Callander Crags Race - A Balmy Winter's Day

Not only was this one of the warmest winter Crags Races but it was also far and away the largest field. Having remained as a wee, local event for the past 30 or more years, with up to 50 or so runners in a good year, everyone was taken by surprise today when well over 150 runners of all ages turned up, causing a 15 minute delay to the start whilst numbers were issued. The Harriers contributed to the record-breaking turnout with 5 lining up; George Stewart, David Herbertson, Kenny Leinster and Billy Buchanan joining me as the token local. As the course starts at the foot of the 800 foot climb up a narrow, winding forest path, a good start was going to be essential to avoid being boxed in on the ascent. Unfortunately this meant an uphill sprint over the first 50 metres; not the most efficient way to start a tortuous climb for a mile but it had to be done. I kept it going reasonably well, losing a few places here and there on the ascent and maybe getting to the summit in the top dozen where I had time for New Year handshake with some friends marshalling at the cairn before the masses poured past me on the rough descent as usual. The course was exceptionally muddy but that did not really slow me down. I picked a few places back on the road but in the end continued my fall from form of the past half year to finish in 28:57, over 2 minutes slower than the June 2012 edition of this event. George had led the following Harriers' pack part of the way up, whilst David Herbertson got a little boxed in. Billy thought it best to learn from the hill running experience of Kenny and to follow him up, expecting that Kenny would then stretch away on the descent. But Billy had a flyer whilst Kenny had a small fall on the descent. The finishing order was Billy (31:28), David (31:37 estimated) and Kenny (31:43) with George (34ish) rounding off the Harriers participation. Harriers' performance of the day was from Billy who scooped the very practical M60 prize of a couple of pairs of sports socks and a sachet of skin revitaliser! The race was won by local hill running champion Prasad Prasad who recorded a fantastic 21:31, winning by almost 4 minutes whilst his wife won the ladies prize (26 minutes or so).

Well done to all for excellent performances on a very tough course.
Alan