Carnethy Hill Running Club

HITS
since
16/08/06

Details of next Junior Runs on this page

30th June 2009
Black Hill Race, Earlston
This great little Tuesday night race is part of the Earlston Gala, so if you get there early enough (with your guinea-pig) you get a chance to take home a large rosette (that's if your guinea-pig is pretty enough ! ). Once the main competitions (see previous sentence) had finished, it was time for the hill race and a record field of well over 70 assembled. The course was also a record distance as had been extended by half a mile and is now at least 5 miles (so don't believe what the SHR calendar says) - a generally fast runnable course with a very steep climb half way
It was a very muggy, hot evening and the Carnethy contingent did very well, most pulling back lots of places on the climb as people died. In the end Andy Spenceley was 1st Over 40 in 5th place, Paul Faulkner 8th, Bob Johnson 13th and 1st Over 50. Keith Burns and Hilary Spenceley also had good runs, but we'll have to wait for results to see whether they were 1st Over 60 and 1st Over 50 woman, respectively.
29th June 2009
Arrochar Alps

The epic Arrochar Alps race route takes in almost 8000ft of climb, over 15+ miles and 4 munro tops - Ben Vorlich, Vane, Ime and Narnain. From the race start beside Loch Long, it was hard to tell what was in store, particularly as there was plenty of cloud about. With the race being the 4th counter in the SHR Championship, there was a relatively sizable field of 96 starters - at registration the mood was quiet and tense with anticipation. The first few miles were pleasant running along a gentle forest track, but by halfway up the steep slopes of Ben Vorlich the cloud had engulfed, reducing visibility to a minimum. The mist and terrain then played games for the rest of the day, confusing all but the most diligent of navigators. There were times you could hear a nearly runner's number flapping but still not see them.
Leaders Simon Peachey (Cosmics) & Al Anthony (Ochils) arrived at the top of Ben Narnain together from different directions. Simon managed to get ahead on the last steep descent, only to be passed by Al on the final stretch of forest track, finishing in 3h30.42. First MV40 and 4th overall was Kenny Richmond (Bellahouston).
It was close between the front women too, with Clare Gordon (HBT) beating Alayne Finlay (Ochil) by only 8 seconds. Jacqui Higginbottom strengthened her standing in the Championship finishing third in 5h14 and and first FV40. With Joanne Anderson and Joan Wilson, Carnethy claimed the women's team prize, and valuable top points for both the Women's Senior and FV40 SHR team competition.
Andy Fallas seemed unfazed by the clag and was first Carnethy home in a very respectable 3h53 and 6th place, earning himself a glamorous sub-4hr medal and tankard (courtesy fo Loch Fyne Ales). Jon Ascroft & Sam Hesling found the navigation more challenging, and blundered up an extra peak (Beinn Chorranach), making it around in just over 4 hours. Stewart Whitlie went adrift on the upper slopes of Ben Vane and was undone by the time he reached the summit. Paul Ritchie, John Mitchell, Gio Macdonald and Colin Wilson navigated around more successfully and made up the teams.
Carnethy came second to Ochils for the Senior men's team prize, based on 3 counters. However for the SHR championship (4 counters) it was a draw between the 2 teams, putting Carnethy men's senior team in what appears to be an unbeatable position. The MV40s still have to do some work in the last 2 counters to beat Fife... Roll on Melantee on Saturday 11th July! Many thanks to the organisers, and particularly the marshals who spent so long huddled on the misty hill tops and cols. Results are here
Jon Ascroft
26th June 2009
Carnethy at Highland Cross 2009 - Saturday 20th June
The weather looked promising early last Saturday morning (20th June) as we awoke from a resonable nights sleep (as best it can be, in the back of our cars). The team of three entered were Scott Sneddon, brother Colin and Gregor Heron.
Highland Cross is a fantastic charity race of 50 miles from West to East, as the name suggests, across the Highlands, from Kintail, 20 miles on foot via Glen Affric to the road end, then 30 miles on road bike to Beauly.
Only a light shower at mid point in the run, and a slight headwind on the bike detracted from a great day for all 683 who took part, a mixture of runners and walkers.
David Rodgers (Lochaber) won in a time of 3hrs 35. Our times where: Colin (who walked / cycled) was 460th in 6:38, Scott was 153rd in 4:57, Gregor was 13th in 3:57. A fantastic event that is well planned and organised. See you next year?
Gregor Heron
25th June 2009
Red Moss Revolution Race - Wednesday 24th June
There was a record field for this, the 7th, Bog&Burn race (and the first of three in the Pentlands) held on a beautiful warm evening on the eastern side of the Pentlands. Starting at the car park above Balerno, the route loops over Hare Hill, the side of Black Hill and back around the edge of Threipmuir reservoir. The conditions on the moor were fast, dry, and a bit short on bog, but the burn crossing before Black Hill made up for it. Lucy Colquhoun made a welcome return to hill racing by winning the women's race and at least 9 other Carnethy runners took part. Murray Strain (HBT) finished first in 35:03, with both Kenny Richmond (Bellahouston) and Al Anthony (Ochil) within 10 seconds of him, and all three faster than the previous record. It looks like Kenny moves up to take the lead in the series, though it looks like being a close battle in the final races.

Thanks to the Thins and the marshals for a fine race. After Maddy Moss (in the Ochils) on 15th July, the last two Bog and Burn races are in the Pentlands: Turnhouse on 22nd July and Carketton on 12th August. Results coming (shr website)
25th June 2009
Pub and Chips - Wednesday 24th June
19 members appeared at KB for the start of the Club Pub and Chips Run.
A quick 1.5 pints were imbibed before heading for the summit of Blackford. After a quick regroup we wound our way by an interesting route to the Merlin for another half pint. Picking up a couple more people before heading off via the Chippie to the Morning Glory. After another half and our fair share of chips it was off to the Braid Hills Hotel for a few half pints of Bitter and Twisted and 3 Jugs of Pimms. The motley crew then headed off to the Stable Bar via Braid Hills Summit and braved the midges for a while over another couple of pints before the gentle race down to The Braidburn for the last pint of the night.
A wonderful night as ever.
Photos and full report
22nd June 2009
Thistle do Nicely for Six Carnethy Members

A massive congratulation goes to club members Richard Bell, Colin Hutt, Jonathan Cox, Ian King, Neil Ambrose and Carolyn King for completing the 95 mile West Highland Way Race over the weekend. Richard Bell was the first carnethy home in joint 9th position with a time of 19:09:22. Colin Hutt showed excellent form again this year to come in 12th position with a time of 19:44:05. Jonathan Cox finished in 72nd position with a time of 26:52:25. Ian's first attempt was last year when he pulled out at Kinlochleven due to an injury, but his hunger for completion persisted throughout the year and got him the goblet this year. Ian came in 81st position with a time of 28:45:00. Our Canadian members Neil Ambrose and Carolyn King also finished in 106th and 107th position respectively. Michael O'Connor (who led the race at one stage!) retired at Lundavra after 87 miles. Adrian Davis (2007 Winner) retired at Carmyle Cottage after 45 miles. Alun Morton Lloyd also retired from the race at Kingshouse Hotel after 72 miles.
Shane
22nd June 2009
Tebay, British Championship - Saturday 21st June.
Phone rang at 8:30pm Friday. It was Adam Ward - 'can you do Tebay tomorrow? We need 4 for a team, only got 3'. It seems our magnificent vet men had done so well at Slieve and Stuc that we only needed to finish a team at Tebay to grab 3rd Vet Team in the British Champs (only 3 races out of 4 this year). Otherwise we’d be relegated to obscurity. Pity; I’m fixed to do Edinburgh-St.Andrews bike ride tomorrow then 7-Hills on Sunday – on what Adam calls the ‘busiest race weekend of the year’. But then I thought – the strength of our Club is in its ‘depth’– and, you know the rest… So I found myself heading up the Howgill Fells with 400 of the nations’ finest. I’d seen these hills so often when crossing Shap on the M6 it was fantastic to be running them – short grass, easy running most of the way except the last climb onto Blease Fell (280m in 750m) which almost killed me. So, we finished our team of Adam Ward, Graeme Carracher, Colin Wilson and me, while Jacqui Higginbottom, Kate Friend and Joanne Anderson completed a Ladies’ team in 3rd. A great race, with lots of battles and route choice at the front end, eventual winner was Simon Bailey. Results. Photos (at top of Blease Fell) here
Willie Mykura
22nd June 2009
Edinburgh Seven Hills Race - Sunday 21st June
After winning most categories in the 2008 race and a record field with over 300 finishers in the Race and Challenge there was a disappointing lack of Carnethies for this 30th event. Pam Whitlie completed the Challenge with Stewart fresh from Glen Rosa cheering us on the top of Blackford. As always it was a warm day and all the shortcuts were open. Olly ran a stormer to finish 11th in 1.53 only 10 minutes behind the unattached winner David Simpson. Mike Rudden (Olly's mate) was 18th, John Mitchell 26th, I was 49th and 4th Vet50 whilst Tim Darlow finshed 81st and Chris Henty 132nd. If we had got the team selection correct I think we would have been 2nd but as it was we were 6th and 9th out of 19 teams. I missed the prize giving as I had to head off to Glasgow and the Take That concert (obviously too much listening to vinyl on Sat night - see Eildon report below - had effected Gordon - Ed.) Results
Gordon Cameron
22nd June 2009
Double Carnethy Double !!
Amazingly there were two Carnethy 1-2s in races this weekend. First on Saturday, Stewart Whitlie won Glen Rosa on Arran in 2:34:47 from defending champion, club captain, Jon Ascroft who recorded 2:41:31. Lorna Ascroft was second woman in 3:59:59. Results. Then also on the same day, Lars Ottemoller won Falkland Hill Race with Steven Fallon a close second. Results.
22nd June 2009
Vinyl Villian at Eildon Two Hills Race - Saturday 20th June
Feeling slightly guilty that I hadn't Chased the Sun (what sun?) I headed for Melrose and the short but sharp Eildons 2 Hill Race. The Greenyards was stacked out with rugby fans watching the Lions on Sky. No other Carnethies in sight it was once round the sports field and through the streets and up the steep climb to the first summit in a light drizzle. Then as it cleared we made our way to the second top from where there were a few route choices before joining the up route to the town. I was 28th out of 71 finishers in 38.09 and 3rd Vet50. I then spent the next 5 hours at a nearby friend's home playing vinyl albums on his 10 grand sound system. Results
Gordon Cameron
20th June 2009
It Is Official- The Sun has Risen

At 10:30 last night Ben Bate, Paul Ritchie, Keith Adams, Rick Lathe, Moira Stewart and I met in The Steading. After a couple of drinks (some less alcoholic than others), Moira waved us off up the hill and retreated to the Woodhouselee Breakfast Bar. We left Rick to wait the night on Caerketton while the rest of us ran/trudged the Pentland Skyline and after some 5 hours we reached Caerketton and the Sun. Jonathan and Alan Hogg Starting at Harelaw had arrived an hour ealier and Rick welcomed us all. The bottle of bubbly was shared out before we all descended to Woodhouselee for a wonderful breakfast (thanks Moira). Video report is here
Willie Gibson
18th June 2009
The Meldons Handicap Race - Wed 17th June
It was a lovely evening for the 3rd handicap race of 2009 and another good turnout for the run (which had much route choice on White Meldon which generated a lot of discussion particularly from the later starters as they watched the earlier starters head in varied directions), and a great session in the pub afterwards which nearly everybody seemed to stay for (it won't do if this becomes more popular than the run !). Taking full advantage of her handicap, new member Jessie Gebhard was easily first home, while Andy Fallas ran a great time to be fastest as well as taking the overall lead in the series after 3 races.
Results. Series results after 3 races are here (and note that there is now a new leader!) Details of next race will be here.
15th June 2009
Loch Lochy Munros - Sat 13th June
Lochaber AC's new 13 mile race over Sron a'Chorie Ghairbh and Meall na Teanga attracted 57 runners, including 7 Carnethies. Thankfully it remained dry whist it poured elsewhere, and the couple of miles of bog before the first big climb was mostly springy and runnable. The patches of cloud cleared on the summits in time to ease navigation and route choice over the impressive terrain with a mixture of path and untracked moor
Local Dave Rodgers led for most of the way, but Andy Symonds of Carnegie made it home first in 2hrs06. Carnethy defector Simon Peachey came in 3rd. Andy Fallas, Steven Fallon & Jon Ascroft reached the first summit within a minute of each other, and went on to finish in 15th, 10th & 9th positions. Kate Jenkins was first of 15 females in 2hrs46. Paul Ritchie cruised in soon after, followed by the Wilson duo & Lorna Ascroft. Lochaber just managed to clinch both the Mens & Womens' team prizes.
Thanks to Bruce Poll and supporters for a enjoyable day, which will hopefully become a permanent addition to the race calender. Thanks also to Glenfinnan brewery for supplying prizes and post race fluids to wash the many cakes down. Results
13th June 2009
Traprain Law Race
A large field took part in this year's race which was held in warm, dry conditions in an interval between heavy showers, with the showers having made the course slippy.Rain is so rare for the village Gala Day and race that it’s difficult to remember when it last happened; but even so, we were spared the brief heavy downpours for the race itself. 79 runners (possibly a record) set off in warm sunshine and threatening clouds. One runner would have welcomed a heavy downpour; this was Kevin Hughes, our community copper, who was running in about 12kg of police riot kit, including boots, kevlar body armour, handcuffs, truncheon, helmet, the lot (putting a new interpretation on hill race “full body cover”) Someone asked whether the race always had troubles that warranted this level of police vigilance. But Kev was on a charity mission to survive. And he did, despite the warmth and humidity, raising over £1000 for the Anthony Nolan Trust.
After sitting in the leading pack early on, Lars Ottemoller came home with a very comfortable win (this being one of his last hill races in Scotland before he starts a new job in Bergen) from Colin Menzies (2nd) and Jamie Thin (3rd). Fionn Nairn took the women’s race for the second year in succession.
Results hereand list of previous winners is here
13th June 2009
Cairngorm Classic 100 Cycle Sportive
The Cairngorm Classic, now in it's 2nd year, is run by the most excellent team at handsonevents. The races (one is a 50 miler and the other a 100 miler) start and end at the Cairngorm Mountain carpark, described as 'Scotland's Alpe D'huez'. This year saw a huge increase on entries from the previous year for this most awesome spin around the 'gorms.As usual I made a few fatal flaws including:

1. Wild camping the night before by Loch Morlich which was fine until it came to cycling up to the start on Saturday in torrential rain and arriving absolutely soaked to the skin;
2. Failing to realise until 65 miles in that cycling in a group is much easier (and less soul destroying) than attempting to cycle the whole race solo; and
3. Missing a left turn and ending up in Tomintoul thus losing 5 mins on those who didn't do the same...

Persistence paid off however and despite missing the chance to join the front group after a crash split the main pack I was duly mopped up by the second and we rolled on together until the climb after the hayfield seperated each cyclist for the final grueling climb to the finish.
Looking at the results other hillrunners present were John Blair-Fish for Carnethy, some Hunters Bog Trotters (including Phil Mowbray who won the 50 miler) and a few Cosmics. Roll on next year.
Sam Hesling

I was last to finish the Cairngorm 100 mile cycle challenge but from the results I was definently catching up the stragglers coming back up the hill to the car park. I was back marker from the second feeding station at Glenlivet at 40 miles. A a new shower started, I kept looking at the bicycle computer to see 50 , my knee hurts, and I wanted to give up. After the third stop at Granton on Spey the going was easier and the sweeper van kept passing me offering encouragement. All the refreshments stops kept offering more cakes as they would have to take them away and I finished with one more banana than I started with.
It was wet at the start and poured just after I finished.
Martin Stone, LAMM organiser was doing the timing. I have known Martin for at least 31 years. In 1978 we did Bob Graham Rounds almost successive weekends and helped each other. Penny Rother, former hill runner, and wife of my dentist also greeted me at the finish.
John Blair-Fish
7th June 2009
Jon Ascroft and Steven Fallon win 'A' at LAMM

Jon Ascroft and Steven Fallon won the A event at the LAMM, in Kintail, at the weekend. Other Carnethies were also spotted. Reports
7th June 2009
Life and limb at Wales 1000m Peaks Race
Friends on a 25 mile race across the Welsh Carnethies (Carneddau) risked life and limb yesterday. Eight people were airlifted to hospital and another 25 people were helped to safety during the day. Two people remained unaccounted for some time but they were finally located late on Saturday. More here.
7th June 2009
Yetholm Race
The Chase for the line Keith Burns Style

Giving up hill racing must be like trying to stop smoking. I found myself lacing up my studs with trembling hands again on my umpteenth relapse. I was at Halterburn for the wonderful archetypal bucolic Yetholm Race along with Peter Walker and Trevor Collins. Our collective team strength looked less than impressive until I saw Adam Ward, who would handsomely augment the Carnethy effort.
The weather failed to deliver the icy squalls that were forecast and we enjoyed almost perfect cool running with shafts of sunshine piercing the scudding North Sea cloudscape. The anti-clockwise circuit delivers the toughest going in the early stages, leaving an enjoyable fast descent on the Pennine Way track for the return half (one of only two races where you can run with one leg in England and one in Scotland - Kielder Borderer Race being the other). The long drag up The Curr is the last tough struggle before you can start planning your finishing strategy; mine didn't go according to plan. My final descent to the crossing of the burn led to shouts that I had passed the finish line but about 20 yards to the right. So I had to do a fast detour that involved diving into the burn again and lunging across the line in a frantic body swerve in front of my Norham pursuer. I skidded on the gravel and crashed to the ground with a head butt and a serious attack of gravel rash on temple, arms and elbows.
I was the only customer for the attentive mountain rescue crew who reassured me that any brain damage would be undetectable. A few plasters later, I was despatched as the only walking wounded of the day, a small price to pay for my bottle of beer as first MV60. All I had to do was find a race that Dougie Milligan, Tom Bowie and a few others were likely to miss. Adam won, but we didn't provide enough support strength to take team honours. Sorry Adam!
Thanks to Les Turnbull and his team for a great event.
Norham Running Club
Results
Keith Burns
4th June 2009
Good turnout for the Wednesday Run

For the second week running brilliant sunshine brought out the runners. It makes a change not to be running in sleet, mist, gales. Last week it was the hospitals route, this week up Arthur's Seat for some stunning views.
2nd June 2009
10 Under the Ben - Aonach Mor, Fort William, Sat 30th May

It's so hot the fluid in my antiquated rear brakes is actually boiling and they are stuck on tight. Four miles into the 3rd of 5 10 mile laps and disaster had struck. Solution: pick the bike up and run for 3 minutes until the brakes cool off - works until you accidentally try to use them again... and again... The message got home after the third of such runs and I was able to complete the lap with front brake only - gulp - aided by shouts of encouragement from Bob Johnston. Bob - I owe you big time for your support.
An awesome alpine CMD and Ben came in and out of the view as the track wound through ten miles of cross country, interspersed with short bursts of downhill technical madness. Falk and I managed 9 laps between us with times ranging from 1 hour 2 mins to 1 hour 10 mins each. And boy was it hot.
Results are posted here and we managed to finish 25th of 186 pairs.
Sam Hesling
31st May 2009
And for Starters... The Edinburgh Marathon

A team of 30 Carnethies or so marshaled the start of the marathon, mustering on a chilly sunday morning at 7 am to enjoy the delights of a cold bacon sannnie and some tepid coffee. But all were soon warmed up as the proceedings got under way, the sun rose higher, and the pipe band began to play. In addition to marshaling the start itself and the pens, interesting tasks included applying vaseline, lamenting at the loo-queues, and making sure the lady with the flag didn't fall off her podium. Teams included a bunch of squaddies with enormous rucksacks and a Loch Ness monster. Scot Martin Williams came in first at 2:18 and first lady Holly Rush made 2:41. There was many a casualty of the heat and sun; a GP observer remarked that the marshals should have been handing out suntan cream. But all appears to have gone off without any major glitches. Results are here.
27 May 2009
Congratulations to Hilary Holding

Hilary gave birth to a baby girl last night (26th)...she's called Holly and weighed in at 8lbs 1oz Both are doing well and looking forward to coming home today.
26th May 2009
Epic Bens of Jura Fell Race - Sat 23rd May
Bad weather hit Jura this year for the race - zero visibility on the hills, strong cold wind and rain - what fun ! Ian Holmes (Bingley) ran in circles at times but is so much faster than anyone else he still came home first in under 4 hours. Alex Keith (HBT) superbly navigated his way to second place and the only other sub 4 run. Several Carnethies took part, Angela Mudge had a fright when ex Carnethy Helene Whittaker got in front of her when Angela took a diversion coming off the 3rd pap, but like Ian Holmes, Angela could run fast enough to recover mistakes and finished an excellent 10th overall. Other Carnethy finishers were Andy Spenceley (41st), Steven Fallon (44th) and Matthew Grove (92nd). Adam Ward still hadn't recovered from the Islands Peaks Race the week before (where he won Kings of the Bens) so called it a day at the third checkpoint, while Brian Howie had the misforture to be timed out as timeouts were strictly enforced, mainly to get the freezing and soaked marshalls off the hill ! Results.
With the conditions, there were no Carnethy sub 4 hour runs this year - the full list is here
25th May 2009
Cape Wrath Challenge
Three Carnethies were running in the 8th Cape Wrath Challenge Marathon on Saturday. This is a small, friendly race but quite a tough one with almost 2,500 feet of climbing in the 26.2 miles out to the Cape and back (via a ferry crossing) to Durness village hall. There were a record 94 finishers led by Mark Ford in 3.00.11. Alun Morton-Lloyd, training for the West Highland Way was 12th in 3.23.42. Ian Jackson was 62nd in 4.26.50. Sally Cross successfully defended her FV50 title in 3.58.27; 35th overall and 5th female. The sub-4 hour time means that Sally has qualified for automatic entry to the London Marathon next year; as has been said here before, perhaps a dubious honour.
Ian Jackson
24th May 2009
Ben Gulabin

There were five volunteers for the journey run on Saturday. Jim and I misjudged the time it would take us to drive up and arrived half an hour early. As we pulled into the car park at Spittal of Glenshee we realised that John and Shane were right behind us.....more
Nigel
.. while on the far side

Encouraged by brilliant sunshine on Friday headed up also from the spittal at the same time in pursuit of another Carn on the other side (Carn Ait). Let's be clear, the conditions were poor on both sides of the valley, cloud at 400 m, at 800 it was thick as soup, 10 m or so. Followed compass bearings on the way up, thanks to Eric's nav course was within a few yds of target. Mixture of hail, rain, heavy cold wind at the top. Disaster ensued, lost compass. Educated guesses were not a bril idea. Nigel's rule comes to mind "keep always uphill - you'll find the summit, but if you head downhill, odds-on you'll arrive in the wrong valley" And so it was. It's 2 compasses next time.
Richard
20th May 2009
Scandal at Portmore Loch Club Handicap Race
The club treasurer Gordon Cameron easily won the second handicap of the year at Portmore Loch after starting with a scandalously generous handicap. Questions are already being asked. How has the handicapper suddenly been able to afford to clean his moat ? Where did the money for his new car come from ? Already pressure is building for answers from the treasurer but he has promised a fuller statement tomorrow.Meantime new(ish) member Andy Fallas recorded the fastest time (42:20), a whole minute in front of Club Captain, Jon Ascroft - no respect, that Andy !
Portmore Results here. Series results after 2 race are here. Details of next race are here.
18th May 2009
Goatfell - 'Bloodiest race for many a year'
Paul Emslie, the race organiser, reported it as the bloodiest race for many a year. Several wounds were repaired on the hill and two were referred to the local hospital in Lamlash. The problem is that a trip is pretty unforgiving on Goatfell. The rock is great for running uphill but disasterous for tired legs going downhill fast or if you take your eyes off the track to look at the view. First Carnethy was Paul Ritchie after Steven Fallon had an argument with some rocks. Bruce Smith and Kate Friend report.
Results
16th May 2009
SIPR 2009
Olly Stephenson (along with a few Boggies) are first in class 3
"If life is the sum total of your experiences then mine has been forever enriched by this year�s Scottish Islands Peaks Race (SIPR).
The scale of the race is so big that the raw statistics barely do it justice (160 nautical miles of sailing, with 60+ miles and 11,500� of running), especially when you factor in the unpredictable nature of the weather and tides in this wild part of west coast Scotland." read the rest of his report here and his running partner James Jarvis's report is here

Read the race Blog on the SIPR Site at http://www.sipr.zetnet.co.uk/siprblog2009.htm
12th May 2009
Ignis Asset Management Women's 10K - Sunday 10th May

Lyn Wilson finished a very impressive 6th (out of 10,740 runners!) and second Scot (1 place behind GB star Hayley Haining) in 35:02 in the Women's 10km in Glasgow. A bit further back were other Carnethy runners - Margaret Forrest and Ailish and Anne Nimmo. Results
11th May 2009
Fred Whitton Challenge - The Lake District - Sunday 10th May
"I'm scared, I'm actually really scared...".
It's Sunday afternoon descending (more like moving as slowly as possible on two wheels) Hardknott Pass with the brakes jammed on as hard as my frozen hands and spasming triceps can jam them. The marshal at the side of the road actually sounds quite concerned "Just keep the brakes on, it gets steeper" was his quickly fading reply. The smell of burning clutch from motorists who passed while we were ascending only gave us some warning of what lay ahead.
The Fred Whitton Challenge is a romp around the Lake District on two wheels. 112 miles of super-duper hilly roads over all of the passes. Some of the ascents, and decents, are just mind and lung blowingly crazy with plenty of cyclists attempting (cleats + tarmac does not = traction) to push their bikes up once all of their gearing options are gone. Quite remarkably I managed to cycle all of the ascents although the lungs have come their closest yet to exploding.
Amongst those present were Olly Stephenson (7.37), Andy Spenceley (7.42), Jamie Thin (9.04), Tim Darlow (8.13) and myself (6.35 ahem 7.44). Quite a few mates joined us from various parts of the UK and we stayed in a climbing hut in Langdale the night before. A 5.15am wake up call followed by vast quantities of breakfast saw us fit for the start. I whish I could remember all of the place names, hill names and the names of the passes the route wound through and over but all that sticks in the head were:
52 miles - First Feed Station (4 cream cheese rolls, 3 cereal bars, 2 flapjacks, 2 bananas and a slice of delicious cake); and
87 miles - Second Feed Station (4 cereal bars and 20 something jam scones).
We might have as well been cycling on Mars. It was awesome and highly recommended for anyone with a road bike, or in hindsight a mountain bike with slick tyres and loads and loads of low gears.
Sam Hesling
11th May 2009
Carnethy Team win at Ben Lomond
Organised by Westerlands, the Ben Lomond race is always a cracking event. This year the weather had decided to make things more interesting as the summit was snow covered and heavy rain showers ensured the ground was going to be slippy. The race start was delayed for a few minutes as the organisers checked with the Mountain Rescue marshalls on whether or not to cut it short. Fortunately it was decided to go with the full course and we set off on Don Reid's 'go'. The field quickly stretched out and four of us Carnethy runners kept up near the front. An unseasonally cold air forced many of us to put on extra layers as we ran uphill and at around c600m we were running into a snow shower. Further up we slipped as we tried to progress across snow covered ground and through an ever thickening mist. At last the summit was reached and a quick turn-around saw me running downhill against uphill runners. Slipping and gingerly descending on the rocky path, times were guaranteed to be down on previous races. The race took some casualties, including a hypothermic runner, but was won in a dead heat with Brian Marshall and visiting American Judson Cake, both stretched out, flying and splatting at the finish-line. Carnethy won the team prize (Adam Anderson, Andy Fallas and myself) though this was initially (and incorrectly) given to Ochils at the prize-giving. I'll bet the Ochils gang have now drunk the prize !
Results
Steven Fallon
9th May 2009
Penicuik 10K
At least four Carnethy's took part in the wild, wet and windy Penicuik 10k this afternoon. Good to see an absence of hailstones this year. Trevor Wilkinson was amongst the youngest runners (at 16 years old) and completed the race in a very good time of 56:32. Well done, Trevor! Winner was Neil Renault of Medway and Maidstone at 32:37. Tom Harley (Portobello RC) finished in 42:06; Duncan Baker (HBT) soon followed in 44:42. Margaret (in training for the Glasgow 10k tomorrow morning) was aiming for under an hour and was delighted with 57:16.
Margaret Forrest
7th May 2009
Championship Updates
Even though it is only May, we are now half-way through both the Scottish and the British championship series with 3 and 2 races, respectively, completed. Carnethy are doing well in both.
In the Scottish we are currently leading both the Male and Male Over 40 (100% record) teams and are second in the Female and Female Over 40 teams. In the Over 40s, Jacqui Higginbottom is leading the Ladies while Stewart Whitlie is in the lead in the Men's with Ronnie Gallagher second. Jacqui is also currently second in the Senior Ladies championship. There are plenty of other Carnethies who look likely to complete 4 championship races and earn one of the valued SHR Mugs. Full current Scottish positions are here.
In the British Champs we are an excellent 4th in Senior Men's team behind the "big three" of Borrowdale, Pudsey and Dark Peak and are 3rd in the Men's Over 40 team behind Borrowdale and Dark Peak. We are 5th in the Ladies team but only a point behind 3rd place so everything to play for at the next race, which is straight down the M6 at Tebay on 20th June.
4th May 2009
Stuc a' Chroin - Saturday 2nd May
photos Alan Young, Bill Fairmaner
Over 300 runners from all over the country came for this tough race, being a 2009 British, SHR and Scottish Long Classic. Just under 10% were Carnethy members. Jon Duncan, winner of the Carnethy 5 in 2000, won by a meagre 3 seconds from a fast-closing Tom Owens (Shettleston). Angela Mudge won the ladies race by 4 minutes. First Carnethy was Stewart Whitlie (winner of Stuc a' Chroin in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007) in 27th position. That shows how strong the field was. Ex-Carnethies, Simon Peachey (2nd in 2008, now running for Cosmics) and Es Tresidder (Dark Peak) did even better to finish 25th and 13th respectively.
Results
3rd May 2009
Eight Carnethies at the Edinburgh 10k

The morning was sunny although chilly in the shade but pleasant for running. Three Hoggs were running this year. Jonathan and Alan were joined this year by Alice who was now old enough to enter and gain her first experience of this type of mass participation event. Looking at the results there were other Carnethies running but unusually we didn't see any this year, running, spectating or helping, however with 10,000 runners that's probably not surprising.
Alan Hogg
Also well done to Andrew Shepherd, James Hardie, Ailish & Anne Nimmo, Bob Johnson (the Dalek).
28th April 2009
London Marathon
Carnethy member, Bob Johnson, had a great run in the London Marathon on Sunday finishing in 3:10 and in the process raising over £2000 for charity. He came in 94th in the v50 category which gives him the dubious honour of automatic entry to the race in 2010 and 2011. Bob would like to thank everyone who supported him.
26th April 2009
Highlander Mountain Marathon

Two sun kissed days in and around the Affric hills and pine forests provided the perfect backdrop to the mountain marathon which threatens to top them all.....more
25th April 2009
Ouch - Highland Fling 2009

A lovely day for a run from Milngavie to Tyndrum (53 miles), with hazy sunshine, only giving way to heavy cold rain in the afternoon to drench the second half of the field. Final results not yet posted, but so far looking like Ian King and Colin L were the only Carnethies to survive, reaching Tyndrum at 12:39 and 12:47. Colin would have been faster if he hadn't stopped to watch the TV at Beinglas. Michael O'C withdrew at the Wigwams following a recent bike injury that blew up. Jez Bragg (07:19) took the men's prize again and it looks like Sarah Ridgeway (09:19) won for the ladies, to be confirmed. Thanks Murdo on Conic Hill for pics. Race website and results here. Murdo's report is here.
22nd April 2009
Win Wins Boghall Handicap
Over 30 runners turned up for the first handicap of the season. It was a great night for a run with the setting sun and a bit of a tail wind to get us up Castlelaw. Nick Shierloh turned up for his annual race to try to retain his Boghall Handicap title, but Win Rampen was a man on form and by an interesting route choice managed to get back to the car park first. The rest of the field was fairly spread out, but not spread out enough to make Roger Kemp's job of timekeeper easy, with new members, non members and other non racing random runners all appearing at the same time.
Everyone seemed to enjoy the run and the food at The Steading was welcomed by the 20 or so runners that carried on to the pub.
Many thanks to Roger for timing.
Results
Willie Gibson
20th April 2009
The Alternative John Muir Way

Thirteen assorted runners, cyclists and multi-taskers and hobbling injured enjoyed a perfect 53km Spring circuit with brilliant sunshine and a refreshing zephyr off the sea. This was the Alternative John Muir Way.....more
20th April 2009
Thames Towpath 10Carnethies run towpaths as well as hills (e.g. Lucy Colquhoun's amazing run along the towpath from Glasgow to Edinburgh - see 16th March). Ian Jackson sent us this report on the Thames Towpath 10 - which reminds us that it's the London marathon next weekend.
'As Sally and I were in London for the weekend, what better than to race this very flat 10 miler. It's a great little race, starting by the Thames at Chiswick, going over Chiswick Bridge, along the towpath for 4 miles to Richmond and back via Kew and the towpath again. Excellent sunny weather for the 450+ competitors. Sally was 5th FV45. Our friend Claire Steward (Dulwich Runners), my partner for the abandoned 2008 Original Mountain Marathon, was 1st FV55.
1 John Gilbert 0.53.54
38 (1 F) Sara Grosvenor 1.05.51
131 (1 FV55) Claire Steward 1.14.54
225 (5 FV45) Sally Cross (Carnethy) 1.21.23
245 Ian Jackson (Carnethy) 1.23.10'
Ian Jackson
19th April 2009
Screel - SHR Championship race
Beautiful sunny blue skies again blessed the runners for the short Scottish Championship counter, at Screel, near Dalbeattie, Dumfriesshire. The 4 mile route dashes up wide forest tracks, shady rooty slopes, round bouldery summit slopes, down and up stony scrambles, and then round and back down over the roots and fast track. A testing, varied and memorable route worthy of the Championship.
Fifteen Carnethies made it around. Stewart Whitlie came in 7th; with Steven Fallon & Ronnie Gallagher & Adam Anderson formed the second men’s team and a dominant Vets team. Jacqui Higginbottom was 3rd woman and second FV40. With Kate Friend and Joan Wilson made up the third women’s team.
Great views of the Solway Firth were certainly available from the top, as myself and others were to savour for longer than expected. Before the main descent, a stumble on innocuous ground brought me crashing onto a boulder, badly dislocating my elbow, and disrupting the race for several others. An on-form Gregor Heron surrendered his run, along with James Britton of Moorfoots, Ranjit Thomas, Lorna and others to nurse me until the paramedics and helicopter (in Carnethy colours) whisked me to Dumfries Hospital. Heart-felt thanks and apologies to runners and marshals who stopped or returned to help, including Ronnie who showed his true caring nature.
Results
Jon Ascroft
(Jon - we all wish you a speedy recovery)
18th April 2009
Annual enjoyment at Hunters Bog Trot
A superb local race organised by HBT and all for £1.99. Carnethy member John Blair-Fish was first MV50. First male was Joe Symonds of HBT and first female was Claire Gordon of HBT. HBT won both the mens and ladies team prizes. Race briefing by Robin Thomas warned us about the "tussocks of grass being in a worse state than usual" and avoid admiring the views as you may fall over the Salisbury Crags in the process! John Blair-Fish also received the vegetarian prize - a tin of Corned Beef and Shane received the club prize for Carnethy - The Holy Bible.
Shane
Results
15th April 2009
A Chilly Wednesday Run
'Twas brillig and the slithy toves did gyre and gimble in the wabe...'...ah, the joys of Edinburgh in the spring! Eleven hardy Carnethies, some regular, some new, set off into the deep clag, with no Willie to be our light, be our guide... So we took the simple route up Blackford, then out to East Craiglockhart where the panorama extended to all of 25 yards of haar in every direction... Descending, eleven became twelve, as we collected Brother Willkinson, who'd been late to KB, but miraculously found us; drawn, he claimed, by a delicate odour drawn on the breeze!? A new variant up West Craiglockhart neatly avoided some unpleasantly slippery steepness, before we beat our way over to Braids, where the thrusting young 'uns set a good pace to the top. The finish was a yomp down in the gathering gloaming, bashing across the golf courses back to KB. An enjoyable 8 miles all told, though the views were a tad less inspiring than usual... No KB run next week, so everyone to Boghall for the first handicap of the, er, summer...don't forget map, compass, etc, if the conditions are anything like tonight!!
Oz Oswald
13th April 2009
Another Club first: Dalek on Ben Nevis

Bob Johnson and Michael O'Connor helped get a DALEK to the top of Ben Nevis on Saturday 11th April - for charity! On reaching the snow line the wind picked up and visibility was reduced to a couple of feet, with some concerns that the Dalek would be blown away. Bob Johnson is also running the Edinburgh 10k on May 3rd, as a Dalek, and the London Marathon on 26th April. We hope he isn't exterminated!
11th April 2009
13th Anniversary Waltz Race
Gregor Heron and I toed the line with around 500 other hopefuls for this great run around the hills above the Newlands Valley, just south of Keswick. 11.5 miles long with 3600 feet ascent, it's a hard day out that saw some competitiors walking on the 3 mile run in along the valley floor before the real climbing had even started! Once cruising altitude is gained the three principle race summits of Robinson, Hindsgarth and Dalehead are covered relatively quickly, with a long undulating descent from Dalehead Tarn back to Catbells and a short drop back to the finish.
Gregor's still in good form with a finish around 2:02, I came in about 20 minutes later. Results coming
Cameron Scott
11th April 2009
Clachnaben

It was a beautiful Spring day for this, the first SHR Championship race of 2009 (a tough 'medium' judging from the faces of most people climbing Mount Shade for the second time). Lots of red vests were visible among the big field.
Captain's Report
18+ Carnethies enjoyed the beautiful weather, thick heather and soggy bog on the Clachnaben hill race, first counter for the SHR Championship. Andy Symonds of Carnegie won in 1hr21, followed by Tom Owens (Shettleston), Robbie Simpson (Deeside) and previous regular winner Brian Marshall (HELP). As it was also the annual Scottish Athletics Championship race, the rulebook was out - Robbie was too young to be allowed to count, and was excluded from the prizes and positions. First woman was Clare Whitehead (Cosmics) in an impressive 1hr 35.
Carnethy cleaned up in the MV40s, with Stewart Whitlie (6th), Adrian Davis (11th) and Ronnie Gallagher (14th). With Jon Ascroft (9th) they were awarded* second senior men’s team (after Carnegie). Jacqui Higginbottom was second FV40, and 4th woman overall, and with Joan Wilson and Joanne Anderson were awarded* the 3rd women’s team. The teams were backed up with Carnethy runners finishing strongly throughout the field. Despite the scratched shins and battered knees, the post race banter was lively and friendly, helped along with copious cakes and beer from Deeside Brewery. Thanks to Cosmics Hillbashers and Deeside Runners for a great start to the Championship.
(*The team prizes handed out were based on runners with SAL numbers only. For the SHR Championship, Carnethy appear to have secured first Men’s senior team as well as MV40s. The women’s team positions were close, with Carnethy coming fourth senior team.)
Jon Ascroft
Results
6th April 2009
Four miles in the Mournes
The key definition of an A class hill race is at least 250ft of ascent for every mile of distance. The Slieve Bearnagh race in Northern Ireland’s Mourne Mountains may only be four miles, but it packs in almost three times this ratio of ascent. It does this by first going over.....more
Results
5th April 2009
A Deuchary Daunder

Nine runners gathered on Saturday morning at the Cally car park near Dunkeld. With precise timing, a week's unbroken sunshine had changed to grey skies and mist ......more
5th April 2009
Heaven & Hell Half Marathon

The warmth and bright sunshine enticed a record field of around 220 runners to enter this year's Heaven & Hell half marathon. The race was won by Lars Ottemoller of Edinburgh AC in 1:19. The two climbs of 400ft and 700ft were as hard as ever, but there was plenty of encouragement from the marshals wearing their devilish horns and angelic halos. This very friendly race was rounded off with a mountain of sandwiches and cakes in the results hall. My finish in 1:49 was not good enough for a main prize, but the spot prize of a heaven and hell couple on cake went down very well.
Results
Michael Wilkinson
2nd April 2009
Club Run - 1st April
The email sent out seemed to be missed by a few!

After a lot of thought I reckon the winter has
Passed and tonight we will run the full marathon distance the
Route will take in as many hills as we can
I am sure that there will be a few pentlands included
Lots of miles are good for you.

For a warm up we can all run
Over Blackford and if we feel frisky also
Over Braids but remember KB is shutting at 9 but we can have
Lots of beer in the Braidburn instead.

But still 16 runners turned up for a jolly jaunt over Blackford and Braids. At the top of Braids Moira led a splinter group on a shorter run while the remaining 12 set off to conquer the Craiglockharts before heading back to KB for a shower and then The Braidburn for a well earned pint.
Next week it must be a Pentland!
1st April 2009
Don Morrison Memorial Edale Skyline Fell Race - March 29th
Gregor Heron and I travelled down to the Peak District at the weekend to take part in the Edale Skyline Fell Race, 21 miles long with 4500 ft ascent.
After a chilly night camped in the valley (minus 4 in the tent!) the conditions on race day were fantastic, warm sun and a clear blue sky although there was a chill breeze on the tops toward the end of the race. The first part of the race up to the cut-off point at Mam Nick (approx 12 miles, time limit 2:30) is on mostly excellent running terrain. However, after this there's long sections of toil through bog, peat hags and flagged pavement. Although this second section is shorter with less ascent it's now clear why a lot of runners take longer than the first half to cover it! The race was very well organised with a lot of supporters out on the hills cheering us all on. Post race atmosphere was great with runners either lying around at the finish enjoying a bit of spring sunshine or else getting tucked into the tea and cakes in Edale village hall.
The official results have still to be posted alththough there were around 340 starters. Gregor had a great run finishing inside the top 60 with 3:35 while I made it into the top 340 with 4:25
Race details, pictures and full results (soon!) on the Dark Peak website
Cameron Scott