Bupa 10k, 3/05/09
Deena Kastor leads the elite women's fieldHere are some photos from the Bupa 10k. We took some shots at the top of the long climb in Holyrood then cycled to the finishing straight. It was a bright but cold morning. Anyone who ran is welcome to submit a first hand account.
Jenny was first local girl.
The lead men.
Dan Robinson - marathon man.
Another serious contender.
Swarms of runners
Although Paul finished before Shelagh her time is quicker - either they swapped numbers
or Paul was set off earlier.**(see below)
More photos, from Iain Duckworth
**Shelagh emailed to update her and Paul's results....
I thought I'd better put the record straight re Paul's and my fininshing times. The results on the Great Run website yesterday morning were obviously only provisional as Paul's was listed as his exact watch time of 44.19 (we compared these as we met at the finish line) and mine was listed as 43.34, 57 secs faster than my watch time of 44.31. So for a few fleeting hours, my name appeared above Paul's. However when I checked last night my exact watch time appeared. I did in fact gain on Paul who had a very fast start whereas I had to wait over 30 seconds to cross the start. I only caught site of him at Doctor's pub but Andrew (husband) shouted to me at Melville Drive that he was only about 10 seconds ahead. I was sorely disappointed to discover that his time was 12 measley seconds faster than mine. On the bright side, when checking last night I see I finished 2nd in my 45-49 category so I am expecting a prize through the post. Thanks for your support in Holyrood Park. How I hate that hill. Well done Shelagh, I think Willie was also in the age group prizes.
Here is Jenni's report...
Prior to joining Portobello Running Club, this is the only race I had participated in. This was my 4th time. My first attempt in 2005 – 61mins, 2006 – 58 and 2008 – 54mins. I was really looking forward to this race as I know I have improved since joining the best running club in the world!! I did a 10k in Penicuik a few weeks ago in 50.18, so I quite fancied trying for a sub 50!!
As the course had changed to previous years, starting and finishing at George IV bridge, I was not sure how it was going to work, as previously we had started and finished at the Meadows which was a great finish running down middle meadow walk with big crowds either side.
The weather was looking good by the time we arrived at George the IV Bridge. Not to hot, not too cold!! We made our way to our allocated starting places. Unfortunately, Rebecca and I were in different waves, so we were not able to start together. I started with my brother Steven, who in the past 2 years has beat me by a good 2-3 minutes, but this year he has not been doing as much training and I have been doing a lot more. He does have good reason though, he is the proud father of my gorgeous 8 week old nephew Joe, and so training for this run has not been the most important thing on his mind!!
After the elite runners started and an entertaining warm up, we were off!! Well we were meant to be, it turned into a bit of a bottle neck going down the mound, past the National Art Gallery and into Princes Street Gardens. It was nearer Jeffrey Street before I got up to speed and had a bit more room to manoeuvre myself down Cannongate towards the Scottish Parliament Building. Then we hit good old Queens Drive at Arthur’s Seat. It’s always a tough climb, but better than previous years as we hit this at 3k as opposed to 5k. By this point it was very warm, I could feel the sun beating down on me, but on I went as I knew I had some family waiting for me at the Commy pool, so that kept me going. As I reached the corner at Scottish Widows, I saw the banners and the cheers of Go Jenni Go Jenni, which was a great boost.
So off I ran down the pleasance with great support on the way. Hitting the 5k mark at 26 minutes I knew I had to speed up to get my desired sub 50. Through the Cowgate, past the Grassmarket, up the steep Lady Lawson Street onto Lauriston Gardens then towards the meadows I ran, trying my hardest to keep up the pace. The 8k mark was at Middle Meadow walk just before turning up towards Buccleuch Street with my time sitting at 41mins, I didn’t think it was going to be possible now to do my sub 50, but I kept going, knowing my mum, auntie, sister in law and nephew were going to be on the end straight, so I powered past them and sprinted to the finish line in 50.21!!!!
I cant help thinking that if the start had not be so tight and stop / start I would have got my sub 50!! That’s what I’m telling myself anyway.
It was very very busy at the finish line going onto the Royal mile with too many people and not enough space. Bring back the meadows next year!!
Report Jenni Owens
ps my brother came in at 60mins!!
Results
Photos Mary and pb, Iain DuckworthCheck out the Roadrunpics site for the photo report on this event. Normally I'd nick a few of David's photos of the PRC runners to show here, but the whole set captures the day so well it is worth visiting and playing the slideshow. A large number of outstanding images.
