Round Arran Relay

“WHERE WAS DAVE CALDER!!!??”, quite a few people were asking before and after the race. In particular the ‘race organiser’ was a little concerned not to have heard from Dave Calder prior to the closing date for entries (what with the usual Westies contingent turning up and sweeping the prize board!). Drew managed the team in fine fashion instead.

No prizes this year though. If there was a category for first mixed team we probably would have won it. As it turned out we only had a team of five. Yes, that’s right, MARK McCOLL didn’t bother to get out of his bed early enough and ended up missing the ferry!!….and in the process dashing our hopes of winning outright! Mind you without him we still put in a strong showing. Along with myself, the team consisted of hardy road running perennials Tony ‘Mabawsa’ Ritchie and Muffy, along with Pat and Drew. Muffy managed to persuade a top female athlete known only as Alison to ably fill the last team place. (Off the hook, Mark!).

For the uninitiated, the Round Arran Relay is split up into 6 legs (3 north and 3 south). The whole race begins at Blackwaterfoot. First leg runners head in opposite directions. Second leg runners begin as a group on the arrival of the first first-leg runner in. I think this was the same for the third legs as well; or they may have started a wee bit earlier. So not an exact ‘relay’ as such.

About twenty teams ran. Pat was first lady in for her leg.

South Leg 1 – 7.5 miles – Blair – 50.54

South Leg 2 – 8.5 miles – Pat – 71.03

South Leg 3 – 8.5 miles – Alison – 66.22

North Leg 1 – 10.5 miles – Drew – 95.25

North Leg 2 – 10.5 miles – Tony – 81.37

North Leg 3 – 10.5 miles – Muffy – 73.44

NB. I guessed the lengths of the legs apart from my own.