Feel the Burns A race report from the back – not fast, not last.

It’s a fair old schlep to Selkirk so an early start on a Sunday morning was in order. The further east we progressed the clearer the sky became and a sunny winter run beckoned us on. Last year’s race was shortened by snow but the full course was on this year with going set to be good on the firm frozen ground.

A record number of runners lined up in the field for the dash up the field through the gate – no jumping the fence we were warned. Along the track to the bottom of Peat Law and short steep climb before heading off to the Three Bretheren cairns. The cold damp clag began to close in reminding us that this was January  as we headed out along the Southern Upland Way and up Brown Knowe.

After turning for home you’re rewarded with some nice fast trails and fields downhill for a few miles before Foulshiels Hill.  A short sharp climb at 10 miles is just what you need and I was pleased to be passing a few people and pulling away from others that had been nipping at my heels. I’m sure the Blue Breeks helped!

It’s all down hill from there and I managed to chase down another couple of people before the welcome finish in the field. 13 miles and 3000ft the haggis pie was well deserved. A good day out.

Results – Feel the Burns (21.4k (disputed)/800m)

1 Jonathan Crickmore (HBT) 1.27.52* *course record by around six minutes.

52 (1st woman) Kirsten Maxwell (Gala Harriers) 1.56.02

23 Iain Stewart 1.46.56 (bagged a bannock for taking the First Local prize, having recently moved to Selkirk).

30 Scott Henderson 1.48.50

61 C S McKiddie 1.58.10

70 Ian Thurlbeck 2.01.51

94 Chris Furse 2.08.59

121 Jenn Ruddick 2.12.55

126 Tom Finch 2.13.25

159 George Douglas 2.25.23

162 Andrew Fullwood 2.26.48

188 John Hamer 2.34.47