It’s good to know that however badly this race goes it’s going to be a personal best as there are not many 12 Km races on the fixture list. The weather conditions on the way to Loch Katrine were ominous with heavy rain and wind all the way to the event. However, just before the race itself the weather improved and stayed dry until most of the runners had finished. The course itself is undulating and basically consists of running 6 Km then turning back. Maybe it was me but it did seem that the return journey was harder. The go
od news is that it’s traffic-free and the course is set in the beautiful surroundings of Loch Katrine, a pleasant distraction. As I seemed to be the only Portobello runner attending I had the glory of being the first club runner in (however, also the last). A couple of down sides are that there were only markers for 5 and 10 Km but the organisers have said that there will be Km markers for the event next year. Also if you’re not in the first 50 you won’t get a medal. However, it is an event I would recommend if you want a traffic-free race in a lovely part of the country.
Report Stephen Maley
"Belhaven Best" Dunbar Boundary 10k 2/4/05
After a long week of gloomy weather the sun put his hat on for the Dunbar Boundary 10k.This was my first time but I had heard it was fast and flat. As with their 10 mile race, it is based around the splendid Hallhill sports facility.
Although it has become nearly the norm to say no entries on the day and then have a table for late entries, Willie only just managed to get a late entry on the day, after it was found there were a few no shows. He had been under the weather and wasn't sure if he would run. Similarly, I was recovering from a cold and had it been longer than 10k, I wouldn't have run.
The cheery weather was greatly encouraging and everyone set off at a good pace. In no time Andrew and Willie had swept past, as we enjoyed th
e salty air and beach views along the front. The Boundary course goes round the outskirts of Dunbar in an anti-clockwise direction, and after the coast
we ran alongside a river, at one point forced to run on the raised stone embankment to keep feet dry. By this time Keith had gone past also. He was on great form and moved through the field convincingly.At every junction there was a marshal to keep us right and the police manned the road crossing as we came in the Belhaven Bay road and crossed over into the park-land surrounding the Hallhill area. I was flagging by now and had just about given up the idea of catching Andrew, who was 2 places ahead of me, but showing no signs of slowing. I could hear a number of footfalls behind that seemed to be gaining, and expected Janet to come past at any point. The path - sometimes concrete, sometimes dirt track, sometimes gravel, meandered frustratingly in what seemed the wrong direction. As the 9 k marker went past I was thinking only a few minutes to go; just stay ahead of the crowd on my heels. I overtook a guy on the woodland trail hoping he would block the opposition but they got past and as we pulled out into the housing estate that marks the last half mile I could hear them gaining. I drained the tank in a last dash to discourage them which seemed to work and I sprinted across the grass, glad not to drop a couple of places in the closing stages but unable to catch Andrew who I could see crossing the line ahead of me. It was good to see Andrew back on form after an injury, but Porty man-of-the-match had to be Keith Mayfield who had surprised himself by overtaking Willie to be the only sub 37 min result from PRC. With a gaggle of Porty runners in the 37th minute there might have been hopes of a team prize until it was announced that Corstorphine men came in first, second and third! An outstanding achievement.
The course was very pretty and had I not been in such a hurry, I would rate it very highly. That said, the varied surfaces and undulations belied the 'flat and fast' reputation. After a hot shower we gathered in the hall where sponsors Belhaven gave every runner a can of their excellent beer. Sandwiches and tea were much appreciated and Janet (of course) won a prize for first lady vet. I was pleased to win one of the raffle draws - a handsome basket of fruit - the perfect cold remedy.
Keith Mayfield 36.49
Willie Jarvie 37.04
Andrew Jeske 37.23
Peter Buchanan 37.36
Janet Laing 37.43
Stephen Maley 39.10
Alan Aitchison 43.26
Mary Hunter 46.38Full Results Here
Photos Here
Report and Photos Peter Buchanan
