Race Reports

Latest race reports appear on this page. Links to previous race reports are given at the end of this page.

3rd Club 5K Time Trial - 1 September 2010

By Steve Wall

Well done all those that took part in the 3rd Club Time Trial. It is very evident from the results of those that have taken part in both events that the Club training is working and that you are all putting in 100% effort as everyone has improved and some by a huge margin. Results are as follows:

Name	21 Apr 10	30 Jun 10	11 Aug 10	1 Sep 10	=/-
Iain Robertson	21:42	N/A	20:51	20:33
Sandy Grigor	N/A	N/A	N/A	21:32
Peter Hague	21:50	N/A	N/A	N/A
Dave Henderson	21:55	20:40	N/A	N/A
Mike Dearman	22:40	N/A	22:15	22:20
Tim Rust	23:57	22:41	N/A	22:25
Thom Alexander	23:57	23:48
Frances Bain	N/A	24:07	N/A	23:23
Tracy Willies	24:18	N/A	N/A	N/A
Emma Sinclair	25:21	N/A	N/A	N/A
Ann MacKintosh	25:30	24:36	N/A	24:07
Nigel Rollason	25:54	N/A	N/A	N/A
Elspeth Grant	26:05	24:42	N/A	N/A
Annie Fraser	26:25	25:52	25:26	25:31
Scott Fraser	26:28	N/A	25:23	N/A
Duncan Ferguson	26:35	N/A	N/A	N/A
Charlotte Kissack	N/A	26:43	N/A	N/A
Jacqui Dick	N/A	29:16	N/A	27:13
Lisa Lawson	26:45	N/A	N/A	27:26
Ally Lay	26:59	N/A	N/A	23:36
Gerda Mallin	N/A	26:59	N/A	N/A
Fiona Johnson	27:15	N/A	N/A	26:09
Julia Jones	27:16	N/A	N/A	N/A
Nicki Diggins	27:18	26:58	N/A	26:45
Daniel Centre	27:25	N/A	26:31	N/A
Anna Boardman	27:32	N/A	N/A	26:35
Linda Powell	28:10	N/A	N/A	N/A
Elaine Barton	28:32	N/A	N/A	N/A
Dave Machin	28:55	27:39	N/A	27:10
Jeannette Meldrum	29:21	N/A	N/A	N/A
Andy Norrie	29:29	27:08	27:34	N/A
Liz Miller	N/A	29:30	N/A	N/A
Linzi Seinwright	29:55	N/A	N/A	N/A
Val Machin	30:23	N/A	N/A	30:12
Julie Spittle	30:36	29:05	N/A	N/A
Ailsa Armstrong	N/A	31:12	N/A	N/A
Grace Sermani	N/A	31:12	N/A	N/A
Claire McKinlay	31:28	26:56	N/A	N/A
Mairi MacDonald	N/A	32:04	N/A	N/A
Mairi Candlish	N/A	32:25	31:32
Louise Drummond	37:07	29:16	N/A	N/A
Mickey McGarvey	38:36	N/A	N/A	N/A
Lorraine Duncan	38:42	N/A	N/A	N/A
Michele Song	38:45	N/A	N/A	N/A
Ros Smith	39:35	N/A	N/A	N/A
Kirsty Hughes	39:50	N/A	N/A	N/A

Highland Poppy Run - 22 August 2010

By Steve Wall

This year's Highland Poppy Run organised by poppy scotland proved more successful than ever with nearly 250 runners, walkers and cyclists along with 18 CR taking part in both the 5km and 10km running races. Starting and finishing under the awe-inspiring backdrop of Fort George and marshalled by soldiers in uniform it had a real military feel. Finishers received their 'dog tag' medals from war and military veterans and were given a poppy to plant in the Garden of Remembrance.
The event is community based and is a low key event without finishing times but otherwise very well organised. In its 3rd year now, CR have turned out in force each year but unlike the high winds of 2009 it was warm and sunny. Tea and cakes before the start relaxed the mood and just before the start we cheered in a group of burly men that pulled a taxi around the course in a remarkable time.
The event was won by Sandy and Wendy's son Iain in around 37 mins. Dave Henderson was 4th and Sandy followed in 6th. Jacqueline Dick ran an amazing race and finished under 55 mins and is the 10 km man of the match.
It was great to see Iona Clark running in the 5km race and doing so well and is the 5km man of the match. She was joined by Wendy Grigor (back from injury) and Tony and Denise Stott.
Michele Song brought her family up from East Anglia who were shocked to see there were hills outside Suffolk! Others who ran were, Cath Harris, Marilyn Hemingway, Jeannette Meldrum, Ann MacIntosh, Tessa Smart (also battling injury) Melissa Wall (who brought along a large group from her work running club at SNH), Debbie Simpson and the in-form pairing of Tim Rust and Fiona Johnson and of course me!
Ed's Note: Sandy Grigor and Tim Rust even made the front page of the Inverness P&J in a colour photo of them near the start.

Abernethy 10 Mile Race - 14 August 2010

By Fiona Johnson

A beautiful summers day (at last) and a record number of around 4000 spectators watched the 100 runners including 14 CR in the Nethybridge 10 mile road race. This year the race started with 3 laps not the usual 2 (must have re-measured the course) around the field of spectators before setting off up the road towards the scenic Abernethy Forest National Nature Reserve.
The route goes through the forest and then onto quiet country roads which have an uphill feel to the finish. The Strath reported “poor conditions underfoot meant slower times” but this did not stop many CR from improving on last years times, with Alan Riach being first male CR home and joint sixth overall in the race. Alan then goes on to run in the 1500m race, fit or what!

Sandy Grigor and Tim Rust also ran well as we would expect.
Congratulations to Tracey Willies who was first female CR home followed closely by Elspeth Grant.

A big congratulations to all the other lady CR who took part, its always good to see familiar smiling faces at the finish.

Ed's Note: Sandy had cajouled Alan into running the 1500m race straight after the 10 mile race and Alan reluctantly agreed so much was Sandy's persuation. However, Sandy failed to make it back in time and Alan had to run it alone!

6th	Alan Riach	63:20	2009 time 65:06	SB
22nd	Sandy Grigor	70:37	2009 time 70:25
48th	Tim Rust	79:10		PB
50th	Tracey Willies	79:47	2009 time 82:38	SB
52nd	Elspeth Grant	80:54	2009 time 78:20	SB
65th	Fiona Johnson	84:46	2009 time 96:58
69th	Annie Fraser	85:51	2009 time 87:12	SB
72nd	Gerda Mallin	86:59		SB
82nd	Nicola Diggins	93:46		SB
87th	Lisa Lawson	96:41
93rd	Marilyn Hemingway	101:39	2009 time 99:38
95th	Val Machin	103:52		SB
97th	Michele Song	108:29		PB
99th	Cath Harris	111.43

Creag Dhubh Hill Race - 7 August 2010

By Peter Hague

This was my first race when I moved to Aviemore last year so it is perhaps fitting that it was the one that took me to my 30th race, my target for this year. A good race and part of the Newtonmore Highland games. There is a lap around the field of spectators before you cross the river and head off up the hill. For the first time in months I actually felt ok and tucked in nicely behind some lads I knew going up the hill. The descent is a little tricky on this race with a narrow path hidden by heather and numerous rocks ready to catch out the unwary with the recent wet weather adding extra spice to it. The river crossing on the way back gave a chance to cool off before doing a lap of the field before finishing, ensuring you didn’t get between burly men tossing their cabers (a euphemism if ever I heard one!). Man of the match must go to Manny who came forth and was heading over to do the Glenshee 9 in the morning, fit or what! 3 other CR runners did the race; Julie Spittle who has done it several times gave a frank, open and honest reply when I asked her if she had enjoyed the race …quote: That was ******* ****** ***** and I ******* **** ***** it!!!

You fill in the blanks. Tim was unsure if he enjoyed it or not? And Sharon just smiled.

Ed's Comments: Brenda Paul had a great comeback and we are looking forward to seeing her back at the Club soon.

Manny Gorman	4th	31:58
Peter Hague	30th	40:07	11 secs faster than last year
Tim Rust	49th	44:14
Brenda Paul		60:24	Fantastic comeback after giving birth to wee Maisy
Julie Spittle	85th	64:00
Sharon	85th	64:00

To alleviate any self doubt about my math’s (a sort of runners ‘bakers dozen’ if you like) I did the Keith show 10k the next day. A good course with about a third of it off road. 43:10.

Dufftown 5 mile-5 hills - 28 July 2010

By Jeanette Meldrum

Six cairngorm Runners made the Journey to Dufftown to take part in the above race and what a lovely evening we all had.
We were made to feel very welcome by the Dufftown jog Scotland group,a really friendly bunch....just like ourselves of course.
We had a nice warm up jog as we made our way to the start,down the main street and on to a farm track.
On the dot of 7 the claxon went and we were off ! The first obstacle was having to run across a burn as the bridge was deemed too dangerous. I was pleased that I managed not to get my feet wet. We then hit the first of the five hills... well they said five,but I counted eight!! As is the usual with hills though,what goes up must come down,so we had some lovely long sweeping downhill sections where we could make up the time lost on the up bits.
We ran both on and off road,through an old railway station,complete with a train straight out of the 1930's all set with table lamps and place settings... lovely!,down we went through the distillery and along some of the Speyside way. About half way and in the middle of a particularly long hill was a very welcome water station,where I caught up with Julie Spittal. We stopped for a brief chat and went on our way... uphill some more.
We finally finished where we started with great applause from the faster runners, Sandy,Peter and Gerda to name three.
We were then treated to tea and biscuits before the prize giving and raffle, in which three of our group won a prize.
It was a great race,friendly and well organised. They are hoping to make it an annual event and we will definitely be back with a whole lot more c.r's next year.
A special mention must go to Marie anne who was there with Peter and won the prize for 1st jog scotland member ! Well done Marie anne !

Pudsey Puma 10k - 25 July 2010

By Tim Rust

It was a warm morning for the Pudsey 10k, with the sun trying to peek out from behind the cloud but with a forcast of light rain - I had high hopes of this being a good run. I'd checked the topography of the route online and it looked reasonable - so much so, I'd persuaded friends to come along to challenge to their new start to running. Oops!

The air horn went, and we set off along the ups and downs of the streets of Pudsey - as I'd expected, but after about 3Km we entered a track... a STEEP track leading down to a little stream. It was loose and gravelly underfoot, but I managed to stretch my legs and make a good dozen places or so by the bottom - I even heard people uttering in disbelief at my need to overtake them under such conditions. All the way down hill I'd been thinking of the inevitable uphill section to come, but it was worse than I thought. Long, steep, muddy woodland track and I was finding it difficult to get a decent lungful of air in the humidity amongst the trees. I contemplated returning to run with my friends - afterall, I was ME that'd suggested this race to them in the first place, and if I wasn't enjoying it as such, they'd have been hating it.

I thought better of it and after a brief but necessary 15m walk on the steepest section, it was out onto the tops and the other side of the valley - this could only mean one thing though... another ascent was coming our way! The second I found worse. Steeper and hotter (the supposed rain had become full sun instead!), I pushed on but still needed to walk the final 30m of the second climb with my legs and lungs shouting at me (blimey!! where do they find these climbs??!). From here we were back onto the roads of West Yorkshire for the final 3Km, which by this point would be predominantly downhill. The last 400m were on a slight rise and into the park for the finish line to be greeted by the crowd that were gathered.
A glug of water and a 2 minute rest, then I ran back to cheer on my friends and receive their wrath head on, for putting them through such a hard first race. Still, I beat my previous hilly 10k time from Glenlivet!

Northumberland Coast Run - 18 July 2010

By Dave Henderson

This years Northumberland Coastal Run celebrated 30 years and for me it has always been the run I look foward to doing every year, my first was in 1984! and it was great to go down and meet many friends and family and this year Sandy and Wendy Griggor came down on a holiday.
As we warmed up at Beadnel harbour the tide was well in, this can make the race longer as everyone hopes for a low tide on these very wide beaches which can make a difference of nearly a mile! Locals were already saying that we would have to swim the Long Nanny a burn that runs into the first bay, I had memories of years ago when we did just that and hoped they were wrong!
We set off as the tide was on the turn and thankfully just had a foot of water to run through but a strong headwind meant that times would be slower, we ran through Low Newton and onto the second beach with views of Dunstanburgh Castle in the distance then up onto the coastal path past the cliffs and round the walls Dunstanburgh castle and on to the fishing village of Craster about halfway then it was back onto tracks to Howick and a welcome energy drink from my brother who was marshalling, by now the heavy sands and strong wind were taking there toll as we reached Boulmer and down onto the beach again, the 1000+ field was strung out for miles along the Northumberland coast and the last headland in site with a scramble across some slippy rocks into Alnmouth Bay, in the distance I could see the finish about a mile away and was encouraged on by two younger Alnwick Harriers who I had held off until then. The finish is a long run in, with people lining the beach, Anne, Wendy and my family all cheering us on. Made it! another T shirt! Then I looked roud to see Sandy coming in,and he said I enjoyed That! I think we both finished near top 100 will confirm this. The presentation was held in the beer garden of the Red Lion, met to many friends to mention everybody but we all had a great day, well worth a club outing next year.
Great to see everyone, catch you next time Peter, put the Mars bar in the post Mike!

Dave Henderson	1:41:45
Sandy Grigor	1:43:00

Maddy Moss Race 10k -14 July 2010

By Peter Hague

One word will suffice to describe the weather conditions…..Grim! It was more akin to running in late November with howling winds, torrential, horizontal rain and cold temperatures, gawd and they were forecasting a heat wave in the south east of England. A huge turnout considering the conditions, I expect this was due to the rain stopping and the sun coming out an hour before the race…once it lulled us all there it must have thought, ‘Right, lets see what you are made of’ –in my case papier-mâché. I never took my hat or coat off for the whole race.

Not a good race for me and I struggled throughout, nothing to do with the conditions but a mystery illness that continues to plague me. I did have a good attempt at racing up the hill with a friend coaxing me on, but once up there I was drained of all energy and finishing was an effort in itself. A very steep finish maintains interest. I had penciled this one in to beat my time from last year and was expecting to knock 3-5 minutes off my time, in reality I did it 5 minutes slower than last year…not good.

Eds note: We wish Peter a speedy recovery to complete his impressive challenge!

53rd

Peter Hague

1:12:10

Cow Hill Race 3km - 5 July 2010

By Peter Hague

A short run starting from the main street in Fort William and up the hill with the large aerial on it. I spied the distinctive blue Cairngorm Runners hoodie on registration and had a quick chat to Brenda, who was doing her first race after giving birth 5 weeks ago! Brenda was encouraged to take up her first run after watching Manny at the Corrieyairack Challenge and seeing so many Cairngorm Runners. It was after all only a short race so a good one to get back into racing/running and Brenda enjoys the hill.
I felt jaded from the previous two races but how hard could a 3km race be? Actually a tough little hill but runnable for the whole distance. I worked hard to keep up with a couple of people who had done the previous two races thinking they were just as tired as me but were trying harder. On the way down I turned my ankle a couple of times and guess what? The girl from the last two races zoomed past me, only this time I was determined to make her work hard for her morale victory. I raced her neck and neck down towards the town busting a gut to push her all the way and eventually pulled away from her (but only just) at the finish. My friend ‘JB’ has been trying unsuccessfully to beat his friend ‘DD’ for two years and had the same experience but missing out by 1 second, lamenting on the journey home that he had got his tactics wrong and if the race was 6 metres longer he would have done it. Well done to Brenda and hubby who cheered us on with baby half way up. A free mug to all those who had done all three races, I christened mine with a ‘nice cup of tea’ when I got back home.

Ed’s note: Okay Brenda, fess up? When I saw you at the Corrieyarick you said you hoped to be back running in another few weeks (you didn’t say ‘a few days’)?! Big respect and very well done to Peter!

20th	Peter Hague	23:53
47th	Brenda Paul	39:13

Half Nevis Race 10km - 4 July 2010

By Peter Hague

I met my mate at Laggan under leaden skies, strong winds and heavy rain thinking, gosh, wouldn’t it be fun to run half way up Ben Nevis today. There were more competitors on this race than yesterdays and you recognise runners from the previous day’s race wondering if they feel as tired as you do?! A steady start up the road before you hit the path up the ‘Ben’; I must confess I’ve run in better conditions. Can water flow uphill? Yes it can!…….the burns on one section were being lifted out of the bed by the wind and dragged off back up the hill. I made good progress going up but anyone who has run down the Ben path will know just how technical it is, you just don’t want to fall and now all the rocks were soaked, making for an exciting downhill. I did my best at maintaining a reasonable speed coming down but the same girl from yesterday flew past me again. There are two small metal bridges on the path which have zero grip, especially when wet and wearing studded shoes, I made a mental note to be careful of these on the way up (the nearest analogy would be to put on a pair of roller skates then jump in the bath and try and stop….let me know how you get on!) Well, when approaching the second of these bridges I slowed right down, got over it ok, heaved a huge sigh of relief, then fell over. Actually, although rocky, the fall was quite good, no damage done and I was soon up and away again. A few bloodied knees at the finish but a good race and some hot drinks and cakes await you. A group of eight of us stood in the swollen river to cool the muscles down, some up to the waist, just having a chat about the race and the conditions. A good induction to those lucky (!) enough to have got an entry into the full Ben Nevis race.

30th

Peter Hague

1:13:10

Meall an T-Suidhe Hill Race 6km - 3 July 2010

By Peter Hague

The first of a set of three races in three days at Fort William. As a book on Scottish hill races states – you will love or loath this short race, I loved the accent (Ed’s note what ‘accent’? Scottish? Irish?!!) where I did well and loathed the descent where I didn’t, it is basically a blast up and down a very steep hill overlooking Fort William. A girl from Lochaber who I didn’t recognise absolutely flew past me on the descent, so much so I thought she was out of control, she wasn’t she was just very, very fast!

17th

Peter Hague

40:37

Corrieyairack Challenge - 3 July 2010

By Steve Wall

They said it all we had to do was follow in the footsteps of Bonnie Prince Charlie and could run, walk, cycle or mountain bike the 17 mile hill run up Scotland's highest mountain road and 26 mile cycle back to the Kincraig Fete - and that was that! They never said it would be battling against strong winds, driving rain and near freezing temperatures!

Well I certainly used my 33 years running experience to prepare myself for this huge challenge - NOT! Only 3 training runs in the last 8 weeks (only 1 over 5km), 4 weeks of sickness (lost over a stone in weight) and S&D right up until a few hours before the run and not even able to keep breakfast down! But I was not feeling as ill as Jeannette was, read on to find out more.

It was a great day for the club and more podium finishes. Sandy led the men home and once again had an outstanding run taking over 12 mins of last years time. He was the first Super Vet home and was again on the winner's podium at prize giving and now was not complaining at recently seeing in his 50th birthday! Alan was hard on his heels but lost valuable time in transition and Steve died at the end of the run and was only averaging 15 mins per mile.

The girls were as resilient as ever and brought home by this year's in-form runner Emma Sinclair followed by team mate Fiona Johnson. Lisa Lawson was as positive and lively as ever coming in with a huge smile and declaring that she had such fun and really enjoyed it and looked like she had just been to the shops on her bike! Wonder Woman Val Machin continues to impress and broke the course record in her class, was Ladies Vintage Champion and won the 'Sandy Caird Cup' for outstanding achievement, how does she do it. Man of the match goes to Jeannette Meldrum who despite days of S&D, feinting at the summit and being brought around by mountain rescue with a cup of tea inside the summit shelter was told by officials that she had to retire. But Jeannette ignored them to show the 'never say die' attitude and continued the race determined to cross the finish line which she did triumphantly.

Val and Dave, as ever made this a family affair and their son-in-law Hamsin Hadziabdic joined forces with Alan and Steve and had a fantastic run in a combined time of 4:17:37 and Caz Hall won 1st Ladies Vet in a time of 4:15 dead just a few seconds behind Alan! Daughter Polly finished in 5:33:16.

Injured Dave Machin had an absolutely outstanding result in the event's walk/cycle category where he beat in scores of runners on the 17 mile leg of the challenge.

Special thanks to Melissa for marshalling and cheering all the team home at the top of the final 'mountain' known locally as the Kincraig Brae! Also thanks to Cath and Mairi for cheering us in over the finish line and supporting the CRs. It was great to see CR Brenda Paul with 5 week old daughter Maisy at the finish line and hope to see her back running soon.

A final well done collectively to Cairngorm Runners for winning the 'Kincraig Shield' for outstanding achievement from a local club.

Run/Cycle Results:

Name	Posn	Run Time	Cycle Time	Comb Time	Local Placing	Awards
Sandy Grigor	25th	2:37:57	1:30:10	4:08:07	5th	1st Super Vet
Alan Riach	32nd	2:38:13	1:36:38	4:14:51	6th
Steve Wall	60th	2:57:47	1:32:21	4:30:08	12th
Emma Sinclair	108th	3:15:36	1:38:10	4:53:46	16th
Fiona Johnson	127th	3:23:03	1:39:29	5:02:32	20th
Lisa Lawson	162nd	3:41:02	1:47:20	5:28:22	23rd
Val Machin	196th	4:04:21	1:46:59	5:51:20	26th	Vintage Champion and New Course Record for her Class
Jeannette Meldrum	217th	4:34:51	2:07:18	6:42:09	31st

Walk/Cycle Results:

Name	Posn	Walk Time	Cycle Time	Comb Time	Local Placing	Awards
Dave Machin	8th	4:21:23	1:44:47	6:06:10	29th

Club 5K Time Trial - 30 June 2010

Well done all those that took part in the 2nd Club Time Trial. It is very evident from the results of those that have taken part in both events that the Club training is working and that you are all putting in 100% effort as everyone has improved and some by a huge margin. Results are as follows:

Name	21 Apr 10	30 Jun 10
Iain Robertson	21:42	N/A
Peter Hague	21:50	N/A
Dave Henderson	21:55	20:40	Improvement
Mike Dearman	22:40	N/A
Thom Alexander	23:57	23.48	Improvement
Tracy Willies	24:18	N/A
Emma Sinclair	25:21	N/A
Ann MacKintosh	25:30	24.36	Improvement
Nigel Rollason	25:54	N/A
Elspeth Grant	26:05	24:42	Improvement
Annie Fraser	26:25	25.52	Improvement
Scott Fraser	26:28	N/A
Duncan Ferguson	26:35	N/A
Lisa Lawson	26:45	N/A
Ally Lay	26:59	N/A
Fiona Johnson	27:15	N/A
Julia Jones	27:16	N/A
Nicki Diggins	27:18	26:58	Improvement
Daniel Centre	27:25	N/A
Anna Boardman	27:32	N/A
Linda Powell	28:10	N/A
Elaine Barton	28:32	N/A
Dave Machin	28:55	27:39	Improvement
Jeanette Meldrum	29:21	N/A
Andy Norrie	29:29	27:08	Improvement
Linzi Seinwright	29:55	N/A
Val Machin	30:23	N/A
Julie Spittle	30:36	29:05	Improvement
Claire McKinlay	31:28	26:56	Huge Improvement
Louise Drummond	37:07	29:16	Massive improvement
Mickey McGarvey	38:36	N/A
Lorraine Duncan	38:42	N/A
Michelle Song	38:45	N/A
Ros Smith	39:35	N/A
Kirsty Hughes	39:50	N/A
Tim Rust	N/A	22:41	Unofficial 1st time 23:57
Frances Bain	N/A	24:07
Charlotte Kissack	N/A	26:43
Gerda Mallin	N/A	26:59
Jacqui Dick	N/A	29:16
Liz Miller	N/A	29:30
Ailsa Armstrong	N/A	31:12
Grace Sermani	N/A	31:12
Mairi MacDonald	N/A	32:04
Mairi Candlish	N/A	32:25

Liverpool Triathlon - 27th June 2010

by Val Machin & Cath Harris

Taking part in a big city Triathlon had been on my “wish list” for sometime and Liverpool seemed the ideal venue, being close to where I am from which meant I could combine it with a visit to family and it slotted in nicely with my annual jaunt to Wimbledon..

As Val has already posted a run report for this event so I will keep it short. Hated the swim, getting out of the water was a relief, cycle was good apart from losing my gears on the last lap so lost a few minutes there, although very nice marshal on a motorbike stopped to help me and got me going again. My run time was awful but the heat did was a big factor and, let’s face it, I was pretty knackered by this time!!

My aim was to complete this event which I did in one piece so I cannot be too hard on myself. Would I do it again, you bet! despite the murky waters and searing heat, roll on 26th June 2011!!

Cath

Midsummer weekend saw Dave and I join family, friends and former colleagues for a camping jolly with a difference. The annual Colworth Challenge takes place at Unilever’s research site in rural Bedfordshire and consists of a classic 5mile race on Friday evening, an 8.1 mile out and back cross- country gallop on Saturday and a half-marathon plod on Sunday- all 3 events being off- road on ankle turning farm terrain. So it’s all about mental survival i.e. having the willpower to order mineral water in the pub each evening!

The next few days were spent touring Devon and mid- Wales – “tidying up” our tick list of 2000+ft hills before heading to Merseyside for the Liverpool Triathlon.

Dave had wisely decided to act as coach/minder/photographer for this one, though experienced triathletes daughter Polly and son-in-law Hamsin were competing and generally looking after me as the novice. We were joined by another novice- Cairngorm Runners’ Cath “up for anything” Harris who thought she’d just fit this in, before spending a few days at Wimbledon!

When I first asked for advice from CR triathlon guru Alan Riach , he said “don’t be afraid of the swim”; well, sorry Alan, I was shaking in my wetsuit (if That’s possible in such a tight-fitting garment) as I peered myopically into the King’s dock on Sunday morning- cold, salty, full of jelly-fish and unidentifiable slime, and 150 other swimmers whose only mission in life was to drown me.....Dave timed my swim at 38 minutes –faster than I’d ever swum in the pool- but it could have been 3 hours for all I knew.

I’d like to say that my transition to the bike stage was slick, fast and elegant but how do you get out of a wetsuit without swearing? However the four laps of the bike stage (40k) went well and again I was faster than all my training spins on Scottish hills. All was going so much better than expected......

Anyone who has leapt off a bike and started to run will know what lead jelly legs feel like; usually it wears off after a while as you get into that familiar rhythm, but mine lasted for a very slow 10k. I could have been shuffling through the Sahara instead of past all the city centre landmarks with the locals cheering loudly every step of the way. Only in Liverpool could you be greeted as queen, mate, and sweetheart all at the same time.
At last, the finish, uphill of course, to be greeted with a medal and a hug from family and friends. I’d set myself a target of 4 hours and performed much better, so well pleased despite the disastrous run.......

Would I do another triathlon? - you bet I would! but first the small matter of the Corrieyarick Challenge........!

Val

Ed's note: Very well done to both Cath and Val for taking part in this race - great to see CR's flying the flag for our club around the Country!

Sprint triathlon: 750m swim/20km bike/5km run

Cath Harris

2:05:57

Olympic triathlon: 1500m swim/40km bike/10km run

Val Machin

3:36:19

Follow the Herring 10km - 27 June 2010

by Annie Fraser

This race is part of the Portsoy Traditional Boat Festival and your entry fee covers the cost of a ticket to the festival as well. I have wanted to do this race for many years and was delighted to have the opportunity. 159 runners set off in the heat from the Recreation Park heading west towards Sandend Bay. Then we turned inland to climb the well advertised long, but easy Durnhill. I'm not sure about the easy and there certainly was one or two more surprises of undulating road! However, it was worth it all for the downhills and picture perfect views. We passed through some farms and the offer of a cool down by a watering hose was much appreciated before re-entering Portsoy. The final 1k was a lovely fast descent down the old railway track to finish at the Shore Inn and join all the festivities of the Boat Festival. We set off in the heat and it was even hotter by the finish. Age is no barrier for running and it's interesting that in this race the Supervets (Over 50's) came out as the winners as they had overall the fastest average time of 50:37 and the winner who completed it in 34:48.

Ed’s note: well done Annie and a very respectable season’s best for you – did you catch the herring?!!

82nd

Annie Fraser

51:07SB

Eagle Crag hill race, 9km - 26th June 2010

By Peter Hague

Anyone thinking of giving this hill/fell running lark a go would be advised not to pick this one as a taster! You need only look at the distance and then the average times to get an appraisal of the route i.e. if I can run a 10k in 40 minutes (4 mins for every km, not exactly A level math’s) and this one took me 1:26:07, then maybe alarm bells should be ringing? A few things I’ll remember about this wee beast of a run, My friends and I arrived in two top of the range white Mercedes (not usually the mode of transport of hill runners) I got out and asked if anyone wanted to buy any drugs and just got disapproving looks! There are two savage hills, particularly the last one, torture going up, even worse going down. It was so steep my legs negotiated a direct line to my brain and insisted a quarter of the way down…… ‘Sit down right now, admire the view, look at a bit of flora and sauntered the remainder or we are literally going to explode’. There was also hundreds of flies buzzing around your head going up the second hill; I spent more energy fighting them off than running, wretched things. The route takes you through a forest and the west highland way, several foreign tourists made that sound they make on ski races and it actually spurs you on. To the ribbing of friends (and this will surprise you!) I was having a wee battle with a runner who knows me and I was snapping at his heels as we reached the forestry track, a hundred metres down the track and having to climb through brush and seeing no other runners I questioned if we were going the right way, we persevered, climbing over more trees before I retraced my tracks. He had missed a luminous orange arrow directing runners down a side track; I won’t embarrass him by naming and shaming him….BRIAN! The final thing was the concerted attack of the midges at the finish; they did a pincer movement and attacked from the rear, gawd I hate them! A good tough little run, any takers for next year…..don’t follow Brian though.

18th

Peter Hague

1:26:07

Glen Banchor Canter - 23rd June 2010

By Tim Rust

It was a "just under 6miles" run in place of a Wednesday night training session on a lovely dreich summer evening, and there was a very good percentage representation of the Cairngorm Runners.

The race took us from Waltzing Waters, up the steady climb that begins at the church and up a steady, sore climb which finally opened out onto a beautiful view at the start of Glen Banchor. The route was undulating along tarmac which eventually gave way to a Land Rover track. A brief run through the field after the water stop brought us back onto the track to begin the push home. I began to pull away from Thom at this point, even though by his own admission, he 'loves hills'. The drizzle had begun again and was refreshing, but the presence of cows in the road made for a worrying challenge - I passed safely, but did fear for Ann Mackintosh's saftety, in her red t-shirt! The 'sore climb' from the beginnning of the race, was now a fast descent and I was waiting for Thom and his sprint finish to pip me at the post... thankfully it never came!

Cairngorm Runners came in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th AND 5th - OK so there were only 6 runners in total, but it still stands that we had 1st male (Tim Rust) and 1st female (Ann Mackintosh) home with a full podium of CRs.

It was back through the drizzle to the Braeriach Hotel for prize giving in which Ann and myself were awarded our winners cakes - see the photos in the gallery for an idea of just how lovely these were! I can assure you victory was sweet!

A lovely run that was very picturesque and will certainly do it again.

Ed's Note: Very well done to both Tim and Ann for their 1sts!! excellent!!

1st	Tim Rust	43:21
2nd	Tom Alexander	44:03
3rd	Ann Mackintosh	46:31
4th	Claire McKinlay	52:24
5th	Julie Spittle	52:37

Red Moss revolution hill race, 9km - 23rd June 2010

By Peter Hague

My worse, worse race of the year with a mystery illness affecting my running over the past months. much slower than last year says it all really!

Ed’s note: however Peter was in fine form three days later for the Eagle Crag race – is there no stopping him?!

69th

Peter Hague

47:28

Glen Moray 10km and 10 Miler – 20 June 2010

By Dave Henderson

Sandy Grigor took 3rd place V50 and 15th overall at last weeks Glen Moray 10K on a tough undulating course. In the 10 mile event Dave Henderson was 24th in the event that included the Northern Championships.

Ed’s note: This rather modest race report belies the fantastic results for both Sandy and Dave at these races – well done guys and big respect - Melissa

10km

3rd (over 50)

Sandy Grigor

42:16

10 miler

24th

Dave Henderson

65:54

Creag Bheag Hill Race - 19 June 2010

By Douglas Wilson

Hill races are great when they’re over, but when you’re lining up at the start they can be a bit scary. I turned up for the Creag Bheag Hill Race in Kingussie last Saturday and asked the organiser, Stuart Malcolm, how many people had entered? He said ten. Actually there were twelve in the end, but even so it was obvious to me that I might easily come last!
Looking around at the other runners didn’t reassure me – there were no generously proportioned people in this race. But in the end I have to admit that I enjoyed it. This was a nice, friendly event with things to do and eat when you got back. It was sunny but not too warm – perfect for running. The race is of course knackering, but if you can get over that it’s fun, and very scenic.
Congratulations to the Irvine family, who took three out of the first five places! Fellow Cairngorm Runner Sandy Grigor ran very fast but took a wrong turn near the end – another hazard of hill races. Not that I saw what happened, as he was well ahead of me!!

	Sandy Grigor
	Douglas Wilson

Ben Aigan 7km hill race - 16 June 2010

By Peter Hague

It was fantastic to see that 5 Cairngorm runners made this race and good to see people from the club on these friendly races. An unusual start in as much as it was 3 miles from the registration, some jogged to the start due to restrictions on parking, I’m so glad we drove as I was whacked at the end of the race and the thought of running an extra 3 miles was as appealing as watching a bunch of under achieving, prima donnas masquerading as the England football team at the word cup, just why have they no passion?

Anyway, rant over, on the way to the start my keen sense of hearing picked up the sound of vuvuzelas and uncontained excitement as the local midge population eagerly awaited our arrival! I’m one of the unlucky ones where midges will fly around everyone else to get to me. As I explained to my friend, the females (for its only the females that bite- bloody women!) want to do the best for their future offspring and therefore faced with a meal of tripe, pork pie or the choicest cut of fillet steak, well they pick the steak don’t they!! People who know me know I’m not the best at warming up so I got some quizzical looks as I zoomed around, no I wasn’t being keen I was just trying, unsuccessfully, to keep the little b****** at bay, at least it gave me an excuse if I didn’t run well……loss of blood!

It was a nice fast route; runnable all the way with a narrow, soggy descent. Mike and Iain set off like rockets and were with the lead group up the forestry track, I sighed and thought it was the last I’d see of them. Emma, Andy and I set off at a more sedate pace. I resolved I’d run the race the whole way and as a result slowly started catching other competitors on the hill. Iain maybe set off too fast and I caught him midway up the hill; Mike was looking strong (with his long legs) 100m ahead. A fine misty rain cooled us towards the summit then it was a good mushy descent. I had a good descent and soon had Mike in my sights; a couple of trees had fallen across the track and had to be vaulted. I had a good battle with another runner and was able to pass him with difficulty on the narrow path and eventually passed Mike near the bottom of the hill. There’s a flattish section prior to the finish and Mike easily passed me on this (well done Mike but don’t make a habit of it!). Lots of food and drink to feast on at the finish while the midges feasted on us. Well done the CRs, lots of potential stars. Emma said she found it hard but loved the downhill section, brill, especially since she had road running shoes on, get some fell running shoes and see what a difference they make! Myself, Mike and Iain had a pretty fast (yes we raced each other!) run on the Monday training session, I’m sure if we take it easier before a race we’ll all be fresher.

NB: Gosh, you know you are getting old when on the return journey I thought my friend’s wheel bearing was making a funny noise and his drive shaft needed replacing when he informed me it was his latest dance CD!!!

Ed’s note: fantastic guys! great to see more of our members taking part in hill races and helping to keep Peter out of trouble!

13th	Mike Devlin	37:57
15th	Peter Hague	38:19
22nd	Ian R	43:21
27th	Emma Sinclair	45:13
32nd	Andy N	52:38

Skye Half Marathon- 12 June 2010

By Sandy Grigor

The Skye Half Marathon is fairly hilly as some of the Cairngorm runners will remember from last year, fortunately my memory is not as good as some! and I had forgotten how hilly the first four miles were. This year there was a strong head wind added in as well, which made for a slow first half to this run. As we turned back at the seven mile mark towards Portree the wind was now at our tail and the sun was beating down, with another climb around ten miles then downhill to Portree and the finish line at the High School where all the runners could use the amenities afterwards and I made full use of the swimming pool to loosen off tired muscles as this was my third half marathon in three weeks (part of the HEB challenge ) before tucking into soup and sandwiches before heading home.

41st

Sandy Grigor

1:32.11

Cort-ma Law 10k Hill Race – 9 June 2010

By Peter Hague

Basically, look at my race report for the Whangie Whizz in April, change the name to this one, and there you have it in a nutshell!!! My worst race of the year and I seemed to be regressing backwards in my performances Not too sure why I’m slowing up, to rub salt into the wound, I told my mate I was going to have a storming run and felt fully fit (perhaps I should go back to having a few pints the night before each race!)

Well, as sluggish as a slug on this one. One funny moment on the race – not for me I hasten to add, was when I was running over some boggy ground having a mini battle with another runner with a group of four behind us when we both went waist deep into a sphagnum bog – splat! The others saw this and merrily skirted around us. If anyone has a hyper child they want to calm down dip them in such a bog, it essentially drains you of all the energy you have. Right, I’m off to study my running log to see where I’m going wrong and to relegate myself to the beginners group on the training runs.

Result to follow

Excuse number (I’ve lost count)………. I had a jelly bean 10 minutes before the race that obviously affected my performance.

Hilton Coylumbridge Miles4Fun - 6 June 2010

Reported by Melissa Wall

23 runners (including 13 Cairngorm Runners) took part in the Miles4Fun Challenge which this year was in aid of Mountain Rescue. Mike Devlin brought along a MR vehicle (which made for an unnerving start) and represented our local MR team. Our very own and very lovely Cath Harris organised the event as a ‘just over’ 5km race (5.7km to be exact). It was a bit of a typically Scottish dreich day but was brightened up by some giant teddy bear thingies leading the warm up.

Cath chose a nice wee route from the cycle path, up Inverdruie and around the Lily Lochan, so it had a couple of short hills which I welcomed as it allowed me to overtake a couple of folk who were perhaps less hill familiar – yesss! I thought ‘take that and eat my dust you guys’ You know those moments you have when you pretend you’re Paula or Uisan or someone leaving all the others behind! Didn’t last long though as Mark Allan’s wee boy Connor overtook me from nowhere! Youth…pah!

The day had a lovely family feel to it and it was lovely to be cheered on by so many Cairngorm Runners who were marshalling (and cheering us all on with a welcome smile) – so thank you to them. At the finish line we were given towels to dry off and cups of lovely tea and coffee (now you don’t often get that at races! – so thank you to staff at the Hilton Coylumbridge). There was also a smashing BBQ and salad bar laid on at the end all included in the £5 entry fee. So next year I hope we see many more CRs attend this one – it really is for a worth while cause and was a lovely day out well organised by Cath.

Results:

1st	Iain Robertson	23:43	Overall Winner and a great run
2nd	Steve Wall	25:05
4th	Annie Fraser	28:43	1st lady home for 2nd year in a row
5th	Scott Fraser	28:47	Getting closer to his wife by the race!
=7th	Claire McKinlay	30:41
=7th	Grace Hurst	30:41
=7th	Jacqui Dick	30:41
10th	Melissa Wall	31:51
11th	Conor Allan	32:05	1st Junior (Our Mark Allan's boy)
14th	Ailsa Armstrong	36:51
16th	Jane Scarre	37:19
17th	Jenny Devlin	38:05	Who ran in jeans and walking shoes!!!
18th	Mari McDonald	39:09
19th	Kirsty Hughes	39:15
22nd	Brooke Allan	59:20	(Our Mark Allan's wee daughter)

Grantown 10km - 06 June 2010

By Alan Riach

It is always good to run the odd 10km race that is mainly on trails instead of road. Anagach woods certainly does not disappoint by its winding paths through the local woods.

The total number racing this year was less than previous years but despite a busy weekend 6 Cairngorm Runners competed. The pace of the lead runners was incredible and this year the winner from Holland clocked a very creditable time just over 35mins. I managed to run a minute quicker than last season which was pleasing as that was my first 10km of the season. Dave Henderson ran very well again and clocked just over 40mins.

Our girls continue to impress this year but the winner Louise Cartmell broke the ladies course record in a time just over 42mins. All our girls ran well with special mention to Fiona Johnston who clocked a pb well done to her. Anne Henderson was first lady over 50 again well done. Emma Sinclair was third lady home and continues her consistent form.It was good to see Elspeth Grant racing again after spending most of the 2nd half of last year recovering from injury.

All in all nice little race so those who have not done it make it a date next year.

Alan Riach	37:57
Dave Henderson
Emma Sinclair		3rd Female
Fiona Johnson		PB
Elspeth Grant
Ann Henderson		1st in her class

Benbecula Half Marathon - 05 June 2010

By Sandy Grigor

This was the 2nd in the Hebridian 3 Race Challenge [the idea is to try and complete 3 from 5 island half marathons].

The weather on Benbecula was stunning as I made my way to register at the Linicate Community School which was race headquarters but not ideal for running however it could quite easily have been blowing a hooly .

A field of 90 of us set off at 11am on the undulating course. At just over 8 miles you could see the Linicate Centre where the route took a sharp left turn away from Linicate and on a 3 mile loop. This loop started with a slight but very long hill. At 11.5 miles we rejoined the main road where I decide to take a left turn just as well the lady at the water station spotted me and shouted to me to turn right back on the right road! It was now getting hot and I began to wilt but no time to slacken off so on I trudge the last two miles. These were hard but then the holy grail (we all know as the finish line) suddenly appeared, a quick look at my watch told me I was just under 1hr 30 mins for the first time in ages.

Althouth Benbecula is relatively flat, the course itself was undulating and very well organised including collection to/from the ferry. The race had plenty of water stations and fantastic marshalls. After the race we had the use of the swimming pool before tucking into another Westen Isles banquet. Another great event .

11th

Sandy Grigor

1:29.56

Loch Lochy Munros 22km - 05 June 2010

By Peter Hague

I must confess there’s easier ways of bagging a couple of Munros! Anyone spending a fortune on fake tans or sun beds, forget it, check the forecast and if clear skies, run this route, I literally frazzled and now look as though I’ve been on an expensive Caribbean holiday. I had a dreadful start and felt terrible for the first couple of kilometres then an annoyingly tedious tune got into my head……whether a premonition or mind over matter, it transpired to come true (the labour party song from years ago- things can only get better). I did start feeling better and slowly worked my way through the field. Once the first Munro was reached I began picking people off going up the hill and even had time for some botanising (moss campion was seen for those interested?)

They say you can cook an egg on rocks in Death Valley, well you could have roasted a fully grown ox on my back going up this lump of a mountain, the heat was relentless but, thankfully, a delicious breeze was to be had higher up. Once on top the views were amazing but you really don’t have time to fully appreciate them as you descent immediately to head up another hill, then another and yet another. The descent off the final hill is quite rough and I turned my ankle a couple of times before reaching a forestry track, but not before quenching my thirst in a mountain stream (ah, manna from heaven). I’m not fully acclimatised to running these distances at the moment and several runners overtook me on the final 4 km to the finish. I went to congratulate a fella who I had a bit of a tussle with out on the hill, he smiled, held his hand up to his mouth then vomited into the grass, I knew exactly how he felt, I felt like a bag of pooh and began to wonder if running up mountains is good for you (the answer is definitely YES, but you have to give it a day or two!!!)

Although I’m not built for the longer runs (i.e. I weigh more than 7 stone) I thoroughly enjoy the sense of achievement, the adrenalin of tanking down hillsides and the stunning scenery you encounter. Most of the people doing the races are salt of the earth types….although it must be said most are as mad as fish (it must be the lack of oxygen at higher altitudes?) however I had mixed emotions when I saw fellow Cairngorm Runner storm past me at the finish, well done Mike Dearman.....

24th	Mike Dearman	3:09.19
26th	Peter Hague	3:10.01

Blencathra Hill Race 7 miles - 02 June 2010

By Peter Hague

What a race, I was on top form and couldn’t have run it any better. I felt good and although there were lots of super fit runners of all ages there I had a feeling that this was going to be one of those races where it all comes together. Although I was at the back at the start I quickly and expertly worked my way through the field, running like the wind. Nearing the first hill I still had lots more in the tank and could see a group of 10 just ahead of me. It took a bit of an effort to catch these but the undulating ground seemed to whiz by and I soon passed them, one commenting, ‘looking good fella’. Another group was soon in sight and I saw one or two looking nervously back, shoot, I was feeling like a gazelle today and suddenly all those dark, lonely night runs thigh deep in snow and freezing my crackers off when I knew everyone else was in the Bridge Inn drinking red wine next to the fire, well, it was all making sense now. I soon dispatched this group and now for the leaders. Coming off the summit of Blencathra I resolved that I would do every thing possible to catch them but I only had a mile in which to do it. The finish was at the bottom of an extremely steep rocky hill, as I came to one of the outcrops of rocks I launched myself as hard as I could and I floated effortlessly over the top of all the runners and landed on the finish line. Yip, a sodding, bloody dream!!!! # Mental note number 2118….. Never, ever, ever have a power nap just before a race, talk about deflated, I had a quick look to see if there was a small yappy dog I could volley over someone’s shed.

The actual race was the total opposite to the dream; I had a shocker, no energy, no stamina and no speed, running more like a gerbil than a gazelle. The only excuse I can conjure up (although a valid one me thinks?) is that I attended my first traditional Scottish wedding at the weekend and my legs rebelled against me for cross dressing and wearing a dead rodent on the front of my skirt, nothing to do with the copious amounts of food, champagne and fine wines.

75th

Peter Hague

1:26:39

Previous Race Reports

Reports from just some of the events that Cairngorm Runners have participated in can be found on the following pages:

Spring 2010 - March to May 2010
Winter 2009/2010 - December 2009 to February 2010
Autumn 2009 - September to November 2009
Summer 2009 - June to August 2009
Early 2009 - January to May 2009
2008 reports

Can you contribute your story from a race?

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