Merrick Hill Race

An awfull weather forecast plus days of heavy rain promised less than ideal condition for this little known and little attended gem. It should have been blowing a gale and raining buckets, but no: the forecast was wrong and the weather ideal. Perfect visibility, some good sunshine and ideal temperatures. Apart from the fact the the course was completely water-logged Merrick turned out a fine day out. On a rough and watery climb the 36 runners quickly stretched out With Marcus Scottney (Dumfries) leading the pack. Behind him Brian Marshall was easing himself in slightly more gently. The patience would eventually pay off. After reaching Benyellary the surface improved markedly, making running all the way across to Merrick possible and as well as enjoyable. The decend started on perfect ground but as soon as the flags disappeared so did my orientation. Eventually I slowed down enough for the runner behind me to catch up and show me the way. The run over to Buchan Hill continued as the race started: rough and wet. The final descent turned out to ge the entire opposite again – very runable. Great day out!

1. Brian Marschall (HELP) 1.24.32

2. Marcus Scottney (Dumfries) 1.27.17

3. Adam Anderson 1.29.47

4. Mark whitelaw 1.33.45

Roger Irvine 1st Vet 1.33.51

10. Steffen G (Westies) 1.46.06

18. Charles Campbell (Westies) 1.53.04

20. Keith Adams (Westies) 1.54.33

34. Drew Turnbull (Westies) 2.34.15