Race Reports - June to August 2009

The Nairn Half Marathon, Saturday 15 August 2009

Reported by Melissa Wall

This half marathon takes place as part of the Nairn Highland Games which makes for a great atmosphere - all those pipes and kilts!!  Just three of our intrepid CRs made it along to this race and for Jeanette Meldrum, Lisa Lawson and Tracey Willies (let's call them 'Charlie's Angels'!) it was more challenging than expected thanks to a strong head wind on the return leg.  'Man of the Match' goes to Tracey for an excellent time! The course is relatively flat and winds along quiet country roads and of course finishes in the games field.  Our 'angels' reported that the event was well organised by very friendly and helpful organisers - mission accomplished Charlie!

Race results for the Club were:

The Highland Poppy Run, Sunday 23 August 2009

Reported by Annie Fraser

Four Cairngorm Runners took part in this unique event where you can run,walk or cycle and choose to do a 5k or 10k. Being brave we all went for the 10k run. The race was started by Charles Kennedy and we rose to the challenge of running into the wind along the shoreline towards Ardersier. Fortunately the wind was with us after turning up the steep hill towards the cementary. All the hill training paid off as nae bother to us, we continued along farm roads passing a tractor on the way! Then returned to the start to be welcomed at the finish by the war veterans and a piper. We were given a poppy and a medal - the poppy we planted in the poppy field. This is a well organised family event all in a good cause and definately worth taking part in. It was impressive results from all our runners and Man of the Match goes to Tessa who achieved such a great result despite blisters near the start of the race. Well Done!

Race results for the club were:

Abernethy 10-Mile Road Race, 8 August 2009

Reported by Melissa Wall

Deciding to give tossing the caber a miss, 11 of our CRs opted instead to run the 10 miler at the Nethybridge Games. The race starts with two laps of the games field then winds its way through the scenic Abernethy Forest National Nature Reserve before leading onto quiet country roads. Although the route is relatively flat, there are numerous short hills which can be quite challenging over the distance. However this didn’t stop Alan Riach being our first male CR runner home and ninth overall in the race. Sandy Grigor ran a strong race to come in as second male from the club, so well done. Congratulations also to Elspeth Grant who picked up first local lady and to Tracey Willies, second local lady and Frances Bain who was the third local lady home. And very well done to the other CRs who took part and I suspect there are a few PBs in there.

The field of 86 included runners from as far as Australia, Sweden, USA, Germany, France and….... Billerichay!!! Nice to see good old CRs could hold their own against such a diverse bunch!

Race results for the club were:

Photos from this event are in the Photo Album.

Creag Dhubh Hill Race, Newtonmore, 1 Aug 2009

Reported by Julie Spittle

Even after much persuasion I was the only Cairngorm runner to compete in this years Creag Dhubh Hill Race at the Newtonmore Highland Games. Other members excuses included injury, family commitments or that they had done it before and once was enough!

Anyway I had been up last week as a practice run and had managed to add 6 mins to last years time so I didn't hold out much hope for this years. I ran with Sharon, my running pal from Fort William.

It was a cloudy but dry day with a good breeze to keep the midges away. We met a first timer called Sandra, had a blether and then we were off.

We were last out of the field but gradually caught people up on the track through the woods then puffed and panted our way up the vertical bog, round the cliff, more bog then thank goodness there's the summit. Sharon had set the pace on the way up and I took over on the descent (as everyone knows I love running down hills) and we zoomed down and over the road and held hands on the slippery rocks across the river (due to wobbly legs) then round the field and then it was all over.

We managed a time of 53:25 (1min 26s faster than last year). The prize was a miniature of Dalwhinnie whisky. Home for a shower, curry and fizzy wine, whats not to like!

So who is going to run Creag Dhubh with me next year then?

5k Time Trial 2, Loch Morlich, 29 July 2009

Reported by Melissa Wall

The weather stayed dry and bright for this second time trial of the season. We were delighted to be joined by Russ Hartley, Head coach of the Leeds based ‘Dragons Running Club’ who was visiting on holiday and also to Neil Foreman and his lovely son Ben from a London-based Running Club (once the local rivals of our Chairman - in his much younger days!!). Eight of our runners PB’d (congratulations!) and the midges weren’t biting too much, so all in all a great night! Oh and did I tell anyone that I’m injured?!!!

Results:

Corrieyairack Challenge, 4 July 2009

As well as 3 Cairngorm Runners (Mark, Emma and Fiona) taking part in the Suidhe hill race at the Kincraig fete, Val and Sandy decided to take on the Corrieyairack...

Reported by Val Machin

It seemed such a good idea way back last winter when the only exercise we were getting was snow-shovelling. A team of three to run 17 miles over the mighty Corrieyairack Pass and then to cycle 26 miles to Kincraig – the organisers claim it proudly as Scotland’s toughest duathlon. My daughter Polly and our running mate Caz were enthusiastic enough to join me, despite living on Merseyside, and husband Dave agreed to act as our steward; team Ruffty-Tuffties was up for it..

Well, suddenly it was July and I’d been out on the bike twice in six months. Caz and Polly arrived the day before the event to find me snarling and sweating in the heatwave trying to change an inner tube... a true Highland welcome then...

Saturday dawned, still sunny but cooler; ideal conditions as fellow Cairngorm Runner Sandy Grigor said as we got on the coach taking us to Fort Augustus. Off at last and only 10 miles and 850 metres of climb to the summit pass. Two and a half hours later I puffed up to the water station thinking I’d done the hard part - how wrong can you be; a combination of rough terrain, increasing heat, lack of food and that fatigue thingy had me crawling into the transition area at Garva Bridge vowing never again. But lavish TLC by the fantastic people there had me on my bike creaking towards Laggan. And miracle of miracles, cycling after running was a pleasure. True to say, there was 10 minutes wrestling to put a jammed chain back on - yes, I’d practise for the wrong bike disaster and was carrying the wrong tools. But I made it to the finish at Kincraig village fete half an hour before my estimated time.

Yes, Team Ruffty-Tuffties had done it.

Official results are on www.corrieyairack.org, but we were all pleased with our times - Caz powered her way up, down, and along to a fantastic time of just over 5 hours, despite doing the cycle leg on a mountain bike. Polly finished so fast in just under 6 hours that the results system missed her (thankfully rectified by the great team up at Badaguish). And all those jokes about vintage runners spurred me on to finish in under 6 and a half hours. As the elderly ladies' category was such an exclusive one, I was deemed the winner and was presented with my prizes by our local MSP despite the threat of getting bike oil on his very white shirt!

And yes, we did get to the Ceilidh but were happy to WATCH the dancing...

All in, a great day, even for our 4th team member Dave who spent the afternoon retrieving timing chips from tired competitors and watching all the fun of the fair at Kincraig village fete.

As for Sandy, he flew round in 4 hours and 20 minutes, smashing his PB and setting himself up nicely for an age group prize next year.

So far, thanks to all our fantastic sponsors, we've managed to raise over £250 for the Speyside Trust , well over our target. The just giving page www.justgiving.com/ruffty-tuffties will remain active for while longer for anyone still wishing to donate to this wonderful little charity which provides holidays for children and adults with special needs in one of the best locations in the world.

See you on the start next year....

Colworth Marathon Challenge, 19-21 June 2009

Reported by Val Machin

This event is now is its 8th year and takes place during the midsummer weekend. The 3-race programme is  novel, and increasingly popular, with entry numbers increasing every year. The first race is a very competitive off-road classic 5-mile race - with a 7pm Friday evening start. Race 2 on Saturday is a cross-country run over 8.1 miles on rutted tracks and field edges. Race 3 on Sunday is a 2-lap off-road half-marathon. Competitors can enter all three races,  thus running the marathon distance over 3 days – or just one or two.

The whole event takes place on the traffic-free Colworth estate in Bedfordshire, which is the site of a Unilever research centre and the local running club, Colworth Striders are the hardworking hosts and organisers. They offer free camping  to competitors and their friends and families,  a catering service, a clubhouse with the oh so important showers and the even more important bar, plus special children’s activities and a fun run. The event is usually blessed with fine weather - times are very dependent on how hot it is!

Dave and I have made the long trek south for this event since its inception. Apart from the running, it gives us the chance to meet up with old friends and colleagues working at Colworth or Port Sunlight. There is  always a Sunlight Runners’ (our old club on Merseyside) contingent in the tent city with its assortment of tepees, backpacking tents, Millets family “villas” and old camper vans (ours!) The team competition between the rival Unilever factions is always hotly contested.

Dave was pleased with his results, reflecting a Spring of regular training and racing - including 6 half-marathons. My times were even more modest than usual, reflecting a training regime which is best labelled "erratic". But we were both very pleased to complete all 3 races, and even got special awards presented to participants who complete 5 or more Colworth Marathon Challenges.

For more about this event including full results got to www.bedfordharriers.co.uk.

JogScotland Inverness 5k, 17 June 2009

Reported by Natalie Aird

Despite the cool temperatures and rain earlier in the day, there was a great turnout of Cairngorm Runners to take part in the JogScotland Inverness 5k on 17 June 2009.

After an unusual warm-up session involving "stirring the porridge" and "walking on chewing gum", the race began just a little after 7pm. The course went from Bught Park up the side of the River Ness past Eden Court and over the road bridge, then turned to come back along the other side of the River Ness, over the Ness Islands and then return into Bught Park.

The vibrations of pounding feet over the two suspension bridges on/off the Ness Islands made for some unusual running sensations. This was soon followed by a taped zig-zag course on the return into Bught Park which proved more challenging as gusts of wind blew bits of tape across the course into the path of some runners.

All our club members managed to complete the 5k. Congratulations to all who took part, many of whom were competing in their first event after having only recently completed their first JogScotland 10-week programme with the club. Excellent achievements everyone!

Race results for the club below. With over 20 club members in attendance, I don't know everyone's full name, so I think I am missing a one or two - please let me know if your result needs adding!

Photos from this event are in the Photo Album.

Skye Half Marathon, 13 June 2009

Reported by Melissa Wall

Ten CRs travelled to Skye for this event and amazingly came back!!  This half marathon is definately not for the feint-hearted!  I can only compare it to a very large and scarey roller coaster ride that you want to get off as soon as you go over the first hump!!  The organisers describe it as very undulating especially between miles 8 and 11 and they weren't kidding, it was miles 1 to 3 that shocked most of us!

That said the sunny start gave us all the opportunity to enjoy the best of the wonderful Skye scenery.  Incredibly four CRs also managed PBs even with a headwind on the return section!  Pauline Mitchell, Jeanette Meldrum and Lisa Lawson also picked up 5th in the women's team positions.

Over 280 runners started the race from the newly built Portree High School which has excellent changing and shower facilities and the whole event was very well organised and marshalled.

'Man of the Match' must go to Sandy Grigor who ran seven minutes per mile over the gruelling course and also celebrated his birthday on the day of the race (hmm) and gave us all a great excuse for some post race chocolate cake!  Female match winner goes to Pauline (clean shoes Mitchell!) who almost made it in under two hours and was justifiably elated and emotional.

Would I do the Skye half marathon next year?...probably yes, as the sense of achievement at the end of such a challenging race was definately, definately worth while!

Results:

Photos from this event are in the Photo Album.

Grantown 10k, 7 June 2009

Reported by Melissa Wall

Despite having run the gruelling Laggan 10km the day before there was no stopping some of the hardier Cairngorm Runners turning out for the Grantown 10km on Sunday. There were some great results with both Jessie and Ann PBing.

A total of 53 runners took part in this small, but very well-organised race. The route was flat and pleasantly off-road through the pretty forest trails of Anagach Woods and to top it all the sun made an appearance despite the showery forecasts!

Visit the official photographer Action Heroes website for this event: Action Heroes photo gallery, Grantown 10k.

A big thank you to Fiona Hunt and Robert Brown who organised the event which included 1km and 3km races and also to the Marshalls who were some of the most friendly and encouraging that I have every come across…thank you!

The ‘Man of the Match’ was awarded to Ann McIntosh who was third female home - well done Ann! Also worthy of mention is Alan’s lovely daughter Megan Riach who completed the 3km race and no doubt will be giving all the CRs a ‘run’ for their money in years to come!

Race results:

Photos from this event are in the Photo Album.

70 Wild Miles, 6 June 2009

Reported by Coralie Hamilton

This event covers 70 miles: by cycle - 47m White Corries Ski park to the top of Loch Etive, canoe 10m down Loch Etive and run 13m down the Loch Etive road towards the main road. It's organised by CLIC Sargent in aid of Childrens Cancer Care.

I have previously taken part in a team and it's an enjoyable event, with their chip timing system allowing you to break in between each section (if you can use the word enjoyable with this type of event!) This year I entered as a solo and at 7:30 on a cold windy morning I did wonder why! But we set off on the bike section, once you get off the main road away from the traffic its a good run. When we arrived at the top of the Loch the weather had not improved and the Canoe section was under review, after waiting for two hours the route was changed to a 4 mile ring in the bay! And after seeing the white horses on the Loch I can't say that I was disapointed, unfortunately their planning wasn't up to much as we were then bused to the finish line of the run wet and cold with no running gear to be seen! So after standing wet and cold for 45 mins it finally arrived and we ran half way up and back to cover the miles on the run section!

The weather was the testing part this year, for both the competitors and organisers and in previous years the event has been very relaxed and well run, but this year I am afraid to say they didn't quite make the grade, but despite it all we managed to complete the event and I came in at 5hr 17mins for the event.

Laggan 10k, 6 June 2009

Reported by Natalie Aird

Cairngorm Runners Runaway Success!

Sixteen Cairngorm Runners tackled the Laggan 10k on 6 June 2009 and achieved spectacular results. Mark Allen, Sara Wicebloom and Fiona Johnson were taking part in their first 10k event, and a stunned Mark discovered he had won 2nd place Male Vet 40! Sara was also awarded a medal for 3rd Female Vet 35.

A total of 84 runners competed, with David Rogers of Lochaber AC finishing first in 36m 18s and Phyllis Mitchell being the first female in 43m 18s.

The weather was kinder than the high temperatures of last year and, after a short shower 10 minutes before the start, the rain then held off for the race. A nice, light wind was welcome, although we were running into it on the return half of the undulating "out and back" course from Laggan Village Hall along the road to the reservoir. The cheering onlookers and piper were great encouragement at the finish line.

Whilst the faster runners thought the pace at the front was less than in previous years, those Cairngorm Runners in the middle and back of the field felt it was faster. It proved to be a tremendous race for the club, with a total of 8 club members winning medals - taking a third of the total medals for the event! Alan Riach was 6th overall in 39m 19s, and first Male Vet 45. He was soon followed by David Henderson (41m 20s) who was first Male Vet 50. Other medal winners were Annie Fraser (51m 52s) - 2nd Female Vet 45; Pauline Mitchell (53m 01s) - 3rd Female Vet 45; Julie Spittle (53m 42s) - 2nd Female Vet 35; Jeannette Meldrum (54m 46s) - 3rd Female Vet 50.

A lovely spread of home-baking was much enjoyed afterwards whilst prizes were being presented. Congratulations to all club members, especially those completing their first event. Whilst sunglasses weren't needed for the race, I think I should have had some afterwards to cope with all those dazzling medals!

Visit the official photographer Action Heroes website for this event: Action Heroes photo gallery, Grantown 10k.

Race results for the club were:

Photos from this event are in the Photo Album.

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