CRIFFEL HILL RACE 2008

This used to be a race I was never that keen on, but after today, I think I have banished the negative demons inside my head. Despite the naff weather forecast, conditions were ideal for the race, sunny but cold with a light powdering of snow up top. Elsie B was despatched to the top of the hill to marshal

with the assistance of a large team of mountain rescue people, while back at the start a modest field of 48 (up on last year apparently!) toed the line. Westies was represented by myself, Murdo and Donald Smith. I was down for a bit of V50 pot hunting but as i glanced arround, it was difficult to judge peoples ages as they were all wearing balaclava’s!

The pace was modest as we jogged up the road towards the hill and I found myself lying in about 6th place. This is hopeful I thought, as we started the climb proper. The mud on the ‘path’ at the bottom was just as thick and slimy as I remember from before but I felt strong and was able to run nealy all the climb. I got passed by one bloke who looked at least a V40 and tried to hang on but he gradually pulled away as we went over the subsiduary top. The running to the main top was great in the sun through soft snow, but as we got near the top, Russell Anderson a V45 passed me and as I cast a quick glance behind, i was startled to see seasoned V50 Martin Hulme not far behind.

However, once we turned at the top I really pushed the descent and by the time we had reached the subsiduary top, I had re-passed Russell and was also soon past the other bloke who relegated me to 7th place earlier. A quick glance ahead told me that i was not going to catch anybody else and I just cruised to the finish only falling once in the quagmire (sorry path!) at the bottom.

Murdo picked up a prize as 3rd V50 in 18th (1.08.58) and Donald was 4th V60 (38th) in 1.24.51. Well done guys.

The race was won by Ricky Lightfoot in a time of 54.26 and first lady was Shirley Singh (unattached) Full results are on SHR website.

I am now a Criffell convert and will see you there in 2009!