Crisp, dry weather without a trace of a wind to disrupt the plumes of breath from those in attendance made for excellent conditions, as long as plenty of layers were worn! For the most part the challenging four-lap course was excellent underfoot due to freezing conditions. Each landing footfall only gave way as far as a satisfying “crunch” through frozen snow linking to hard ground beneath.
Each lap of approx 1.25 miles began on a generous downhill stretch following onto a left turn along flat ground before beginning the mildest of three substantial climbs to be tackled on each lap. The only soft muddy section leading through a gate joining two fields, could be covered by little more than a handful of strides to pass over with relative ease.
I was the first Harrier to complete the course finishing around 7th place in 31.50. Results are as yet to be posted. Despite a relatively small field I found some vests to hang onto for the majority of the race to pull me along and keep me focussed on running hard. Overall I was happy with my run and felt I got the best out of myself. Andy Henderson followed, taking a cautious race reluctant to over-stride on any steeper sections due to a twinge in his hamstring he felt while warming up. Russell still suffering from a recent illness deserves credit for completing the course despite feeling off par after the first lap. Russell pointed out he walked his dog in the field next to the race. Perhaps with the help of his dog, a long lead, some ski’s and excessive shouting of the word “mush” Russell may have completed the course a little quicker. I am unsure if this is permitted under SAL rules however. Or if the dog would survive such an ordeal.
O’cathian farm proved a more than adequate base for the race with a warm hall for declarations, changing facilities, and EKAC providing tea and coffee afterwards.
Andy B.
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