Peebles Beltane 10k Trail Race

For the third weekend in a row the Harriers were out in force at a 10k race, this week turning in great

performances at the Pee

bles Beltane 10k Trail Race. George, Jim, Eddie and Russell took the easy option of driving to Peebles whilst Genevieve and Colin continued their Ironman preparation by cycling 51 miles from East Kilbride following a "scenic" back road route, timed to bring them to Peebles just before the race start in a state of readiness. They certainly timed it well, completing the journey in a fine 2:52 some 35 minutes before the start. Their subsequent impressive performances in the race confirmed that they were indeed ready.

A field of around 120 gathered in blazing sunshine in beautifully cared for playing fields at Gytes Leisure Centre. Kenny Davidson was in charge of the marshals (and appeared himself at 3 different locations around the course) and Kirsty Davidson had the pressure of registration

and results to deal with. A 1km lap of the perimeter of the pitches broke the field up before heading off along a narrow river bank trail. Unfamiliar with the course, the relatively flat first 4k of the race lulled the Harriers into a false sense of security.However immediately after the 4k water station, a hill of "log jam" proportions reduced many in the field to a walk and was the main topic of post-race banter. A descent through pine forest trails maintained the Chatelheraultesque theme before returning to the river bank for the blast to the finish. Unfortunately for the runners (great for the supporters!) on reaching the finish the route continued past the finish line for a final km around the perimeter of the playing fields before the final run in to the line.

First Harrier back was Colin Freeman (saddle sore but otherwise running strongly) in around 41 minutes with Eddie Reid around 50m or so behind. Jim Holmes had the extra pressure of wearing number 118 and the attention that brings from the public at large but coped well to finish in 44 minutes.

The most competitive Harriers' performance came from Genevieve, especially the last km. An innocent comment from the coach advising that she was 2nd lady with 1km to go provoked a sign language response suggesting that the person just in front was the 2nd lady. In fact George Stewart was just in front (at this stage) but sprinting ahead, I was able to confirm that indeed there was

another lady 10m in front and the instruction to "SPRINT" was issued. Just what Genevieve did not want to hear with 800m to go and so the instruction was duly ignored. With 400m to go it seemed that the gap was increasing but encouraged by George, the other Harriers, the Davidson children and their friends, Genevieve gradually closed in over the final 200m before the legendary sprint was finally unleashed with 80m to go, flashing past the Dunbar Harriers lady with a slightly under the weather George desperately hanging on. In fact, not only had I missed the lady just in front of Genevieve but I also missed the first lady so in reality Genevieve was 3rd lady overall. A great performance, especially after 3 hours on the bike and her best placing in a running race. Just as well she did not totally ignore the instruction to sprint!

Russell is still struggling with his ITB tightness. Add in the heat and the hill and this was not a course for Russell. However he was happy to finish.

The official times for the Harriers were: Colin 41:43 (13th), Eddie 42:00 (14th), Jim 44:05 (18th), Genevieve 51:06 (3rd lady), George 51:06 (48th), Russell 61:53 (95th).

Well done to all for making the effort to travel through and for competing strongly and well done to Moorfoot Harriers for a great wee race and a fantastic spread of tea and cakes.

More photos here.

Alan