Carnethy Hill Running Club

HITS
since
16/08/06

Club Handicap at Dreghorn Results

20th May 2013
Cateran Trail Ultramarathon – 18th May 2013

Photo-Phil, Graham and Olly enjoying a pint at the finish, proudly celebrating both the race, and the colours of the Flag of Krasová.
The Cateran Trail Ultra is a wee gem of a race, a super low-key and friendly 55 mile/8,000’ outing that perambulates through the idyllic countryside of rural Perthshire. The scenery and views are as beguiling and rapidly changing as the clouds on a typical spring day, with valleys, hills, woodland, farmland and rivers constantly interchanging to give your eyes a real treat. Underfoot is a mixture of trails, open farmland, some quiet back country roads (mostly in the first half) and open moorland, leaving your mind free to wander and enjoy the full experience.
It was my first attempt at this race, and I was not feeling overly optimistic after a recurrent calf injury limited me to a grand total of just 45 miles of training so far this year, but it’s good to test yourself and I was keen to see how far I could get.
Seventy-two people started, including Graham Nash and Phil Humphries from Carnethy, and we set off from the Spittal of Glenshee Hotel in high spirits with the wind behind us and a mixture of sunshine and clouds to give an almost perfect running temperature. Graham set a storming pace from the very start and was so far ahead he wasn’t even a spec on the horizon. Phil was going well and he graciously allowed me to run alongside him for a bit around mid-race before gently picking up the pace, or perhaps more accurately not succumbing to my survival shuffle-jog pace.
At each of the five DIY aid stations, i.e. you supply your own drop-bags which the organisers transport for you, we were met by the loveliest, friendliest and most helpful marshals that have ever graced a race. For the second half we were running into strengthening headwinds and intermittent bands of rain, but somehow it didn’t seem to matter as each mile brought us closer to the finish, and then a huge welcome from the other finishers and supporters once we were finally back at the hotel.
The race was won by Donnie Campbell in an impressive 7:58, just 4 mins off the record, with Graham finishing in 9:15 and 3rd place overall, which is arguably the best Carnethy finish in an Ultra since Lucy Colquoun’s numerous amazing achievements. Phil had a great run to finish in 10:18 and 9th place, whilst I shuffled home in 10:36 and 11th place. My legs were rather pleased it was over, but my mind was (and still is) totally buzzing from the experience. I predict great things for Graham and Phil in their running plans for later this summer.
A very big thanks to race organiser Karen Donoghue and her team for such a lovely race. It’s a real antidote to all the huge commercial races out there, and long may it continue. Results
20th May 2013
Cairnpapple Hill Race
While the glamorous face of hill racing was turned towards islands in the west, two Carnethies risked their hubcaps by venturing slightly less far westward to the Cairnpapple Hill race in Bathgate which forms part of the West Lothian Highland Games. Sadly, the day was miserable with torrential showers swamping the field so the massed piping competition was rained off but hill racers are made of stronger stuff and a crowd of about 30 of us stood miserably at the start waiting for the heavy field events (large kilted men throwing a weight over a bar) to clear the way. With a shout of "Go" midway through the race briefing, there was a slightly confused start but we set off anyway, only for Mike (Lynch) to aquaplane on his Hokas and fall within the first 50 metres. The 'hill' race is in fact a fabulous tour of the backstreets of Bathgate but they do eventually lead to a long drag on a main road up the shoulder of the hill followed by about 500 metres on a track to (I presume, but it was too misty to see) the summit where we went round an unfortunate marshal who was impersonating a cairn in the lashing rain and then back down the same way to the start. The crowd (one man and his dog who had spilled out from the beer tent at the perfect moment) went wild as we re-entered the field for a soggy flop across the line. It's far from the most glamorous of races but it's on the calendar and with the absence of any 'big names' (or even any medium ones) it's (relatively) good for your SHR percentage and there's even a goody bag. For the first and only time I was first Carnethy home with Mike managing to stay upright on his platform shoes after his early tumble to come in shortly behind me. Results to follow.
Neil Burnett
18th May 2013
SIPR - Arran
We are sitting in the pub with the rain lashing down outside. The wind is howling but bizzarely the leading boat is becalmed some 10 miles away being rowed. The tent is up but highly distressed from a Mull storm, the checkpoints are out, and we await. Though we hear that the Blue Chip Team may have decided to stick with the Jura Brunch and miss out the delights of Arran.
18th May 2013
Goatfell race

Mild but overcast weather at sea level deteriorated to a howling gale with driven rain and hail on the final rocky ascent which threatened to blow us off the mountain. Finlay Wild was 1st man in a near record time around 1:15 with Andy Fallas 2nd. The ladies Carnethy clean sweep with Charlotte Morgan 1st, Jill Mykura 2nd and Helen Bonsor 4th should have secured the team prize, but there wasn't one. There was for the men however - Andy, Stuart Whitlie (also 1st V50) and Paul Faulkner. Jacqui Higginbottom was 3rd LV40, (Shona Robertson 1st LV40, Veronique Oldham 2nd). Joan Wilson was 1st LV50 - and is currently leading the LV50 Scottish Championship catagory.
Less blood around this year, though Charlotte was looking a bit gap toothed with a crown fallen off and Euan Mackinnon delivered a straight fingered blow to the hillside and dislocated it. Results Allan Gebbie's Photo Album
Digby
18th May 2013
SIPR- JURA
After a wonderful day putting out the checkpoints on Jura on friday, rain came in overnight as did the wind.
The first few teams had to contend with horrendous wind and rain on The Paps.
Sam Hesling and Matt Sulivan (Shettleston) were out in the worst of it and are now drinking beer in The Jura Hotel waiting for a weather window.
"The Jura Brunch is not to be missed and should be made a compulsory part of the race" says the Blue Chip Team.
18th May 2013
Gypsy Glen
Four Carnethies (Konrad Rawlik, Alex McVey, John Ryan and Mike Lynch) ran the Gypsy Glen Hill Race in Peebles on Wednesday night in wet and windy conditions. The 8.2k/306m route started at the Gytes and ran across the River Tweed into Victoria Park, through Kings Meadows, into some woods at Hogbridge Covert and up into the hills. A couple of false summits, including Craig Hill followed then the looped descent, which was fast and slippery, back to the finish at Victoria Park. We had four seasons within the course of the race, but mostly it was Winter.
A runner from Edinburgh University looking barely old enough to tie his shoelaces set a storming pace at the head of the field and was never caught, and came within a few seconds of Al Anthony's 2009 record, which was good going considering the conditions.Results to follow.
Mike Lynch
16th May 2013
Dreghorn Handicap - Sun, Rain, Hail and Rainbows

With Gordon's Recce as the benchmark and the fact that he took a few interesting diversions on the way, the predicted handicaps for this new route were about 118% of the actual.
This favoured the slower runners so there was not a lot of overtaking, and also following wasn't that easy, unless you chose to follow Michael Wilkinson. He managed to add Swanston to the route and also lead a few others that way.
The route was well liked by the 41 runners and the race was won by David Harrington with Philippa Ivison and Kate Bebb joint second.
Andy Fallas was the fastest runner in 41:59.
Thanks to Graham Nash and Bob Johnson for organising
More photos here
Results (first draft)
16th May 2013
Ben Lomond Hill race
With other races on at the weekend, there seemed a smaller than usual Carnethy turnout at the annual Ben Lomond Hill Race. Excellantly organised by Chris Upson and Westerlands, the race was slightly shorter than previous years as Stirling Council prevented use of the road alongside the hotel. Instead, the race was completely off road starting and finishing just above the car park. The race was won by Douglas Tullie in 1:08:29 over three minutes ahead of Shettleston's Kenny Richmond in 2nd. Diane Baum of Lochaber was 1st lady in 1:28:54. Carnethy were amongst the prizes too with wins for Joan Wilson (F50) and Andrew Gilmore (U23). Andrew and his brother Iain were joined by John Hammond to win Carnethy the male team prize to. (Great to see Carnethy winning the team prize at both SHR races on the same day - Ben Lomond and Glas Tulaichean!).
The other runners from the club were Tim Darlow, Colin Wilson, Adam Anderson, Bruce Smith, Ally Robertson and me.
The rocky route is infamous for scrapes and bumps and there were a few wounded among the runners returning to Rowardennan. Carnethy runners all finished fit and healthy with the only casaulty being Ally Robertson's bum-bag missing in action somewhere on the slopes of the hill!......
Harry Gilmore
12th May 2013
Sunday Road Bike Outing
A small bunch foregathered at Kings Buildings at the allotted time, including Treasurer Paul who had been to visit his sister. What a fascinating discourse, you must be thinking. Except it transpired he went there and back by bike. And his sister lives in Brighton. And he did some sightseeing on the way, making it 1200 miles in a couple of weeks.
So we left, reminding ourselves that this was the gentler of the two monthly rides. Which it was, with Paul hiding his tiger in captivity urge to blast on ahead quite well. We did just over 35 miles - route here . Apologies to Ben and Nigel for a route choice with no cafe. Next outing will be the end of the month visit to the house of pain on May 26th.
Robin Haynes
12th May 2013
Glas Tulaichean Uphill - Sat 11th May

Saturday was a real unknown. It had been 51 weeks since I raced last, over 2 months since I had run with anyone else, and having only started training again in Jan this year after pretty much taking 2012 off I had no idea what to expect ...
Arriving on Friday evening gave the opportunity to recce the course between rain showers. First observation was that with three river crossings the feet were guaranteed a soaking so I made the decision to race without socks thereby not having to lug the extra wet-sock weight up the hill where it mattered most, the ends of the legs. It all sounds a bit Sky Procycling Aggregation of Marginal Gains™ but I reckon it made enough of a difference to warrant all of the wee cuts from stones I'm now dealing with on my feet.
3 months of flogging an unwilling body and mind round the running track paid off and I was able to keep up with the lead group (if you discount Robbie Simpson who launched off ahead - a man in a league of his own) on the flatish run out up the glen.
Then it was into diesel mode for the climb which kicked in without mercy. After some tussles and changing of positions with the group of 6 (I think it was 6 anyway) I was able to put in a couple of digs to get clear into second and kept the pace high to try and distance the others.
There was no distancing Hector Haines though who came through and after a few ding dongs I could only hang on behind him along the flat section before the final climb. The steep dig to the summit was brutal and I was plumbing the depths of my physical capabilities to hang on.
Third place just behind Hector was more than I could ever have expected. The Boat Race then Keswick over the next two weekends, racing psyche is back!!
Awesome runs from Paul and Andy won Carnethy the team prize - great result.
Many thanks to Dave from Dundee Hawkhill Harriers and all the Marshals for putting on the event.
Allan Gebbie's album here and results here.
Sam Hesling
11th May 2013
Journey run from Lamington

Eleven runners and two dogs assembled at the car park by Lamington Kirk for the run. The weather forecast was horrible - heavy showers all day - but a search on the Internet had found a better forecast, light rain earlier then drying up, so we took that one instead... read on

Photomap & how the day should have looked.
10th May 2013
Dumyat - Wed 8th May
After the misery that was Stuc a' Chroin at the weekend, I felt something fast and enjoyable was in order, and thankfully Dumyat was the next event on the calendar. Dumyat is one of the bog and burn races but it also doubles as the Scottish Universities Hill Race Championship, so there was a heavy attendance by the bright young things of Scotland, all looking unfeasibly youthful, cheerful and positive. Excellent.
To add some balance to the field, 13 world-weary Carnethies also made the journey to Stirling Uni for the race. This being the term-time home turf of the young Gilmores, they appeared at the start looking fresh, possibly from desperately cleaning and hiding “stuff” in their student digs before their dad came round. Harry looked cheerful so I guess the brothers did a good job. The starting gun caught everyone by surprise and I found myself near the back at an early stage being passed by various kids in onesies and fancy dress. The first section along the road was a lung-busting affair, but I managed to make up some ground on the ascent through the woods and onto a pleasant climb in fine weather to the summit. It wasn’t long before the fast uni lads came hurtling by - personally I was saddened to see that it wasn’t some Glasgow Uni lads leading the charge. Ah well. Andrew was the first Carnethy vest running back down, then (not sure of the order), Graham, Bruce, Ian and then Harry. I stumbled round the summit, hoping that I could catch Harry on the descent. I managed two spectacular faceplants in the bog at the fence crossing, much to the amusement of everyone nearby, before getting my act together and caught Harry just before the woods. The tricky descent through the trees and roots helped spread-out the bustle of people forming behind me, and I managed to get a good sprint going on the road back.
From the results, it looks like Iain Whiteside was there too running for Edinburgh Uni, producing a fantastic 4th place! Andrew was the first Carnethy vest over the line in an amazing 7th, Jacqui was the first female Carnethy in 88th (I think).
Jim Hardie
Results here:
9th May 2013
Seven Skies Voyage

Ever wondered what would happen if the Seven Hills route hooked up with the Pentland Skyline, and made a baby? No? Well Matt and I decided to take a day getting to know this ungainly love-child. And what a day it was: 37 miles of soul-warming (and sole-warming!) glorious sunshine from Calton Hill to the Drove Road and back again (nearly).
Blow by blow account here: http://athousandwindsthatblow.blogspot.co.uk/
Route Map: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/309355247
Mary Lye
9th May 2013
Wed Training - 8th May

No fast group today. We headed off to explore the Edmonstone policies and the Drum Estate, but were nearly foiled by the new road being built to the rear of the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. Local knowledge in the form of Heather was roundly ignored and we threaded a long and devious route trying to find a way around the high fencing ending up going past the Jack Kane centre, which would not look out of place as a fortress in a war zone (which I suppose it is really), and eventually back onto track and over the hill to the Drum, looking lush in the evening sunshine. Through Gilmerton via Ellen's Glen and back to KB where the bar had decided to close unsociably at 9pm. A very respectable 9.33 miles.
Digby
7th May 2013
Arthur's Seat Monday Lunchtime Handicap - 6th May
Great turnout for a bank holiday, with great weather and conditions too. Only problem was dodging all the tourists on the paths.
Good times, with most of us beating our handicaps.
Tom romped home as the official winner, over 4 mins under his handicap.
Eddie beat Tom to the finish line, but that was because he started a couple of minutes early, by mistake. Never the less, a good run clinches second place for him.
Close call for Rab who managed to trip and head-butt the bank of the burn, below Haggis Knowe. Going to have a few bruises, by the look of it, but survived to tell the tale. Results
Mike Lamont
6th May 2013
Great Lakeland 3 Day
For the May bank holiday weekend I headed down to the Lake District for the Great Lakeland 3 Day. The long range forecast had been for good weather but as I drove south the rain was torrential and the sunshine was to make only the briefest of appearances over the weekend.
This year the event was based at Dowthwaitehead. Day 1 started with a long stint over to Birkhouse Moor, climbing into the dense cloud and then a nice scramble along Striding Edge and onto Helvellyn. From there the route descended to Grisdale Tarn and then a steep climb onto Fairfield. The next leg was a fantastic long run along the ridge south to Rydal and then onwards to Helm Crag. On the climb the sun came out and I ran out of water so the next few hours are a bit of a blur as I was totally dehydrated and ended up on top of a hill that I didn't need to climb. The last 5 miles were on agonising rocky trails and road to the overnight camp where I was greeted with beer and cake. After 28 miles and over 9 hours I was on 3rd place on the A class, only a handful of minutes behind 2nd but over 2 hours behind 1st place!
The weather was appalling on day 2 making the navigation from Green Gable to Robinsons Cairn difficult and time consuming. Combined with a badly bruised foot I was losing a lot of time and in danger of timing out so I bailed onto the B course. A lovely run up and down the valley from Buttermere to Derwentwater then a very hobbly run through the forest brought the day to an end.
Having blown my chances of placing on the A course I ran the B course for the final day. A boggy run over the mist covered moors started the day off. My legs were feeling surprisingly fresh but my feet were still giving me big problems on the descents. So the climb back up onto Helvellyn actually came as a relief after the steep descent down Mosshause Gill. From there it was another long ridge run through the thick clag to Great Dodd and a long boggy descent to the finish line where the sun finally came out as I sat and ate at the end of the race, a great end to the weekend.
Conor Cromie

4th May 2013
Stuc a'Chroin 5000 - 39 Carnethy Runners

more photos on flickr (courtesy of Allan Gebbie)

The Prize Winners

Male U23
1	Andrew	Gilmore	Carnethy
2	Adam	Harris	Shettleston
3	Ian	Gilmore	Carnethy
MALE
1	Hector	Haines	HBT
2	Finlay	Wild	Lochaber
3	Andrew	Fallas	Carnethy
FEMALE
1	Charlotte	Morgan	Carnethy
2	Eilidh	Raistrick	HBT
3	Ciara	Largey	Cosmics
MV40
1	Kenny	Richmond	Shettleston
2	Mark	Harris	Fife AC
3	Jon	Ascroft	Carnethy
FV40
1	Jacqui	Higginbottom	Carnethy
2	Veronique	Oldham	Cosmics
3	Jane	Jackson	Carnethy
MV50
1	Stewart	Whitlie	Carnethy
2	Alan	Smith	Deeside
3	Adrian	Davis	Carnethy
FV50
1	Joan	Wilson	Carnethy
2	Hilary	Ritchie	Fife AC
3	Anita	Hamilton	Cosmics
MV60
1	Ewan	Paterson	Moray Roadrunners
2	Doug	Milligan	Solway
3	John	Blair-Fish	Carnethy
FV60
1	Ros	Evans	Westies
TEAM	Men	Women
1	Carnethy	Carnethy
2	HBT

It was my 3rd Stuc a'Chroin Race, back after a 10 year absence. My excuse of "It is too close to the Scottish Islands Peaks Race" was not valid this year so it had to be done.
Leaving Roslin with Joel Sylvester and Helen Wise we knew that the weather was likely to be iffy, but the views of the hills was spectacular as we headed up the M9. I was hopeful!
After arriving at Strathyre and registering in fair conditions, a cup of coffee took enough tinme for the weather to turn. After hiding in the car to change into race gear we headed to the start. Already sporting my new Carnethy cap, I added my old faithful Carnethy pertex to the full body cover I was carrying at the last minute (and what a good move that was).
There were masses of Carnethies milling arounng in the mizzle at the start and after a countdown we were off.
I had forgotten how long the track up was and also forgotten how far we cut back along the ridge before the well remembered descent in and climb out of Glen Ample. The very steep single track queue up out of the Glen was also well remembered but not the undulating ridge, which seemed to go on for ever.
I passed the descent path just in time to see the first runners heading down. Andy Fallas was lying 3rd and lots of other Carnethies were not far off the pace and Charlotte was the first lady on the way back down.
The wind was strong as I donned the pertex for the climb to the summit and tried hard to catch Joan Wilson who skipped past me on one of the slippier descents, I saw her for the lst time as she passed the summit..
The summit turn was welcome but running back into the wind over slippy rocks was fraught. I ran past a pile of water bottles abandoned on the hill and saw Marshals escorting someone down to shelter. It transpired that this was a female runner suffering from hypothermia, Keith Burns had noticed and gave up his race to help (After a helecopter had failed to reach her, she was escorted off the hill to safety).
The slippy traverse descent back into Glen Ample was fun as was the climb back out. Then there was the interminable track to the finish field.
A great adventure as ever I was only 40 minutes slower than 10 years ago in 3:35:18.
Andy Fallas was first Carnethy home in third place and with Stewart Whitlie (7th), Andrew Gilmore (9th) and Paul Faulkner (10th) making up the winning team. Charlotte Morgan was first Lady and Jacqui Higginbottom was first FV40.
There were masses of very cheerful marshals all over the hill offering water and food. Many Thanks to all of you.
Willie Gibson

Full Results Carnethy Runners

4th May 2013
Saturday Junior Run

A smaller elite crew of Junior Carnethies hit the hills today from a slightly different venue (St Margaret's Loch) partly for a change of scenery and partly in search of fewer stinging nettles. The hardcore were Ellie, Fiona, Johnny, Katy, Rosie, Ronnie & Solly.
In addition to the usual games a couple of new ones were trialled. One, dubiously named "Ring Worms" seemed to work pretty well for the winning team who greatly enjoyed it. Not so for the losers who were puzzled by the complexities of breaking and rejoining hands and at times having to run backwards. One member of the disgruntled team (Bertie the dog) found the game hilarious!
The final game, an unnamed variation of tussock tig, involved the elite Juniors Carnethies running after sweetie laden adults whilst avoiding being tigged.
Comments and suggestions encouraged from all (eg location, games, sweeties, terrain, use of water, age groups, times, etc).
Matt Jones
3rd May 2013
Highlander Mountain Marathon
Saturday & Sunday 27-28th April
The Highlander Mountain Marathon was this year around Creag Meagaidh and the hills north of Laggan. With snowy conditions persisting, the scenery was all the more dramatic and at times quite serious looking. Sometimes the snow allowed fast firm running, and of course other times it swallowed limbs without warning.The weather on the Friday evening whilst driving up to the registration in Newtonmore was totally grim, and a layer of fresh snow fell. But the skies were gentle on the Saturday, quite reasonable for the overnight camp, and only a bit grizzly on the Sunday. The marquee at the Garve Bridge camp was as cosy and lively as expected - hot food for everyone, and lots of enthusiasm for the beer and ceilidh dancing.
There were several Carnethies running in teams across the five different courses. Steven Fallon and I made it around the A route and managed to finish third overall. We had a keen start, and I struggled keep sight of Steven’s speedy footwork on the rough traverses and boulder fields . We wilted after a few hours, and started to feel the weight of our sacs. We could choose how to do the latter checkpoints and opted for the order giving a shorter route but more height change. The final snowy climb beside a waterfall looked truly intimidating from a distance, and made us wonder if we’d need axes to get up. But sure enough grabbing handfuls of slushy mud sufficed. A mixture of fatigue and carelessness then led me to take us way off route which squandered bags of time, but we sped down to the finish otherwise content. Day 2 had a reverse chasing start, and we were steady all day. I’ll remember it for the fantastic scenery around the gorge at the top of Glen Markie. The finish in Laggan village soon enough, and the hot food an blether there completed a great weekend.
Handsonevents laid on a small (relative to the the LAMM & OMM) but perfectly formed event, which must have been a challenge with the changing snow conditions. Despite the early season timing its a great event to try, with comforts at the overnight camp and interesting routes that offer wild highland running.
http://www.handsonevents.co.uk/?page_id=795
Some great photos at:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/64lvxyjruy36rce/wJ7iYr-J2h#/
Jon Ascroft
Helen and Heather's Report
4 Carnethy teams were out and about around Loch Laggan for the 2013 Highlander, featuring a number of route adjustments to take into account lingering snow on some of the hills. However, there were beautiful conditions for day 1, with bright sunshine marking the start from Aberarder and an overnight camp at Garva Bridge. There was amazing running on fresh snow (many of the score competitors commented on how easy it was to follow footprints in the snow to the controls!) and across moorland. Following the Ceilidh and the beer, day 2 took competitors through the Monadhliath region – this apparently means Grey Mountains in Gaelic and they were well named, with slightly damper, mistier and windier conditions. However, there was sunshine for the finish in Gergask. The A-class winners were Jim Mann and Shane Ohly in 9h8m24s.
Of the Carnethies,
Jon Ashcroft and Steve Fallon were 3rd overall/1st vets in the A-class, John Ryan and Andrew Bell were 5th overall/3rd mens team in the C-class (despite hideous blisters), Maggi Creber and Jess Knapworth were 17th overall /2nd ladies team in the C-class and Heather Munro and Helen Wise were 19th overall/4th ladies team in the D-class.
Helen Wise
2nd May 2013
May Day Wed Training

It being a lovely evening (and how long have we been waiting for that?), and Willy being away, I badgered and pestered until we had a consensus on Caerketton. Since I wouldn't be able to lead from a long way behind, Oz stepped, nay skipped to the front and took us through the Hermitage, up the Braidburn park and via Swanston to the foot of the hill where we finally managed to shoo away the 'fast' group who were showing little inclination to live up to their name. Given 3 options of difficulty we chose to go up by the screes and were amply rewarded by the view, and a discussion on terminally obsessive categories of Scottish hill bagging. We returned via Mortonhall and happily the bar was still serving. A good long run.
Digby
30th April 2013
April Road Bike Outing
At last... acceptable cycling conditions coincided with a Sunday. A small but perfectly formed bunch set off chewing over the route choices. Should we head South and West and get blown home, but also wet, or stay dry in East Lothian but do battle with a 20mph westerly wind gusting 40 for the home leg? Decisions were avoided until going south from Tranent when democracy came to play and we headed East. Sorry Phil - that meant you repeated almost the same route as the last time you joined us... honest, we have some imagination!
Anyway, 60 miles into East Lothian and back. Cafe stop here, route here. The average speed was over 18mph until we hit urban traffic in Musselburgh whereupon the race was neutralised.
Next outing is the more civilised 2nd Sunday of the month excursion on 12th May. Updates nearer the time but it should feature quiet roads, a speed that might facilitate conversation and the possibility of cake.
Robin Haynes
29th April 2013
Balmoral 15 mile Trail Race
Angela sets new record and continues form in 2013, winning the Balmoral 15 mile trail race with a great run in 1.37, and finishing 8th overall from a field of 300. Iain Whiteside also had a great run to finish 2nd in 1.30, 1 minute behind Robbie Simpson, who won the race in 1:29. Full results and report here: http://www.runbalmoral.com/news/detail.aspx?q=133
29th April 2013
Stuc a Chroin recce

An early reccy of the Stuc a Chroin snowfields yesterday shows no problems on the climbs and some useful glissading on the descents - provided it stays cold but not icy between now and the race.
Keith Burns
29th April 2013
Lomonds Junior Hill Race
I ran the Lomonds Junior Hill Race in Fife, East Lomond. The race was tough, at one point I was on my hands and knees climbing on an almost vertical slope. On the way down I lost one place but at the end in the last 10m I sprinted like mad and I stole the place back. At the end everyone got a bar of chocolate and a box juice. It was a lot of fun.
Andrew Nash age 9
I ran the Lomonds Junior Hill Race 2013. It was up East Lomond Hill. There were about 20 children at the start. The man said ready steady Go and all the children raced off. We had to jump over a ditch. Then it very hard because we went through heather. It was very windy when we got to the top and I held daddy very tight. I ran down the hill my fastest but the wind was blowing us even faster. I said to my daddy that it was too fast. I sprinted down to the finish and at the end of the race I got a chocolate bar.
Rachael Nash age 7
28th April 2013
Carnethy women dominate at Three Peaks Race

A massive field of 672 finished the classic Yorkshire Three Peaks Race and Carnethy easily won the women's team prize with Jasmin Paris once again proving her strength at the long races by taking 1st place, followed by Helen Bonsor in 3rd and Jill Mykura 4th. Meanwhile Andy Fallas had a storming run to easily be the fastest Carnethy ever at the race in a very fast 3hrs03mins, one place behind Rob Jebb.
http://www.mudsweatandtears.co.uk/2013/04/30/joe-and-jasmin-take-3-peaks-titles-back-to-scotland/
1st Joe Symonds Salomon International Team, 02:54:39
2nd Carl Bell Keswick AC, 02:59:44
3rd Karl Gray Calder Valley Fell Runners MV40, 02:59:50
4th Robert Jebb Bingley Harriers & AC, 03:01:46
5th Andrew Fallas, 03:03:15
42nd Jasmin Paris, 03:33:04 (1st F)
57th Helen Bonsor, 03:39:07 (3rd F)
82nd Jill Mykura, 03:46:20 (4th F)
262nd Matthew Grove, 04:16:25
Full Results prize giving photos lots of other photos
28th April 2013
Hoka Highland Fling Race - Sat 27th - Carnethy win Team Trophy

This race follows the southern ‘half’ of the West Highland Way for 53 miles, from Milngavie to Tyndrum. Now in its 8th year there were over 600 entries, with about 500 due to toe the start line ~ similar in scale to Carnethy 5 race. “Unknown, new on the scene” runner Lee Kemp set a fine new course record in 7:03, with second placed Ricky Lightfoot also inside the previous record @ 7:09. Carnethy took home the men’s team prize (Gregor Heron, Graham Nash and Phil Humphries), and Murdo McEwan 2nd placed in the MV60 category. 416 runnesr finished the full distance within the 15 hours time limit. Carnethies, with times and finish positions: Gregor Heron (23rd 9:00) Graham Nash (35th 9:20) Phil Humphries (69th 9:58) Murdo McEwan (90th 10:20) Ally Robertson (147th 10:58) Paul Nash (160th 11:06) Nick Smith (173rd 11:17) Mike Lynch (210th 11:48) Ali Black (243rd 12:10) Michael Nowicki (376 14:03). A long and invigorating day ~ fantastically well organised throughout.
Murdo McEwan
27th April 2013
Hunters Bog Trot Race Report
A balmy 10C and bright sunshine (occasional hail showers aside) at Salisbury Crags greeted those Carnethies not tempted away by the longer events on this weekend.
After a masterfully concise pre-race briefing, warning of the presence of gravity on the course, we set off for a deceptively runable first km through Hunter’s Bog. The course then swung steeply up and over the top of the Crags for what I’ve got to assume was a fantastic view for those not concentrating on keeping their lungs inside their chest. Well worth it for the sweeping descent back to the start for the finish of lap one.
The climb up the north side of the radical road for the longer second lap passed through a particularly thick patch of gravity. Another blast up the Crags, fast descent back down to St Margaret’s Loch (leaping the water hazard) and it was all over.
My watch put the distance about 170m longer and 40m steeper than the 6.5km/240m advertised, but then I did take brief detour to search for buried acorns (not really sure what came over me there).
Thanks go to HBT for setting up a well marked and marshaled course.
Andrew Gilmore was first Carnethy home.
Results
Euan Innes
25th April 2013
Wednesday Training Run - Wed 24th

As Andy and Graham were otherwise engaged, I took the faster group for a wee holiday from Andy�s usual punishing pace. Things didn�t look too promising in the first mile, the 9 that started had been reduced to 8 with Euan Innes apparently going feral in the Hermitage woods. Some discussion about what to do followed and we all agreed that he would probably survive, perhaps the native animals will find him and rear him as their own, so we trotted on. The route took us over Blackford, and Braids, then round Mortonhall, back over the braids to the Blackford ar�te where we met the others, Blackford summit again and then a sprint back to KB for a refreshing and well deserved pint. A few wrong turns on the way, but who cares. About 9.5 miles, I reckon that�s enough, all in glorious dry weather. Thankfully Euan survived, and can now speak fluent 'squirrel'.
Jim Hardie
21st April 2013
Carnethy take on London Marathon

A good number of Carnethies travelled to the "Laugh n a Joke" (that's "smoke" apparently) (which in turn is "London" apparently) for the marathon at the weekend. For those of you who sensibly stick to the lush green hills this is a gruelling 26 miles and 385 yards on pan-flat tarmac. To be fair there were 6 nasty little hills soon after the green start but only locals see them as hills (we call them speed bumps up here). The aforementioned "hills" were marshalled though and the you could hear a shout of "HUMP" as you ran by. I was severely tempted by this offer from one such lovely female marshal but thought that my time would suffer so I continued without such niceties.
The winner of the men's race was Tsegaye KEBEDE (ETH) in a time of 2:06:04 with Brits Derek Hawkins (2:16:50 for 13th) and Phil Wicks (2:19:07 for
15th) less than 15 minutes off the pace. It's interesting (for me at least) to note that the fastest male Brit is still Steve Jones (Wales) in a time of
2:07:13 while Charlie Spedding's 2:08:33 is the fastest English time and Allister Hutton the fastest Scott in 2:09:16. These three were first, second and third in the 1985 London Marathon - ah the good old days.
The winner of the women's race was Priscah JEPTOO (KEN) in a time of 2:2015 with Susan Partridge in 9th (2:30:46) and Amy Whitehead in 13th (2:34:14).
The fastest woman's time is Paula Radcliff in 2:15:24 set in London in 2003.
Not sure about the fastest female Scott - perhaps somebody will read this and update me.
Friends and relations of Carnethy have now been added to the list of "related" finish times below. Plan to add photographs soon but, for the time-being, please be content with my finishers certificate rubbing in the fact that I was 59 seconds TOO SLOW the good-for-age time of 3:15:00.
Grant Ramsay 2:40:51 (son of a certain Charlie) Craig Mattocks 2:51:27 Bob Johnson 3:15:59 (Grandad to a certain Harry) Kate Jenkins 3:26:49 Joanne Anderson 3:45:13 Rosie Allister 3:47:09 Sally Cross 4:00:25 Michael Nowicki 4:48:33
Bob Johnson and Larry Grew
London Marathon postscipt courtesy Ian Jackson...
All 3 Carnethy women in the race did Good For Age. Sally's GFA is 4.15.00 and Joanne and Rosie is 3.50. (at least that was 2013 GFA)
Fastest female scottish marathoner is of course Liz McColgan 2h 26m 52s in London 1997
Fastest scots in this years race: Susan Partridge was first Brit in 9th and she was born in Oban and represents Scotland although runs for an English club (Leeds). Hayley Haining was first woman in the mass race in 2.36.52 and she runs for Kilbarchan.
Patryk Gierjatowicz was first scottish based and local runner: 9th in the mass race in 2.26.02 and he runs for Edinburgh University.
Ian Jackson
20th April 2013
Ben More Hill Race Mull

On a windy day with clouds on the tops the Ben More Race was won by Tom Smith of Lochaber in 1:04:11 and Alan Smith (Deesider)was 2nd in 1:06:00 and Manny Gorman (Westies) was third in 1:099:21. Alex McVey was 4th and 1st Carnethy in 1:11:57. 1st Lady was Megan Mowbrey of HBT in 1:18:08.
Results Photos from Bob Waterhouse and Manny Gorman
17th April 2013
Club Handicap Series - No 1 Boghall

The weather was surprisingly poor for the first handicap of the season. The wind was blowing very hard but at least the rain stayed away until the return of the last of the runners.
48 Carnethies set off from the busy Boghall carpark and headed off into the headwind on the way up Allermuir. Some frisky cattle added to the excitement of the initial climb and the very boggy ground made the going rather soft.
The stile at Allermuir summit was causing some consternation as the wind pinned runners to the fence, running downhill into the gale was interesting and the wide route outside the fence was unusually a little faster due to the protection afforded by the dry stane dyke.
The boggy descent from Allermuir Crossing to the army metal plate was technical, slippy and great fun and the following breeze aided the Castlelaw Climb.
The newly laid road on the run off Castlelaw added a new 5 foot cliff to the descent and the run down from the broken sinks was improved by last years heather burning. Todays lunchtime reccie of the new fence (and the covering up of a couple of stretches of barbed wire with tubing), helped those that knew about it!
The floating grass swamp caught a few out on the way back up to the track, but most people finished in very good spirits.
Bruce McAdam decided to do his own route causing a worrying 15 minutes for those awaiting his return (map of his route coming soon), and Mary Lye led her sons Nursery teacher on her first hill run to come in last equal as the darkness was falling.
The race was won by Gio Macdonald in a runtime of 60:25, with Joel Sylvester showing very good form 2nd in 50:28 (3 minutes faster than last year), new member David Williams was 3rd in 52:22.
Many Thanks to Bob Johnson and Andy Spenceley for doing the timing and food booking and Gordon Cameron for sorting out the results.
Full Results
Willie Gibson
15th April 2013
Alternative John Muir Way

The dominant features of this year’s AJMW were toads, very strong wind, sunshine, spring warmth, sand and soil blasting. The Aberlady toads were at the peak of a biblical mating frenzy and we were warned by the reserve warden to avoid treading on them. The long awaited spring warmth arrived on a violent southerly mistral that gave us a sand blasting on the dried out low tide beaches, and a soil blasting off the dried out fields bereft of spring planting and unprotected due to farmers’ continued destruction of hedgerows by stealth. After brief early morning showers we enjoyed continuous sunshine. Gio was the only volunteer to test the Ravensheugh sea temperature by brief immersion at 5C. As usual the 23 strong gang fragmented into faster, medium, slow and slower groups regrouping at random. The new extended Tyne footpath upstream of Hailes Castle was a big improvement to the return route. The hardy all-the-way runners gave the bikers strong competition along the Garleton Hills ridge into a screaming headwind. The Hopetoun tower groaned like a giant organ pipe up the spiral staircase to summit platform. Here the wind strength was earache inducing. A fast downwind descent from Garleton summit back to Aberlady Bay rounded off an exhausting but rewarding day.
The cast (variously doing part, all, by bike, on foot etc): Craig Mattocks, Dave Peck, David Williams, Eric Brown, Bill Gauld, Gio MacDonald, Graham Nash, Mark Hartree, Helen Wise, John Littlewood, Jonathan Whitehead, Karen Meikle, Senga Plain, Aurore, Kate Jenkins, Keith Burns, Patricia McMaster, Richard Lathe, Rod Dalitz, Tim Doyle, Peter Buchanan, Roddie McCrae, Matthew Jones and John Blair-Fish..
Great thanks to helpers Dave P and Patricia (drivers), Bärbel (lunch), all those donating food, Carnethy HR (van hire and food). Peter Buchanan's video.
Keith Burns
15th April 2013
Calderdale Hike

It was in the balance till Friday night as to whether I could do this. However, another year, another course variant. The event seems to do well with the weather and it was definitely spring like, with double figure temps and little wind. After making our way via some still snow filled bridle ways to Stoodley Pike we pretty much reversed a lot of the Howarth Hobble route to Heptonstall before cutting off near the end to come back via Erringdon Moor & Lumbutts. After a reasonably good first half I slowed a bit on the back third with lower leg fatigue. But it was a good run out and I managed to get back before the afternoon showers arrived in around 6:45.
Matt Davis
15th April 2013
Rock n Roll Half Marathon

Edinburgh's second Rock n Roll Half Marathon was a very blustery affair! Lots of wind and rain at the start and for most of the race, made for a challenging run. Long queues for bags at the end (this photo of foil-wrapped runners was from half way through the queue). Otherwise a great race with super support from the marshals and here's a photo of one of them :o)
Margaret
13th April 2013
Silent Valley Fell Race - British Championship Counter
Breaking News Carnethy Ladies are first team with Jasmin Paris 2nd, Charlotte Morgan, 3rd and Helen Bonsor 4th. The Ladies race was won by Helen Fines in 2:01.
Stewart Whitlie was first Carnethy home in 19th place (Paul Faulkner and Andy Fallas were next Carnethies in having done a bit of extra running).
The race was won by Gavin Bland in 1:43 with Finlay Wild 2nd and Rob Jebb 3rd. Photos
There is a report on the NIMRA Website and Results
JBF Reports

I have cribbed this photo from the nimra website as it seems to demonstrate my cautious running style over mud, boulders and banks of snow which meant I finished near the back of the field though I was 6th vet 60 in a British championship race. The course was revised and well marked to avoid some of the more difficult snow and ice. It rained heavily in my last hour of running but the front of the finished before the rain.
John Blair-Fish
11th April 2013
Wed training - Arthur's Seat

Social group: we finally found a more sensible way out of Castlebrae High School sqeezing through railings instead of a near impossible scrape under the gates. Though it poses the question of how on earth the railings were bent out of shape in the first place given that the push came from the side away from the road. Other imponderables included the vexed question of whether you couldn't see running downhill because the tears are bounced out of your eyes or whether they are caused by the sudden wind, and whether Ibuprofen gel was more effective applied locally or eaten.
From the top there was another attempt to settle the fastest way off - over Nether Hill and down the steps, or down to the right and contouring round on the fast track. The former won, but as they didn't go over the Nether top, it doesn't count!
The tricky gate into Pollock Halls provided the usual amusement and then to KB where the major disappointment of the night came as they were about to close, early, and only those foregoing a shower managed to get a hurried pint.
Fast group: Well semi-fast, as Andy is competing in the British Champs in NI at the weekend and wanted to go easy. Anyway I haven't heard anything from them so either Andy is travelling, or they are still on Arthur's Seat somewhere.
Digby
10th April 2013
Lakeland 40

Four Carnethies travelled to the Lakes for the first running of this event, staying over at the community centre in Askham Friday night. A simple concept; base a route on the Tour De Helvellyn that encompasses the fells instead of the valleys and set people the challenge of trying to complete it in the daylight hours available. We set off to frosty but clear skies at 6am and from there on the weather just got progressively better. In the end probably 40% was on snow the rest on extremely dry / quick ground for this time of year. Konrad & Jasmin were away early on in pursuit of local and eventual winner Kim Collinson. John & myself more o'less running together for the round trying to keep in front of the rest. Unlimited soup, cake, showers at the end and helpers who couldn't do enough for you. Very much a low key / no fan fare event with the emphasis about enjoying a good route and day on the hills. Which I think we definitely all had.
Results
Matt Davis
10th April 2013
Resolute Events Glasgow to Edinburgh Ultramarathon - 6th April

Steven Yule and I entered this 55 mile point to point race with a non-Carnethy friend, Stewart Ward, as a ‘training run’ for the West Highland Way’ race later this year. Michael Nowicki had also entered but decided to withdraw due to his Achilles problems. Ruchill Park in Glasgow was the start point for a fairly eclectic / multi-national field of close to 100 runners, it was cold but perfect running conditions as we started along the Forth and Clyde canal path to the Falkirk wheel at 22 miles (this was the only bag drop which meant we had to carry some food most, or all of the way). After Falkirk, the route follows the Union canal all the way to Fountainbridge and goes through two very dark tunnels (why a headtorch is part of the mandatory kit!). Previous runners told me the route was monotonous due to following canals all the way but I found it inspiring to have extensive views over to, first the Campsie Fells and then the Ochils (both snow covered) and Arthur’s Seat a long way in the distance. Steven had an issue with his knee and had to drop out at Falkirk but I was having a good day and was in 4th place and due to the strung out nature of the race, ran the last 30 miles alone with only a surprise meeting of Kate Jenkins and hubby dog walking near Broxburn to spur me on. The marshalling was fantastic at checkpoints with water / SIS and nibbles. I got to the finish still in 4th place in 8 hours 24 (and apparently first Scot), the German winner had a superb time of 7 hours 18. Stewart Ward managed 24th in 9 hours 40.
Have a go next year if you like it long and flat!
Gregor Heron
9th April 2013
Monday Lunchtime Arthur's Seat - April Reversicap
Great weather at last for the reversicap. The reverse running is fertile ground for debate on the best route. From the top of Arthur's seat Gordon went right, down the usual up route, and hindered only by tourists proved that though longer, it is speedy, and came out ahead of Russell who went left and down the steps (though not taking the daredevil option of the steep grassy shortcut). Not convinced by a previous descent of the Gutted Haddie I had another go, followed by Chris who had the misfortune to be both unsure of the routes and behind me. I am now convinced. It's not a very good idea.
Digby
Not there myself, but a good turnout, with quite a few handicaps beaten. Pretty good for the reverse route as it tends to be slower.
Comments from some of the runners (won't say who!):
"GOOD DRY CONDITIONS
good turn out -10/12?
a couple got lost !
one guy ended up in the gorse - lots of blood! "
"If I hadn't opted to follow Digby down the gutted haddie I could have been somewhat quicker! Still, a bloody hip and knee as spoils for my tumble on the dash off the top of the Crags makes it all worthwhile!"
"Good conditions out there but still don’t think I’ll descend by the haddie next time! "
Well done guys and see you for the May one, if not before. Results
Mike
8th April 2013
SHR Navigation Course, Pentlands 6/7 April
A most excellent two day course based at Hillend, with Carnethy's own Steven Fallon and Dave Scott giving instruction and a dozen runners of mixed experience and objectives being subjects. Although I'm confident navigating in the hills, I learned a lot of useful new techniques and refreshed stuff I'd forgotten I knew. How many of you can say how many paces / 100m you run or walk at? Or know what a Romer is (I had one and never knew!) Do you know Bob's Law? (nothing to do with the legality of summit nudity). Four Carnethies attended and made good use of home advantage on the mini-mountain marathon on the second day. I would thoroughly recommend it if its put on again.
Joel Sylvester
7th April 2013
The Whisky Chaser

The whisky was smoky but the bomb was not. A glorious day for the running of the whisky chaser with 5 equally glorious whiskies to taste. A toast was raised to Absent Andy Millard, slightly too far away to join us.
Report to follow. Photomap here, photoalbum here.
7th April 2013
Arthur's Seat junior run & games

After the previous generation of juniors grew up and left home, Carnethy members have been busy creating a new set.
With the encouragement of Mary and Matthew Jones, and the leadership of Willie, around 20 new juniors came out to run and play on Dunsappie Hill on a glorious Saturday afternoon. With relay races and tussock tig juniors and adults had a great time with smiles on everybody's faces. A supply of jelly babies fixed any bumped knees.
Full size photos here and junior runs page here.
Michael Wilkinson

I'm not sure if it was the fantastic weather or the promise of jelly babies that created such a good turn out for our inaugural junior run. A higgle (collective noun for a group of hardy young runners) of about twenty with ages from two to teens gathered at Dunsapie Loch and was led over the hill and far away by Mr Motivator (Willie Gibson). We relayed and tussock tigged our way around the slopes. There was some falling over, a little bit of blood and lots of bravery. Thank you to the adult helpers (especially those who didn't have small people to tire out!) for making the first session so much fun. Can't promise the same weather for next time (Saturday 20th), but can promise more jelly babies. Hope to see you again!
Mary
4th April 2013
Birnham and Deuchary races - 30/31 March
A small group of Carnethy racers made it out to the Birnham and Deuchary hill races at the weekend, with some very keen Carnethy racers (the Wilsons) managing to fit in Norman's Law race on the Saturday as well. Birnham hill race gave a short sharp blast on the Saturday, which warmed us all up for the Deuchary Hill Canter on the Sunday, which is an undulating trail run through snowy forest.
Prasad Prasad won the Birnham hill race in 30.08, with Andy Fallas giving a close chase only a few seconds behind (30.15). The Gilmore boys continued their good form from previous weekend racing, finishing 3rd (Andrew) and 5th (Iain). Other Carnethies there - Joan and Colin Wilson, Jean Jumelle and Pam Whitlie.
On to day 2; Andy Fallas took a clear win in 1:18 on a slightly shortened course which missed out the descent off the north side of Deuchary Hill (due to snow). Andrew Gilmore took second (1:21) and Jon Ascroft 3rd Carnethy home in 4th place. Ladies races won by Helen Bonsor both days. Full results on SHR. Many thanks to Adrian Davis for organising the races.
Helen
4th April 2013
Wed training

Social group: Oh the luxury of daylight at last, and cold, still, pleasant conditions. Though we more or less missed a lovely sunset on our fairly low level run out to Dreghorn via the Hermitage and back via the Braids. Richard turned up late and formed a group of one, and did catch the light show from Blackford hill.
Fast group: 10.6 miles out to the top of Allermuir where we caught a brilliant red sunset before a cautious descent on slippery snow and a fast run back to KB
Richard group: I did Blackford, Braids, Blackford again, then across the golf course where some golfer still playing in half-darkness was trepidatious about solo Carnethy runners...
Previous news page