Variety is the Spice of Life as a Glenparker

Intrepid long distance specialist Viki Smith made, yet another, last minute decision to enter another test of endurance that most mortals prepare for, for months. Ultra number 35, just 6 weeks after Dunoon Ultra and a year of ailments and inconsistency and GP visits. For the second year in a row  Viki found herself at the startline of the Jedburgh Three Peaks Ultramarathon and Relay. On her 2nd visit she had a cracking race, meeting lots of familiar faces who were either running or giving up their time to Marshall. Viki has labelled it as one of the toughest but beautiful courses, quite an endorsement from the ultra expert. The weather gods were on her side too,with uncharacteristic good weather for this time of year. As always races like this rely on the support that you receive on the course and Andrew seems to have this crewing lark down to a T.

It’s some race starting in the centre of Jedburgh and heading out towards Melrose. It’s and out and back with the Eildon’s (three peaks) loop  at about 18 miles. It’s got mud, trails and bit of road which on the way back felt tough and  Viki couldn’t wait to get back on the trails, her natural habitat. There are four checkpoints, three of which you can leave drop bags. Viki, of course, settled for two drop bags. To sum up Jedburgh you’ve got  a YMCA warm up, swinging bridges, a Group Hug as a spot prize, which Viki won at CP2 and definitely lifted her spirits at that point( Maybe something to consider for future club races), a play park with dinosaurs and unicorns where you are made to climb up the climbing frame and down the super slick chute, cracking marshals, a fab goody bag with the best t- shirt and the best soup and sourdough bread at the finish. What’s not to love Viki atests that it’s a toughie and her quads were screaming on Sunday She has laid down the challenge to maybe get some harriers to take part next year. (There is also a relay option too which looks a lot of fun and could open the door for a fab day out)

The Glen Ogle Ultra is seen as a cracking first ultra and also it would seem a cracking last one. Two Harriers set out to prove that point at teh Glen Ogle 33 and one Harrier set out to keep his 10 year streak going at his ‘favourite’ Ultra. At 33 ish miles through some stunning scenery on the outskirts of the Trossachs runners are presented with a mixture of forest and cycle path with just a “few” hills in between. A brace of Harriers stood on the start line with Kev Craig, Greig Turner and Kyle Wilson very familiar with the course, Fiona Cushnaghan was lining up for her 10th and in her words “last” ultra and Andy Smith on his first time running an ultra having supported Viki over so so many years. At 0800 the race started with Kev and Kyle up the front pushing hard to stay in the lead group with Greig, Fiona and Andy following on as they crossed over the impressive Falls of Dochart. Kyle was hoping to better his previous winning time but was still feeling the niggles from the West Highland Way race in the summer, so opted not to push his luck and take it slightly easier. Kev was happy to be out on his 10th consecutive Glen Ogle having first ran it in 2015 and every year since. Greig and Andy were running happily along the way down the long viaduct towards Strathyre. Fiona in the last day of her 50s had met an ultra newbie and had stuck with her new friend to pass the miles away, share her years of experience and chat her way to the finish. Runners carry out a loop round to Balquidder and then round to Strathyre before a long 2 mile climb up into the forest on the Rob Roy way before coming back onto the track back up the viaduct towards Killin, it is deceptively up hill despite what the battle hardened Ultra runner would have you believe.

Kyle had managed to keep himself up front and came back into Killin in 5th pace with a decent time of 3:52 with Kev not too far behind in 7th pace with a time of 4:04. Greig was next back to Breadalbane park where runners are subjected to a final lap of the park to get to the finish with a PB of 5:24. Andy completed his first ultra in an impressive 6:46 and is already planning which one is next, poor Viki who had a wee bit of FOMO will need to step up as support again. Fiona had a great day out coming over the line with her new pal Fay holding hands, (7.06) she also claims that’s her last ultra, but I think she’ll be talked her into another one.

If anyone is looking to get in to ultrarunning then the Glen Ogle 33 is an absolute belter for your first one, next year it’s 1st November keep an eye out for entries opening. As always there are many runners in the club with a variety of experiences so don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for some advice about training, kit etc.

On Saturday, 2nd November, Lorna Mitchell traded 4km of Kirkcaldy’s finest muddy hills for 10km of Perthshire’s even finer muddier hills and stream crossings at the Auchterarder 10km Chilli Trail. Some weekends Lorna wouldn’t leave the house for a wee 10km, much prefering the longer race challenges which she normally takes in her stride with her trademark beaming smile. This challenging course, often referred to as a “spicy wee course,” featured over 800 feet of elevation, with most of the climb packed into the first 4km. The narrow paths on the course caused significant congestion at the start, making for a slower beginning, but Lorna managed to push through the pack, eventually finishing in 10th place out of 205 women and 6th out of 81 FV40 runners.

Lorna’s time of 53:21, was a full 10 minutes slower than her 10k PB, highlighting just how tough the course was. Despite the slower time, the event was described as fantastic—fun, friendly, and well-organized. It was also a nice opportunity to meet the Young Hearts Run Free podcast crew in person, with John Cassidy on MC duties and a quick chat with Stevie (Watt) boy adding to the fun atmosphere.

Entries for next year’s race, set for 1st November 2025, are already open, but it’s worth noting that places are filling up fast! Lorna highly recommends this race for anyone looking for a scenic and challenging trail run.

Three Harriers made the journey east to take part in the Supernova Forth Road Bridge 5km and the event was described as a resounding success, with a total of 5,000 participants taking part in both the run and walk. The race began promptly at 6 PM, with a wave start system in place. Participants were issued head torches before being bussed from the Gyle Shopping Centre to the event start point.

The weather conditions were ideal for the evening, with no wind and pleasant temperatures, which contributed to ideal racing conditions, particularly for this time of the year.

Gerry Gallacher decided to take a more relaxed approach during the race, opting to enjoy the atmosphere and capture some photos along the way. He still finished in a decent time of 23:25, finishing in 162nd place and getting good value for the £35 entry fee.

Sarah Jane Whalen also racing in Harrier colours, crossed the finish line in 27:03, securing 498th place. Alison Smart also took part, finishing in 36:08 and securing position 1987.

The race turned out to be more challenging than anticipated, but the spectacular atmosphere, combined with the stunning light display at the finish line, made the event a memorable experience for everyone involved. Overall, it was an unforgettable evening, with excellent weather, a lively atmosphere, and the opportunity to capture some fantastic photos to remember the event. Another race to consider for the future for those looking for something a wee bit different.