Just a few little things to add to James’ report…

One nice thing about this course is a fair length out & back section with a turn around a cone, which gives you a really good chance to gauge your position and cheer on other runners who are in front or behind you. Shortly after I started on this section, the lead men came cruising past in the opposite direction. The four Shettleston Harriers Eritreans in a tight group at the front, with quite a gap to the next runners who were in ones and twos, then more gaps to the next group which included Matt Bell & Neil Thin. The really scary thing about the lead men wasn’t just how fast they were running, it was how comfortable they looked. And… all 4 finished under 30 minutes and the winner was a Junior in a new course record!!!

Not quite such spectacular times in the women’s race, but Toni McIntosh showed us how it should be done to dominate the race and win in 35:09, with Alison Docherty disappointed with her 2nd place PB of 35:49. Having only been back running for three weeks following almost five weeks without running, Stirling was about making my mark in the sand as a starting point for some hard work over the winter. So… I was delighted that everything held together and I was able to produce a strong, consistent run and even hold off a well timed late surge from Morgan Murphy and produce something resembling a proper sprint finish to come in under the 37min mark and take the flowers for first W35!

Whilst the course itself is run mostly around residential & semi-industrial areas of Stirling you do get some good views along the way including the Wallace Monument and some excellent views of the Castle should you need any distraction along the way. I also echo James’ comments about the excellent organisation, but would add my appreciation of the mini bottles of milk at the finish – a nice touch and an excellent recovery drink.

For me this was a hugely sociable morning out with camaraderie and friendly rivalry amongst the female field in particular. Thanks in particular to Elaine & Niamh for their great company!

Couple of extra results to add for some Thursday night regulars:

50th Ben Mitchell in 35:49 (good run after excellent triathlon season)

88th Jill Knowles in 37:45 (7th female)