Race Reports

The devils burdens Jan 21st 2012

It seemed like the whole 70 odd teams were in Davids' wee house.

Gordie did his best to create order from chaos.

Jean made some fine cakes (I'll vote for you for ever Jean!)

David excelled at playing 'mine host'.

Adrian was able to do a kit check in 17seconds!

Marcus nearly parted company with his porridge on leg 1

Brian set a record for the number of runners in a vehicle!

Jennifer had to learn the art of hitchhiking!

All our teams did exceedingly well.

The guinness was excellent.

Roll on Burdens 2013.

Alan

Results and photies on the Fife AC site.

El -Brim -ick hill race

Fellow Lomies

Really disappointed that the annual Lomie Pub Run clashed on the same weekend that I had to take my rather elderly mother back to Stonehaven. Leaving her safely in her Sheltered Housing Complex on Friday night we travelled the 12 miles north to the forestry Car Park Tyrebagger where the El -Brim -ick hill race was on Saturday morning. Arriving in the car park late on Friday night we saw a few cars parked up, lights on full beam and a couple of 360 manoeuvres saw bits of flesh at windows and hey cars started to move away with us soon being the only vehicle in the small car park.

Stunning day for the Cosmic run race, sun shining and a good number of runners appeared for this short fast undulating race. At registration we found out that this Car Park at Tyrebagger is 'thee' car park for dogging in Aberdeen!! Nobody chapped oor door!!! Great race on a oot and back path with JeanieB doing a spectacular 'Jabber' forward roll after tripping over roots as she 'pushed' past other runners!!

Great friendly race well organised by Elaine Stewart but we both would have preferred to be supping Guinness and running 20+miles wi the Lomies.

Catch up with you on Tuesday.

Gus & JeanieB

Aonach Mor uphill 1st Jan 2012

Fellow Lomies

Three alcohol breath smelling Lomis travelled from the Clachaig Car Park on a exceeding miserable New Years morning after a few hours sleep after the previous nights celebrations.

Travelling the 13 or so miles to the Anoach Mor car park we all made the comment that there was not a lot of life about with next to no cars on the road. Winds sleet, hail torrential rain greeted us on arrival at the car park with the words echoing about the car of what the fook are we doing here at 1030hrs on New Years day!!

Not a lot of scantly clad runners but people with full winter waterproofs running from cars to the coffee shop. We ran the short distance to the shop to find it baltic and in darkness, no power and as a result no gondolas were running to bring everyone of the hill so the uphill race was of.......awwwwww!!

The alternative route was a six mile circular route on the hill side towards the north face of Ben Nevis where the wind and rain was like being power showered but at extremely high pressure!! Great run (can say that now) with almost 130 runners turning out on New Years morning, just disappointing that the uphill race was of but the organisers made the most despite the conditions and problems they faced. Fort William coffee shops faired well after the race as runners hunted out hot drinks and food on a really miserable day.

Three and half Lomies were there on the day Derek, JeanieB , Adrian and me.

good crack

keep smiling

Gus

Ben Lora 27th Nov 2011

Last hill race in SHR Calendar of 2011 and what a cracking location starting in the Village of Benderloch. Richard made the long journey through and met up with the two Lomie Nomads who had arrived the day before in horrendous weather. Thursday, Friday & Saturday had seen snow, gales and low cloud where as on Sunday, race day it was a cracking mild still day although cool and breezy on the summit.

A good turn out of 60+ jovial runners for this short 4km race which has a cracking descent through the forest once you clear the horrendous bogs coming of the summit. Long way to go for a 5km race but the craich, views and the beautiful run makes it worthwhile, and for any runners watching the budget it is only 50p entry!!!!!!!!

Well organised event......... one to be done if you haven't already.

Oh by the way what is the forfeit for the Lomi El Presidento running a race without wearing Club Colours??

keep smiling

Gus

Tinto Hill Race 12/11/11

Once again the season was rounded off by the wonderful Tinto Hill Race. Who couldn’t enjoy that descent!? This year we were rather blinded by the sun as we gazed upwards, but let’s not complain about that after the recent gloom in eastern Scotland! The race was busy, with 269 runners.

Jeanie B ran a PB so was suitably chuffed. Gus and Jonathan were ‘flying’. Gordon did more than OK despite his sore feet from the OMM. Jim overhauled daughter Jennifer on the descent, and yours truly was satisfied to get through without more knee problems!

Richard

Gordon 54^th in 40-49 Jonathan 88^th in 43-14 Gus 102^nd in 43-54 Richard 201^st in 50-39 Jean 207^th in 51-52 Jim 244^th in 59-10 Jennifer 250^th in 1-01-27

R. Gatehouse

OMM 28-29th Oct

Reports to follow. Adrian and Alex Keith have a brilliant run in tough conditions to take first vet place in elite. Laurie and Gordie do well to complete elite but Laurie says "the worst night of my life". Andy and David complete class B after two long days on the hill.

Andy's report:

Saturday 29 October before dawn David and Andy had travelled to Comrie for the 
OMM. Dodging huge puddles on the drive over it looked like it was going to be a 
wet one.

The event centre was based in the old Cultybraggan POW camp which must have been 
luxury for the organisers and their legions of helpers compared to the normal 
tented accommodation. Whilst buying breakfast we bumped into Gordon; one half of 
the other Lommie OMM team for 2011. 

Bussed to St Fillans we walked the couple of miles uphill to the start as the 
leaden sky lightened into day. Whilst we were in our start box waiting to go we 
spotted Gordon and Laurie attempting to get ahead of their start time but they 
were called back by the too jolly woman with the megaphone, however, we did 
manage a rendition of "Let's all do the Gordie" with Laurie running up and down 
like a madman.

After that the day can be summarised as: we navigated, we got wet, we swam in 
swollen rivers, we became geographically challenged (we weren't lost), we 
re-located ourselves and even managed to run into the day one finish on the cusp 
of needing head torches.

With the tent up and some hot food inside Andy went to look at the results: we 
were last in our class and Gordon and Laurie were still on the hill. When this 
information was reported to David his response was "We can't be f-ing last AND I 
just heard Gordie's voice." Sure enough there they were putting their tent up 
next to ours - I think that they recognised it as I had described it quite 
clearly as "a little green one"! "How are you Gordie?" we asked. "That's the last 
time we do the Elite" he replied. Laurie was quiet so we "did the Gordie" in 
homage to the great man.

It turns out we weren't last 2, teams came in after us!

On Sunday morning we were roused by what David described as "F-ing Jock music" 
(bagpipes). It turned out that Laurie had a miserable night as his sleeping bag 
had got soaked and the silver foil blankets provided by Gordon were past their 
use by date and ripped. Comparatively, Andy had the most comfortable night ever 
on a mountain marathon.

Sunday involved much of the same as Saturday: we navigated, got wet and managed 
to run into the finish late in the afternoon.

After food and a pint of Ossian on the way home David and Andy's excellent 
adventure came to an end.

Andy

Finally the post traumatic stress disorder has receded and I can now unload my experiences in the hills above Comrie.

Okay the OMM was scheduled for central Scotland and I suggested to Gordon that we really should have one last attempt at the Elite course before we are past it. In the lead up between injuries and passing over Orienteering events we were completely underprepared for arriving at the Cultybraggan POW camp on the Friday evening and getting fed watered and rested before a right early start on Sat morn.
A soggy bus trip to St Fillans and a climb up he hill to the start where we panicked we would be late for our start time only to discover that we misread it and were 15 minutes early, never mind though we saw fellow Lommies David and Andy and performed the famous 'Gordie' tribal dance.
Suddenly it was off with a squelch sploge eerck, and we looked forward to a day of water above and below . Since it was now light we stormed off to bag the first few control points and seemed to be making reasonable progress even in the driving rain and thick mist, that was until checkpoint 5 came and went and went and went, eventualy decreasing circles did the trick, then number 6 gave us the same issues and now we were chasing time and distance since the next point was around 11K away across awkward terrain. By this point (bout 2pm) we were now in survival mode and trying to chase the clock to try to get finished before the moon rises, which would have been difficult bearing in mind the 5 mile thick cloud above. Sure enough having nearly been swept away by raging torrents and trampled by runaway stags we entered Glen Almond where the overnight camp was, unfortunately it is quite long and in the dark control points are a wee bit tricky to locate. Staggered over the line and announced, don't think I'll be doing Elite again, before the night had even begun. 11hrs of rain and bog, bring on the warm cosy bed.

Our campsite was carefully chosen in the deep sodden grass on the edge of the canvas town.
Hot food and warmth was now beckoning, joy. Tent up and from nowhere Andy appeared with an offer of a cup of tea, could life get any better, well no. as I was soon to find out. Pulled out my sleeping bag to find water had leeched past the plastic surround and soaked it, okay I thought, take out a survival bag get inside and all will be well, but no as soon as I got into it, it shredded immediately, never mind we have two, but no same thing ribbons of silver paper adorned my wet sleeping bag. After our banquet of reconfobulated dry gunge I found a massive blister on each heel and lay all night thinking all the days effort was in vain and looking at the map there's no way I can even walk back, well not in those shoes. Then I started getting cramp beside the blisters and then after lights out came the shivering, all night and with the extra hour in bed, thanks mister summer time, the agony was prolonged. The only respite was Gordon turning his back toward me and letting off a little heat, even when he got up in the middle of the night and climbed over me including a knee in the face it still couldn't get any worse. Then slowly light appeared and the piper began playing between downpours we discussed whether I could even contemplate starting. No way I said, give it a go said Gordon. Then our guardian angels of Dr Andy and Dental nurse David brought some compeeds and relief. Off we went on Day 2 with a song in our heart ignoring the trench foot.
The initial dry and clear weather dissappeared after an hour to be replaced by our old friend, thick cloud and many high level control points.
We knew that day two was a day of 2 halfs and we felt that dropping back across Glen Almond was into the last quarter and heading home, little did we realise it was still such along way back. Firstly we found ourself on top of Ben Chonzie when it only required a partial ascent
but then worse was to come as we traversed an extra hill to find ourselves in the wrong Glen, when we finally got into the Glen leading to the finish in Comrie we were now chasing the cut-off times and it was getting serious 17hrs out in that weather was not going to go unrewarded. Sure enough the last few control points seemed miles apart but eventually dropped into the finsh point through the woods and as we passed Sunday strollers it felt quite emotional to go from 'can we do it?' to 'no way I can't go on' to YES we've done it !

Gordon is a great partner as we both complement each other especially on the navigational mistakes and the drifting apart to the point of where is he ???

A really satisfying weekend in the hills but my message that I won't do Elite again is starting to..... no no no I must be strong my psychiatrist told me. C class next time.

Laurie

Results: Adrian and Keith (elite), 8th 12.45.19; Gordon and Laurie (elite), 37th 19.51.49; David and Andy (B), 94th 18.25.06

Meall a' Bhuachaille Sat 29th Oct

When the Lomi OMM's were enjoying a night of luxury accommodation in their lightweight tents, bubble wrap camping mats and table dote menus four Lomies braved the horrendous winds to complete the Meall a Bhuachaille hill race on Saturday.

A new route by organisers Highland Hill Runners, longer with more climbing than previous years with a better finish it looks to be the K9 Testicles from the OS map, what the organisers did not plan for was the wind on the ridge and summits!!

Over a hundred hill runners turned up at Badaguish Centre for the 1230 start in cool conditions with the clouds SPEEDING high above the tops. Off we all trotted, more like the start to Aviemore 10k with a sprint along the forestry road uphill which seemed to go on for a lot longer than the 1.5miles, why did I finish the bottle of Jura the night before!!

Soon we were on the hillside and by this time I was firing on all cylinders and it was up to the top of the Bhuachaille, lead runners passing on the way down, the wind got stronger and stronger and once past the bealach the wind was for taking you off the hillside, how some of these light weight lass's stayed on their feet …beyond me. Over the top, and down to a dogleg before heading up to the second top, struggling to get air in as the wind was that strong. the decent of the second top and running along the ridge was really interesting, shorts and vest hyperventilating and feet being placed where the wind put them bit like a good Friday night when you have no control over your feet.

Over the last top and for the superb descent, straight into the gale, even my eye lids were being lifted with the force of the wind, another runner was concerned his contact lenses would be sooked of his face!! What a descent , a real go for it and then about a mile still downhill on the forest track back to Badaguish Centre.

A great new route, really well organised, but would even be better in still conditions. The four Lomies, new Presidento JeanieB, Jim W, Jen and me thoroughly enjoyed the race .

one for the calendar next year!

keep smiling

Gus

Meall nan Tarmachan Saturday 15th Oct

Another bogging day with the clag just about down to Ben Lawers car park on Saturday morning prior to the race starting. 61 runners braved the poor visibility in mild conditions including 4 Lomies, JeanieB, Jen , Jim W and me and a hinger on 'JD'.

The race started with a fast sprint along the track till we veered onto the hillside for a fast pace ascent onto the shoulder. By this time visibility was severely reduced and by the time the 'steps' to the summit were encountered there were not a lot of bodies to be seen. Pretty cool on the summit where the marshal advised that several lead runners had got lost but retraced their steps………….interesting………running too fast………head down and along the ridge to the col where the visibility was even worse then it was down through the well marked route through the 'clag'. A superb descent with the wet ground conditions making it pretty technical. Soon the rescue vehicles at the checkpoint loomed out of the clag and it was give it everything to get along the rather undulating stony track to the finish. Lunch was served back in Mclaren hall by the Cancer Research fundraising ladies who did a grand job. JeanieB was 2nd FV50 (unconfirmed) with the two of us taking 5 mins of last years times. Great race route and conditions that suited the two of us well.

Gus

Stron a Clachain Sunday 16th Oct

After a superb Ceilidh in the Mclaren Hall last night and a buffet that was tremendous, the dancing, and the alcohol meant there were a few weary faces for this race starting at 1100 in near perfect mild calm conditions which even saw beautiful sunshine at the end of the race. The same motley crew and 'hinger on ' from the Lomies were there!!

Same route as the Highland Games route in August although a tad wetter and slippery a good number of runners headed full pelt up the steep slope on the long pull up to the three cairns at the Summit, then it was disengage the 'brain' for a real yee haa descent all the way to the games park at Killin. This is a real 'Jabbers' orgasmic down hill descent with even a optional 'fence jump' just before the final descent to the field.

JeanieB was 1st FV50 and was not far behind me going up the hill so she was sent to the Stewards Tent for a 'drug test' after she finished. Jim W and Jen had a good race too

Again lunch was served after the race which brought the superb weekend to a close.

Highly recommended. We will be back next year hopefully.

Gus

Manor Water Sat 8th Oct

Arriving on a beautiful sunny evening we thought that the Manor Water race would be run in perfect conditions the following morning, how wrong we were, waking to mist and dampness in the valley and across the river barely visible never mind the hills of the race route.

At the one clock start weather conditions became slighty better, car parking field was a no go zone with cars abandoned on the road which caused mayhem!!

The race was enjoyable, basically an out and back to the top of The Scrape. Conditions were really muddy and slippy on the path which was exacerbated on the way home due to the 90 runners and the bogging weather.

Laurie got caught in traffic on the north side of the Forth Bridge for 90mins so it was just me and JeanieB flying the flag for the Lomies. Great day despite the weather and the prize giving amongst all the farmers and sheep dog trials was amusing to say the least baa baa!! JeanieB got 1st F50 and a god start to the double header of Man or Mouse.

Gus

Pentland Skyline Sun 9th Oct

We parked up at the bottom of the Ski slope after coming up from Manor water in wet blowy conditions. The wind coming off the hill on Saturday night was incredible and it blew all night with some huge gusts hitting oor caravanette! Registration was intresting to watch as things blew away and watching Run For IT setting up their marquee was like a party game in a wind tunnel with the wind winning and marquee soon disappeared.

Huge number of runners braved the wind, the rain and peat bogs with Gordie, Laurie, Pat, Jeanieb and Gus huddling for shelter on the side of the hill. The start was a slow affair for me and JeanieB after the previous days race till we got to the top of the ski slope when the legs found strength. A huge human chain formed on the hillside just about all the way to the top of Caerketton fron the ski slope. the wind on the tops was horrendous with placing of feet a bit of pot luck depending where the wind blew your body. I cant remember ever seeing the path being as muddy and water logged as we ran out to West Kip. The further west we ran the wind on the tops the rain got heavier and the winds got stronger with me shorts just about be blown inside oot!! The sun broke through for a while on Hare and Blackhill, now on the way home the hills were a bit easier on the legs until reaching the bottomless swamps in between the hills which began to sap what energy was left in the legs but at least the wind was on the side / behind us all now. Stuffing what sweets I had left in my shopping trolley of goodies into my mouth for the last three hills the Ski centre soon came into view and the last mile was a great yee haa down to the finish where a good reception committee was on the hillside. Never down the Man or Mouse thingy but I really enjoyed and was really surprised to find my time for the Skyline was with in a minute of my 2009 Skyline time and that was with no Manor Water the day before. So has my running improved with running and training with the Lomonds or has my running improved with 'drinking with the Lomies!!

Runners were still on the hill when the Prizegiving commenced at the finish line and the prize giving had not gone very far when a 'Lomie' Vest was spotted heading down the hillside taking another runner on the last 100m before the finish, JeanieB crossed the line smiling from ear to ear. Even bigger smiles when she was awarded the 'Mouse' for the Man or Mouse, with another two bottles of beer for more advance training!!

A great weekend for the two of us despite the weather and the underfoot condition. Great well organised races by Carnethy with the support from marshals and food on the hill and at the finish superb.

Gus

as gus has sent a report just a quick congrat 2 gordon 4 his v50 prize and 4 being this years golden scarf champ notwithstanding some alleged running practices up the westkip part of the race also 2 jean claiming the womens 1st prize both have made it a thrilling series pat may not have won vouchers at manorwater this year but he found the perfect country woollenwear descending out of castlelaw farm good photos on various sites of all the 5th columnists who attended the final scarf series

Pat

Results: Gordie 43rd 3.11.33 (first SV); Laurie 61, 3.18.20; Gus 106 3.45.02; Pat 164, 4.22.19; Jean 176, 4.34.30

Ben Venue Sat 1st Oct

As the south of England was experiencing an autumnal heatwave, normality "rained" in the Trossachs. It was a dreich overcast and pretty wet day. The field seemed quite big and the start suitably mad....a lot of jostling as we headed up the road to the forestry tracks. I found the pace through the woods more akin to a 400m sprint. As we broke out of the woods and started the steep climb to Ben Venue itself I was greeted by " what are you doing sweating your way up here? You should have been drinking lager with us in Poland." The west coast occasional Lomie was back from the adventure in the Tatras! At that point a cheeky lager would have been just the ticket.

Working your way up the steep grassy ridge to the summit of Ben Venue was a hands and feet job. Along the top was quite rocky and technical with the occasional hungry bog waiting to swallow you up. I quite enjoyed the organised misery of the top before a great descent route. It was steep and grassy and not much more to see than your feet. This was quite slow compared to the racetrack that was the road to the finish. It was a good gradient for striding out and saw a competitive end to the race.

Later I met Richard who had taken a bit longer on the ridge than he thought necessary due to the array of path choices available. Gus's story was different - he beat Davie Duncan for the first time ever and was remarking on the great views.(? eh) Jean seemed in good spirits at the end after a tough day on the hill.

This was a well organised and well marked race raising money for the Ben Lomond Mountain Rescue Team. well done to Bellahouston RR for a great race!

Donald

Five Lomies turned up for the last Championship race for 2011 at Ben Venue in the Trossachs.

Donald, Richard, Gus, Jean and John D (recently returned from a strenuous week in Poland) on the hill as the Lomies support Team!!

Conditions were rather damp in fact 'bogging' for the 200 runners who took part, with light rain at the start which turned into a downpour on the hill side which made the conditions real treacherous underfoot.

Two miles up the track till the hillside was accessed the pace a tad quick, onto the hillside and there was John offering support, did not offer to take my number though!! Into the mist and rain then it was heads down till the first summit was reached. Along the slippery stony ridge to the second summit then down the really treacherous path to the col, then it was splish splash through the swamps some were that deep that they might of had lead runners lying in them!!

Following the old fence posts along the ridge the visibility started to improve.. Along the land rover track to the check point then yee haaa down the steep descent which was slipperier then normal, great descent though and then through the deer fence and along to meet the track for the near two miles back to the finish.

Race Route this year had another 1km added onto it taking the finish to the Ben Venue car park which made a bit of a sting in the tail with a bit of climbing to get to the finish.

Donald and Richard had a good runs with the Bowman's possibly having their best race of 2011....so far!!

A great well organised race with over a £1000 raised from the Lomond mountain Rescue Team so a great day for them too.

Next week Manor Water and the Pentland Skyline hope the weather is similar as today making great running conditions.

keep smiling

Gus & JeanieB

Donald 15th 1.22.37; Gus 113 1.43.27; Jean 179 2.09.13; Richard 184 2.11.14,

Caerketton downhill Sept 14th

Six Lomies travelled through for this short fast downhill race. Derek, Gordon, Jim W , Jennifer , Jean and Gus. Cracking clear skies but was baltic on the top waiting for the start.

Each runner has to start with a foot on the highest point of the cairn on the summit of Caerketton and are let down the hill one at a time every 15seconds. Start time depends when you register, early registration early descent!!

The down hill flier Jablonski was that keen to go he got told it was a 'false' start but made up time on the descent as he flew past me near the bottom of the route. all the Lomies crossed the line saying what a great descent..fast and furious!!

Gordon had a great descent and created a new all time record for the M50 category with his cracking time, prize for this was a road map of Scotland…… with Jean claiming the prize for 2nd F50 and coolly selected a dozen miniatures of whiskey…that’s my girl!!. Jabbers got a prize, (perhaps we will see him at wimbeldon or St Andrews wearing it) for being the middle runner in the total number of runners….eh!!!

Jennifer got a prize (Washing up liquid) for being last and Jim and me got spot prizes (beer)………so all in all every Lomi got a prize!!

a brilliant race, with great presentation, well done to Carnethy who superbly organised this event with a pound entry fee…….great night and the lomies should turn up in force next year to get more prizes……….perhaps it could be part of the Scarf Series??

Great apres race meeting up with some young females who had been watching the Lomies during the race and then treated us to beer and food at the Steading..

Gus

The 'Ben' race 3rd Sept

All the training is behind us as we gather once again at the Park trying our best to look like we are looking forward to the next few hours. With the weather changing by the minute its hard to know what to wear. At last we assemble behind the band and without warning we're off round the park before being squeezed onto the road. We jockey for position before we reach the hill and before long we reach the first cut off that this time was a bad call. Its a hard push to the Red burn and then harder up the boulders as we disappear into the mists. Donald has a great ascent tussling with Mark Harris. Cameron follows with Fraser not far behind. Laurie beats Gordie to the top, then Gus and then Andy just passing Alan on the plateaux. David Brian and Joe and Jean follow and finally plucky Jennifer supported by Jim. On the way down Don pushes too hard and gets an all over gravel rash, Cameron and Fraser both finish sub 2hr. Gordie rockets past Laurie. Gus and Andy have good descents but Alan's specs mist up. Bodies falling all over the green wall. David, Brian Joe (big grin!) and Jean all finish looking fresh and well done to Jennifer for completing her first Ben race.

Alan

Results: Donald 20th 1.46.23; Cameron 28th 1.50.52; Fraser 73rd 1.59.13; Gordon 102 2.03.33; Laurie 135 2.10.07; Gus Bowman 211 2.21.05; Andy 233 2.24.33; Alan 295 2.33.46; David 349 2.40.47; Brian 356 2.42.43; Joe 388 2.49.07; Jean 432 2.57.56; Jennifer 479 3.45.47

Grasmere race Sunday 28th Aug

Adrian 'stag'gering up the hill - will it be his last?

Menstrie International Trials Sat 27th Aug

Well what happened to all the lomies today at Menstrie International Trials hill race.………………do you not want to be selected for your country??.................... that would put the Lomond hill runners on the map.

JeanieB and me headed through in a hundred hurries after a day drinking and eating at the Edinburgh Festival yesterday and arrived to find a field of about 20 runners for this race, on unknown terroirty to us.

Scotlands 'best' seems to have turned out, Prasad Prasad, Al Antony, Robbie Simpson, many other shifty runners and then the was the 'best' of the tail end runner brigade 'the hardcore' who had a wee race amongst ourselves after the lead runners had long disappeared after the first hill.!!

Great route on trods and paths taking in two of the lesser known summits of the ochils. Really windy on the tops with great marking and marshalls all over the hill. Really well organised a great day out.

Gus

Lomonds of Fife hillrace Sunday 21st Aug

Another change of route has been forced by parking problems with the start and finish now in the woods above Strathmiglo but the general consensus seemed to be that we now have a ‘leaner, meaner’ race with plenty of tough technical hillrunning from Creag Mead back to the finish. ‘Suicide gully’ failed to claim any victims this year but we should start charging spectators to watch the fun. Alison West was reported to have said that each new variation of the Lomonds of Fife race was more horrible than the last – surely the ultimate accolade for a hillrace!

Mark Harris of Fife had a great run to win the race well ahead, in a time of 1.27.44 (also 1st vet) with Dan Halliday of Edin’ Uni 2nd in 1.30.05. Colin (Peter Pan) Donnelly of Lochaber finished 1st over 50 in 5th place with Tom Bowie of Carnegie 1st over 60. Well done to Donald McKenzie, the first ‘Lomie’ to finished 9th in 1.35.21.

The Ladies race was closely contested with Rowena Bell-Scott (U/A) finishing first lady in 1.48.03 only eight seconds ahead of Charlotte Morgan (U/A). Rebecca Harding of Edin’ Uni’ H&H was 1st under 23 with Hilary Ritchie of Fife 1st FV and Phylis O’Brien 1st F50. Fife took the male team prize with HBT the winning ladies team.

Many thanks again to all the marshalls and helpers and also Geoff and the guys from the Wilderness team who thankfully found no customers for their first aid.

Alan

Lomie results: Adrian 6th 1.33.17; Donald 9th 1.35.21; Gordon 19th 1.44.02; Fraser 28th 1.48.45; Gus 58th 2.01.17; Derek 71st 2.05.51; Jonathon 74th 2.06.52; Andy 75th 2.06.55; Lesley 103rd 2.23.24; Jennifer 115th 2.55.05

Thanks to Tom Harris for excellent photos

Glen Shee 9 Sunday 7th August

The briefing started something like " Thanks very much for coming and totally ignoring the weather forecast...". It was a miserable day with rain, some wind and not much to be seen beyond the end of your nose. The start in the car park at Glenshee was great with people dashing off in all directions to find the first check point beyond Glas Maol on Craig Leagath . The first munro was quite rocky and not great running but then it soon smoothes under foot out to give pleasant undulating and on Sunday, very wet and boggy running. On Sunday you just couldn't see for the first two hours so it was all by map and compass. As I arrived at each checkpoint I experienced the satisfaction of a wee stamper and the outright suprise of having found the thing! The second part of the race is over the road - a leg burning climb up Carn Aosda and then a weary tramp out into the yonder. I did enjoy the trek back to the Cairnwell knowing that this "organised misery" was soon to finish. If you are a skier you will know the descent of the Tiger as consistently steep under the chair and a great run in spring snow. On Sunday I wished I was that skier as opposed to the soggy mass of mud, hag and half eaten jellybabies rolling down the hill in a humpty dumpty tumble to the finish!

Bravo to the Braemar Mountain Rescue Team for standing on those tops checking you through, for hours, in horrible weather.

Get yourselves to Glenshee for next year - a good long day in some great running hills.

Donald

Largo Law Sat 6th August

a veritable throng of lomies asended and descended on this years penultimate scarf race - a claggy bunch start soon split everyone up thru the dense den - adrian was keeping apace with front runners brian marshall and zach delaney - once the usual up and down was completed gordie followed with fraser in hot pursuit - some way back gus david brianl derek and pat all kept a good tempo with a nice cool rain shower enhancing their efforts - back thru the den with various twigs rivers and the old chestnut of directional arrows - cant mistake them again - saw everyone back safely 4 juice crisps and a few beers at the crusoe - in terms of scarf points its juggling up nicely 4 the pentland skyline in october - the top 6 or 7 places are still 2 b outcomed and the ladies points r equal - will b there 2 c fair or foul play

pat some really good footage from brian smith of fife ac

Results: Adrian 3rd 47.55, Gord 13 52.35 (1st 50), Fraser 17 54.42, Laurie 26 57.33, Gus 42 62.13, David 50 63.40, BrianL 51 63.49, Pat 52 64.12, Derek 56 64.55, Jean 76 75.51

Scarf fever grips Lomies

one to go - still all up for grabs!

supergordies nearly made it, pat has gone ballistic!

Maddy Moss Wed 13th July

A great host of Lomies gathered to garner scarf points and show off their new vests -they were much admired! It was a perfect summer evening for the race with a bustling crowd of 128 crowding the start. There's no warm up here - its an eyepopping, lungbursting ascent for starters and that's before you even get to the Law! The sweat poured off at first but a breeze helped higher up. Once the big climb is over it's runnable all the way over to Ben Cleuch and then back over Andrew Gannell. The long run down the narrow track, barely wider than your shoe, is exhilarating and overtaking can be hazardous. Back down in the Glen a tricky trippy rock track and then a vertical plunge to the finish sorts out the Jabbers from the wimps.

Alan

Results: 7 Donald 56.17, 35 Gord 1.04.00, ? JohnD 1.10.49, 75 Andy 1.13.10, 80 Jonathon 1.13.55, 87 Gus 1.15.12, 90 BrianL 1.16.11, 98 Derek 1.17.27, 99 Pat 1.17.37, 100 Alan 1.18.21, 106 David 1.20.45, 115 Jean 1.30.51, 121 Jim 1.38.52, 127 Jennifer 1.50.04

Glamaig Sat 9th July

Results: 46 Gus 1.19.51, 82 Jean 1.48.31

Alva Sat 9th July

With Laurie off in Morocco and with Alva and Maddy Moss following in succession I saw an opportunity to knock him off his perch at the top of the Scarf table.

The little brother of the main Carnethy Race in February is about half the length and height but makes up for it in intensity. No room to coast along on this one! Only 38 turned up on a cloudy but dry night after all the torrential downpours earlier in the day. Andy Fallas won for Carnethy in 25-08. I was 34^th in 39-57, near the back as usual in this race- no, make that all races nowadays!

The grounds of Dollar Academy is a great venue for the race and the sun shone for our first mass outing for our new vest. We were pleased to see our old Lomie stalward Ewan McIlwraith who was getting back into racing. The long ascent of Whitewisp was tough in the heat but once on the top the route is very runnable with easy grassy going across Tarmangie, Andrew Gannell and back over Kings seat. Gordie reeled in laurie to take a comfortable lead. Andy was happy after declaring he might not even be able to run for 2hours and David showed that a broken rib is no impediment to a Lomie. Alan managed to catch Pat who was wrestling with his camelback and Brian sped down the glen impressively after a wrong turn in the woods. Last but not least Ewan trotted in with Lesley and the kids cheering him home. (collect your new vest any time Ewan!) Buns and tea rounded off a great day.

Results: 22 Gordon 1.40.25, 35 Laurie 1.44.54, 61 Andy 1.56.27, 72 Brian 2.03.27, 73 David 2.04.03, 75 Alan 2.05.00, 79 Pat 2.07.13, 92 Ewan 2.21.47

Results: 13 Gordon 43.34; 23 Laurie 47.32; 33 Pat 50.39; 39 BrianL 52.29; 52 David 54.33

it was a joyful day out 4 the lomies - a welcome return saw cameron win the race over al anthony of ochil harriers with jonny knox of anster haddies and another good placing of 4th 4 donald mckenzie, no doubt having honed his descending skills on his travels - a somewhat mixed bag of laurie with recent injuries, david, brian and foreign legion pat - some wouldnt let him in the british legion - soon came down 2 earth again - good 2 c bob b and richard also picking up their 1st scarf points as cameron did - a short prizegiving soon after showed we can still b reckoned with - cameron showing them a clean pair of heels unlike pats so called multi-terrain shoes now that's initiative 4 u - thanks to alan and joe 4 the cameras and to fife ac 4 some really good footage on their website

Results: 1 Cameron 21.29, 4 Donald 22.18 (1st VET), 10 Laurie 25.15 (1stSV), 23 David 29.36 (2SV), 24 BrianL 29.40, 26 Pat 30.35, 28 Bob 31.22 (1st60), 31 Richard 32.17

55 people, including 4 Lomies braved the steep, midge ravaged escapade that is the Ben Sheann Hill Race. Gus and Richard, both carrying injuries, were glad to be there at all. Jennifer, uninjured at the start was to suffer ill fortune later on. Jonathan made no excuses and came in ahead of us. Gus and Richard got down unscathed, if a little slower than usual. Jennifer was going great guns until a nasty fall on the ‘technical’ or should that be ‘daft’ descent left her unable to finish the event. Hard luck Jennifer, you’re too brave. We hope you’ll be back training again soon. The winner was Al Anthony in 27-17.

A select raiding party headed south for this championship race with Pat bearing the 'Scarf of destiny'. We checked in at Town Yetholm and drove over the hill to the busy start. We were pleased to see that Jan had made it from Sweden and seemed sober after visiting 9 distilleries in Islay. The race followed a runnable (ie no 'rests') horseshoe over mainly grassy hills with lots of short climbs and one bigger one up to the high point of the Curr. There was brief excitement for a few near the start when a cow took fright and threatened to run amok. We had decent running conditions with light rain at first and mist obscuring the Cheviots to the south. Most of us seemed happy with their runs apart from Gus who was still suffering from his tumble on Jura. Pat seemed to be impressed with Alan's run and suspected some secret training. Gordon pronounced the race worth a revisit! Back at the field Pat produced his bxxxxx scarf and we enjoyed a photoshoot!

Results: 15 Adrian 1.11.23, 39 Gordon 1.18.13, 54 Laurie 1.21.16, 80 Jan1.26.54, 134 Alan 1.37.45, 145 Pat 1.39.53, 162 Gus 1.45.10, 171 Jean 1.51.59

Results: 11 Donald 37.04, 12 Fraser 37.34, 21 Laurie 40.26, 44 Pat 45.29, 48 BrianL 46.21, 56 David 47.13, 60 Derek 47.55, 99 Jennifer 57.34

Head still spinning from the madness that is the Jura Fell Race. Since I am now the assistant Race Organiser now I went over on the Wednesday to prepare the ground for the race and meet up with Graham the Organiser.

It's worth saying that getting to Jura is almost as difficult as running the race, especially when the wind blows, took me 12 hours from door to door, but absolutely worth every second.

Thursday was spent getting aclimatised, well learning how to stay upright in the wind. We also went over some of the race scenarios and confirming all procedure were in place. Friday I was assigned to co-ordinate the Adventure Show film crew, so when it's shown you'll know that 'Frank' was responsible for the great locations the crew were in. When we went out Friday morning the cloud was sitting on top of the Paps but as we climbed to film some scene setting shots the cloud dropped and some rain started coming through.

By the time we came down wind and rain was once again the order of the day, we took a chance to check Saturdays forecast, wishing we hadn't it was like a poor November day expected. By Friday night after the MRT/Marshals meeting I was expecting to Marshall on one of the Paps, oh no!

Saturday morning we awoke to sun, surely it can't last. Going into Craighouse the wind started picking, so while no rain yet the wind was going to be a factor, but not so much as to change the race to the poor weather course. I was told I could now run as enough volunteers had come forward. Adrian appeared at this point from the fast morning boat , so now Gus, Adrian and myself would be running.

Apprehension and excitement were in the air along with surprise that we could both see the Paps and had sunshine.

Jean appeared all booted and clothed for the elements marshalling the first check point, only to be told she could stay in Craighouse to do a variety of tasks there, not too sure if she was happy about this or not, but it would be 10 degrees warmer, she's a toughy.

At the start the starters were corralled into a pen where the would give up a tag to confirm they had started the race, however race starter Graham, so keen to get the race off in time set them off with around 60 runners still penned in with only Jean between them and the start line, she did well not to get flattened. Off out of Craighouse and almost immediately you get stuck down in deep bog, lovely with 5 hrs of running ahead.

The first 3 hills or the Pips are enough to be a race on their own, but in this race these are a warm up, down and over to the 'Equaliser' Ben a Choulis' and the biggest climb of the day and the start of the rough stuff, big big scree and stones every where. The drop to the bealach between the Paps wasn't too bad especially as the visibility was so clear, however as I climbed Ben An Oir I made the mistake of looking out to sea and could see an intense shower heading our way and shortly we had an inverted hail shower to waken us up. The full body cover was now employed to good use as this is the highest summit and made me glad I wasn't attending the control there for the day.

Plodded on to the last Pap Ben Shantaidh, where I was very careful with route choice as it was here I lost 30 mins last year. Came down the way I wanted, but still found myself jumping from stone to stone at what I felt was 1mph, Over to the final hill now and down through the boggy 2 miles to the road with an eventful dip into the river, both shockingly cold yet somehow refreshing.

The 3 miles along the road was even more fun this year as not only is it never ending but into a head wind too. Over the finish line in 4.52 a good bit faster than as year but didn't fee as fit as then however no damage done unlike Gus who had a fall on rocks with bruised leg to show for it, he'll be back.

One runner gave as a headache as he didn't report in as retired, so the helicopter was on standby till we had confirmation that he at least had made the road. 2 hrs wasted.

Presentation/Pub/Ceilidh went well talk turned to doing it again next year, watch out for the feature on the Adventure Show in a few months, Rose and I will have more than a Cameo role me thinks.

If you can take a holiday and get over there sometime this is a totally unique experience. In the 'one to do before you die category'

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After horrendous weather at Slioch the week earlier Gus still nursing his injured heel was hoping to have seen the last of the snow hail and gales.

Arriving at Kennacraig on Wednesday afternoon we acquired a few passengers called Laurie and Rosie who had missed the earlier ferry!! It is was baltic and windy on Jura so straight into the pub as decreed by Lomie tradition. :D Thursday saw a day of gales with another vessel ripped off it’s mooring and landing on the beach in front of Betsy bus. Friday the clag was down to sea level and was extremely wet all day. I went for a reccee run of the first three hills, the terrain was unbelievable with waist deep swamps and even deeper bogs but managed to use a compass properly while there was zero visibility. :D I also saw 3 Deer and a Hare all as scared as me!! :shock:

Race organisers were convinced that a low level route would have to be operated due to the forecast of more gales and hail for Saturday. :(

Looking out the window early on Saturday morning we saw the ‘Paps’ for the first time this week infact was 1^st time in May according to the locals. Race Organisers announced that full race route was going ahead despite 70 mph winds and showers forecasted. All down to the volunteer marshalls who opted to up the hills.

203 runners the majority from south of the border, included the UK finest fell runners on the starting line. Intensive kit checks were carried out.

The atmosphere at the start was interesting with 90 Jura Virgins wondering what they were undertaking. :? The race started at 10.30 and the top runners took off as though they were running a 10k.

Disaster stuck Gus before getting off the last pap, after safely negotiating the scree run. Whilst traversing the ‘boulder field’ he stood on a boulder as big as a kitchen table that rocked big time and threw him, assisted by the gale on to the boulders below. Race over……..he thought so with a lot of blood to legs , arms and arse, ripped pertex and gloves, cracked jaw. :cry: Two runners following behind helped him up, thankfully there was nothing more serious than cuts and scrapes. Soon he was on his way like a war victim and was heading for last hill and then the long wet descent to the road and the slog to the finish. Laurie managed to fall in the river which was a regular spectacle for those watching at 3 arch bridge.

A painful looking Gus crossed the line 6mins quicker than last year and happy to have got to his 100^th race. Beating Gordon to the magic number of 100 races?? The majority of runners all agreeing that the ground conditions and the wind made it harder than last year. But then they had visibility this year?? Turned out ok for him though. Good to see a few Lomies and hingers on Adrian, John D, Laurie and Gus although only Gus was announced as being from ‘Loch Lomond’ club and Laurie was announced as a 1^st timer?!

The Adventure Show were on Jura all weekend filming so it will be interesting to see who is included in the programme.

I had a great day on the stop watch at the finish and we had sunshine and few wee showers at sea level so a good day all round.

A decent turn out for the Lomies for this short little hill race. I’m advised by Mr Mallet that it “only just” qualifies as a hill race but I guess “undulating trail race with quite a steep first mile“ doesn’t have the same ring. On the advice of Laurie the Walshes were left to fester in the boot of the car and the flats were dusted off for a rare outing. I should have twigged this meant it was going to be a fast paced race.

The first mile or so was, as advertised, pretty steep, but it wasn’t entirely relentless. There were quite a few breaks in the uphill where it levelled out or even descended which allowed you to catch your breath. At the top as we passed the tower, a glance to the right noted the spectacular view, but in a blink of an eye it was gone and we were careering down a lovely long gradual descent through the trees. A sharp turn left took us back up into the “undulations” which sapped the legs and hurt the lungs and it was a case of hanging on ‘til the final drop to the finish.

We were surprised to see Jabbers at the start given his current Achilles issue. We were given a lesson on biomechanics and how it didn’t matter if he battered tonight because he was seeing the physio tomorrow to get it fixed anyway. After 5 minutes in the race, we think he revised his theory. Conversely we weren’t surprised to see Pat sporting a head-dress that would have been the envy of Laurence of Arabia. Jennifer had a cracking race knocking 9 and a half minutes off last year’s time!

Fraser 19 in 30:34 Stephen 21 in 31:03 Laurie 38 in 32:25 Jonathon 50 in 33:52 Pat 68 in 35:49 Derek 88 in 38:47 Jennifer 116 in 44:34

Three Newbee Lomies fell off the rolling Calmac ferry to debut in this tough stony hill race on Arran. Thought we had lost Richard overboard somewhere but cancelled the lifeboat once we found out he wasn’t coming.

The weather was near perfect for running, staying dry and cool with warm sheltered pockets on route up through the castle grounds. Strong winds at the top nearly froze the marshalls though.

Gus, despite having a wee niggling heel injury, coped well with the ground conditions and finished strong.

Jennifer and I were tail end Charlies and found this a very tough challenge. A lot of rock climbing and the technical downhill conditions suit some better than others. The views from the top were stunning and worth another visit. (but not in the race) Jean

This turned out to be a very quiet race today. Supposedly 200 entered but it seems a lot changed their minds. Gus, David and I were the only Lomies running today probably due to the entry list filling up in a few hours! Not running but supporting us was none other then ‘Shug’ oor founder member and his lovely wife. Even better after checking out the web site Shug brought along a vest for Gus as thought it would fit! IT DID and so he wore it up the hill and doon the hill. 1st race as fully kitted up Lomie what more can you ask for?

The sun was shining for the first half of the hill but the top was shrouded in mist and there was a nice cool wind on the top half.

It got quite exciting for those of us still on the hill about 2.15pm as we got HAIL then THUNDER and LIGHTNING.

I finished 5 mins quicker than when I last did it and I am 6 yrs older so chuffed to bits. Must be the Lomond hill runners training nights doing some good? Gus survived for the whole race strong on the up just a bit slower than normal coming down due to bruised heel pad. The soup and rolls at the Hotel were delicious. No beer due to the drive home.:-(

Another bumper entry of runners turned up for this mid week scenic race up Dumyat. Good turn out of 6 Lomies included.
The start at 1900 hrs from Stirling University so loads of young new faces with spritely looking bodies all sporting road shoes. After the race briefing the young ones took of into the horizon leaving all the old steeky gits behind. A sprint, well for the majority up the road along to the pinch point in the wall where a lot of these road runners displayed a bit more manners than the normal hill running brigade. The norm at hill races where the more you squeeze and push up at gaps the more the runners in front will pop out the other side.
On to the hill side and the heat was felt big time coming out of the trees, little breezy but it was hot work all the way to the top. Path dusty and the normal swampy bog at the fence was near enough dry.........unusual conditions. I had a great run to the top turning around the cairn , cracking views ,and then it was down down, passing JeanieB smiling and shouting abuse, then Jennifer not far behind. The path was busy on the top sections with runners in both directions so concentration on where your feet were going was vital.
Then disaster for me runner coming up moves to his right after giving the indication he was moving left and we clip shoulders big time, me in down hill momentum mode came off worse after leaving the path and landing heavily on rocks still on my feet and suffering damage to the underside of my heel. Race over and trotted in luckily getting in about 30 secs before JeanieB.
The girls had a great descent and both were in under the hour from memory and injury free. Fraser pushed hard up the hill to get in front of Gordon knowing he needed the lead on the downhill. He was delighted to stay in front and be first lomie over the line.

Results: 54 Fraser 42.15; 67 Gord 43.18; 99 Jonathon 43.34: 107 JohnD 45.45; 134 Andy 47.46; 288 Jean 59.18; 308 Jennifer 62.16

Report to follow - soon hopefully! - how about the (not unexpected!) saga of your shoe Gordie - if you can spare some time from cooncil business?

Results: 56 Gordon 3.05.56 (9); Gus 3.23.57 (8); Jonathon 3.25.46 (7); retired Laurie (4) Jean (4) Jim (4)

Scarf race number two saw a good turn out for this fast short trail type race. The cake was reported to be excellent. Scarf point in brackets.

Results: Laurie 37, 36.36 (9); Andy 55, 39.10 (8); Jonathon 65, 40.13 (7) ; Shaun 67, 40.17 (6); Gus 71, 40.53 (5); David 81, 41.37 (4); BrianL 84, 42.14 (4); Joe 90, 42.53 (4); Derek 94, 43.24 (4); Jean 122, 51.16 (4)

A mid week evening hill race at the beautiful Loch of the Lowes, home of the Ospreys, in Perthshire.
Third year this race has been run and a good number of runners 50 + turned up for this fast race over undulating ground, all on good paths and tracks.
The route this year was ran in reverse from previous years, which meant the long up hill to the top of Newtyle Hill was within the first mile so it was a blast right from the start.
After Newtyle was conquered it was on lovely paths through woods and over the hills directly behind Dunkeld swinging east towards the golf course with a real sting in the tail of an uphill just before the club house. After this it was a gradual downhill to the finish.
Lovely route just a pity about the pace that everyone was running at!!
Jim, Jennifer , JeanieB and myself then enjoyed the cakes before visiting the Taybank Hotel in Dunkeld for some real hydration, where we were joined by Laurie and the race organiser Adrian.
Well done to Adrian Davis for organising the race and providing a great route.

Realising I needed to get some decent miles into my legs, I decided to enter the Lochaber Marathon to kick-start the season’s long-distance training. This would be my second road marathon, the first being Edinburgh last May. You can imagine my apprehension as I awoke to blue skies, wall to wall sunshine, and not even a whisper of a breeze. We lined up on the shinty pitch at 11am for the start, someone nonchalantly shouted “Go!” and we were off. The course is a simple out and back along the Mallaig road, turning conveniently after 13.1 miles at the head of Loch Eil.

I decided not to wear a watch for the race and just pace myself according to how I was feeling, having psyched myself out last time trying to stick to a slightly unrealistic pace guide. I felt strong in the first half, dipped a bit after the turn as the temperature climbed, hung on for dear life from mile 18 to 22 , then manned up and kicked for home. I didn’t have a clue what my time would be until I crossed the line, but was pleased to discover it was 3hrs 20, a good bit better that my Edinburgh performance.

Two years since we did this tough race with four gruelling uphill’s through long heather and little paths but the tough bit is the descents again through heather with hidden ditches and bogs lurking beneath the heather.
Like the last time we were blessed with sunshine blue cloudless skies and little wind what more could we ask for!!
Around 60+ runners started in a picturesque setting in the middle of the forest with a fast dash for over a mile along the forest track to the heathery hillside where the fun began!! The race organiser did warn all runners that the heather would rip the laces from your shoes, not only that but they pulled the skin of your legs as well Ouch!!
The heat on the hills was rather hot and it was hard to think that three weeks ago we were running ankle deep in fresh snow, hopefully now gone for this winter!!
The race was as tough as we remembered with the bogs and drainage ditches waiting to ambush you when ever you were off guard. The heat and the terrain took its toll on a few runners but we both thoroughly enjoy the race and well done to the Cosmics for superb organisation.

Jeanie very happy as the course was very well marked. Not a route for the faint hearted.
At the finish the marquee was filled like a bakers shop and the sponsor of the race was Deeside Brewery who very kindly donated two casks of real ale, which in the heat went down a treat, more so for us as we had Betsy bus parked up very close to the finish and were nearly last to leave the finish area, now totally rehydrated with real ale!!.
Surprise of the day was at the prize giving when the race organiser announced a spot prize for the sexiest topless finisher, drums rolled ……………. grumpo………a prize for me …………...think they were taking the mick but I had ran 75% of the race with the Beacon (no Lomie vests) vest off but still with my corn plasters on as nipple protectors….sexy or what!!

JeanieB and Grumpo.

Any legs that had run the Birnam championship race the day before were starting to weary on the long run in. We all enjoyed a perfect day for a scenic and varied race which is basically a trail race with nobs on! From my position near the rear I missed most of the exciting action but enjoyed stopping to take a few photies.

A busy start line with 280 runners bustling for a place in narrow gap on start
/finish straight. Lots of fellow runners also running this race for a first time
due to it being a championship race and all asking questions of the route and
terrain. We fortunately had been well prep'd by our fellow Lomies on what to
expect therefore able to help those we spoke to. Great race a steep grunt up in
ideal conditions and once onto the new path both found it hard work along the
undulating route to the finish line. It was good to have had a reccee and advice
from club members on Tuesday night allowing me (JeanieB) to pip my nearest race
rivals to the post. Another great day on the hills with the MENTAL LOMIES. All
4? of us.

Cameron 9th 32.04; Gordon 67th 37.19; Laurie 72nd 37.52; Andy 142, 42.19; Gus 151, 42.54; Richard 179, 45.30; Jean 225, 51.34

Fraser and non-Lomie Ivan Wong headed to Traquair House for this adventure romp around the Scottish Borders. It’s advertised as “10k (and a bit)” but Garmin stats put the distance somewhere between 14 and 16k. The course takes in 2 fairly steep ascents/descents and there are a variety of mud and water features to navigate. The course is pretty fast and the obstacles provide an added challenge without disrupting the flow of the race. Maybe not a race for the purists among us, but bloody good fun nonetheless.

Assembled at the start line at 5:45pm were about 1660 Stags and Does, most of whom were sporting some tweed attire. Fraser cut quite a dash in his tweed shorts, shirt & tie (see below) whilst Ivan really went to town with a matching bow-tie / cummerbund combo. Chafing was, surprisingly, minimal.

Both lads went off like pocket rockets, hurdling the hay-bales at the top of the first straight like thoroughbreds. Fraser took the first bog at a gallop, Ivan went a bit gung-ho and ended up eating mud. The first hill was taken steadily with some naive newbies charging on past, only to be passed on the downhill as they reared up with cramp (very amusing!). The scree climb on hill number 2 was taken on all fours where a few more scalps were lopped. It was then a full throttle dash to the finish, Fraser managing to make up a further 3 places on the final straight.

meanwhile down from birnam on the same tuesday 4 lomies took part in the last nite mare race of the dark season a course akin to steeple chasing around formonthills woodland and with a few twists and turns between horsepaths and a bridge or 2 finished off the twilight tour

Series positions: joe17th gordon19th pat20th brianl23rd richard26th laurie27th a good show id sa

WELL I thought Conic hill race was a wee lung burster but this was a BIG lung burster. Finished with legs shaking and lungs burning. Knowing there were a dozen folk all shouting encouragement to me on the descent put a bit of pressure on as I tried not to fall flat on my face. Hee hee. Loved this hill and would love to do it again soon. There was none of this ‘running’ malarcky just grunt up and YEEHAA down. Pity it’s not handy for training.

48 runners turned up for this race. Weather was clear and bright. If there had been snow it would have been just like Tuesday nights descent. Only this time no Lomie got lost although Jennifer in true Winning fashion fell but soldiered on to the finish passing Ian McManus only yards from the finish. She is off to Criffel tomorrow too. Gutsy Lass who is coming on leaps and bounds.

A good day out with Laurie starting the junior Lomie section too by entering his grand daughter in the fun run. It was so nice to see some young folk as in the race there was only one under 21 and very few seniors (5 approx). The rest were vets! Gus and Richard had good runs with Gus taking one and a half minutes off his previous time in 2003 despite a 4am start to the day. Glad I didn’t believe all the horror story’s about this race. Definitely one to be repeated for me.

Results: Neil Martin 8th 25.11, Laurie 14 26.01, Gus 19th 28.19, Richard 34th 31.46, Jean 46th 35.49, Jennifer 48th 37.06

Pre race build up - Big race morra so in true lomie tradition arsed a quality bottle of merlot! Thunder and lightning forecast for race - yeehah!

Race was really hot and humid like being in a sauna for 6 hours. Last hour there was a torrential downpour, track turned into a river and my friend Mr Cramp gave me a visit and stayed for last couple of hours which made things interesting!! 40 mins slower than 3 years ago but canny complain. Derek

Fraser and Lomie imposter Martin Campbell headed north for this undulating 14 mile race from Kinlochleven to Fort William. Conditions were, at best, challenging. As we limbered up before the race, a squadron of matching Goretex-clad walkers were observed descending from the direction of the Lairig, one notably wearing ski goggles.

The snow fell with gathering purpose as we 48 hardy souls lined up for the start. The first 2 hilly miles passed in a flash and we soon settled into a good rhythm through the Lairig with the wind chasing our heels. The terrain was rough underfoot and covered menacingly with a thin layer of fresh snow. Martin took a header down a steep dip and lost his new hat, but fortunately avoided injury.

As we left the WHW at the halfway mark, the certainty of the road surface came as a welcome relief. However, relief was short lived as the wind changed direction and we took the blizzard head on. Snowflakes and eyeballs make not happy bedfellows. A great race, well organised by Lochaber, and with an entry fee of only 50p you can’t go wrong.

This race was sold to me as a 41 mile run around the scenic Peak District in Derbyshire, what better way to get fit and enjoy the first shoots of Spring. Now having spent a few days licking my wounds having completed the event I can confirm this race is not for the faint hearted.
Gordon and I were recruited to join a Westies team of 4 meeting David Rodgers in Edinburgh and then Trevor Richens in Edale. My first potential disaster was discovering I had left my kit bag at home when I reached Davids house, but he gave me some kit to borrow and a pair of hill shoes which unfortunately for me were a size and a half too small, bad omens!

We arrived down in Edale well before our 11:30 pm start time and took time to prepare and fuel ourselves for the long night ahead. Teams would leave at 1 minute intervals stepping out into a clear frosty moonlit night. A short sprint down the road and soon we were climbing our first hill, wading through some cattle silage while following groups of 4 head torches onto the higher moor. Settling down into a reasonable pace we climb the first 3 tops including a long muddy descent in woodland and then following a tight heather path after 90mins we get to the first of 2 road crossings for some refuelling. I enjoy the cup of tea offered, but the sandwiches really don't go down well. We then spend quite a few miles on gaining height but it mainly on tarmac which is not pleasant, We then rise up onto the bleak high moorland which I had been primed would cause our progress to stall, how right they are. Tight heather combined with huge peat hags made the two hours of a now bleak Friday night a real slog. These things were put there to test us and this was exemplified when in jumping one of the numerous swamps my foot got stuck in the bog. I wiggled and waggled my foot but it wouldn't come out , by then my 'team' had disappeared into the dark but luckily a fellow competitor was passing and was able to stop and drag me out. Shortly we moved on to Bleaklow and hunted for the control point in between large cuttings and boulders. Then when we had tagged, the promise of a cup of tea at Snake Pass crossing sent us hurtling down hill to the road.

It was now the cold light and wind of early morning and as we pondered our position we figured a sub 11 hours time was easily attainable as we only needed to cover the ground in 4 miles an hour, however this optimism was misjudged as when we reached the top of Kinder the highest point in the race we manage to take the wrong run off and ended up running along a ridge to find a check point which was about half a mile in the other direction. After much gnashing of teeth we convinced David our Navigator that it was a simple error that we have all made. Stumbling on through the mist along high ridges we suddenly entered the Edale valley and knew there was roughly half an hour to go.
This was welcome relief as my feet were starting to swell a little in shoes that were too small for me! After the short road section into the Hall we finished in 11hrs 22mins which placed us middle of the road, but fourth in the handicap category. I will like to say I enjoyed the rolling Peak District Scenery but unfortunately between night and mist did not see a thing. Even driving back in the afternoon, it was still wearing it's misty cloak, but travelling along Stockport High St on the way back fairly opened my eyes.
Great team, company and event, but still catching up on sleep a week later. The Bishop Hill Race on the Sunday fair sorted out the knots in my leg

Results: Adrian 5th, 37.13; Donald 10th, 38.35; Gordon 17th, 42.11; Ian Mc, 41st, 51.16