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- 17th May 2012
Eddleston Handicap - Wed 16th May

The second in the series.
It looked unpromising but the leaden sky relented
and by the end of the race it was quite a
mellow evening. Last run 2 years ago; on that
occasion there was a snowfall on the summit
just as the race started so maybe the weather
wasn't worse this time. A wide spread of runners
mostly read the map correctly
though Charlotte went haring off in the wrong
direction on the descent, followed by one
or two others. They would have benefited from
a copy of Bill's meticulously compiled map
that was almost 1:1 scale. Matt was fashionably
late and Oz went... we know not where but
he returned eventually. There should be a
prize for the most exotic fall, which must
be the forward roll and back onto the feet
without a pause executed in the boggy bit
of the lower field in the speediest part of
the descent - though there would be stiff
competition from Charlotte, who tripped herself
up and went flying in the car park before
the race, and Fraser who tripped over Gordon
and went sprawling as he launched himself
into the run. Another prize for the most inventive
number - Patricia's 1026 - which was her handicap
time and very easy to find and enter on the
start list.
First back and taking full advantage of
his generous handicap after a bad run at
Boghall, was Andy Spenceley - his first handicap
win for 15 years (at Carlops in 1997)
and only 3rd ever in the 24 years the handicap
series has been held. Winning a handicap
is obviously not a once in a blue moon phenomenon,
it is much rarer than that - so take your
chance when you can! Iain Gilmore finished
soon after, with the fastest run (to be confirmed)
being John Hammond, just in front in Andrew
Gilmore, Adam Ward and Steven Fallon.
Thanks to handicapper Phil, organiser Shane
and finish timers Willy & Ronnie, whose task
is always harder when the handicapper gets
it right! Good fun and food afterwards in
the Tusitala. Results to follow. More
pics
Digby
- 15th May 2012
Cheshire Sandstone
Trail Race
8:15 am on Saturday
morning found me deep in rural England with
190 other runners on the start line for the
Cheshire Sandstone Trail Race. This is the second year of the
race which runs for 33.3 miles from Whitchurch
in Shropshire to Frodsham on the Mersey. After
a 3 mile warm up along a canal the course traverses
some pleasant rolling farmland, although less
pleasant where the numerous cows and 4 days
of rain had turned the fields into a sticky
swamp. However the majority of
the race follows a sandstone escarpment with
good runable sandy trails, woods, forests and
views to Wales in the west or the Pennines
in the east with plenty of undulations giving
a total of 3,700 foot of climbing. After
about 26 miles I ended up running on my own
for several miles with only the odd cow, squirrels
and the cheerful drinks station helpers for
company. I reached the finish after
5 hours 39 minutes in 16th position and
first Scottish runner to finish (and only one
to start actually), although rather overshadowed
by the winner’s 4:10, a new course record. Definitely
worth doing if you are in the area.
Phil Young
- 13th May 2012
Michael leaves Peebles on last leg of run and
completes his run at The Royal Edinburgh Hospital
A big crowd turned
out at The Royal Edinburgh Hospital to see
Michael and the entourage he had gathered
en route from Peebles make a big finish.
Well done - what is next?
All Michael's stage reports now in - here
Many congratulations to Michael on a fantastic
effort. A group of us gave him a rousing sending off on last leg from
Peebles and many joined him on the route to Edinbugh
Gordon
- May 13th 2012
Carnethy Women win at British Champs at Slieve Bearnagh!
A week after dominating at Stuc a'Chroin, Angela Mudge won the women's race (and Over 40s) and led the Carnethy team to victory at the second round of the British Championship, which was held in Northern Ireland on Saturday 12th.
"
The route over Slieve Meelbeg, Slieve Bearnagh, and Slieve
Meelmore with 2800 feet
of climb and used in previous championship races was extended with
a run back from the sheep pen start back to race registration at Meelmore
lodge.
It was reckonned this added eight minutes to the winning male time
but the race was still classified as a short. The ground climbing
Slieve
Meelbeg and at the end of the race was very wet from recent rain.
Joe Symonds (Kendal) won the men's race maintaining his Salamon sponsorship
wearing
shoes resoled by Lancashire Sports Repairs. Carnethy male finishers
were Andy Fallas 20th, John Blair-Fish 101th and 6th Vet 60, and Colin
Ledlie 106th.
Angela won the Ladies race and the team of Angela, Charlotte Morgan
8th, and Helen Bonsor 11th won the team price. Other female finishers
were Hazel Sutherland 15th and Joanne Anderson 19th.
Wendy Dodds (Clayton-le-Moors) first vet 60 finished an impressive 13th with a time bettered
by only two male vet 60s.
The small fields for the two races of 117
in the male race and 31 in the female race
did not do justice to the challenge of the
course."
John Blair-Fish
Results
- 13th May 2012
Loch Leven Half Marathon
Just for a change I ran the Loch Leven Half Marathon – is that
allowed for a hill runner? Very well organized these road runs and when
you pay 18 quid to enter I can see the justification. The views of the
Lomond and surrounding hills were very pretty to look at as over 450
runners ran around Loch Leven, and the three water stops were welcome
on this hot day. I was joined by fellow Carnethies Karen Meikle and
Pam Whitlie and we all finished within a couple of minutes of each other.
Karen (1:45:48), Pam (1:46:59) and me (1:47:23). Results here. Guess
it’s all a bit insignificant really after what Michael Nowicki
has just achieved! Many congratulations Michael finishing your epic
adventure ;-)
Kate Friend
- 13th May 2012
Ben Lomond hill race

Won by Kenny Richmond
of Shettleston in 1:10:38 with Carnethies
James Waldie 5th and Andrew Gilmore 28th
taking 1st & 2nd
places for male under 23. Steven MacInnes
of Carnethy was 8th and Adam Anderson 16th.
Gregor Heron & Bruce Smith in 30th & 33rd.
14 male Carnethies ran, but no ladies.
We were
lucky in having a weather window on Saturday
with lovely warm sunshine down at Rowardennan,
and the snow on the tops from the day before
largely melted. Knowing it would be cold
on top made clothing choices a bit awkward
and the heat below changed radically near
the summit as a very cold shower blew in
with the brisk wind. It's
mostly a runnable course with reasonable
gradients throughout - though speed can be
your undoing as Mike demonstrated with some
nasty gravel rash. I had the terrifying vision
of Joan's Frankenstein knee in view for most
of the descent, and with my own knee complaining
was forced to take the steeper grass & peat
slowly giving 2 Carnethies the chance to
fly past, as did Westy Murdo Macleod who
went on to beat me by 2 mins and take the
M60 prize. I'd have got 2nd prize if it had
existed (as it did last year); an omission
I shall campaign tirelessly to have remedied. Results Mike's
album More
photos
Digby
- 13th May 2012
Penicuik 10k

A glorious day and
not doing Ben Lomond so thought I should do
Penicuik 10k since we were one of the sponsors
( Stuart & Stuart ). Having
checked last years results and seeing no Carnethies
running for the club I entered as U/A.
Then I met Brian Howie and Phil Humphries both of whom
were running for road clubs so I had clearly done the
correct thing. 208 entries - a record field on a hilly
road course to Howgate and back via Wellington School.
Lots of well kent faces including Kate and Craig who
were both 3rd. I was ambitiously aiming for a sub 40
but I hadn't done a road race since 2005 and my best
10k was 39.48 at Balmoral in 2004(ish). I managed to
find a pair of road shoes in my filing cabinet at work! Serious
hill at 1k meant I was behind time for the next 7 but
the views of the Pentlands and Carnethy spurred me
on and there is a great descent back into Penicuik
so I made up time and got to 9k in 35.45. Couple of
uphills in the final k but I finished much to my delight
with a PB of 39.34 in 16th place - just behind Phil
who I chased for 4k but couldn't overtake. A great
race with a fab range of cakes back at the High School.
Gordon
- 11th May 2012
Michael Nowicki heading north as planned...
Travelled down to the Borders today and
caught up with Michael about 6 miles
south of Jedburgh, to say he was surpised
to see a Carnethy top was an
understatement! He was in good spirits and
just full of energy and strength
for the task ahead. Over Sutra hill he was
running through snow and hail!
In my minds
eye I saw a man running with vehicle support
crew and loads of
back up, in reality he was on his own on the
road with a 20kg back_pack with
all his worldly goods. I couldn't run with
him, travelled down via
motorbike, but managed to see him 3 times
and safely into Jedburgh. He sees
running like this as a 'lifestyle' change!
Truly amazing, sorry I can't be there when
he finishes.
Andy Lennie
- 10th May 2012
Wednesday Training

Encouraged by thoughts
of bluebells and summery weather, neither
of which materialised (though it was quite
a nice evening), we set off for Colinton Dell.
At Redford Bank road (?) Willy posed the unusual
question - "anyone
know where we are?". As no-one did, we
turned left, which was a good choice. Colinton
Dell was delightful, green and echoing with
birdsong. Cody tried to drink the river dry,
and I was tempted to follow, being excruciatingly
thirsty. We emerged at Slateford Rd and transferred
to the canal path for a spell, then up the
very steep slope behind Craiglockhart Sport
Centre, famed for Bill's 'ice axe' ascents
using two screwdrivers. Avoiding the golf
course and its late golfers we ascended the
south face of the quarry by the arete, greeting
climbers along the way. Not Mary's first choice
of route! And so to beer.
Digby
- 8th May 2012
Great Lakeland 3 Day
This is a lovely event
(details), back after a few years and now
organised by Shane Ohly (OMM winner, Dragons
Back organiser). Wonderfully low key, we were
given a map pre marked with the controls and
allowed to start when ever we liked. This
meant I got to see the fast boys come past
me, since they elected to start later, and
it was remarkable not so much how fast they
are, but how relentless they move.
First day started in Langdale, went over Blisco, Dow
Crag, along the ridge above Coniston, Caw, down through
Ulpha, involved an argument with a farmer over access
(three cheers for the Scottish Outdoor Access Code),
out way, way south across trackless moorland to Black
Combe and then north to Dalegarth. 30 miles and 2500m
ascent.
Day two took us over a pass to Wasdale, then the haute
route from Styhead, Angle Tarn to High Raise, Steel
Fell, across to Grisedale Tarn. Snowing in May. I elected
to miss St Sunday Crag, and took a long cut down Grisedale
to Patterdale. Then over Thresthwaite to Troutbeck.
About 32 miles, 2500m ascent. I was wasted at the end,
my legs were so gone I face planted trying to climb
off a gate and I was struggling to step down from the
Portaloo.
I spent Sunday evening pondering how I could most easily
get back to Langdale. Lacking the imagination to figure
out an alternative, Monday brought me to Caudale Moor,
Red Screes, Dove Crag, Fairfield and finally over Blea
Rig to return to Langdale. Its amazing the effect a
good feed and 12 hours rest can do, I felt strong and
powered the ascents and made like a proper fell runner
coming off Fairfield and Blea Rig. I even got a nod
from one of the old timer fell runners for picking
a "good line". High praise! 19 miles and
2100m ascent.
I was surprised to be the only Carnethy taking part
in the Great Lakeland 3 Day, especially with the presence
of eight Cosmics who'd driven down from Aberdeen. I
think they were disappointed by the level of the Scottish
competition. I guess there's a lot of events on just
now., but I thoroughly recommend this one.
Joel Sylvester
- 7th May 2012
Arthur's Seat Mayday holiday handicap
With plenty of folk
using the may bank holiday as an excuse
to get out of the city the hardier (of
the 'fool' variety) amongst us partook
of a fine afternoons handicapping.
Not being here didn't
stop Colin posting another fine time on
Friday lunchtime but in the heat of the
battle today Digby was a runaway winner
(literally as he was first off). His time
even knocked a full second off his March
2011 pb so a well deserved victory for
him from Gordon. Gordon's 33:07 time getting
back towards his better form from earlier
in the year, although Digby managed to
outwit him this time his handicap is still
looking a tad generous, which might make
him worth a flutter in the June handicap.
RichardB was next man home, despite, or
perhaps thanks to the Highland Fling the
weekend before he managed to nip inside
the one o'clock gun.
Rab and I might also have done if we had
started on time, Rab zoomed past me on
the way up the crags and then even had
the audacity to get to the top of Arthurs
before Allister and myself. This despite
us both having gone straight up the gutted
haddie and Rab going up and over Nether
first. I managed to reel in Rab on the
descent just before the road crossing
and then found myself being chased for
the rest of the run for the cheek of it.
All of this helped spur me on to pass
Mark coming off the Haggis knowe crags.
Sadly the pre-prepared excuses of Allister
and me of having had a hard race at Stuc
a Chroin were trumped by Rab's 2:07 run
in the Ed-North Berwick race, which just
makes it look like we were out for a short
training run.
Of course if Rab and I had turned up on
time it might have meant a closer race
with Richard, but at least we had each
other to race against, unlike Russell
who was chasing his own shadow after starting
off about 8 minutes late, so he did pretty
well to get so close to his handicap.
Next race may well be on the 4th of June
- but if there's too many folk taking
advantage of the very long weekend we
might reschedule. Results
Bruce
- 7th May 2012
Carnethy in the prizes at Stuc a’Chroin
- Saturday 5th May
26 Carnethy runners finished in the field of 168 in this 24th edition of the Stuc a'Chroin race. Angela Mudge was first woman (and 1st Over 40 woman) in 7th overall; Stewart Whitlie 3rd overall and 1st Over 40 man; Jacqui Higginbottom was 2nd Over 40 woman and Carnethy easily won the first team prize with Stewart Whitlie, Steve MacInnes (6th), Angela Mudge (7th) and Adrian Davis (11th).
"Brilliant views and
perfect weather conditions for this (my favourite)
hill race. Many
Carnethy women turned up for this tough race
of 14 miles & 5000ft of ascent. Angela
Mudge held her title and Prasad Prasad (winning
man) was so far in front on the return that
I missed him, he was already heading down
Glen Ample. Angela M, Jacqui H, Joanne A, Joan
W, Lucy H, Lorna A and myself were all flying
the Carnethy flag for the girls. Sadly,
Joan (who was having a stormer of a run and
on for a PB) took a bad fall in the forest
before the track home and gashed her knee
open. You'll be glad to hear she’s
now home after a night with the NHS! Get
better soon Joan :-) ".
Results here
Kate Friend
Had a nice race at Stuc a Chroin on Saturday.
As it was my first long run for ages and
it was so nice I took my camera too to force
myself from overdoing it. Pictures (not all of them in focus I have to admit)
Bruce Smith
- 6th May 2012
The Whisky Chaser

Clearic, Tormore, Tobermory,
Glen Garioch, Bunnahabhain. Some amazing whiskies
(and one pre-whisky fresh off the still) on
a beautiful evening run, with food in the
steading. Report. Lots of pictures
on the Carnethy
Facebook page.
- 6th may 2012
Black Rock 5 - 4th May
With all the serious hill races going on at this time of year this
race makes a nice change and is something a little different. I
think the race is a little under the five miles suggested in the
name and starts and finishes in Kinghorn with a wee run along some
streets, over the sand and around the rock and back again. The course
is flat and fast with the exception of the finish which is straight
up a very steep street so at least we had one hill to contend with.
Depending on tides it can get somewhat wet around the rock though
this year you could pretty much run on sand or an inch or two or
water so no swimming was involved!
The weather was cold but clear
and made for great running conditions, so over 700 runners lined
up at the start of which 10 were Carnethy
runners. I somehow managed to be race number 5 for the Black Rock
5 - kind of cool! Jim Hardie was in his first race after an injury
enforced rest and he shot off from the start and I pretty much didn't
see him again until after the finish where he was first Carnethy home
in 64th place with 29:09. Jane Jackson also shot off and I was trying
my hardest to keep her in sight on the way out to the rock. The sand
was very rippled so wasn't that great to run on, or at least that's
my excuse and I'm going to stick to it as I was struggling to move
at any real pace on the outward leg. Things picked up a little for
me on the way back as my legs finally woke up (perhaps my pre-race
pint kicked in?) and I started reeling folk in who probably overdid
the first half. Jane was still in my sights and I finally got past
her on the long steady climb up from the beach, probably no more that
half a mile to the end and I was always expecting her to glide past
me again before the end but more by luck than design that never happened.
My favorite bit of the race was the final hill for one main reason;
an HBT guy had just about caught up with me at the bottom and two
HBTs who had finished shouted to him "you've got him" which
was all the extra I needed to sprint up the hill and hold my position,
not something that normally happens to me :o) A bottle of Williams
beer awaited all finishers and more was available for two pounds a
pint in the pub after.
Jane had a great run and won the FV35 category
in 30:14 and 94th place overall, much kudos and beer to her. The race
was won by Kris
Berry from Corstorphine AAC in 23:02 with club mate Micky Breen second
27 seconds behind him with the hosting club HBTs Don Naylor third.
There
were some travel woes due to signalling problems on the train line
which spoiled things a bit but it was still a great laugh so
if you find yourself at a loose end on a Friday night next May it's
worth the trip over.
Andy Millard
Low tide on 4th May heralded the annual
4.5 mile dash from Kinghorn, across the
beach, around the Black Rocks and back up
the steep road to the finishing post. Bananas
and beer were administered to all runners.
Despite train signalling problems, and ScotRail's bewildering
travel updates, there was a good turn out from Carnethy.
Jim Hardie, Andy Millard, Jane Jackson, Matthew Jones,
Lindsay Sugden, Jim McWhinnie, Philippa Ivison, Dave
Gibson and Mandy Calder all ran, probably with more
speed and efficiency than the Fife Circle line. This
year's winner was Kris Berry of Corstorphine AAC with
23.02, and Jane Jackson took fastest F35 with 30.14
(congratulations!).
Mary Lye
- 29th April 2012
The Fellsman

While
most fellrunners flocking to the Yorkshire Dales this weekend were there
for the fast and furious 3 Peaks
race, a small bunch of
us
- well actually some 450 odd - made their way to Ingleton for the
more sedate stroll that is the Fellsman. The Fellsman starts off with
two of the 3 Peaks - Ingleborough and Whernside - before continuing
on a horseshoe over the high moors to Great Whernside and eventually,
after some 61 miles, the finish at Threshfield in Wharfedale.
Very
much to my surprise I found myself leading the event for most of the
first 20 miles or so, after everyone else in the lead group
had stopped at the first road checkpoint for some biscuits after only
1h on the move. Eventually however Jez Bragg, who had set the current
record last year, caught up and pulled ahead, although it was fairly
clear that the strong and chilling north-easterly headwind meant that
no new record would be set this year. I then settled down in a pair
with a friend of mine for the rest of the day and we plodded along
nicely, swapping places within the chasing pack which comprised positions
two till seven. Despite the hard going due to wind, we unexpectedly
were making better progress than I had last year and were having a
very nice day, making full use of the excellent catering provided
at the regular road checkpoints. We eventually finished together in
11:31 as joined 3rd - me beating my previous time by 40 minutes and
my friend taking over the fastest novice trophy which I had won last
year. Not unexpectedly, Jez won in a time of 11:02 and Nicky Spinks
defended her ladies title. Full results should appearhere
in the near future.
However, while we then had the pleasure of a warm
shower, being provided with more food than even we could eat and eventually
a lie down, conditions
on the fells were not improving and with increasing numbers of runners
arriving at the checkpoints with hypothermia the event was abandoned
at 2am. It is a testament to the excellent organisation, that although
a majority of competitors was still out on the course - even in good
years the average finishing time is about 20hrs - everyone was soon
brought home safely.
While I had assumed I was the only Carnethy
running, it now transpires Matt Davis got
a late entry and also finished in a time
of just under 15 hours.
Konrad Rawlik
- 4th May 2012
Carnethy Road Cyclists April Outing
6 braved a grotty
morning of strong north easterly winds and
rain to make the rendez-vouz at Kings Buildings
on Sunday. All seemed to be
persuaded by my idea of going into the wind
on the way out in order to be blown back,
so we headed off out of the city. Barely
2 miles out and I had become rather concerned
that all I could hear whilst pedalling up
Kirk Brae was Harry Gilmore freewheeling
behind me. How does that work? Anyway, we
pressed on through Dalkeith and climbed out
on the old A68 into the wind. Jane Robertson
seemed determined to deviate back onto the
bypass, but we re-grouped and headed off
on blissfully quiet back roads through East
Lothian to Gifford. From there it was to
Haddington, a climb up to the Garleton hills
and then the payback began as we hoisted
spinnakers and were blown swiftly home with
the strengthening wind. Other participants
were Henry Cruikshank, who also seems to
worryingly untroubled by hills, new attendee
Derek Bearhop who was showing off his new
super comfy sit up and beg bike and Professor
Brian Cox whose preparations for a forthcoming
Lands End to John o’Groats endeavour
meant he had nipped out for a swift 20miles
before the 9.15 start. Next outing Sunday
May 27th - Whit. Whit?
Here is the route – 48
miles return to Kings Buildings.
Robin Haynes.
- 1st May 2012
Hoka Highland Fling Ultra - 28th April
A 53 mile multi-terrain
ultra run along the West Highland Way from
Milngavie to Tyndrumhttp://www.highlandflingrace.org
There was a great turnout of nine Carnethies for this year’s Highland Fling Ultra
in pretty much perfect conditions. I’d been looking at the weather forecast since the previous weekend and it was amazingly accurate,
and lucky, that with the hideous preceding week of showers and wind that we had sun, no
wind and coolish temperatures for the entire route.
I started for the first mile or two with Nigel then after about five or so miles started running with Ian
King and non-Carnethy Colin Meek which was great as Ian had a plan for pacing to get round in about 11
hours which would have done me just fine. Ian’s knee was being somewhat troublesome and it slowed him
on the way up Conic so me and Colin went on ahead. It was great to see Murdo marshalling at Balmaha, tempting
to stop for a wee chat but managed to get going pretty quickly! I ran with Colin for pretty much the rest
of the route, he was great at dragging me along when I was beginning to get cramping twinges on and off
for the last twenty miles! At Inversnaid I found Ian Frost sitting in the sun, having a wee rest before
the rough top half of the loch side. By that time I was having trouble trying to eat and as it was getting
a little warmer I was getting through quite a bit more water than earlier in the race.
It helped when I was getting tired just to look at the views on the way along the route, simply stunning.
Stopping at the top of Loch Lomond at Dario’s post for a couple of minutes to look back down the
loch was very worthwhile and it gave me a bonus rest!
First of the Carnethies home was Richard Bell in 9:33 with Graham Nash also beating the ten hour mark with
9:42. At the sharp end Scott Bradley from Carnegie was first home in an astonishing 7:23, beating the
Hoka team member Ludo Pommeret by ten minutes. In the womans race however the Hoka team were victorious with
Emma Rocca finishing in 8:23 with a ten minute lead over Sharon Trimble from Garscube.
Gregor had a great run to get round in 10:16 though
he has the official time of 11:16 as he wanted to run
with Steven who he’d been training with. Steven
was starting with the young boys at 8am instead of
the 7am us aging MV40s had to start at so Gregor’s
first official hour involved standing around at Milngavie!
Shame his time couldn’t have been adjusted accordingly
but at least from the results it looks like I actually
beat him for once...
I managed to get round in under 10 hours 30 which came
as a bit of a surprise to me with all nine starting
Carnethies making it to the end with 362 finishers
in total. Soup, rolls, a bottle of bubbly and Wiliams
beers (very nice too) awaited us at the end of the
race, a very pleasant experience. I was extra lucky
that my wife had pitched our tent and stocked it with
beer about 70 metres away from the finish line, result!
The Carnethy teams managed to come in 5th, 7th and
13th though I think it should have been 4th, 9th and
13th had there not been any differences between Carnethy
Hill Running Club and Carnethy Hill Runners!
The race is well organised, has a great atmosphere
and is just fantastic fun, many thanks to John and
the rest or the organisers and marshals for making
this such a great event and I highly recommend it to
anyone who fancies a longish race.
The Carnethy runners completing the course were Richard
Bell, Graham Nash, Andy Millard, Steven Yule, Alan
Colley, Gregor Heron, Ian, Nigel Fawthrop and Ian Frost. Results
Andy Millard
- 30th April 2012
Petrofac 15 Mile Multi-Terrain Challenge,
Balmoral

I was in the Aboyne area at the weekend, so
I fancied this new event, organised by RunBalmoral
and sponsored by Petrofac.
Starting and finishing
on the road adjacent to the cricket pitch the route
follows the banks
of the River Dee before climbing through the Balmoral
Estate to Glen Gelder. It was billed at a 15 mile race
(and there were mile markers to prove it!) but my Garmin
indicated a shade under this. There were wonderful views
of a snow-capped Lochnagar throughout, with the route
itself being a tough mixture of hard-packed mud trails,
rough rocky trail, soft mud and forest fern. There
was a relative amount of shade throughout the Balmoral
forest, but also an exposed open moorland section before
descending through a pine forest back to the river Dee. The amount of
climb was not to be underestimated too, with 1,020
feet, according to my Garmin. Indeed, at mile 14 we
had a nasty sting in the tail, where, instead of a
fast descent to the finish, the marshals directed us
upwards through a steep forest track, with deep mud,
before the relief of the final descent.
I noticed a few familiar faces at the start including
Robbie Simpson (Deeside), Murray Strain and Kate Jenkins
(HBT), so clearly there was some interest in the winning
prize of a road race trip to Ethiopia for the winning
male and female. Second prize, two trips to Ethiopia?
As for the race itself, Scottish internationals Robbie
Simpson and Morgan Windram-Geddes (Fife AC) earned
their trips with winning performances. Robbie was followed
all the way by East of Scotland cross country champion
Murray Strain, but eventually, at around the 11 mile
mark, the 20 year-old Deeside athlete began to open
a lead which he extended to 36 seconds by the end.
Robbie finished strongly, posting an impressive time
of 1:21:11sec for what is undoubtedly a testing course.
Strain wasn't far behind in 1:21:46sec, while Oleg
Chepelin (Shettleston Harriers) finished third in 1:26:24.
American-born Windram-Geddes, who is based in Dundee,
will be accompanying Simpson to Ethiopia after winning
the women's race in 1:37:44. World over-50 age group
10,000m and 3,000m record holder Fiona Matheson (Falkirk
Victoria Harriers) was runner-up in 1:39:37 while Great
Britain orienteering international Tessa Hill (HBT)
was third in 1:40:36.
As for me? I think I was the sole Carnethy runner (at
least I didn't spot any other vests) and began fairly
strongly on the easier first half, at sub 7 minute
miles, before feeling it a bit around mile 10, where
the London Marathon legs were coming back to haunt
me. Alan Smith of Deeside passed me at this point,
on his way to winning first Super Veteran, with a pat
on the back and the words "Don't worry Carnethy,
there's a hill coming up soon." As if I was supposed
to be pleased about this news. In the end I won and
lost a few places in the final stretch to finish in
1:50:30 for 33rd place and 9th Veteran, out of 218
finishers.
A well organised race, in a great setting and a nice
medal a technical t-shirt to boot. Recommended. Results
are at: http://www.runbalmoral.com/results/search.aspx
Mike Lynch
- 30th April 2012
Michael's run - Stage
1 London to Hertford
So finally I started
my big London to Edinburgh run. The first
stage started in London Parliament square
in literaly monsoon weather, it was all
low key with 2 close friends and family. The
way out from London was like getting out of
a large maze, it just dragged on and on. The
rain kept on pouring, a few drivers found
it funny to splash me with large puddles.
Once i got out of London, the sun started
to shine, happy days. The last 4 miles were
quite hilly indeed, so i just walked up
and ran down. Once I got to Hertford, it was
meeting family, food and goodbyes to my family.
Now its me myself. Next stage is Hertford
to Sandy 28 miles. Next report Monday evening.
Follow Michael's progress here
Michael Nowicki
- 27th April 2012
Wednesday training
Where you went!
- 23rd April 2012
Alternative John Muir Way

Coast, cake and aching
legs. A grey morning turned into lovely sunshine
for the intrepid runners & cyclists on
the annual running of the AJMW brilliantly
organised by Keith. 34 miles around East Lothian
with a feast (thanks Bärbel) at around
23 miles. To whoever donated the thickly chocolate
covered rice crispy cake that
was quite irresistable a big thankyou. Hopefully
the 3000 calories expended on the run burned
it off. Bit of a shame that I was the only
running finisher (not sure if Richard completed),
with a slightly anticlimactic end in the empty
car park - but I was glad to see Keith who
waited for me to plod slowly in. More
photos.
Digby
The Alternative
John Muir Way continued its streak of near
ideal weather yesterday. The
start was cloudy and chilly, but by the time
we reached the Biarritz of the North after
2 hours, conditions were – Biarritzy. As
the sag wagon parked, the ice cream van pulled
alongside and runners and bikers drifted in
from the Dirleton dunes. At Yellowcraig
we saw how a golf resort developer Caledonian Heritable
Ltd. (http://www.archerfieldgolfclub.com/real-estate/ )
could destroy acres of sea-buckthorn in a
SSSI, even with the local authority’s
knowledge and lack of subsequent action. The
developer had previously erected
a hostile boundary fence designed to stop
residents and golfers from, er, damaging the
SSSI.
The beaches, cliffs and coves between North Berwick
and Ravensheugh were bathed in sunshine with a cool
NE breeze preventing overheating on the occasional
strenuous scrambles up the slopes. By the time
we were breaching the defensive ditches around Tantallon
Castle the 23-strong squad had spread over many diverse
routes suited to foot or wheel.
It was so warm and sunny at Ravensheugh that Gio sought
the cooler water and gently lapping waves for a swim. The
rest of the bikes emerged from the van and we continued
via Binning Wood to the East Linton lunch break at
37km. The full-distance runners were getting
a bit droopy by then, their droopiness amplified by
too much tea and over-eating. The River Tyne
was in spate from earlier heavy rain but had, at least,
retreated into its banks as far as Hailes Castle. From
there, we climbed Pencraig Hill for the old highway
through the coconutty broom to Barnes Castle and the
Garleton Hills. A few cyclists opted for alternative
tarmac, and the survivalist runners grimly pursued
the off-roaders to the prime at Hopetoun Monument. As
usual the rocky descent from the summit thwarted all
attempts to stay on bikes. From Hopetoun the
end game is fast and easy for bikers; not so for remaining
runners Digby and Richard who were by now locked into
their separate lone routes back to Aberlady Bay.
21 started and finished most or all of the 56km circuit.
Many thanks to helpers Bärbel (lunch), Peter (driver),
Tom and Philippa (van provision), all who contributed
food and the girls who cleared up after lunch.
Keith Burns
- 23rd April 2012
Teenager with Altitude and Anniversary Waltz
Impressive results
for our club captains in the Lake District
on Saturday, with a 1 and a 2 for Andy Fallas
and Helen Bonsor respectively at the Teenager
with Altitude race.
An extended version of the popular Anniversary
Waltz, the route goes over five tops before
merging with Waltz route on Robinson, and clocks
up 15 miles and 7,600 ft. Andy tagged along
with Steve Pyke (Staffs Moorland) and Andy
Schofield (Borrowdale) until he was sure where
he was going and then sped off to finish in
2h54. Judith Jepson (Dark Peak) was first woman,
then Helen who managed to keep just seconds
of Hazel Robinson of Ambleside. Jon Ascroft
finished in 6th & 3h07, having watched
Carl Bell (Howgill Harriers) glide past him
to comfortably win the Anniversary Waltz. Before
long Gregor Heron too finished the Waltz followed
by Steven McFarlane, Stephen Yule & Cameron
Scott. Great Lakes racing, well organised with
pretty decent weather, plenty of atmosphere
and lots of post-race beer, hot food, and cake.
Results to follow at http://www.anniversarywaltz.co.uk/
Jon Ashcroft
- 23rd April 2012
London Marathon

Many thanks to Carnethy for my place in this year's London Marathon! It was a great
day with blue skies and sunshine almost all the way. The heavens opened just before mile
25 for me and so I got a bit wet for the last stretch. But, hey, who cares about the rain
at this point in the race? I saw Bob J going with the wind when he had just completed 22 miles and I was approaching 13. I called out, "Carnethy! Bob!",
but there was just to much noise to hear. In fact all along the route there was a massive amount of noise and support from thousands of spectators. Very impressive.
I came in hours and hours after Bob, but I'm still pleased with my time of about 5:45 because it was better than the 6 hours I was aiming for (my last marathon was 7:20 at Beachy Head last October). I was especially pleased because at mile 18 or 19 there was a risk I would be finishing in over 6 hours, but I managed to get my skates on just in time to break the 6 hour barrier ;o). I'm also pleased I managed to keep running (jogging) all the time, apart from a 10 min break for chocolate and to refill my water reservoir on my back. I got cold very quickly at the
end because of the rain, so no photo of me then. However, here is a shot of my top complete
with medal after we got back to my cousin's house.
Thanks
so much, Carnethy. This has been a goal of
mine for years and I'm so pleased I've now
completed the London Marathon.
Margaret

Carnethy were
represented in the Virgin London Marathon
yesterday by Margaret Forrest, Mike Lynch
and Bob Johnson. All proper hill-runners
will no doubt think "How sad is that?" but
Lochaber had 5 runners in the race,
two more than us! Bob was passed by either
Oliver Blomfield (3:10:31) or
Niall McBeath (3:12:57) with a conversation
along the lines "Seen any hills
yet?" at about 20 miles out. Bob eventually
finished pretty finished in
3:13:17 for his 12th London on the (so-called)
trot. Mike Lynch
(unrecognisably slim due to so much training)
finished with a great time of
3:25:07 with Margaret Forrest fulfilling her
dream in 5:44:37. As per
Margaret's earlier report there were heavy
showers later on in the
afternoon. All three experienced very strange
weather conditions where rain
was experienced at 9 and 18 miles - very localised
though - rain which only
seemed to affect one half of the road? A tough
race as there were muddy
sections to contend with (well muddy shoe
prints at mile 21) and a really
nasty puddle at about mile 16. Back to the
green stuff for another year methinks...
Bob
Johnson
- 21st April 2012
Hunters Bog Trot

Not suprisingly the
race was dominated by HBT who won most of
the categories although Konrad Rawlik finished 2nd
student and Hilary Spenceley was 1st LV50. Usual warnings
at the start about tussocks and grand canyon
to cross for health and safety purposes didn't
put off a field of 115 including a large Canethy
contingent on a pleasant warm lunchtime. I
had my my usual battle with Kate Jenkins who
got the better of me and Charlotte Morgan on the
second climb of the Crags and I failed to
catch them in the mad descent to the finish. Results
Gordon
- 19th April 2012
Boghall Handicap - Wed 18th April
The first handicap of the season was won convincingly by Jill Mykura
with Willie Gibson 2nd and Paul Ritchie 3rd, although he was stopping
to open gates from me.
41 runners took part and there were over 30 at The Steading for the food
afterwards. Andy Fallas ran the fastest time, with guest, Sarah O'Neill from HBT, fresh from finishing 2nd at the British Champs race at Coledale, storming round to be second fastest.
Results.
Details of next handicap are here.
Willie Gibson
- 18th April 2012
Cragside 10k - Sat 14th April
This was a pleasant
circuit of the grounds of the historic Cragside
House near Rothbury in Northumberland. I was quite pleased
with my 42:42 given the 159m of climbing but
this conveniently ignores the net 65m of descent
over the whole course. The forecast rain
held off and it didn't snow until we decided
to go for a bike ride the day after ...
Phil Young
- 17th April 2012
Highlander Mountain Marathon - Torridon 14th/15th
April
Congratulation to Mark
and Jacqui Higginbottom for winning the A
class!
Well done to
Fraser Gibson & Conor
Comrie 10th in the B class, Alec McVey
and partner 3rd in C Class and Maggie & Chris
Creber 11th in C class (3rd vets). The
result for Andy and Sam in the A class simply
says 'w3' which sounds unpromising. We await
elucidation! There
may be other Carnethies to mention but clubs
aren't listed in the results. Report
- 16th April 2012
Coledale Horseshoe - Sat 14th April
This was the first
British and second English championship race
with 381 male finishers and 126 female finishers.
The weather was cool and hail showers held
off till just before the prize giving. There
was congestion after the start where we left
the road and climbed steps, and also when
we caught up the ladies race
which started fifteen minutes ahead. I was
asked where all the Carnethy vests were
when ascending Eel Crag on hands and knees,
and with the congestion the feet had to watch
others' hands and loose stones.
I think we were all disappointed and
for me even more on the finishing line
where I lost two places and was being asked
if I was the first vet 80 finisher. I just
know to enjoy Championship races one has to
be fit, rested, and not
suffering a slightly twisted ankle or more
lingering injuries.
Joe Symonds won the men's race. In 1988,
Joe's father won the race
when it was the World Cup Open race and I
finished 16th.
Conrad was 104th, I was 295th and 17th Vet
60, and Colin Ledlie 347th. Roy Lee was the
vet over 80 and finished 380th.
Men's
race result
In
the Ladies' race Lauren Jeska won the race
from Sarah O'Neill of HBT.
Charlotte Morgan was 14th and Helen Bonsor 23rd. Angela
Mudge unfortunately had spasms in
her back warming up and did not compete. Ladies'
race result
John
Blair-Fish
- 16th April 2012
Newtyle Hill Race -
8th April
The fourth running
of the Newtyle hill race proved most popular
with a record 67 competitors. The
wintry showers and full on hail storm 1 hour
before the race made the conditions very cold
and slippy underfoot and it was therefore
essential to carry full body cover with waterproofs
this year. It still amazes me how many
don’t have the correct kit and are prepared
to carry it but this was just the night you
really may have needed it if there was a fall
and someone got cold.
The race winds its way up Newtyle Hill from
Loch of the Lowes into birch then pine woodland
before emerging above the trees to a viewpoint
in deep heather. The fast descent is
a good mixture of heather, steep grassy descents,
forest track and trails through the oakwood
down towards Dunkeld. The winter storms
had brought a lot of tree damage and broken
branches to navigate around which made
it more tricky this year. Robbie Simpson
dominated winning in a new record 27.04 well
inside the old record set the previous year
by Mark Harris. Nick Barrable from Tonbridge
AC and Brain Bonnyman first vet 40 followed
him home. Paul Dugdale from Kendal was fifth
overall and second vet 40 and good to see
the Thug back competing over the Easter break. Sarah
O’Neil from HBT dominated the ladies
race in a new record of 32.44 with Morag McCracken
in 2nd in 33.52. Eilidh Wardlaw finished
3rd lady and Hilary Ritchie from Fife AC was
first lady vet 40 in 38.09. A few people went
wrong and it seemed like follow the leader
but most people seemed to see the tape which
was every 50m. Thanks for the support
from the marshalls, Scottish Wildlife Trust
and Athol Estates we can’t do it without
you. Once again the Nicols’, Bill Melville
and Louise Davis who also made the excellent
cakes. And thanks to Geoff Simpson of HBT
for collecting the controls and tape in. And
those who completed the results and who helped
make it such a memorable day. Results
Adrian Davis
- 16th April 2012
Irish Gravity Enduro Series: Rd 1 Wicklow
Mountains 7th-8th April
Following ligament damage to my ac joint from
smashing a tree at the first round of the British
Enduro series I wasn't sure if I would be able
to make the start line of the 1st round of
the Irish Enduro Series. Travelled to the venue
Djouce Woods in the Wicklow Mountains with
current British Champion Gary Forrest and fellow
vet Richard Hamilton from Innerleithen. Took
us a while to find the venue on the Saturday
but once there I decided to give practice a
go with some heavy strapping to my shoulder.
The 5 stages were cracking and well worth the
trip- shoulder held up although still sore.
Organisation was excellent and this along with
super tracks persuaded me that I would race
on the Sunday. Strapped up again I had 5 good
runs and pleasingly took the vet win by 20s.
(Gary had a blow out and crashed ending up
with concussion but still took 11th.) All in
all a fantastic event and will head back for
Round 2 in June as a result. Results here and video of the event here: http://www.gravityenduro.ie/
Geraint Florida-James
- 12th April 2012
Wednesday training
The weekly mystery of our route revealed!
- 11th April 2012
Grandtully Hill Race
Probably the smallest
and most informal hill race I have ever entered
but also one of the most fun. This year's entry of 14 was
down on last years 28 (and nearly half of
the entries were my family, friends or friends
of friends). We also provided the timers
in case the organiser Stuart Simpson didn't
finish first - and in the event he was narrowly
piped at the post. Traditionally held
after the Easter Canoe Slalom at Grandtully
it was fitting that a canoeist (Tony
Smith from Winchester CC) made a brave attempt
at an all time record for the course - nearly
breaking the hour barrier for the 6.4 km. Stuart
then provided an eclectic mix of unwanted
Christmas presents to reward almost all the
runners in some unexpected way.
Phil Young
- 10th April 2012
Norman's Law Hill Race
and Emily Hill Junior Races
Unable to make Clachnaben, I headed up to Fife on Sunday
for Norman's Law. I found myself leading the pack away
from the start soon to be passed by the Fife duo Chris
Russell and Russ McFarlane. I lost a couple of other
places before hitting the climb of Norman's Law itself.
There was no marked route for the climb so I took the
direct steeper approach and rounded the trig point
in 3rd place.
Route choice was open for the return, I followed Chris
Russell (who went on to win) and thought 2nd place
was mine until Ryan Stewart of Dundee Hawkhill appeared
on the skyline over Emily Hill and just pipped me to
the finish line.
First female was Alison McGill of Fife, the only other
Carnethy was Mary Lye who finished in 50th place.
Superbly organised race with a great feast in the village
hall afterwards. Male prizes were much appreciated
Fyne ales and chocolate Easter bunnies!
John Hammond
I'm reporting back after a lovely family
day out at Luthrie. My seven
year old daughter, Rosie, tested her legs
on her first ever hill race.
There seemed to be a good turn out of juniors,
and Rosie (accompanied
by her Dad) had a great time, despite coming
last. A packet of
Starburst was deemed to be a good reward for
the mile-long run.
The seniors' race started
from the cowsheds (two year old Solly's
verdict on the noisily mooing cows: "bit
scary").The runners set off
at a pretty feisty pace, so I contented myself
with settling in
towards the rear of the herd. The first couple
of miles of road,
bridlepath and gentle undulations allowed
me to nudge ahead a bit,
before the vigorous walking and panting to
the top of Norman's Law.
Then it was a jelly-legged hobble past the
cairn, and a glimpse of the
Tay before heading back down with a helpful
tail-wind to a sugary Fife
feast at the Village Hall. Apparently times
were a bit slower this
year, due to a slightly altered route, with
Chris Russell of Fife AC
taking the top spot at 32.26, and Carnethy's
John Hammond coming third
at 33.54. Thank you to Fife AC for a very
well run and enjoyable
family event.
Mary Lye
Results
- 9th April 2012
Clachnaben hill race
The forests at the
foot of Clach na Beinn are unusually pleasant,
open mature woodland. The Beinn itself is
a dramatic granite tor rising in convoluted
folds upon the top of the hill. In between
lies a morass of peat and heather suiting
those who like hard wet going, mixed with
forest trails and stepped stone ascent. The
stream crossing soon after the start was not
actually waist deep (oh you jesters!) and
there was a bridge to keep your feet dry though
having dry feet didn't last long. The reward
for the large field finishing was a large
spread of cake, and a very tasty barrel of
Deeside 'Macbeth' ale. As usual for a Carnethy
and Scottish Championship race the turnout
was high. The prizegiving saw Carnethy men's
team take the prize, and Stuart Whitlie 2nd
male vet. That's all I can remember until
the results come out, apart from some of the
more unusual prizes - the dirtiest finisher,
who won a towel; the most Scottish name -
won by Murdo Macleod; spot prizes for the
easter chicks to be found round the course;
and the 1st over 60 female prize briefly held
by our own Jean Jumelle, in an unfortunate
misinterpretation of french language gender
rules.
Digby
The route was changed from previous years
two weeks before the race to
make the race "more runnable". It
was shorter and with less climb.
It can be debated whither championship races
should be more runnable
and whither a race selected with a known course
should remain a championship
race with a changed route. In the old days
30 years ago a race could not be
used as a championship race unless the route
had been run before.
So the route did not suit me, struggling to
pass runners in the heather
after the fast start and then losing out
on the bouldery snowy descent
and fast run down the forest roads. I seem
to be ahead of none over
60 rivals but do not know if I was ever near
the over 60 winner.
Jean Jumelle was awarded the over 60 Ladies
price till it was pointed
out he was a French man. I travelled with
Jean and Gordon but it seemed
otherwise to be no coordination of lifts and
carbon points. Nevertheless a
selection of fast Carnethy faster men appeared
and won the men's team
prize. Jacquie Higgingbottom won the first
vet Lady.
John Blair-Fish
Results.
More photos on Carnethy Picasaweb
- 4th April 2012
Carnethy Vest on the
Olympic Track - March 31st
Down to Englandshire at the weekend to take part in an event to
test out crowd management in the Olympic Park. I was lucky in getting a place in
a highly over-subscribed 5 mile race around the Park, finishing on the
track in the Olympic Stadium. The route looped around the Park, past the
buildings which I'm sure are familiar to many already; the
pringle-shaped Velodrome, the Aquatic Centre with the ugly temporary wings, the Copper Box. However, with the Games
3 months away they are still sitting in an unlandscaped building site! Great to enter the stadium through the tunnel, though, and turn on what passes for a sprint
these days down the finishing straight. It seemed a shame to go all that way just for
5 miles so the next day we headed down to Kent for the Paddock Wood half-marathon. From the conversations around it seemed almost everyone in the race was tapering for the London Marathon.
I'll use the previous day's exertions as an excuse for Sally beating me, yet again, over
an endurance distance. Our friend Clair Steward was first LV55+. Sally
Cross, 34th (of 150) LV45-55, but at a disadvantage being at the top of her age group.
Results are here
Ian
Jackson
- 3rd April 2012
Glasgow to Edinburgh ultra
The last big test
before my London to Edinburgh run was about
to start. This time Glasgow to Edinburgh ultra
marathon, first its a un-Carnethy type race
as its flat as a sheet of glass. I stayed
over at my mate's house in Glasgow which saved
me the train journey in the morning of the
race. We came to the registration nice and
early, I was happy to see a fellow Carnethy
Phil (forgot surname). So horn was blown and
off we went. I set of very slow as I was entering
new territory over 50 miles of running, a huge
task. The Forth canal was 23 miles long and
I have to say never ending. I approached check
point 1, refilled and off I went. The next
check point was in Falkirk wheel, nice location
and 23 miles done. Time to set off on the
Union canal, this was very familiar to me.
I did this route few weeks back. I head towards
the Falkirk tunnel, out I get my head torch,
some random guy asks me can he borrow my torch,
I say point blank no as I'm running to Edinburgh.
He said " you crazy fool", I just
ignored that. Anyway back to the race, I started
to approach Linlithgow check point 3. I started
to suffer for the first time. I knew though
that few miles ahead I'll have my dear friends
Helen and Emma from the Footworks running group,
which was a relief to know. I met them and
of we set off on our journey back home. We
approached checkpoint 4 and it was in Broxburn,
I started to suffer and I knew that I'm not
far away from home. The next check point was
Ratho, yes the last one before the finish.
The girls were really encouraging me, I was
completely gone at 4 miles to go. So I was
run/walking. One mile left and girls set off
to meet Monika and Greg. During the last mile
I gathered all my thoughts together and thought
this is it, my last race before the big one.
I crossed the line and emotions got bit better
of me. Greg gave me the usual cheer. Overall
I was very pleased, 10.41. Phil did great and
it was great to see him. Emma and Helen were
fantastic in helping me and huge thanks to
them. I will be back next year for this race.
So next it's London to Edinburgh, can't believe
it's coming so soon.
Michael
- 2nd April 2012
April Reversicap
As a sure sign that
it was handicap day the weather duly turned
from last week's hotter than July to this
week's cold as Christmas. Still it didn't
deter the faithful from turning out. Matteo
could not make the run today so posted the
time for his run in the fine fine conditions
of last week. Perhaps we should call him Meteo
as the cold drizzly rain made the rocks and
short grass as slippery as glass.
Inspired by his Kilian video from last week Paul bounded
down the gutted haddie and cut through the field to
give him the day's best time. Instead of an inspirational
video most of the rest of us looked closer to the ice-pond
scene from bambi as we tried to descend the rocks on
the summit and the steps.
Newbie Colin Muir took to this run like he was born
for it, not only finishing first but getting lost along
the way a couple of times. Under my obscure and undocumented
rules newbies have their debut runs taken to be their
next handicap, which officially means a win for Mark,
quite fitting then that he knocked another couple of
seconds off his pb on a wet and windy pacindah.
Despite taking the tourist route round the last descents
Mike made use of his quite generous handicap to nip
inside his allotted time. Next home was Tom, only just
falling outside 1 o'clock. Digby was close on his heels,
and he was virtually followed by Matteo, then actually
by Gordon. Paul actually passed Cam on the final climb
(as well as me) but as Cam set off late his second
fastest run of the day statistically has him following
in 8th, all the same, not bad for someone who had run
from Glasgow to Falkirk the previous day. I managed
to avoid posterior to surface contact by keeping to
the long grass on the last descent and in doing so
overhauled Chloe and Tony. JBF and Russell both set
off late but oddly both would have finished at the
same time if they hadn't. Results
Well done to Mark, Colin and Paul who can all argue
some form of victory.
Back to the normal way round next month for the daring
buds of May.
Bruce
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