Merrick Hill Race 2010

The opportunity for running a race that I had never done and to finish off a section of Corbetts was a good one !

Why some events are over subscribed and some fantastic routes are more low key will always escape me but I lined up with another 33 runners in improving conditions. Alisdair Duke and Fraser Laird made up the Westies contingent.

By mistake rather than design, I started up the first steep hill on the narrow path just behind Steve Fallon and Russell Anderson in 3rd place (captain Chris would have been proud) ...once on the open hill things settled down a little with Peter Simpson, Alan Smith and Adam Anderson overtaking. Feeling fairly good, I stayed within sight of Adam and Alan managing to just nip ahead of Russell on the last climb towards the Merrick summit itself (which was sadly in the mist).

Rounded the summit and started the descent putting in a bit of an effort. Dropping out the mist, I realised why I had lost sight of everyone else - I had missed the ridge leading down towards the forest. Stopped to check the map ...swore a bit ...and started a frantic traverse. Was pleased to discover I had not lost too much time and only one place. Picking up the course markers and the heart rate returned to something sustainable. Ran the final ridge swapping places with Scott Bradley until the last marshall where he took off down towards the track leading to the finish.

Graham Kelly 6th 1:45:08

Alisdair Duke 9th 1:58:39

Fraser Laird 13th 2:02:47

Posted by Graham Kelly on Mon 20 Sep 2010 | 2 comments

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