June 2, 2008

Yetholm Hill Race, 8m 2500ft

The Taylors (Garry and Judy) travelled the long way to the Borders town of Kirk Yetholm to take part in this years race, which was being run anti clockwise. Despite leaving home at 10am with bright sunshine and slightly clouded skys they were soon in the low cloud, heavy rain of the Borders. On arrival it was very apparent that many other people must have left their homes in the same conditions, NOT expecting NO VISIBILITY, VERY COLD, WET and WINDY as this years race was entered by 66 competitors, more than double of last year !!!!

Sandy Bennett, Allan MacAulay and Alison West were also there. It was a very hard start and as you could not see where you were heading it seemed to make it feel much steeper. The race running this direction seemed alien but as you could not see where you were going WHAT DID IT REALLY MATTER!!!

Almost all the runners took a different approach up to the main summit but how did it matter as you did not know where you were anyhow. Despite the horrendous conditions Sandy was the first Harrier home followed by Judy in 1hr 33mins 28secs and this including a spectacular tumble as she raced down the final descent. This being a PB by almost 6 mins. Allan MacAulay followed next very closely pursued by Gaz who trundled home in 1hr 43mins 57secs, another Taylor PB but this time by just under 10mins. Alison coming in afterwards and we all agreed BOY WAS IT FUN!

A great day was had by all (poetic justice is permitted !!) Here’s to next year !!!

Garry & Judy Taylor

Filed under Hill Running, Races by Neil