Portobello Promathon 1/1/06First the fireworks, then later on Leith's finest, belting out charmless sectarian football chants at the tops of their voices, made for an interrupted nights rest, but at least we managed to avoid the binge drinking that made some people's first race of the year more traumatic. Karen.
Nearly 300 gathered at the cat and dog home, numbers no doubt swelled by the bright and windless weather. And a great turnout from PRC as well as lots of familiar faces from local clubs. (Good to see John Blair back in his racing shoes.)
We set off along the prom past the bowling club, the locals lining the course -
out walking dogs and chasing off hangovers - cheering us on. By the end of the prom I was wondering where the turn was as I hadn't seen many coming back towards us. Then Ben going strongly went past with a raised hand and I could see the marshal and the cone we ran around. By the turn I was flagging and very glad it wasn't any longer than 4 miles. This was the best part of the run, shouting on the runners coming towards me, waving at PRCers as they went past.
I began to run out of steam and by the last mile was going backwards through the pack. Willie J went past about halfway along the return trip looking strong. Scott and Graham were shouting us on from the sidelines.
In the last 100 yards there was a deal of sprinting going on but none of it from myself. I trundled over the line just happy to be finished. Ben who had nearly been revisited by the previous night's wine, had a great race, finishing 8th, and as everyone came in we took photos and exchanged handshakes. Well done to the Run and Becomers for organising this popular and invigorating start to
the year.
We jogged home, had a quick shower and 2nd breakfast, then headed up to the Queen's Park to watch Lynn, Janis, Karen and husband Alan take part in the New Year's Day Triathlon.......
Ben Kemp 21.31
Willie Jarvie 22.52
Peter Buchanan 23.16
Ian Duckworth 25.13
Paul Eunson 25.37
Shelagh McLeish 25.44
John Forker 27.08
Ian Brodie 28.07
Willie Murray 28.15
Jim Scott 28.15
Mary Hunter 28.27
Gillian McKelvie 28.55
Fen Parry 29.58
Paul Ewing 30.17
Sandie Bomphray 30.40Report and photos pb + Ben
