Cort-ma Law Hill Race

An increase in numbers from last year didn’t come as a surprise to Don Reid, who suggested that adverse weather conditions seem to attract hill runners rather than perturb them. Considering the time of year when this race is held, one would expect at least reasonable temperatures if not conditions; we got neither… ok, admittedly, the course was 97.89% clear of cloud for the duration of the race, but this was down to the strong winds. After a couple of poor-weather updates from the Trossachs Search and Rescue Team throughout the day, I wasn’t expecting much of a turn-out, although I wasn’t considering cancelling either. So in the end 55 hardy hill runners lined up in strong and cold winds for a gruelling 6 mile trek through bog and burn and 1700 feet ascent.

A few mintues after the start of the senior race saw the inaugural Cort-ma Law Junior Race. Four juniors braved the conditions up to the first cairn at the top of the first hill and back. The race was won by Victoria Reid of westerlands in a time of 12.02. Hilary Theaker of Helensburgh took second spot in 13.11, closely followed by Cameron Reid (Westies) in 13.32. Unattached Ryan Crockard completed the line-up after a tumble on some wet rock in 16.24. Perhaps we’ll have an increase in numbers for this nifty new race next year.

The senior race saw some excellent performances from Shettleston and Carnethy, who fought a close team battle. Brian Marshall of HELP won in a time of 51.03, almost three minutes off the record, but hardly surprising considering the aforesaid weather conditions. A very close second place and first veteran in was Des Crowe of Shettleston who must be doing some quality training at the moment going by his recent form. His team mate Malcolm Patterson looked to have third place wrapped up until a blur appeared from the murk in the form of Adam ward of Carnethy, who made a powerful decsent on tricky wet grass and rock to leave Patterson looking bemused and slightly embarrassed; a true moment of class I thought.

First super-vet was Murdo McLeod of westerlands in a time of 61.58. Charlie Love remains a force to be reckoned with; his valiant efforts winning him the first over 60 prize in a time of 65.51.

Out of 55 runners, only two were women!

C’mon all youse burds, where were ye?

Practically crossing the line at the same time, Carol McInnes of Springburn lead Julie Corner of Lochaber by one second! So, fair enough, between the pair of them, there was enough female excitement!

The team prizes were close. Shettleston managed 2nd, 4th and 21st compared with Carnethy whose first three finishers were 3rd, 6th and 12th.

A successful night all in, even with the wintry weather.

0 replies

Leave a Reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.