Hunters Bog Trot 21/04/07No trot like the Bog Trot
Gerry reports on his first go at the Bog Trot on Saturday, 21 April..
For the past few years I haven't been able to run the Bog Trot race for various reasons most of which were to do with the lack of publicity about the event so I wasn't aware it was on.
As I had heard from Porty runners and others about the event, both the race itself and what goes on afterwards I took the leap this time and went forth.
Unlike the vast majority of races I take part in there's no formality to the event and it's all pretty laid back. Those doing the registration were sitting back on the grass close to Haggis Knowe taking your money, £1.99 to be exact, and there wasn't many signs of a serious testing race about to take place. Entries numbered around 80 from 13 years old to 60+.
There was an unusual pre-race talk from HBT Ivor about the route (3.5 hills) and other connected things that would only come from HBT then Robin Thomas, self elected Health & Safety officer for the race gave a word of warning to follow the marshals and not disappear over the Crags...
Conditions were good for the event, a light wind but nothing to be concerned about. I took off, up the half hill through Hunters Bog and then, close to where Porty do some hill sprints (of the 1 minute variety x times) we took a right hand turn up a steep, at times very steep,and not very obvious path towards the edge of the Crags. There stood Graham shouting me on, thanks Graham. I wasn't going to stop at this point to incur his wrath. A minute or so later, around 5 minutes into the race, and already quite a number in front of me were walking. I was reduced to the same, partly because there was no passing place and also it was tough going. This was a hard section.
Once at the top you ran / jogged along the side of the Crags, along a well marked path, then quickly down back to the start where lap two would begin.
I knew the next section well from our training, straight up the Radical Road. At the foot Kerry greeted me, a welcome cheer before the dreaded steep and long wind. My legs felt pretty weary at the foot of the hill due to the hills I had already encountered and I slowly made my way up the road. I passed a couple of runners and a few more were in sight. Encouraging.
Once at the top there was a pleasant decent though legs were pretty shattered at this point.
This was familiar ground as was the next part turning left up a short hill (just the route we do in training) before heading downwards and then, for the second time, turning left this time, to make the ascent towards the Crags. I started the ascent well but had no excuse this time for walking but my legs were tired and I could see those in front too struggling. Finally I got to the top and started to jog along the side of the Crags until my legs recovered to begin proper running. I can't remember whether I passed anyone on the route up second time, my mind was elsewhere.
On the half mile or so stretch down to the finish three guys came flying by me. I thought I was doing my best but clearly there is a technique to running downhill at great speed and I don't currently have it. Finally over the finishing line and I was really pleased to have completed the Bog Trot.
Paul Eunson was the second Porty runner and Tony Stapley the third.
The prize giving was light hearted. Our Club website received real praise (thanks Peter) and, as a club situated by a beach Porty won a bottle of sun tan lotion. This may become a very welcome prize given the weather we've been having. Shettleston Harriers, the famous Glasgow Club won a half bottle of Buckfast and many other odd prizes were handed out.
Then for those who could manage it was off to the Southsider (pub) to begin the traditional HBT end of race drink session. I, for once, was sensible and headed home.Report Gerry Scullion
Results etc from SHR here
