Caerketton Downhill

Wednesday night saw the last in the series of 3 downhill thrashes take place on Caerketton Hill - just above Hillend Ski Slope.

The weather was ideal - a bit of a breeze but still warm. 61 runners made the 1.8 km hike up to the 300m elevation start point. We are all released at 15 second intervals and spring off the starting rock with varying degrees of urgency. There is a slight downhill section followed by a flatter section before the steep drop to the gate where the junior race starts - a short uphill followed by a steep, frequently rugged path that falls towards the finish line by the car park at the bottom of the ski slope.

Ethan entered the junior race ~ 800m of mainly steep downhill. This has varied in the past from 2 runners to 20 runners. On this occasion it is Ethan and 12 Carnethy kids who start off. He's entered to have a pop at the course record which has stood since 2007 (3.27) He is down in 2.37.

My run means setting off behind Carnethy's very own 'Franz Klammer in cleats' - Steve Fallon. I manage to get within 5 seconds of him on the initial flat section but he disappeared over the brow of the hill and somehow magically reappeared at the bottom of the hill. I manage to keep a reasonable pace and off my heels and am only passed by the winner, Andrew Gilmore (5.14) - First lady is Fiona Kelsall - Ochils (6.51). My time (6.50) is 50 seconds faster than last year but the real bonus is that I am still able to walk the following day!

Hope to attempt again next year and try to shave off more time.

Prize giving is very light-hearted courtesy of Mark Johnston of Carnethy with a wheen of Haribos thrown at random into the crowd. Prizes include Porridge Oats, A pair of Marigold Gloves, Gold plated hair clips, Salomon running gear and 2 litres of Red Cola!

Caerketton Results and Series Results