SKYE Sunday 27 May

The classic round of Sgurr a Mhadaidh, Sgurr a Greadaidh and Sgurr na Banachdich, with Sgurr Dearg tacked on at the end for the views if the climbers on the Inn Pinn.

Photos on FLICKR here

SKYE, Saturday 26 May

Staying at Glenbrittle Youth Hostel with the Glenmore Club. On Sat climbed with Sue, Gordon, Dave Watson and Brian Mcdade - Sgurr Sgumain, Sgurr Alasdair, Sgurr Thearlaich and then down the great stone chute - a fantastic day out.

Photos on FLICKR here

All Time Hillracing Results Update (work in progress)

Aonach Mor
1996 1h37m41s
Ardochrig
1994-49m30s 1995-49m55s 1996-49m20s 1997-48m48s 2000-50m44s 2002-55m

Ben Lomond
1987-1h25m42s 1988-1h22m30s 1990-1h26m 1991-1h22m40s 1994-1h23m30s 2003-1h25m20s 2004-1h26m10s 2007-1h31m55s

Ben Nevis

1996-2h16m10s 1997-1h55m40s

Ben Rinnes
1996-2h18m25s 1999-2h32m 2000-2h29m

Ben Sheann
1994-29m21s 1995-28m42s 1997-29m52s 2001-31m14s 2002-30m13s

Bishophill
1997-21m28s

Black Combe
2003-1h35m

Borrowdale
1999-3h52m 2002-4h6m45s 2003-4h16m 2004-4h21m9s 2006-4h33m10s

Braeval Uphill
1995-13m 59s

Broughton Mills
Fell Race (Engl)
2006-36m 23s

Bruce’s Crown
1996-12h17m 1998-13h20m

Calderglen Trail
Race
200140m 51s 200544m 19s

Carnethy 5
1987-66m05s 1988-61m48s 1989-64m30s 1991-67m30s 1992-66m25s 1993-62m03s 1994-63m 30s 1995-67m22s 1996-61m29s 1997-61m47s 1998-62m29s 1999-59m03s 2000-61m22s 2001-60m58s 2002-63m17s 2003-61m07s 2005-66m07s 2007-66m48s

Cathkin Braes Race 2005
45m 16s 2006
45m 35s
Chapelgill 1994
28m 06s 1998
23m 28s
Chevy Chase
(Engl) 2006
3h 37m 25s
Clachnaben 1994
1h 43m 28s 2004
1h 42m 27s
Coniston 1996
1h 28m
Cornalees 2001
41m 30s 2004
43m
Cort Ma Law 1988
59m 29s 1990
59m 1991
57m 30s 1994
55m 23s 1996
52m 01s
1997
54m 54s 1999
59m 39s 2000
57m 9s 2001
55m 51s 2002
57m 16s
2003
57m 53s 2004
64m 37s 2005
63m 48s 2006
62m 55s
Creag Bheag 1987
42m 19s
Criffel 1996
54m 06s
Culter Fell
Horseshoe 1995
2h 29m 2002
2h 42m
Devil’s Burdens
Relays 1997
30m (2) 1998
40m 10s(4) 2000
29m 04s(2) 2001
42m 12s(4) 2002
54m 11s(3)
2003
58m (3) 2004
??(1) 2005
68m 36s (3)
Dollar 1994
50m 30s 2004
56m 19s 2005
1h55m08s
Donard-Commedagh
(N.I.) 1997
1h 23m 49s
Duddon Fell Race
(Engl) 2006
4h 18m 17s
Dumyat 1991
41m 03s 1992
40m 45s 1993
39m 50s 1994
40m 13s 1995
40m 46s
1996
40m 27s 1997
40m 15s 1999
40m 2s 2002
41m 58s 2004
42m 25s
2007
43m 01s
Durisdeer 1997
1h 50m 54s
Eildon 2 Hills 1996
32m 16s
Elidir Fawr
(Wales) 1995
64m 42s
Ennerdale Fell Race
(Engl) 2006
5h 55m
Fort William 4 Tops 1995
3h 8m 26s
Glamaig 1995
63m 59s 1997
58m 48s 2001
64m 45s
Glen Clova 2000
3h 24m 2005
DNF
Glen Rosa 1997
3h 30m 19s 2002
3h 13m
Great Wilderness
Challenge 1995
3h 32m 18s 1997
3h 23m 30s 1999
3h 16m 33s
Goatfell 1987
1h 39m 10s 1994
1h 35m 30s 1997
1h 36m 18s 2001
1h 49m 2007
1h 28m 26s
Greenmantle Dash 1994
20m 07s 1995
21m
Isle of Jura 1997
4h 14m 42s 1998
4h 36m 33s 1999
4h 19m 22s 2003
5h 02m
Kaim 1995
33m 55s
Kinnoull 2000
29m 39s
Kilpatricks 1991
62m 1992
63m 30s 1993
61m 10s 1996
62m 18s 2000
53m 30s
2002
53m 22s 2003
55m 26s 2004
53m 30s 2005
57m 18s 2006
57m 14s
Lairig Ghru 2004
4h 29m 23s 2006
4h 24m 30s
Lairig Mor 2003
1h 47m 9s
Langdale Horseshoe
(Engl) 2006
2h 59m
Lomonds of Fife 2006
2h 00m 06s
Maddy Moss Mash 1996
56m 32s 1997
61m 41s 1998
58m 17s 1999
57m 20s 2000
58m 50s
2002
60m 59s 2003
63m 47s 2004
60m 47s 2005
64m 34s
2006
66m 49s
Manor Water 1998
1h 36m 1999
1h 29m 49s 2002
1h 34m
Meall a’ Bhuacaille 1994
61m 45s 1995
52m 04s 1997
51m 11s 1998
56m 13s 2001
63m 10s
2005
67m 35s
Melantee 1995
35m 27s 1999
38m 30s
Merrick 1990
1h 45m 1994
1h 29m 45s
Moffat Chase
(Long) 1988
3h 36m 2006
3h 53m 46s
Moffat Chase
(Medium) 1993
2h 16m 1994
2h 13m 45s 1995
2h 3m 3s
Morven 1996
46m 08s
Pentlands Skyline 1990
3h 14m 1993
3h 6m 50s 1994
2h 57m 09s 1996
2h 57m 33s 1997
3h 12m 46s
1998
3h 8m 1999
3h 10m 10s 2000
3h 4m 55s 2001
3h 29m 2003
3h 7m
2004
3h 12m 28s 2005
3h 24m 14s
Peris Horseshoe
(Wales) 1996
4h 5m 38s
SAL Champs,
Falkland 2005
60m 11s
Ship Inn Shell Bay
Sandy Slither 2005
45m 03s
Sedbergh
(Engl) 1988
2h 44m
Scottish Islands
Peaks 1996
5h 54s
-------
5h 43m 1998 (PMcC)
4h 44m
4h 4m???
3h 42m
=12h 30m 2000 (KJ)
4h 32m
4h 50m
3h 55m
=13h 17m 2002 (CC)
4h 56m
5h 30m
4h 30m
=14h 56s 2003 (CU)
4h 37m
4h 44m
4h 01m
=13h 22m
2004 (SG)
5h 4m
4h 54m
3h 49m
=13h 47m 2006(CM)
5h 58m
6h 4m
5h 10m
= 17h 12m
Screel 2004
37m 37s
Spadeadam Half
Marathon (Engl) 2006
1h 37m
Speyside Way
50K 1997
3h 52m 17s 1998
4h 4m 38s 1999
3h 51m 45s 2000
3h 52m 50s 2002
4h 10m
2003
4h 14m 39s
Strathpeffer 1999
33m
Stuc a Chroin 1990
3h 1m 50s 1991
2h 53m 20s 1993
2h 41s 1994
2h 42m 57s 1995
2h 38m 23s
1997
2h 35m 52s 2003
2h 50m 39s 2004
2h 51m 10s
Three Shires Race
(Engl) 2006
2h 45m 50s
The Scalp
(Ireland) 1996
27m 34s
Tinto 1987
41m 12s 1988
39m 35s 1990
41m 30s 1992
42m 30s 1993
37m 43s
1994
38m 53s 1995
36m 35s 1996
37m 10s 1997
41m 38s 2002
39m 23s
2003
39m 30s 2004
38m 59s 2005
39m 40s 2006
41m 46s
Tiso 7 Hills
of Edinburgh
1986
2h 08m 1988
1h 59m 1990
2h 2m 1991
1h 56m 2002
2h 11m
Twelve Trig Trog 1996
10h 45s 1998
10h 55m 1999
9h 43m 2000
9h 52m
Two Breweries 1988
3h 26m 1990
3h 30m 1993
3h 17m 47s 1995
3h 20m 51s 1996
3h 22m 05s
1997
3h 9m 20s 1998
3h 20m 20s 1999
3h 17m 52s 2002
3h 26m 49s 2004
3h 29m
Wasdale Horeshoe
(Engl) 2006
5h 40m 34s
Waun Fach
(Wales) 1995
57m 58s
West Highland
Way 1999-DNF
11h-
(Tyndrum) 2000-DNF
21h 30m
(Lundavra)
Westies Christmas
Handicap 2002
18m 27s 2003
20m 09s
Westies In The Dark
Handicap 1996
27m 56s 2000
27m 8s 2005
28m 33s 2007
28m 24s
Westies Summer
Road Handicap 1996
50m 02s(1st) 1998
49m 58s 1999
51m 4s 2000
50m 33s 2001
50m 30s
2002
49m 49s 2003
49m 57s 2004
55m 20s 2005
52m 54s 2006
57m 12s
Westies Dumgoyne
Handicap 2006
52m 31s
Westies Chatelherault
Handicap 2006
48m 47s
Whangie Whizz 1993
28m 34s 1999
33m 22s
Wrekin Streak
(Engl) 1996
44m 39s
Wuthering Hike
(Engl) 1997
5h 44m 1998
5h 26m 54s 1999
5h 5m 46s 2000
4h 51m 2002
4h 43m
2003
4h 44m 11s 2004
4h 44m 50s 2007
4h 59m 42s
KIMM 1990 (PB)
Loch Rannoch
6h 21m
4h 10m 1993 (GM)
Drumlanrig
5h 55m
5h 11m 1994 (BS)
ManorValley
6h 56m
4h 15m 1996 (GR)
Galloway
5h 15m
4h 20m 1998 (MM)
Howgills
DNF
1999 (GP)
Ardentinny
DNF 2000 (GP)
SouthLakes
9h 22m
5h 53m
(Elite)
2001 (LP)
Muirshiel
4h 30m
3h 50m
SLMM 1992
8h 30m
7h 30m 1993
6h 9m
5h 6m 1994
9h 11m
4h 2m 1995
5h 50m
5h 40m 1996
6h 30m
5h 20m
1998
DNF 1999
7h 30m
3h 34m
LAMM 1993 (GM)
Blair Atholl
5h 30m
3h 45m 1994 (KA)
Arrochar
6h 9m
4h 29m 1995 (SB)
Mull
5h 54m
4h 23m 1996 BB)
Aonachs
7h 42m
5h 19m 1997 (GP)
Jura
7h
6h 50m
1999 (SB)
Black Mount
8h 40m
6h 15m
“B” 31/83 2001 (GP)
Laggan
6h 45m
5h 24m
“Elite” 24/35 2003 (KA)
Glenshee
7h 25m
5h 40m
“A” 7/28 2004 (NS)
Strathcarron
6h 33m
5h 56m
“B” 13/100 2005(DS)
Mull
8h05m
5h 53m
36/120 “B”
Mourne MM 1997 (GP)
7h44m
6h 1999 (KJ)
DNF

Goatfell Hill Race

19 May 2007

Having had my Islands Peaks hopes dashed by the skipper’s flu, and then being mighty relieved when I saw the weather forecast, I joined the Westies trip over to the lovely Isle of Arran for the Goatfell race. The ferry breezed over to Brodick from Ardrossan, full of many hillrunning buddies. The weather forecast had been pretty dire, but actually turned out not too bad in the end. We couldn’t quite see the summit of Goatfell and there were plenty of squalls coming in at regular intervals too keep us on our toes as far as bum-bag gear goes. This year we were starting near the castle, missing out on the 1st and last road mile of old. The ascent was a mixture of running and walking for me as usual, and rock climbing towards the top, with gale force winds and sleet thrown in for good measure. I had a steady start, just keeping ahead of Gordon Robinson and Jim Hall, and just passing Murdo near the summit. From there on my race went “downhill” literally, as I pussyfooted down most of the descent, singing wee songs out loud. I waved past Gordon, Jim and Brian Brennan on the technical stuff as I was more concerned about not tripping and breaking bones than beating the Westies OAPs. As we passed the deer fence lower down the path was far more runnable and I realised that I should start to try and make up some of the gap. I hared off along the forest paths, catching one of the Abrams brothers and trying to catch a sight of some Westies vests. We came on to some tarmac for the last half mile and they all came into sight. I tried to hunt them down but those old gits were too far ahead, and I only caught Brian just as we entered the finish field, with Murdo a few seconds ahead. Overall pretty pleased with my run, though just missing out on finishing in the top half of the field was a bit of a disappointment. Chris was first Westie home and Cat first Westie woman. Plenty of tea and goodies back in Brodick cheered us all up, as did a beer in Macs Bar before heading for the ferry. Well done to Paul Emsley and all who helped out, particularly the mountain rescue and the marshalls on the summit, and of course to all the Westies for a fine day out.

67th of 129 finishers
heart rate max = 190; average = 153 bpm (85%); 1045 cal; 895 metres ascent.
Results
Chris' photos
Photos
Carnethy photo report
Westies reports

Ben Lomond Hill Race

12 May 2007

Thanks Don and all the many other helpers who made for a great day out. I enjoyed my race, despite it being my slowest yet (something of a pattern emerging?!). I had a steady plod/jog to the summit, followed closely by Val and we reached the top in 60 mins just behind a jetlagged and honeymooned-out Steffen. Val and I chased after Steffen along the ridge and just caught him after the zig-zags, whereupon Val used her long legs to zoom off into the distance, leaving Steffen and I floundering in her wake. With tired legs I did my best to get those wee legs of mine to descend the rocks, grass and bogs to the bottom without falling over. Disappointed not to get under the hour and a half, but couldn't really have given it any more effort, so still reasonably happy. A grand race and day out.

Don Reid's Report=
This years race did not have the good weather of last year but despite this, proved to be another success. This was mainly due to the brilliant assistance of marshals, time keepers, car parking officials, the mountain rescue team (MRT), the new walkie talkies (which incidently were just about to reach the summit from the hotel!), and the team of people who ran the junior championship races without much interference from me. A big thanks to you all!.
What about the race itself? The MRT had warned me that the bad step was treacherously slippy & I passed this info on to the runners at the start. I think everybody took this on board and fortunately, we had no major injuries to deal with, though I would not like to be nursing the ankle strain that Brian Marshall went home with, but more on that later. The smart money was on either Simon Peachey or Brian Marshall to win though there was a threat from South of the border in the form of last minute entry Nim Lockwood from Borrowdale. True to form, Simon lead the race by about 1 minute as he turned at the summit, from Brian. This was a scene that was acted out 2 years ago, and on that occasion, Brian one of the best descenders in the business had very quickly caught and passed Simon. However this year Brian twisted his ankle big time at the bottom of the summit zigzags. Amazingly, he still managed to hobble in to finish in 18th place with a time of 1.21. This left Simon with a huge lead and he won in a time of 1.08.37. Second was Graeme Campbell of Highland hillrunners 1.12.19 and 3rd Andrew McColl of Greenock Glenpark 1.13.05. First V40 was Steve Fallon (Carnethy) followed by our own David Riach who put in a spirited finish to outsprint Stuart Simpson of Ochils. First V50 went to Tom Scott of Fife and Carnethy took the male team prize.
What about the fairer sex? A couple of weeks before the race, I would have wagered a large sum of money that Westies were going to get the team prize, but a series of injuries ruled out Val Brunton & Shona leaving Val Houston, Ellen and Ana to carry the Westies flag. And so once again the spoils went to Fife. First female overall was ex Westie Helen Palmer who had a great run to finish 37th in 1.27.36 followed by our own Val in 1.29.57 who was 1st V40.
This is how the westies ran - well done all!

8 David Riach M40 01:17:07
10 Chris Upson M40 01:17:17
26 Scott McKendrick M 01:24:14
30 Johannes Courtial M 01:25:16
46 Val Houston F40 01:29:57
52 Steffen Gorgas M 01:31:22
54 John Donnelly M40 01:31:55
58 Paolo Ballarini M 01:33:15
72 Ellen Homewood F 01:39:05
77 Jason Kaushal M40 01:39:52
104 Ana Talbot F 01:52:28
112 Davy Broni M40 01:57:22
117 Drew Turnbull M60 02:07:05

Full results here

Photos on Westies website here

Dumyat Hill Race

9 May 2007

A stinking cold during the day had convinced me I was only going to be a spectator at this brilliant wee race up one of the Ochil's finest hills, but fortunately the cold disappeared in time for me to join about 20 Westies on the line. I had a good steady start and climbed well, passing Don and Scott and turning just ahead of them, followed closely by Tom, Rob and Val. The descent is great, just steep enough and technical enough to be fun and exhilarating, and I haired off knowing that Don and Scott would surely catch me up as they did about half way down. I couldn't hang on to them, but managed to descend reasonably well to finish a shade over 43min, in approx 67th place of 170 runners. My slowest time yet in 11 races, but it still felt as competitive and as much fun as any of the rest. Manny had come down from up'north and was 1st Westie home. Ian Donnan broke the course record up front as did Angela Mudge. Behind me were Tom, Rob, Val (1st F40), Hamilton, Murdo, Richard, Helen (1st F50) and many others. A great turnout for this classic Wed evening blowout.
67th/263 finishers

Results here

Isle of Rum

5-7 May 2007
A Glenmore Club long weekend on the fantastic island of Rum. Lovely boat trip from Arisaig on the Friday and booked into the amazing Kinloch Castle servant's quarters that doubles as a hostel. Horrible and windy on Sat so only did Barkeval with Gill and Arthur and down to Harris and the mausoleum. Bit better on Sunday and went up Monach Mor and then enjoyed a lovely coastal walk along to the sandy beach of Kilmory. Tour of the castle on Monday, then a bumpy boat trip back via Muck and Eigg.

Photos here

Garbh Bheinn Corbett

Friday 4 May 2007
A lovely sunny trot up and down the Corbett Garbh Bheinn, near Kinlochleven. 167 Corbetts done, 52 to go.
Photos here

Westies Wedding Weekend

A fantastic sunny and hot weekend up north for Steffen and Catriona's wedding. Two Corbetts (165 done), Sgurr an Utha and Streap on Saturday with Rob and Hamilton; then on to to the wedding ceilidh to celebrate with the happy couple; and on Sunday Carn Mor Dearg and Ben Nevis with Cat and Martin on yet another scorcher of a day. What a weekend, what a country!!
Great photos on FLICKR here