A great turnout of Hillbillies was seen last night. I think there was 15 or more including the Ladies (3).

Great running conditions and a good field for this short, sharp midweek race.

Here are the Carnegie results

More photos HERE

More Photos from SHR HERE

Full results HERE

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

Hi Guys,

Alva Games hill race is on tomorrow for those not having anything on. A torturous 1 mile, almost vertical with a fair bit of scrambling included and then some sledging back down on rear end (recommend cycle shorts or close fitting shorts as bracken and grass has a tendancy to go where it is not supposed to.) Race start around 4pm and is free. Entry to games, which start at 1pm is £5. Best to enter before 3pm and this allows you to watch how it should be done by juniors!! This race alway attracts around 30 from England as it is a BOFRA event. Prize money good too.

Lets see some more bright vests there other than Judy and I

Garry

THE LAW BREAKER HILL RACE

Carnegie Harriers in association with Run Ecosse are pleased to announce that a new hill race will take place in the Ochil’s this Boxing Day. The race which is the idea of club member and Run Ecosse owner Andrew Wright is called The Law Breaker and will take place at 11am on Friday 26th December from Tillicoultry. The route will follow a 5km course with an ascent of 594 metres from Tillicoultry Glen to the summit of The Law and back. Race entries will be taken on the day from 9am at the Centenary Hall, Hamilton Street, Tillicoultry and awards will be presented in all categories. The race website can be found HERE and we hope that there will be a good turnout at our new event. Further details will be announced shortly. Run Ecosse stock top products for runners, triathletes and orienteers. The shop is located at 202 Grahams Road, Falkirk and their website can be found HERE.

Saturday 5th July - Dollar Hill Race

The Lairig Ghru Race lived up to its usual reputation of uncertain weather ranging from baking heat to wind and rain during the course of the event. No hail stones were reported which can only be a plus.

Check out Phil’s FULL report HERE

On Saturday Andrew and Neil headed off to Arrochar for the SHR Long Classics series race, The Arrochar Alps.

This is a great race that takes in 4 Munros and if you are not ascending you are descending.

We were treated to a “selection” of weather and being able to navigate was essential as there were a few parts of the course where there were no marked routes and you could hardly see your hand in front of your face.

Results

Photos HERE

Link to SHR full report, results and more photos HERE

After Durisdeer Andrew Sim and Neil Campbell decided to go for a run in the Ochils. Where could they go? How about from Castle Campbell to Andrew Gannel and back. Hey a bit tedious but someone has to make up these lines. It was a good clear evening and we had a good run. You can see the profile of the route below.

click image to get a bigger picture

See some more photos HERE

The Mull Hill Race is an SHR counter on the 19th of July. Andy has been in touch with the race organiser, John Coyle, who has given us this information about travel plans for the Mull Hill Race.

“The Race will be about 1200 so there is time to get the ferry and get back on time for the 1700 to Oban. I will pick people up by minibus if they book in advance. I’ll keep you informed when I get the final details on the Carnethy site.”

Details now on the carnethy site at http://www.carnethy.com/ri_mullmonsterette.htm#JuneTechnorati Profile

Seven Hillbillies made the trek down to Dumfries and Galloway for the Durisdeer Hill race. Tommy L , Steve K, Kenny M, Andy S, Alison W, Neil C and Sandy B.

Gregor was shouting, “What took you so long!”

We were rewarded by great weather and a well organised race, new course records with a great feed at the end. Perhaps a theme emerging here. Thanks to Adam Anderson of Carnethy the race organiser for a great race and loads of cakes.

Race Profile (click for larger image)

The registration and cake eating were both in an old church and the latter sitting amongst the headstones of the graveyard. Quite symbolic.

There was a record race entry of 300. Normally it is a much smaller field.

Some Photos from Tommy HERE

I don’t have full results yet. Winners HERE

Thanks to Chris Upson & SHR we have a whole bunch of photos HERE

Full Carnegie results soon.

What is Steve King thinking? HERE

Answers in the comments section