Glas Tulaichean Uphill Race 2008

By Jeeves, Lard melts to triumph over Wooster!

A disappointing Westies turnout to the inaugral Summer league fixture brought smiles to Brian, Hamilton and Dave who knew that in the absence of the club stars, they would be slogging it out for the early leader position.

It was a fantastic day with bright sunshine and just enough breeze to make the heat almost bearable. After running like a tub of lard on Wednessday at Cornalees, Dave knew he could only do better on this “gentle” uphill event, and so it proved.

Brian was the early Westies leader for all of 5 seconds as he sprinted off with his attempt at an Upson start. The first 3km are fairly gradual and Hamilton steadily pushed ahead dreaming of top slot in the leaders position when Dave passed him on the blind side and never looked back. After letting John B-F and the leading lady pass by on the steep incline he became aware of a brown vest at his shoulder. No way was a Trotter passing him, even if he was a V60, so Dave dug in and for over half the race they were neck-and-neck before Dave sprinted away in the final 50 metres to the summit.

Hamilton held his position to finish second Westie, wistfully thinking what it must be like to be a league leader, while Brian just wished that there had been a downhill to thunder past both of them.

Westies were narrowly beaten for the team prize by Dundee Hawks, including 2nd claim Des Crowe!

Back at the start, Des or Brian ( can’t remember which one now) made the perceptive comment that Hamilton was the Berties Wooster of Westies. Just to confirm his status, Hamilton left the race to go and have afternoon tea at the nearby Dalmunzie House Hotel!

A fine event, organised by Martin Hyman, with loads of prizes, great atmosphere, fantastic home baking…and all for £2! Much better value than afternoon tea, eh Bertie?