Borders Series Cross Country: No. 4 Berwick 31/01/10
I think the buildings on the headland marked the turn around point.First race of the year and not a bad one to kick off with. Not the most varied of courses – along the beach, up the hill to the cliff top path, along for a fair bit then turn around and head back the same route. But the sunshine surely made up for that. Not enough to thaw out the ground on the grassy paths (but they were snow free) up the top but it made for a bright and breezy run just under 4½ miles.
I started fast and stayed just behind the leaders along the beach. Just before the route climbed up to the headland the runners ahead moved towards the concrete buttress below the prom, except James H who stayed on the beach dodging quickly over the sandstone strips which were faster but potentially more dangerous than the sand below the wall. I followed his line and I think we both made up a few places. He told me later he had checked it out beforehand – at the time I wondered if it would end abruptly in a huge jump into the sea which, due to the high tide, was coming well in. It didn't and we moved up the path to the rolling higher ground that continued down the coast. I was enjoying this part of the course and worried it would all change as we turned and headed back into a stiff cold breeze.
Soft deep up hill sand towards the finish was a killer.
The beach was a mile long; the grass went on for a further 1.2 before we turned round an arbitrary field near some buildings and the hard work began. I didn't see how close Johnny was but enjoyed cheering on the Porties as we passed. Mary told me he was pretty close and just before the drop to the beach Adam W of Carnethy and Johnny both went past. I stuck with them on the descent to the beach and briefly went ahead again but I suspected they would gain ground running into the headwind along the sand: 2 things I have trouble with. Sure enough they did and I was very pleased and impressed to see Johnny pull ahead on the soft and very energy sapping sand from the last corner to the finish.
I quickly got the camera out and caught a few of the runners on this section. It was great to see PRC well represented and all finishing well up the field, James in the top 10, Johnny taking a few scalps (including mine!) and everyone all smiles in the sunshine. Well done and thanks to all the marshals especially those posted on the cooler breezier spots of the course. It was not weather for hanging around.
Alastair confirmed his sand allergy and is hoping for a beach-free conclusion to the series.Sadly the postponed Gala event for this series is next Sunday, which we won't make as it falls on the same day as the terrific Forfar Multi Terrain Half Marathon – a 13 mile tarmac, trail and cross country spectacular.
Report PB
Photos PB and Alex Oliver
Mary's Blog
Stuart Hay's Blog
Borders xc website and results hereps Big thank you to Graham for the bottle which is breathing, awaiting sampling as I type. Mmmmmmuch appreciated!
Team Porty!
Surf's up.Here is Graham's report...
BERWICK BANDITS - YA BASS
Aye, it was always going to be a hit and run operation when you cross the Border. We had a very strong team out and it looks to me at a quick glance that we have sneaked the first 3 person team 32 points. I knew when I was running and seen James, Peter and Jonny running at the front on the return we were in with a shout. At Broxburn it was just Mr Bin Laden and myself so good to see so many out. One short for a ladies team or we would have got that one as well. I had a cracking fall after about 300m, really lucky to miss a rock with a full on heid stoat. Instead I got a mouthful of sand and a sare elbow. Only 1 hrs drive from Edinburgh so it was a good day out as I came from Selkirk and went back to the Capital. Got the news about Andy Murray at the end but he will be back.Vive PRC, Ecosse
Just got word of Ian Nimmo's excellent photos from today which you can find here some of which feature Porties (below)...
Crossing the beach first time.
Thanks Ian.
