize money...not a bad days racing!!

Also on Sunday, Jane and the Hobbs family were racing at the Hopetoun House Cancer Research event: Jane wrote:
"Beth(P3) had a cracking run, getting round the 5k route in 26mins with her friend Anna McGorum - no adults involved ! Mummy ran with Megan and two of her P2 friends who did brilliantly and managed their run in 34mins ! Mummy and Daddy Hobbs are going to have to up their game!
The day finished with a fabby picnic in the sunshine at Hopetoun House while Daddy cycled home !"


Missed someone ? Drop me a note to get your moments of glory added to the Blogger.

Upcoming Races

A busy start to the month of May....

Saturday 8-May is the Penicuik Harriers'10K RR - 2:15pm start

Sunday 9-May is the Annandale and District AC (Langholm based 8 mile RR) Muckletoon Doctors Run - 11:30am start.

Moorfoots will be racing on both days, so if interested, stick on comment on the Blogger for lift sharing etc.

Then, Wednesday 19-May is the local Gypsy Glen Hill Race - 7:00pm start (registration at Gytes from 6:00pm)

Three Bridges Race

Well done to Tom McNaughton for a successful defence of the Three Bridges Race (has anyone ever successfully defended this title before ?) in a field of eighteen runners.

Also running in  Moorfoot colours were Mike McGovern and Ian Munro - official times and placings still pending on Borders Athletics new website.

Sponsored Stair Climb in aid of the Disabled Access at the Old Parish Church

Pic - artists impression of access ramp to Church (and Courthouse )

I have been approached in my Moorfoot capacity to see if we can enter a team (or teams) for a sponsored stair climb at the old Parish Church to raise funds for the new access ramp.


The idea is to do a loop of the front steps, up the south stairs, across the balcony, down the south stairs, back down the front steps, as many times as we can in one hour (ie. hill reps) to raise sponsorship money for the access ramp (which believe it or not costs £100,000 !!!)

The 'how high can we climb' theme should appeal - 51 laps equates to a Venlaw; 64 laps equates to a 'Cademuir'; I'm hoping we might achieve a 'Lee Pen' (79 laps).

The event takes place on Saturday 15th May between 10:00am and 10:00pm.

You can particpate at any time during these hours - if there is enough support, we can perhaps coordinate a suitable time slot and have a small social event afterwards....

Very suitable for Moorfoot children (it is not a race - it's a sponsored walk) - tea, coffee, juice and biscuits served afterwards to all participants....

Please let me know if you can support this, and I will provide you with a sponsorship form - this is a good chance for the Moorfoots to do some 'community' work....

Regards...

Kenny