Strathaven 10k

This was the inaugural "Run With The Wind" 10k in Strathaven, starting from the partially-built windfarm up on Ardochrig and descending in to Strathaven. As a former Stravonian, I was keen to give this one a go.

A calm day greeted the runners, after the foul weather and foul football of Saturday. Organisation by Strathaven Striders was excellent, with buses to take the runners from the registration point in town to the high start point between Strathaven and EK. Shadow Health Minister Andy Kerr was sadly absent as starter and runner, perhaps having got waylaid by a pie shop somewhere. The field of around 200 runners was heavily populated with Striders and other locals.

"Water features" were abundant on the narrow rural roads after yesterday's downpour, adding interest in the initial fast downhill section. The course is undulating, with a long uphill drag from about 4-6km. My 5k pace at the start couldn't last, and I lost a couple of places here, settling down over the top at Brackenridge. A last wee uphill to Over Lethame helped me win back some of what I'd lost, before blasting the last km downhill on Lethame Road to finish outside my old primary school, Kirklandpark, which had sprouted a pipe band since my days there.

Nice to be able to stroll back up the road to my mum's house for lunch after the race, clutching a well-populated goody bag.

A very enjoyable race (on roads I've run many times in training), and a successful event which I'd recommend to anyone for next year.

Full results to follow when they're published. Winner must have been several minutes clear by the end, as he sprinted out of sight within 2km. Very pleased with my 40.04 or thereabouts, placing me somewhere around the top 20 finishers. Not bad considering I haven't been able to string 2 weeks' training together since mid-Sept due to illness. Nice to be back racing again.

Posted by Johnston Orr on Sun 18 Nov 2007 | 2 comments

Category club races