The Deer Stalker Events and Alloa 1/2 Marathon 2011
March 21st, 2011A fun-packed weekend saw a handful of Gala Harriers in action at the Deerstalker events around Traquair and at Alloa in the half marathon.
On Saturday, the hills around Innerleithen were alive with the sound of almost 2600 athletes squelching through knee-high mud, crossing rivers reaching waist height and mastering the art of kamikaze downhill running – the notorious double event which is the Deerstalker and the Mighty Deerstalker was back again. Posing innocently as 5k and 10k races, the daytime race is nearer to 5 miles and the night-time 10k a definite 8 ½ miles but it is the challenging terrain and army assault elements that bring thousands of runners, both international and Scottish as well as locals to the countryside around Traquair House each year.
Alan Murray finished the 5k daytime race in 1.09.29, placed 59th out of 574 whilst
Matthew Purves (1 hour 16 minutes and 19 seconds) was the next Harier running the race the first race in perfect conditions through river, sheer afforested hillsides and a variety of obstacles while first timers Lisa Hogg (1. 23. 40 seconds) and Anne Purves (1.37.52) enjoyed their mudbaths, coming out unscathed and smiling. As dusk fell, 2000 more runners gathered at the start outside Traquair House and it was well into the night before the last ones returned. Andrew McCrirrick however made short work of the demanding course, which takes in two massive climbs and treacherous downhills, interspersed with mudslides and scree slopes as well as a 400 metre stroll through the Leithen Water at its height – he completed his night’s work in 1.48.08. Much further down the field amongst the bobbing head torches and delayed by a nasty injury to her running mate, former Harrier Anna White, was Rosi Capper, happy to be home in 3 ½ hours with the seat still in her shorts.
On a more serious note and with London Marathon training in mind, club President David Hunter accompanied 4 others to Alloa where the half marathon course provides an excellent test of winter training before the road season really begins in earnest. Colin McCall led the quintet home in fine style in 1.26.57, with Derrick Brydon and Rachel Hunter separated only by one place and 5 seconds in 1.28.04 and 1.28.09 respectively. David Hunter posted his intent with a steady 1.45.34 while Jackie Law ran a well-judged 1.49.01.
rosi capper Says:
Many congratulations to Gerry Moss for his new personal best at the Edinburgh Half on Sunday – and it’s due to get even better with the agreement by the race organisers to re-calculate all running times as the course was long. And commiserations to Fiona Shepherd who didn’t get 3rd place in her age category (I did wonder!!) as she isn’t 50 yet!!! Your time will come Fiona!! Rosi C
Fiona Shepherd Says:
Thanks Rosi yes I did notice the age mistake!! The organisers have now moved me to a younger and correct category. A new PB for me to with amended times. Well done to all