National Trail Championships - Strathmiglo, Fife

It seems not to matter when this championship race is held, the weather is always fine. Today was a scorcher and provided perfect conditions for the National Trail Championships, run over a 10km, "undulating" course through the forest trails of Falkland Estate. As with last year, the event started and finished just outside Strathmiglo, running back towards Falkland on some very severe ascents and descents. Some forestry work meant that the start had moved further up the trail than last year and an extra bit had been added in to the return loop at the far end to make the distance up.

I had hoped to run today and defend the M50 championship won last year, but a steadily worsening sinus infection through the week resulting in dizziness and jelly legs during the pre-race warm up, accompanied by an unusual rush of common sense meant that I was reduced to photographer duties, supporting Joanne McEvoy and Frances Ferguson who were Calderglen's only representatives in this stunning race. A big disappointment for me as I have not raced much this year and this was one of my main targets.

The 10km race was preceded by a number of junior races over shorter distances. As the start/finish for these races was further down the trail than the 10k start, this apparently caught a few of the seniors out who had to make a mad dash up a very steep trail to the actual start of the 10k race just before the start! However, for those who knew where the start was, the benefit this year was that much of the initial climb was taken out with the race starting nearer the top of the first hill.

The race started at 2pm prompt and the large field was soon strung out. It was good to see Kevan Harvey well up from the off and regular medalist, Robert Gilroy still challenging for the overall medals and clearly leading the M40 field. Joanne McEvoy found herself leading a group from early on. The severe descents were more of a surprise to Joanne than the uphills but with several good race performances behind her in recent months, Joanne had the experience to pace it right and finished very strongly in 47:06 and 19th position overall.

Frances had just jetted back from two weeks in the sun on Monday and would be glad to see that the usual weekend wind and rain was absent. However, a natural reduction in training whilst on holiday had de-conditioned Frances' Achilles tendons and she was in a bit of discomfort from the off. Despite that Frances put in a strong performance, finishing 34th overall and 5th F50 in 51:35. Unfortunately we did not have a full team out (4 to count) so did not feature there. Maybe next year we can get a strong ladies' team or two out as we have the strength in depth in the club to do so and national medals were there for the taking.

Well done to Joanne and Frances. Another memorable race in Fife!
Alan