Eildon 2 Hills Race 2010

Or two routes and a gorse bush as i'll call it. It was very much the case of the 'Tortoise and the Hare' at Melrose this weekend. With a quick spin round the infield and out through the town we were very quickly climbing the first hill, Cairns and McGovern led the way assuredly and well i followed further bhouyed by the onlookers stating 'Fergus knows the way!' and on checking behind there was Fergus coming the same way, ill note at this point Fergus is a Gala Harrier and admitted afterwards he is well aware of the route, but got carried away. Turning up the hill we very quickly ran directly into thick gorse, 'This doesn't seem right' and my legs and fingers still agree. 40m and 5minutes later we cleared it and came out on the more gentle heathery slopes, to be met with the sight of a large chain of runners almost touching the summit, 'I think they went the right route!'. Comedy ensued and i was rightly treated to abuse by Eilidh Wardlaw and Deano as i got back on track, Dean setting a good pace as we reached the first summit. We tipped immediately over and down a runnable descent before turning back up Eildon#2 via a windy well eroded path to which we were advised to stick, this was runnable to an extent but generally hands on knees stuff. From the top the fun really started and throwing yourself off the top down the scree like path required a lot of concentration to start before opening out to extremely runnable hard packed potched ground. I managed to overhaul a fair few on this and then all were treated to a good cheer through the town to the finish at the Rugby ground. I got into the field just in time to see the 3rd/4th battle complete, myself in 6th behind Cairns. McGovern had kicked on unpeturbed by the poor route choice and managed to overhaul the field to win by 2s, cracking effort!

Dean mustve descended well too as it was long before he appeared showing no signs on wear and tear from the HighlandX, rapidly followed by his teamate and partner Gillian to finish 4th woman. Dad then appeared evidently still suffering from a bad knock on the ankle a few weeks back at Goat Fell, the long descent taking its toll and Corrie wasnt too far behind sporting some questionable hill running footwear in a pair of Nike Free types. Though very happy to report no ill effects from the ups and downs so maybe not such a bad shoe choice! Completing our wee Corstorphine band albeit wearing a jobby brown vest was Phyllis who was the only prize winner taking the female vets.

Results were available almost instantly and there was a good spread on afterwards, ive been to a few gala day races now this Summer and i have to admit they are thoroughly enjoyable for the atmosphere as much as the races. Plenty more in the calendar ahead too!

Selected results

Full results @ http://www.shr.uk.com/RaceResults.a...