Having noticed BBC Scotland News reporter Jamie McIvor near to me on the start line I immediately checked my hair(!) and make-up as I naturally assumed he was there to conduct another interview, the powers-that-be having seen my triumphant debut last Sunday and decided they wanted more. For some reason he ignored my delusion and ran his own race to finish in 2:04:26 – his loss.
A first for me at the start, actually a few metres before the start, was a young lady tripping on a loose rock and falling right across my path. Naturally I
My day was complete when, during the last mile, a spectator called after me saying ‘saw you on the telly last week, you were great’ - I really should retire from running as of now, it just won’t get any better than this – recognised in the street! I ran on with a big smile across my face and proceeded to win a desperate sprint for the line by a whisker to finish in 1:48:38, earning a big cheer from the large crowd and my best half marathon time for a couple of years.
Note to the harriers committee, a new and much wider front door may soon be needed for the Sports Club to accommodate my swollen head.
The much younger and better-looking half of the harriers Aviemore duo, Ruth Kelly, also struggled a little on the early hills but finished strongly in 1:57:27 to banish the memory of her dodgy knee, which ruined her run at the Loch Ness marathon last month.
The winner was an Iain Jones, unattached, in 1:16:21 and the leading lady was Sheena Logan of Fife AC who was also 8th overall in 1:21:13. All in all a well organised race which I would recommend to anyone.
PS no photos with this report as I think everyone has seen quite enough of my ugly mug for a while.
David Searil
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