The Gypsy Glen Hill Race

Another Wednesday, another hill race. This time I headed to peebles for The Gypsy Glen Hill Race. Hosted by Moorfoot Runners and our old ex-harrier Kenny Davidson.

The weather was great at 16 degrees and a total contrast to previous week at Dumyat. It was an 8k out and back route with an elevation of 262ft (half the height of Dumyat).

The race started a short walk from the sports club. For those that remember the old 10k that they used to do, it was along the river bank and over a bridge to a large grassy area. Kenny was there at the start and took me round the field as a warm up, this is actually the starting route and the loop is used to thin out the field.

The race was soon away with about 60 runners. I started at a controlled pace and picked off a few as we went round the loop again. Across the field, through a few streets and on to a loose stone track. It was climb, climb, climb....I was really struggling and thought it was harder than the previous week. The difference being that there's no respite, no dips or a bit of flat to take a few breaths and recover. We came off the track and are now on the hill side. This was different terrain and was grass with lots of rocks sticking up. Everyone near me was walking and you could see the line stretching as far as the eye could see. I kept thinking not long to go and you'll soon be on the descent. No such luck as there were 2 false summits, and when you reach the top, you need to run round a field! I've never ran a hill race with so many markers, usually you have freedom for a large part or unmarked on the way down. No cutting corners with this bunch!

The descent was great and you are back in no time. Finally hitting the field (like the finish at Crieff) and heading toward the funnel.

This was a tough wee number in a fantastic location and with a bonus of  great weather. Hopefully adding a bit of form and maybe breaking out of pack 1!!
George