The Two Breweries

Having heard lots about this 18 mile classic I was prepared for a hard run. So prepared that I drank a litre of peach energy drink in the morning – possibly an unwise move given the resulting queasy feeling during the early stages of the race. >Add to this a detour within the first mile on the way up Orchard Hill and my race was not having the best start. Joining the crowd back on the track, Birkscairn Hill was soon in sight. On the way up I met Steffen who led me on a cunning zig-zag shortcut. Chris was well out of sight, having set off at a storming pace from the start.

Descending to Glensax, Steffen and Luke fled off down over the heathery slope with speed while I stumbled down (taking in the scenery). After finally getting to Glensax Burn I headed straight up the hill to Hundleshope. Most others went up a gully off to the left for reasons that soon became apparent as I ploughed through knee high heather. Near the top Swaz popped his head above the gully but I didn’t stop to respond to his smart remarks about my route choice. On the boggy path to Stob Law, Luke and Steffen had disappeared ahead. I was caught by three others at the foot of Glenrath and ran off and on with them to Whitelaw.

The second half of the race was more pleasant with sections of good running especially from Whitelaw and Dead Wives Graves where I finally managed to catch Steffen.The pleasant running continued to Stobo and the foot of Trahenna where I could spot Luke climbing ahead.Looking back, the field was snaking across the moor.Although Luke didn’t seem too far away, he had disappeared into the distance by the top and finished well ahead.I came off Trahenna by the gully on Drew’s advice, then spent the ‘long’ road run-in checking that no one was coming up behind me.

Elsie had a good run winning 1st local while Cat was scunnered from the start after plunging into a knee high manure bog.Graham Kelly had a strong run with his partner training for the KIMM and Drew won the prize for bringing in the field.

Much beer was handed out at the prizegiving to HBT and Stewart Whitlie in particular, and also to Westies for third team.All-in-all it was a good event, well organised, well marshalled and marked with fair weather, and a fine ceilidh to end the day.

1. S Whitlie (Carnethy) 2.50.10
11.Chris Upson 3.08.48
14.Luke Arnott 3.16.06
15.David Riach 3.19.24
17.L Colquhoun (Carnethy) 3.24.51, first lady
18.Steffen Gorgas 3.26.05
22.Swaz Fraser 3.30.23
56.Elsie Scott 4.06.55
64.Catriona Miller 4.16.22
70.Graham Kelly 4.41.11
78.Drew Turnbull 5.10.48