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...
Monday, 28 June 2010
Tuesday, 22 June 2010
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.
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.
Monday, 21 June 2010
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).
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
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 !)
Sunday, 13 June 2010
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
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
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.
Friday, 11 June 2010
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
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
Thursday, 10 June 2010
Helpers for Beltane 10K Trail Race
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
Sunday, 6 June 2010
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.....
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.....
Thursday, 3 June 2010
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
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
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