Stirling 10k 18/9/05Did anyone else have trouble finding the venue? We followed the route on the information sheet but perhaps took the wrong road to Bannockburn Heritage Centre rather than Bannockburn. You'd think they'd be the same? Anyway by the time I was accosting locals in the Tesco's car park about how to get to the Morrison's car park on the other side of town, the race day coffee was kicking in and I was beginning to lose my cool. We sped across town just in time for the 3 S's warm up; Stretching, Strides and a Spit, before the off. With over 700 starting there was bunching, and running around the eejits, who despite the fact that they will finish in the latter half, insist on starting 2 rows from the front. Someone trod on my heel nearly taking my shoe off. I quickly worked through the crowd, catching a glimpse of Ricky and Willie on the way, to where the road was less busy.
I had been trying to study the map of the course in order to know what to expect and when to push for home etc, in case there were no distance markers. I was pleased to see how well the route was marshalled and marked - every kilometre there was a clearly visible marker - as I had no idea where we were, except when passing under the Wallace Monument about half way. Just behind the lead individuals, there was a group of about 10. I kept with them for about 3 kms but then eased back and after 6 kms they were only visible in the distance.
The route does a large figure of eight around quiet roads avoiding the town centre and was really flat. This makes for fast times and the race is always very well subscribed as a result. The weather was near perfect also - dry and cool, with only a moderate breeze in our faces about 7-8 kms whic
h then helped us during the final kilometre. I was pleased to hold my place during the second half - my usual Achilles heel - though was feeling the pace in the last couple of ks. Not as much as the guy in front who started walking. Very strange in a short race. He picked it up again as I went past and I could hear his footfalls all the way to the line. This kept me from slacking. There was a long fractionally downhill section in the last k snaking through the industrial outskirts and romantically past the sewage works. With the wind on our backs and the walker trying (and failing) to regain his place I made this the fastest k of the day, thankful to see “400m to go” then “200m to go” as the finish line can't be seen until you turn the corner, crowded with appreciative spectators, 50 yards from the line.
Quality t-shirt with sharp graphics made up for no medal. I cheered the PRCers over the line, pleased to see Mary, like myself, get a pb, then dashed back to the car for the camera to snap the team. Ricky had left by the time I got back as his son has a sporting condition that requires he is immersed in a swimming pool on a nearly daily basis. Phil Cunningham ran a possible pw - still troubled by a hip injury that has kept him away from the club for a long while and slowed him down in the Stockholm Half recently. New members Jill Morrow and Fen Parry hung about with us for the prize-giving. We were rewarded - Jill won 2nd vet for her excellent performance; receiving a bouquet and an envelope. And I also won 2nd vet, receiving a bottle and an envelope. Although Willie was right behind me, he lost 3rd vet to another runner who w
as given the same time as himself but must have crossed the line just ahead.
Thanks to Central Athletics, all marshals and helpers for a very well organised and well routed race. And having the results on the internet before the end of the day.
When we got home we watched the Great North Cattle-Drive on the box, (while drinking a rather attractive Chardonnay). Thousands of folk milling up a motorway in England. Thirty minutes in and some hadn't even reached the start line. The things people do for fun.
Peter Buchanan 35.45
Willie Jarvie 36.03
Scott Jarvie 38.23
Ricky Fraser 38.40
Jill Morrow 40.08
Mary Hunter 44.57
Fen Parry 47.46
Phil Cunningham 48.42Report and photos Peter Buchanan
