Race Reports - September to November 2009
Santa Fun Run, Sunday 29 November 2009
Reported by Lisa Lawson
There was another great turn out of Cairngorm Runners at this fun event with 14 of our runners sporting their Santa outfits for the 3rd Annual Santa Run in Inverness.
The event started outside the Inverness leisure centre with a fantastic warm up to our favourite seasonal tunes. It was a very cold, but dry and bright day, so ideal running conditions, or it would have been if we weren't all wearing santa suits!!
As usual it was one size fits no one !!! So most of us were running trying to hold our trousers up !! All our guys had good and fast runs, although we found out that it was actualy under 5 k, so a little disappointing. I did think it all went very quickly!!
Man of the match goes to Rachel Kerr for taking part in her 1st ever race and running all the way. Well done Rachel!! . We had 14 willing Santas this year, so stick it in your 2010 diary and lets try and double it next year!! HO HO HO!!
The International Running Challenge, Lanzarote, November 2009
(10k road race, 13k Volcano Ridge Run, 5k Beach run, 21k Vuelta de Tinajo half-marathon)
Reported by Val Machin
Bienvenida a Las Islas de Canarias.....
Day 1
9.30a.m Sunday and the national flags are flying in the Athletics stadium at Club La Santa- Lanzarote’s top sports resort. Over 300 runners from all over Europe are gathered to celebrate the 21st International Running Challenge. The first race is a classic 10k on the quiet roads near Club La Santa with the ocean just metres away. Running here has some extra demands- the heat of course, then it’s usually windy, and as it’s a volcanic island, lots of hills. It’s particularly hot this year (am I making you jealous?) so times are even more modest for us than usual, but we make it safely through with no mishaps.Perhaps a few laps of the pool now and then on to........
Day 2
Definitely my favourite of the 4 races. A long climb from sea level up to “our” volcano- additional hazard being the local herd of goats who know nothing of race etiquette! A breezy run along the ridge and then an exhilarating descent down to sandy tracks and back to the stadium, where there are plenty of fellow competitors encouraging us over the finish line- many of them old friends and familiar faces from previous years.
Day 3
Starts very early with a bus ride across the island to the resort of Puerto del Carmen .
Everyone’s least favourite event- so what’s not to like about a 5k beach run? Sounds idyllic from where you’re sitting? But, the black sand is so soft that “progress” is minimal unless you’ve got 2 metre legs and feet like a camel’s. I stagger and shuffle round the 2 lap course but manage to finish two minutes faster than last year- but oh! The ache in the quads! Perhaps, just a lounge by the pool in the still hot sunshine this afternoon.
Day 4
Dawns even hotter and windier - hope they’ve got plenty of water at the aid stations for today’s half-marathon. Again the day starts with a bus ride up to the village church of Mancha Blanca , where the lava stopped after the last eruption of the island’s “Fire Mountains.” The route takes us around the local volcano, then down through the hill town of Tinajo, and onto minor roads and dirt tracks to the final last lap of the CLS track.
Things go well for me up to kilometre 15 when the 30⁰C temperature melts my legs and my resolve.The final 6k was only about survival and I walked far more than I should have done. I finally shuffled into the stadium after 2hours and 14 minutes – possibly a PW- but delighted to do so.
We’d done it- our 5th International Running Challenge; there must be a beer waiting somewhere. Dave ran well all week and was pleased to finish 3rd in his very competitive age group. I managed to hold off my only rival so got to “podium” with some international superstars at the evening presentation ( I wore my CR sweatshirt of course). As well as a trophy, I won vouchers for the Club La Santa sports shop. But where will I find the time for serious retail therapy when there’s kayaking, snorkelling, windsurfing, cycling, swimming, aerobics, dance- sunbathing, eating, drinking?
Plus our old running club , Sunlight Runners from Merseyside have arrived ....
CRs here next year?
Hasta luego!
For full results and to see what else you’re missing go to www.clublasanta.com/events
Druim Fada Chase, Sunday 15 November 2009
Reported by Peter Hague
Thought I’d get this 10k in before flying off to India the next day (also my 20th race of the year-which was my target).
Started slowly, as I usually do, and steadily overtook quite a number of people going up the hill, as I overtook one girl she looked astonished and said, ‘bloody well done’ bemused, I looked back and said ‘well, bloody thank you’ and left her behind. A track is soon reached and a downward traverse of the hill follows. I was happily tanking along when the said girl absolutely flew past me, I thought ‘bloody, bloody hell’ and went chasing after her. A fantastic race ensued and we swopped leads at least 8 times. Nearing the finish, over some swampy ground, I ended up in knee deep in a bog and, alas, she sped off and finished just ahead of me. A friend of mine did the race and wasn’t paying attention (apparently looking for another friend of ours just ahead) and ended up falling down a cattle grid and fracturing her knee –ouch!
A date for your diaries: New Year’s Day uphill race at Fort William. I can provide transport and onboard entertainment = Classic FM, Talksport, or my one and only CD…..Right Said Fred! If you are daft enough you can join me for my traditional New Years day swim, incidentally, last year on the same day I thought it would be fun to jump 15ft into a mountain pool…….I don’t think I’ll be doing that again in a hurry.
PS: I don’t expect any takers for the New Year’s race…..possibly due to the CD!!!
Meall a’Bhuachaille Hill Race, Saturday 31 October 2009
6.1 miles & 2100ft
Reported by Brenda Paul
It was a lovely morning & deciding what to wear is always my dilemma, will it be the leggings or the shorts, the long sleeve top or the vest. It did brighten up towards the start so I thought the shorts & vest would be fine, with my waterproof jacket, trousers, hat, gloves, map & compass in my bum bag.
After a late start we all headed away from Badaguish down the track for ¼ mile until we headed up the first hill, Creagan Gorm and all you could see was single file of runners heading up the hill some were even coming of Meall a’Bhuachaille when we were still heading down to the Coll to get back on the track before the last climb up the hill. It was a great atmosphere, runners going in all directions. Just after leaving the summit the heavens opened and we got a soaking, and all I kept on thinking was my shoulder and not to slip on the path all the way back down the track,
Got down to the Youth hostel and then there was 2 miles back to the finish, which felt like 5 miles, the rain had stopped and then the sun came out.
It was good to be back running again and really enjoyed the event, and was worth it to collect my mug that I was aiming for this year.
219 people finished the hill race with the following Cairngorm Runners completing.
| Peter Hague | 1.07.20 | 69th position |
| Amy Gibson | 1.17.54 | 148th position |
| Tracey Willies | 1.25.00 | 181th position |
| Brenda Paul | 1.35.02 | 207th position |
| Fiona Johnson | 1.36.11 | 210th position |
| Nigel Rollason | 1.36.45 | 212th position |
| Val Machin | 1.51.35 | 219th position |
Val Machin adds....
....And the final word goes to our Val as she reaches the last summit and contemplates her descent.
All downhill from now on? When is it ever? I took a stupid line down hill, anxious to get shelter as soon as possible which cost me precious minutes as I battled with the vegetation, but what a relief to reach the path down to Glenmore- just a small matter of climbing back up to Badaguish..... How nice to see Peter who’d run back to support me in; and how nice to see all my clubmates cheering me in- they’d been waiting for such a long time... if only I’d stuck to the sensible path I’d have come last-but-one instead of last!
Congrats to all who ran, man of the match goes to Peter who ran an incredible 1hr 7 minutes, which put him well up the leader board; Amazing Amy continues her winning ways- first CR lady in. Full results on www.shr.com Also very wet pictures on www.action-heroes.co.uk site.
Special congratulations to those taking part in their first hill race and possibly ticking their first Corbett – only 219 to go....
24th Venice Marathon,
Sunday 25 October 2009
Reported by Lisa Lawson
Jeannette Meldrum and myself, Lisa Lawson set off for the start of the marathon by leaving our Hotel near Piazza San Marco as dawn was breaking! We boarded the vaporetto (waterbus) to take us across the lagoon to Tronchetto where we would meet the coaches to take us to Stra, the start of the race! Both Jeannette and I were very excited by our ‘Sunday run’ – something we’d been talking about for very many months!
Arriving about an hour later we were dropped off outside an 18th Century Nobleman’s Venetian villa in the Italian country! It was very cold!! Jeannette excited about seeing a –Tea ‘tent trotted off to get her first cup of the morning, took a big gulp - only to find it tasted like a fruit/herbal concoction – not happy! (Jeannette was later to reveal that this day was the first day she could recall that she’d ever managed without a cup of tea!!!)
Being freezing cold I suggested we go and investigate the marquees that had been erected in the hope of finding some warmth! We found a huge tent where hundreds of people (mostly Italian men!) were in varying degrees of undress!! However, not being shy we wandered in, found a seat on the benches and decided if nothing else the heat emanating from all these bodies would keep the cold at bay! The sights were certainly something to behold – and let’s just say that male runners are not a shy bunch!!!!!
We did, eventually wander down to the start line after dropping off our bags at 1 of the 10 articulated lorries, specially bought in to transport runners possessions back to the start line!
Jeannette and I placed ourselves in the purple pen with a vague perception of finishing around the 4.30 – 5.00hrs mark. We chatted to different people from around the world about their marathon experiences!
Eventually at about 9.30am we got underway! The sun was out by now and we began to warm up! The first 24km of the race were run along the Brenta River and through lots of small Italian villages. We were amazed by how many locals came out to watch us marathoners pass by! There was lots of encouragement (Arriva die) Die???? I kept saying to Jeannette that that sentiment probably wouldn’t be too far off the mark as the race progressed! There were bands playing all along the route and it was a very happy atmosphere! Jeannette and I had a plan of taking it easy in the first half, so we found it very pleasant. However – both J & I have never encountered so much wee weeing!!! Everywhere you looked during the first 10 miles there were men urinating just about anywhere!!!! It was comical!!!
We jogged along with our first real goal to get to the half way mark by which time we would be on the outskirts of Mestre. We arrived here in around 2hr20, so were reasonably happy with that! We’d been in Mestre at the Giuliano stadium the day before so knew what we were looking for. There were water stations every 5km so really from the half way point it was a case of knocking off another 5km and getting to the next station. By now it was getting on for 12.30pm and the sun was really hotting up! Eventually arrived into the Giuliano stadium – by now there were lots of people walking and it was HOT!!
It was at this point that Jeannette and I ran our own races. You could see Venice a way off in the distance so I felt we were really making progress, I knew we still had a 4km Liberty Bridge to get across and I knew it was going to be tough! Once on the bridge you could see the end of it but a way off in the distance! It felt like you were standing on a conveyor belt running but not actually getting anywhere! It was a little mentally tough!! There was no shade, traffic passing you and hot sun beating down!
However, eventually across and a sign saying 35km – I knew the end was in sight – only 16 bridges to get across! Turning a corner you see Venice in the distance and the first of 16 bridges! The number of people spectating greatly increased but by now I only had one thing on my mind and that was to finish as quickly as possible. Legs still felt reasonably strong so just kept pounding on! Passing lots of guys walking is really inspiring!!!!! I started off running the bridges but by about bridge 8 I walked up and then ran down the other side and onto the next! It was special! The best bridge was a bridge across the Grand Canal that had been erected especially for the race! Past the Piazza San Marco, the Doges palace, nearly there!!!!
Eventually down to the last bridge and just a sprint to the finish line (it felt like a sprint to me anyway!!) – nearly to the end and I hear Kevin shout my name! A smile and a wave and then over the finish line!!! Yay!!!! I’d run my first ever marathon!!!! Absolutely brilliant!!!
My finishing time was 4.44.46 and I was delighted!! I could still stand and actually felt ok (surprisingly!)! Walking down steps back to the Hotel however proved a little trickier!! Jeannette came in not far behind and was delighted to have finished in a time of 4.58.19 A great day out in a fantastic atmosphere in a unique setting! Fantastic!! If you want to check out the race in more detail log in to www.venicemarathon.it.
Aviemore Half Marathon, 18 October 2009
Reported by Melissa Wall
For most of us the Aviemore Half is the last big race event of the Season and we certainly finished it with a bang!!
The day started extremely well with Cairngorm Runners leading the warm up at Badaguish and the vision of almost a thousand runners throwing some 1970s shapes along with Jog Scottie was a sight to behold. (Steve - you are no John Travolta!!). Thanks to Bruce Cranston for stepping in as 'Scotty' at the last minute.
Although the weather was a wee bit nippy the sun made it's appearance at the start line and lifted the mood of all the runners, however this was short lived as it made for an unexpectedly hot start to the race which saw many runners losing layers of clothing along the route. Most of us were grateful when the heavens opened around the 9/10 mile mark! It was lovely to see Julie MacAuley out on the route cheering us all on and taking some photos (hope you got lots of me Julie?!! Just delete all the ones I am not in!).
36 CRs took part in this race (the biggest attendance we've ever had at an event) which made for an incredibly unified race as we were taking part with friends that we'd all trained with at some point - and well it brought a tear to my eye I can tell you! Speaking of tears - can I just say how proud I am of Steve who went through his own mini hell yesterday (although he'd never admit it) - running in those boots and with 44 pounds on his back and still managed to coach myself and Marilyn around the route and even supported other runners around us - amazing! Okay - that's his affection quota done for 2009! Photos of his blisters on the photos page soon!
Back to the real stars! - Alan Riach and Sandy Grigor had blinding runs with Alan taking home prizes for 1st Local Man and Sandy for 3rd Local Man - get in! Our ladies didn't do too badly either and scored a hat trick with Amy Gibson taking home 1st Local Lady, Tracey Willies with 2nd Local Lady and Ann MacIntosh with 3rd Local lady - fantastic results! And it didn't just finish there - Cairngorm Runners had the 1st Men's Team home and 1st Ladies Team home.
As if this wasn't enough we also had 23 x PBs and 3 x SB!!! A special mention to all of those who were taking part in their first Half Marathon and to Michele Song who did extremely well under the guidance of Lisa - also to Tessa Smart who took an injury part way round the course and had to pull out - disappointing but very sensible and we all wish Tessa a speedy recovery. 'Man of the Match'? - well that goes to us all!!!
A big thank you must go to the unflappable Angela Orriss from Badaguish who organised this huge event and does so with a big smile on her face and also to all the Marshalls and others involved in making this beautiful and scenic race one of the best and most welcoming in the Country.
As Steve mentioned at the Awards Do the Club really has been going from strength to strength and it's all down to the incredible dedication of our runners and Jog Leaders and yesterday's race was the real pay off in a season of hard training - so very well done to everyone who took part!
Photos from this event are in the Photo Album.
Results:
Mens Team:
| 1st Local Man | Alan Riach | 1:26:25 | 40th |
| 3rd Local Man | Sandy Grigor | 1:31:47 | 70th |
Ladies Team:
| 1st Local Lady | Amy Gibson | 1:43:30 | 209th |
| 2nd Local Lady | Tracey Willies | 1:44:59 | 238th |
| 3d Local Lady | Ann MacIntosh | 1:46:27 | 275th |
Full Results, 993 runners completed the race:
| Natalie Aird | 2:21:38 | 901st | PB |
| Mark Allan | 1:33:47 | 83rd | PB |
| Frances Bain | 1:47:45 | 299th | PB |
| Anna Boardman | 1:58:53 | 593rd | PB |
| Avril Bruce | 2:06:31 | 741st | PB |
| Melanie Clouston | 2:07:51 | 758th | PB |
| Dawn Cranston | 2:01:04 | 636th | PB |
| Annie Fraser | 1:52:43 | 417th | SB |
| Amy Gibson | 1:43:30 | 209th | PB |
| Pauline Mitchell | 1:57:00 | 550th | |
| Fiona Grant | 2:02:20 | 660th | PB |
| Sandy Grigor | 1:31:47 | 70th | |
| Wendy Grigor | 2:11:40 | 815th | PB |
| Peter Hague | 1:35:14 | 98th | |
| Cath Harris | 2:26:27 | 930th | PB |
| Marilyn Hemingway | 2:12:33 | 829th | PB |
| Dave Henderson | 1:33:14 | 80th | |
| Ann Henderson | 2:09:52 | 796th | PB |
| Fiona Johnson | 1:55:35 | 497th | PB |
| Charlotte Kissack | 1:58:48 | 590th | PB |
| Lisa Lawson | 2:28:13 | 944th | |
| Mairi Macdonald | 2:25:35 | 923rd | PB |
| Dave Machin | 1:49:26 | 333rd | SB |
| Val Machin | 2:00:42 | 624th | SB |
| Ann MacIntosh | 1:46:27 | 275th | PB |
| Jessie MacIntosh | 2:03:32 | 685th | PB |
| Jeanette Meldrum | 2:01:31 | 649th | PB |
| Alan Riach | 1:26:25 | 40th | |
| Nigel Rollason | 1:44:53 | 235th | PB |
| Emma Sinclair | 1:51:21 | 379th | |
| Tessa Smart | DNF | ||
| Michele Song | 2:28:13 | 943rd | PB |
| Andrew Sunde | 2:27:38 | 941st | PB |
| Melissa Wall | 2:12:31 | 828th | PB |
| Steve Wall | 2:12:31 | 827th | |
| Tracey Willies | 1:44:59 | 238th | PB |
| Douglas Wilson | 1:35:59 | 112th | |
| Guests | |||
| Ann Davidson | 2:03:07 | 676th | |
| Katie Hanson | 2:03:41 | 688th | |
| Bob Aird | 2:21:39 | 902nd | |
| Kevin Machin | 2:00:33 | 621st |
Carrbridge Porridge Forest Runs, 11 October 2009
Reported by Ann McIntosh
It was a family affair for the Mackintosh crew with all of us running - Iain and I in the 5km (yes I did beat him!) Alan(14) and Ewan 17.50(7) in the 3km - not sure who won that particular battle and Calum(5) in the mini fun run. Jessie's daughter Mirren 19.59 (8) and Mark's son also ran in the 3km.
There was lots of fun in the slippy woods for the Runners who turned up, the times here are not official, it is just a Fun Run!
Congratulations to Sandy and Val for their wards particularly as along with Dave Machin they had completed the gruelling Cairngorm Charmer just 24 hours earlier!!!
Results:
| Sandy Grigor | 20:15 | 1st Male Vet and 4th place overall |
| Amy Gibson | 21:49 | |
| Ann Mackintosh | 22:41 | |
| Anna Boardman | 25:03 | |
| Jessie Mackntosh | 25:05 | |
| Dave Machin | 28:04 | |
| Tessa Smart | 29:00 | |
| Val Machin | 29:42 | 1st Female supervet |
| Kiki Malcolm | 36:40 | |
| Julia Lister | Result N/A | |
| Dave Henderson | Result N/A | |
| Ann Henderson | Result N/A |
Cairngorm Charmer, 10 October 2009
Reported by Val Machin
This was always going to be a little toughie. Now in its third year, the Charmer is a duathlon for relay teams of two- starting from the ski car park, a 4 mile run downhill following the Allt Mhor path and through Glenmore forest to the Hayfield, followed by a 4 mile mountain bike ride using the trails above and along Loch Morlich – and then the tough bit- a 4mile run back uphill to the start. Well, as Cairngorm Runners know, there aren’t any flat running routes locally...
The event has been dogged with spectacularly bad weather in previous years, but third time lucky- the sun was shining and there was no wind when we met up at Cairngorm Mountain. (Not often you get to say that at Coire Cas!) Three teams associated with Cairngorm Runners toughed it out- Sandy Grigor (of course!) and his partner Al Dargie (team Little and Large), Scott and Rory Fraser (Thunder and Lightning), and us - Dave and Val Machin (Tired and Emotional).
Dave was first to go for the Machin team (so that he wouldn’t seize up waiting for me!) while I drank coffee and admired the views across the route. Much sooner than expected the faster runners could be seen pushing back up the hill, amongst them Sandy who posted the 11th fastest time of the day and knocked a full five minutes off his previous time- a result he puts down to training sessions with Dave Henderson – aspiring speedsters take note.
Then Dave appeared, head down and teeth gritted. A quick high five and I was on my way. Sheer bliss running downhill with the sun on my back and Loch Morlich as calm as a mill pond below me. The run through Glenmore forest is not without its challenges; this being Scotland there’s the obligatory stream crossing, so the trainers got a wash. Also there are lots of opportunities for getting lost, but the signage and the marshalling was impeccable, as it was in the transition at the Hayfield. On to the bike and the first hill of the day was the long, long drag high above the loch (some Cairngorm Runners might know and love this hill). Several guys overtook me on the bike stage as I’ve never been known to overtake anyone on a bike. But I enjoyed the glorious downhill to the Lochside and then a few little twists and bumps and back to transition. Remembering to take off my helmet (please note, Melissa) I started the return run - well, it was a sort of a run. By the time the legs had replaced the pedalling action with the running action I was back on the Allt Mhor trail with the prospect of a 1000ft climb in a mile and a half. It took me far longer than it should have done, but I did run all the way and even passed a couple of the mountainbike overtakers - sweet revenge... You can see the finish ages before you get there , but the noisy encouragement from spectators, other competitors and the marshals and organisers is truly wonderful and by the last few strides I might have looked like I was running - a charming day!
Results are:- Sandy 1.21.59. Dave 1.39.41. Scott 1.48.49. Rory 1.49.16. Val 1.54.50. Al (struggling with injury) 2.34.25
Congrats to Scott and Rory who took the prize for the fastest parent and offspring team.
Man of the Match - Sandy obviousl y- but the true heroes were all the supporters, marshals and organisers. Special thanks to Cath for cheering us at transition and then at the finish. It makes such a difference.
PS. Dave and I both did PWs (personal worsts) at the Carrbridge 5k forest run the next day- unlike Sandy- but that’s another story...
Photos from this event are in the Photo Album.
Baxters Loch Ness Marathon, 4 October 2009
Reported by Melissa Wall
Despite the previous day's high winds and heavy rain, the morning of the Baxters Marathon dawned bright and sunny with just a wee nip in the air. No doubt there was a sudden realisation also dawning on the five brave CRs who contemplated the incredible challenge ahead of them. For Fiona, Coralie, Frances, Pauline and Mark the day of reckoning had finally arrived and all of those punishing hours spent training would finally be realised on this day...(can you feel the tension mounting?!). A huge congratulations to all of our marathon runners! 'Men of the Match' goes to all 5 runners although Mark's time was remarkably fast, you are all winners.Here are some of our 'Warriors' reflections of the day:
Fiona Grant
'I started the day in terror of this monster however after a long wait on the buses and a delayed start my terror turned to excitement. The route does have a few killer hills but for me that was a good excuse to walk. The storm of the previous day gave way to clear, calm weather just perfect for running in the glorious autumn sunshine amidst the best scenery.
Three cheers for the guy at his road end in a remote location who had a portable cassette player blasting out Scottish dance music. Just the stuff to put a spring in your step.
So lucky with the weather, good company on the run and fantastic support from the club especially Sandy who went the extra mile for me. My first marathon and now looking forward to the next. One of the best days ever.'
Coralie Hamilton
'I'd just like to send a BIG THANK YOU to those of you that were on the side lines to cheer us on during the marathon and Sandy for cycling out to us, honestly it was a boost to have a few friendly faces along the way take our minds of those mile markers!
Frances Bain
'After a very early start we arrived in Inverness with plenty of time to get the bus out to the start and then proceeded to sit on the bus for 2.5 hours, after breakdowns and delays held us back and delayed the start time by an hour. The least said about the toilets the better....
Once we got going we started to appreciate the wonderful conditons, sunny, calm and blue skys and started counting the miles down. The route was lovely, well stocked with water/lucozade stations and lots of cheerful spectators. After a rough few miles around 14/15 I started to feel better and was overjoyed when I got to the top of 'the hill' without realising it! A wave from Sandy helped push me on for another couple of miles.
My burst of energy coming down into Inverness was soon scuppered by awful cramps in both calves and feet. The last couple of miles were pretty slow and painful (I can't imagine what faces I was pulling!) but made 100% better by the shouts and waves of our loyal CR supporters in the form of Annie, Scott, Dave, Val, Kiki, Julie and Natalie (sorry if there was anyone else, but you were a bit of a blur!) the stadium was a welcome site and my weary legs just about took me over the line, helped again by shouts from Cath and Marilyn at the finish.
There were lots of smiles at the end and we celebrated in style with some welcome fizz and a banana! As always, a great day made better by having the club there supporting and encouraging everyone. So, who's up for next year.......!!!!!!'
Mark Allan
'It was an amazing experience surrounded by amazing people'.
Results:
Marathon (2171 runners)
| Mark Allan | 3:37:52 | 448th |
| Frances Bain | 4:05:21 | 1044th |
| Pauline Mitchell | 4:44:39 | 1692nd |
| Coralie Hamilton | 4:53:23 | 1788th |
| Fiona Grant | 5:03:03 | 1864th |
Photos from this event are in the Photo Album.
Baxters 10km, 4 October 2009
For many of us this race is an annual event however it was great to see some new faces who where running their first ever 10km and what better place to start than the carnival atmosphere of the Baxters? 'Men of the Match' must go to both Dave and Val Machin who having finished their race, hopped on their bikes to cycle out and support our marathon runners! Well done to Cath Harris also for her PB!!Results:
10Km (2422 runners)
| Dave Machin | 48:17 | 453rd |
| Annie Fraser | 48:24 | 464th |
| Val Machin | 54:16 | 939th |
| Marilyn Hemingway | 58:09 | 1311th |
| Tessa Smart | 59:30 | 1436th |
| Melissa Wall | 59:31 | 1438th |
| Jenny Devlin | 61:21 | 1584th |
| Cath Harris | 62:17 | 1647th |
| Debbie Simpson | 65:03 | 1836th |
| Julie MacAulay | 68:41 | 2032nd |
Cairn William Hill Race (11km), 26 September 2009
Reported by Peter Hague
The Cairn Hill race on Saturday was a bit of a success for me, sitting comfortably? - then I’ll tell you why............
I have a nemesis, a chap whose shall remain nameless but who has competed in every fell race in Scotland this year (a feat in itself). He has beaten me on my previous 16 fell races. Fair enough I thought, but it was beginning to grate, especially as he always blanked me when I congratulated him! ...He chose his moments to overtake me, at the start, going up the hills, coming down and even at the finish line on two occasions. Friends didn’t help, exclaiming ‘how much will he beat you by today’.??!! I feel that I run for the sheer joy and freedom of it……. and I would become a barrel of lard if I didn’t!
Anway, this irrational grating was spoiling it somewhat for me. However, on the day of the fell race, the sun was out, the race was in a lovely area (fell races usually are!) and the people were chatty and friendly. When I noticed my 'NEMESIS', I didn’t really care, I was just going to run and enjoy it. Cutting the story short, I beat him by a fair margin YES, YES, YES! Now I can enjoy the rest of the races without a care in the world. I’d like to think the speed training with Cairngorm runners helped me –something did?!
Result:
| Time | Position |
| 1:01:24 | 15th |
Editor's note - Well done Peter, glad your Nemesis got his come-uppance! Bouyed on by his success Peter took part in the Pitlochry 10km the following day and came in 48th with a time of 43:27!
Cairngorm Adventure Triathlon, 26 Sepember 2009
Reported by Melissa Wall
The 'CAT' was a first time event for 10 CR's who, enticed by the thought of trying something different (thanks again Cath!) took part in this 3km canoe/25km bike/5km run.
Hah! - that was the plan - but of course the weather had other ideas and the wind blew as hard as the sun shone. Unfortunately this meant that the organisers had to cancel the canoe section for health and safety reasons (well I was devastated I can tell you! :-) So now faced with a gruelling duathlon - the canoe section was replaced by a 5km run- we set off like lambs(more mutton than lamb in my case!) to the slaughter.
The bright sunny skies meant that the first 5km run was a bit hot, but we wearily hopped onto our bikes and headed off for the cycle section which winds it's way up from Loch Morlich, through Sluggan, before winding back along the Pitchyoulish road and through Rothiemurchus Forest before finishing again at Loch Morlich. From there it was back around Loch Morlich for the final 5km run with very heavy legs and a foreboding sense of deja vu (hadn't we just run this earlier?!). The sense of elation in crossing the finish line was incredible followed by a dip in the freezing waters of Loch Morlich to soothe the tired muscles.
'Man of the Match' has to go to Cath Harris who continually dreams up new and different events and is an inspiration to us all! Also to Sandy Grigor who stepped into Craig Harris's place without any prior warning (having run 13 miles the day before and cycled to Loch Morlich from home thinking he was only going to be a marshal!) and despite feeling pretty awful managed to complete the event. Steve ran and cycled into 17th place overall (out of 195) which was amazing given his calf injury.
The CAT is a fantastic fun and friendly event and if you are thinking of giving it a go, make sure you get your entry in early next year when they open. Word of advice though - always take your cycle helmet off to run! A very big thank you to Tim Pott, Alan Riach, Keith Taylor and others involved in making the event happen and especially to the marshalls who said all the right things at the right time!!
Results from the 195 runners and 89 teams were:
| Team Name | Individual Time | Individual Position |
Team Time | Overall Team Race Position | |
| Wall 2 Wall | Steve & Melissa Wall | 2:04:33 2:48:44 |
17th 151st |
4:53:17 | 44th |
| Lame Excuse | Dave & Val Machin | 2:40:00 2:40:00 |
126th 127th |
5:20:00 | 66th |
| Bruce & Dawn Cranston |
2:36:30 2:45:02 |
117th 138th |
5:21:32 | 68th | |
| Lisa Lawson & Jeanette Meldrum | 2:37:57 2:54:41 |
120th 163rd |
5:32:38 | 75th | |
| Me & Him | Cath Harris & Sandy Grigor (replaced Craig Harris) |
3:09:56 2:29:13 |
173rd 88th |
5:39:09 | 78th |
Photos from this event are in the Photo Album.
Full race results on the official Cairngorm Adventure Triathlon website.
5km Time Trials, Loch Morlich, Wednesday 16 September 2009
Reported by Melissa Wall
Despite the midges there was a great turnout for the last time trial of the Season. The outstanding number of PBs proved that all the hard work and training over the summer has paid off. 'Man of the Match' must go to everyone for PBing but especially to Scott Fraser who was delighted with his time and is now hot on the heels of his lovely wife Annie! Thanks to Alan and Sandy for their excellent timekeeping on the night.
Results were:
| Peter Hague | 19:57 | PB |
| Amy Gibson | 21:47 | PB |
| Ann Mackintosh | 22:03 | PB |
| Annie Fraser | 22:59 | SB |
| Scott Fraser | 23:44 | PB |
| Gerda Mallin | 23:49 | |
| Fiona Johnson | 24:26 | PB |
| Jeanette Meldrum | 24:29 | PB |
| Jessie Mackintosh | 25:12 | PB |
| Melissa Wall | 25:29 | PB |
| Mairi Macdonald | 26:56 | PB |
| Una Calder | 26:56 | PB |
| Pauline Mitchell | NF | |
| Tessa Smart | NF |
Creag Bheag Hill Race, Tuesday 15 September 2009
Reported by Melissa Wall
The dry weather and relatively few midges made this challenging hill race that little bit easier for the 8 CRs who took part which made up half of the total field of 16! The number of CRs taking part was slightly down on last year - might have been something to do with 5km time trials which were due to be held the next evening! 'Man of the Match' is awarded to Stuart who was first man home and Tracey Willies who was first lady. Very well done to them both!
Results:
| Stuart M? | 27:37 |
| Peter Hague | 32:27 |
| Tracey Willies | 39:33 |
| Gerda Mallin | 39:54PB |
| Nigel Rollanson | 44:47 |
| Fiona Johnson | 46:14 |
| Jessie MacKintosh | 46:15 |
| Dawn Cranston | 47:54 |
The Moray Marathon & Half Marathon, Sunday 13 September 2009
Reported by Melissa Wall
Proving that it's been a busy season for training and events, only two CRs headed to Elgin for this event - Sandy Grigor for the marathon and his lovely wife Wendy (little Miss Dynamite) for the half marathon! And it certainly paid off for them as they both PB'd!
Sandy reported that the marathon sets out from Cooper Park, Elgin and the half marthon from Duffus Farm (as Gordonstoun School was out of bounds due to swin flu precautions). Both races merged near Lossiemouth and follow the same route back to the finish, where there some very welcome tea and sandwiches available.
'Man of the Match' must go to Wendy (sorry Sandy!) as she managed a PB not long after returning from injury. Well done Wendy!
Results:
| Sandy Grigor (Marathon) | 3:22:52 | PB |
| Wendy Grigor (Half Marathon) | 2:14:54 | PB |
The Try-Tri Grantown, Sunday 6th September 2009
Reported by Melissa Wall
Keen to try out some of their new-found cycling and swimming skills, fifteen brave CRs took part in this fantastic event. For some it was their first attempt at a triathlon and for the rest of us a chance to improve on last year's time.
As usual the event was incredibly well organised with no dramas to interfere with the focus on the task (well apart from 'will my waterproof mascara hold up?') and that was just the blokes! On a serious note the organisers introduced a new chip timing system this year which is brilliant and allowed us to immediately view and take away our results including transitions times. Despite the very strong head wind on the cycle back in, all of us improved on our times from last year and there were some great results for the first-timers.
At the risk of being accused of nepotism, Man of the Match' must go to my husband Steve who despite being knocked over by a big car with an even bigger German driver and then running the wrong way back into the field, he still managed an excellent time. The life insurance is safe for another day!!
First male CR home was Alan Riach and first female CR was Ann MacKintosh congratulations to you both and big respect!
A big thank you again to David and the Try-Tri organisers for a first class event - any chance of more attractive swim caps for next year? Orange latex is so not a good look!
Results for the Club were:
| Alan Riach | 1:00:31 |
| Sandy Grigor | 1:03:02 |
| Steve Wall | 1:04:13 |
| Ann MacKintosh | 1:19:02 |
| Avril Bruce | 1:20:52 |
| Pauline Mitchell | 1:22:20 |
| Jessie Mackintosh | 1:22:26 |
| Lisa Lawson | 1:22:55 |
| Dawn Cranston | 1:25:58 |
| Marilyn Hemingway | 1:27:50 |
| Julia Lister | 1:28:55 |
| Kevin Riddoch | 1:30:26 |
| Melissa Wall | 1:33:10 |
| Jeanette Meldrum | 1:35:23 |
| Cath Harris | 1:44:35 |
More Race Reports
For the current season's reports, see the main Race Reports page:
Other reports can be found on these pages:
- Summer 2009 - June to August 2009
- Early 2009 - January to May 2009
- 2008 reports
Can you contribute your story from a race?