International Cross Country 9/01/10
The women - led by Haley and Freya.This January event seems to have become a firm fixture in the cross country calendar. And while its very impressive to see the best in the world running alongside more local heros, I do have a number of issues with this day. Closely tied into this xc seems to be the Bupa Great Winter Run, a 5k loop of Holyrood Park. For no apparent reason they charge £19 for a 5k that requires little in the way of traffic management. I wonder if its purely a money raising exercise to subsidise the international stars of the main event which also seems to be Bupa sponsored judging by the signage. Despite skimming the Queens Drive with a JCB on Friday the 5k was run on a 4k bad weather course. Given the price I didn't go anywhere near it so I don't know whether the entrants were refunded 20% of the entry fee. Somehow I suspect not. I have noticed the word "Great" seems to appear in several overpriced, overrated events, with the North Run jog up a motorway being a prime example. I think they appeal to those who prefer to run in a crowd.
Julia and Toni McIntosh
Twell leads the field at St. Margarets Loch.
Freya
Sula
Jenny
Go Julia!And while I'm listing complaints there is the course: cross country used to be just that. Travelling over the countryside crossing fences, streams and rough ground. The Borders Series which we are currently halfway through follows this tradition and attracts a group of hardcore runners who enjoy the challenges of off-road running, whether on beaches or over turfy, heathery hills and fields. No its not easy but that's the point. Mainstream xc seems to have dumbed down the activity to encourage the more famous faces of track running who may be less inclined to twist their precious ankles on rough ground. And so we find ourselves spectating an event that may as well be held on an indoor track. The final insult was the removal of Haggis Knowe from the course on Saturday because it was a bit slippy. I wouldn't have been surprised to see them out with shovels removing the snow and blow drying the grass. Its embarrassing. How much more spectacle it would have made to have them run the course of the Hunter's Bog Trot or the Nairn's Hill Race, (run at the Gathering last year.) Why should I complain when I wasn't running? Well as xc gets replaced by circuits round the edges of football parks we exchange a lively vigorous sport for a rather dull sanitised one. Not the way forward as far as I'm concerned, and judging by the comments on my facebook page I'm not alone in these views.
Dibaba making it look easy.
I like the different shoes.
Anyway the criticisms of the day were put to one side as we watched in awe as the athletes zoomed over the snowy fields of Holyrood. We hadn't realised there was an earlier Men's 4k (where Mo Farah was beaten by Ricky Stevenson and Steve Vernon) and turned up in time only for the senior F (6k) and M (9k) races.
The HBT support.
It was an interesting mix of international stars running against the best Scottish runners. The women were first, and leading early on was Haley Yelling, in fine form after her European victory which she had come out of retirement for. Also in blistering form was local legend Freya Murray who started fast. As the last lap bell went the Africans upped the pace and left everyone standing with the amazing Tirunesh Dibaba unchallenged at the front. Haley Yelling-Higham just pipped Steph (the new Paula) Twell for 4th place and Freya was a strong 8th.
The men's race next and all expectations were that Bekele would win yet again. However although he stayed with the lead pack he was unable to keep up with the 3 Kenyans as they pulled away in the second half. It was interesting to see the Scottish competitors most of whom are familiar as race winners and yet in this field they were considerably further down the pack. John Newsom and Scott Fraser were outstanding finishing ahead of many more experienced runners. However even the last few names on the finishers list regularly win races here showing the amazing standard of runner taking part.
Jethro
Al
The three Kenyans ahead of Bekele
Scott - future star
I suppose the best thing about the day was that it took part at all: so many races have been cancelled due to the snow and it was in doubt whether all the athletes would manage to make it to the event. However it all seemed to go smoothly and although a bitter day to be out spectating (never mind running in vest and shorts) there was a good crowd cheering the runners on. We headed off before the men finished - catching the rest on tv later, opting for a circuit of the park and a lap or 2 of Hunters Bog which is easier these days than running on the compacted snow and ice of the pavements.
There has been quite a bit of chat about the weather of late and many saying things like "the worst winter in 50 years". Perhaps the most extreme winter, but worst implies this weather is untenable or a disaster. Now for some this is the case especially if you died or live remotely and can't get heating fuel delivered or rid of your kids to school. However it presents different challenges and I have really enjoyed some of the brighter days which have made for great running and great photos. Yes the pavements are a death trap - so don't run on them. Get a headtorch and run in Holyrood Park - its a bit more wild but can be a bit more rewarding also. Anyway it seems the big thaw is well underway and hopefully this coming weekend's cross country at Broxburn will see a strong turnout of Porties. The course is pretty undulating by comparison to Holyrood and I suspect could be a tad damp and squishy. But that's a good thing isn't it?
Report Peter Buchanan
Photos pb and Mary
