This was a great event and perfect conditions too given the recent freezing temperatures.
286 almost entirely Scottish cross country club members battled it out c.13 miles and 800 metres of elevation running on forest tracks, narrow paths through heather topped hills and open grassland.
The first thing to strike me as a foreign visitor was the size of the local cross-country clubs in attendance with one from Edinburgh fielding around 40 runners. Others from Glasgow seemed pretty big too.
It was all very jolly at the start …
… but the chat quickly ended as we were faced with a climb of c.1,000 feet in the first three kms.
After that we were treated to some fantastic Borders scenery.
Then into the run proper and a beautiful 8km undulating ridge before a speedy descent – for some at least – and the final sting in the tail that involved seemingly everyone walking up a super steep hill before a final long run into the finish across pasture and along forest tracks. Pure magic!
I made it round in just under 2 hours and 30 mins. Somone took a photo of me too – thankfully showing me putting in some effort as you can see!
The race was won in 1:22.40 by Sasha Chepelin who runs for the Carnethy Hill Running Club based in Edinburgh – an eye wateringly fast time the race was effectively a Half Marathon with hills and difficult terrain.
Post race it was off for a freezing cold shower courtesy of the host, Selkirk rugby club made bearable by the knowledge that a mound of home made haggis pies and hot soup were awaiting.
Anyone fancying entering next year? If so, give me a shout as I would like to give it another go and celebrate moving up an age category by shaving off a few minutes from my time!