Drymen 10k, 18th August 2007

Another race, another good placing for Chris, his third second in eight days, further proving the Upson’s Syndrome theory recently identified by Johnston. This time it was on a thoroughly damp afternoon that made you question why you were there. The race was improved from last year, a half road/ half trail course, heading out the Balmaha road, turning up the hill and then retracing through Garadhban Forest on parts of the West Highland Way. Chris took on Lyndsay Cunningham after 1km, both soon disappearing round the distant corners. The road was quickly enough for me and I was caught at the turn by Ken McMahon who pressed on working well up the steady incline. It was actually quite pleasant in amongst the trees, undulating on uneven tracks in the light mist, splashing through a few puddles – it didn’t even seem to be raining anymore. I managed to hold Ken in sight, then gradually pulled him back by 8km at a short sharp rise. Saving myself just a little, I pushed over the rising top to get away and then held on for a final desperate mile dropping back down the road to the finish. Catriona showed her gritty mettle, tussling at front of the ladies race, the first three all finishing within 10 seconds, while Hamilton finished well up the field having showed the road runners a clean pair of heels on the uneven tracks.

1. Alistair Morrison, Garscube, 34:01

2. Chris Upson, Westerlands, 35:44

3. Lyndsay Cunnignham, Garscube, 36:38

4. David Riach, Westerlands

5. Ken McMahon, Bellahouston

Kerri Bates, Metro Aberdeen, 45:32

Carole Gilmour, Garscube, 45:40

Catriona Miller, Westerlands, 45:42