2007 Women's Great Edinburgh Cross Country - 6.1k 13/1/07
I would just like to thank everyone at Portobello for their support on Saturday at the Great Edinburgh International Cross Country.
I was looking forward to the event, but not looking forward to five times round the course, but it seemed to pass quickly. Especially when all I could hear was support from all angles - Portobello, City of Edinburgh, friends and family.
First second
I was working on Friday afternoon cutting hair listening to Forth FM and heard my name being mentioned saying “Good luck to Janet Dunbar from Traditional Barbers (free advertising!) who is running in the Cross Country tomorrow.” A big thank you to you all, I was really touched and the nerves started to kick in too, as I knew you would all be there to cheer me on!
I managed to get a glimpse of Peter at the top of Haggis Knowe (5 times) with his camera and encouraging words, I ran down the hill to see Bert with his glasses on taking a photo, straight ahead was Kerry shouting “Come on Janet,” on my left was Jim Scott and Ian Brodie, my Mum, my sister Helen, and Dave. (Amazing.) I heard you all even though it didn't look like I did.
Further along the field was Lianne, Eilidh and Claire, then back along the field was John Blair; I couldn't see him but could certainly hear him. I saw Eric Fisher and Ricky Finlayson at a few spots too. Thanks to Natalie, and Jim Buick. I just caught Natalie's eye on the last 200 metres. In the last 100 metres I saw Sam and Laurie who seemed to jump out of nowhere. Screaming at me they made me smile inside with their cheeky smiling faces. They both ran well in the Under 13s and Under 15s. (Sam has the same running style as her dad.)
The leaders go past St. Margaret's Loch before the climb at Haggis Knowe.
Benita Johnson led the field for much of the race.
There were also strong local performances.
Thanks to Gerry, Lynn, Karen M, Willie and Scott Jarvie. Thank you everyone for making my day most enjoyable.
Report Janet Dunbar
Photos Peter Buchanan, Lynn Hanley, Andrew Jeskeps The East of Scotland were 1st team - it was 6 to count - luckily I was 5th so I will receive a medal (yipee), it makes it all worthwhile.
Ethiopians Gelete Burka and Meselech Melkamu make their move - Burka went on to win.
Janet continues at such a pace...
.... she catches and overtakes Spanish International, Raquel Llamas.Full results here
