Alva Games Hill Race

This 1mile race with 1200ft of near vertical ascent through bracken and gorse attracted a Games record of 65 runners. The now typical summers day (breezy and cold) meant the narrow paths may be more congested than usual so the “get away from the track” and onto the start of the hill was going to be more important.

The starters gun fired and off the field went. Judy hoping to defend the BOFRA title she won last year keeping all the other females in her “sights” and me hoping it was not going to be as bad as it was last year.(So much for positive thinking at this stage) The lap around the games track then the “LOUP” over the park wall taking you along the road to the start of the hill got the large field almost into single file.

The going was tough as this weeks rain had made the paths very wet and slippy. Once over the fence at the golf club the only way is up. Although initially breezy and cool we both very quickly warming up!! The struggle to the summit seems like forever and near to the top it is so steep you are using hands to pull the grass (saves you falling downwards too!) to get you up where the mind wants you to go but the legs are struggling to agree!!!!!

Judy was only some 10yds behind the eventual race winner at the summit however just after reaching the marker she heard a loud crack after going over badly on her left ankle, which saw her lose ground on the descent. I am sure you can imagine how bad it is to come down with two good feet ( This year we both also wore padded cycling shorts to stop grass and bracken going into places its not supposed to!!!!)

She continued on and finished in a PB of 26.52 some 3.16 quicker than last year despite the ankle problem. She still managed 2nd lady. I managed to survive the descent in one piece and finished in a PB of 33.31, 1.29 quicker.

At the end the First Aid staff were in full swing as it appears as though the conditions had taken its toll on many of the competitors. Judy required their help and indeed that too of the Queen Margaret A&E on Sun morning. Nothing broken but very painful torn ligaments diagnosed.

Here’s to the 2009 race and hopefully a few more Harriers being there. Grand Prix event maybe??

Garry & Judy Taylor