Gypsy Glen Hill Race Report, Peebles Weds 18 May

The 2016 edition of the Gypsy Glen Hill Race had a record turn out with 88 taking part on Wednesday evening in rather damp and overcast conditions. I would like to think that the increase in numbers had something to do with the race being in the Scottish Borders Hill Race Series but it probably was more to do with there being no clashes with other races in the calendar as there had been in previous years.

The calibre of the field attracted was certainly the best yet with the race being run by Scottish international hill runner James Waldie of the Carnethy club beating Gavin Bryson from Lauder (Edinburgh AC) who recently won the Scottish U20 10,000m track title into 2^nd place. The winning time of 31:04 was a course record over a minute. In fact the first 4 finishers would have broken the old course record of 32:21, and the wet and slippery conditions would have slowed runners a bit!

Lucas at the Top



Andy leading Lucas on the climb

The race was well attended by Moorfoots and other local runners, with big contingents from Penicuik Harriers and Carnethy. First Moorfoot home was Lucas Cheskin (7^th - 34:28) who pipped Andy Cox by two seconds (8^th – 34:30) who was leading the pair at the summit. Just behind them was Benjamin Hindley from Innerleithen, now an ex-Moorfoot and running for Strathclyde Uni, (9^th – 34:39). Craig Mattocks was the next local home who runs for Carnethy and has recently moved to Peebles with his wife Kate Jenkins. Craig also was the fastest Veteran finishing 12^th in 34:53. Mike McGovern was third vet (19^th - 37:06).

Jill Stephen of HBT was first woman (27^th 38:02). Carol Moss made a welcome return to racing and Susan Ridley and Kate Jenkins both of Peebles had good showing in 44^th and 45^th places.

The Moorfoot results were:

Place	Runner	Club	Cat	Min	Sec
7	Lucas Cheskin	Moorfoot Runners	M	34	28
8	Andrew Cox	Moorfoot Runners	M	34	30
19	Michael McGovern	Moorfoot Runners	MV	37	6
32	Magnus Skea	Moorfoot Runners	M	38	44
36	Kenneth Davidson	Moorfoot Runners	MV	39	11
53	David Cheskin	Moorfoot Runners	MV	41	52
61	Ian Munro	Moorfoot Runners	MV	43	30
62	Alan Elder	Moorfoot Runners	MV	43	40
63	Carol Moss	Moorfoot Runners	FV	43	41

 Full results here. Photos here