Eildon 2 Hill Race 2009 Report & Results
June 20th, 2009The Eildon 2 Hills Race comes at the end of the civic celebrations in Melrose and the showers which characterised the Melrose Week were never far away as 71 runners gathered in Gibson Park on Saturday for the annual running of this popular race, organised by Gala Harriers. The rain held off until just after the start when the gentle drizzle cooled the runners on the major climb and then eased off in the later stages.
Considering the runners were given the most comprehensive pre-race briefing by race organiser Paul Morris, the variety of routes that runners took, especially off the second summit was unsurpassed but all returned safely and in one piece, having been checked in at the top of both hills - the only compulsory condition of the race. Although it seemed that John Wilkinson (31 minutes and 40 seconds) chose the faster line off the second hill, he couldn’t quite catch eventual race winner Damon Rodwell (31.29), who took the honours by 11 seconds and revelled in the glory leg around the Greenyards. In a grand third place was Mike McGovern (32.22) from Moorfoot Runners, with Gala’s Neil Aitchison placing an impressive 6th in 34.53. Derrick Brydon of Darnick in 38.54 was awarded the first local prize.
In the women’s race, although 1st and 2nd were separated by 9 places it was a close run thing as the winning margin was less than a minute, with young Mhairi Mackenzie of Edinburgh University in 36.02 holding off Helen Bridle from Dorking, Surrey (36.57.) Third woman was Gala’s own Rachel Fagan in a superb time of 37.38, with the two other female category winners of vet and supervet also going to Harriers with great runs by Gillian Duncan (40.34) and Andrea Pogson (43.28.) This allowed the women’s team prize to be awarded to Gala Harriers. Moorfoot demonstrated that they are becoming a force to be reckoned with in hill running circles as they scooped the men’s team prize.
The full results are detailed within PDF below but other notable performances from the club came from a blood-stained Malky Gowans (38.43) who had an encounter with a bush (the bush won), Dave Nightingale (38.48), Paul Morris (40.42), Billy McCulloch (42.35), David Hunter (43.18) Duncan Sinclair (47.05), Shelagh King (51.42), Anne Purves and first-timer and organiser’s other half, Fiona Morris, both 60.02.
Paul Morris would like his thanks to be extended to all those who helped or supported in any capacity on the day.
eildon-2-hills-2009-results.pdf“>
The previous Saturday one of those helpful marshalls at the Eildons was accepting a gold medal at Pitreavie in the Scottish Veterans Track Championships. Bob Marshall came first in his age group in the 5000m, only narrowly missing his PB set 32 years ago – by 4 minutes!! Well done Bob!
For the Sporting Week Ahead – JogScotland 5K and Junior run at Dryburgh on Tuesday 23 June and the Kelso Games on Sunday 28 June.
Dean Says:
Good race today, really enjoyed another great Gala event
cheers
Dean
Corstorphine AC
Luke Says:
Brilliant race, thanks. It *felt* like 10 miles but could anyone confirm the race distance?
Paul Morris Says:
Really appreciate the comments guys.
For once this year as race organiser I enjoyed it myself. Probably helps that I got a run, and there were no broken bones! Next year I promise not to burble on so long on the start line, or get so serious about the extreme nature of the event!
The “official” distance is 7km, and the ascent 460mtrs (I’ll let you do the conversion). I’ll try to get out there and measure it with a GPS before next year, as those do sound a bit short don’t they.
I have found a pair of shorts - anyone wanting to claim them leave a post here.
Paul Morris