Dumyat Hill Race

Well, it's the big one tonight. Dumyat 7.8k hill race. Hill races are usually a couple of quid on the night. However, this is a well organised event in Stirling university campus which is supposed to have sold out at 400 places. You get a teashirt as well for your £10.
Having ran it last year, I knew it was going to be tough, but well worth the effort to see the best views I've ever seen in Scotland.
Sandy, Ian and me were there in plenty of time get organised and have a good warm up, that took place in the car! It was a total contrast to the previously year with a chill and light rain which created a mist. Only the brave few went out in just a vest.
We all gathered at the start/finish which was within a minute from the car and registration.
The first 600m was a gentle climb through the car park and on to a trail, this continued for a good bit and makes you think "so where's the hill then?". There was a few bottle necks on the way so you end up next to people you past a few minutes early (annoying). As expected, the incline suddenly gets steeper and a bit of walking kicks in (you didn't hear that Alan)....everyone around you is actually in the same boat and no-one is passing you anyway. Before too long you are in the clouds and the leaders are come at you like bullets. There's no "best route" so you have people passing you on both sides....this provides extra motivation as you know that will be you soon. Visibility at the top this year was zero!
Now the enjoyable bit.....however, it's not just about running ability, decision make and footwear both play a part in this type of race.
Ian ran a stormer and was reported as finishing the race like a Mo Farah last lap! Sandy loved it and ran strongly the whole way. Both claiming to be back next year. There's races and there's races, but some become a must do.
George