100% cloud, constant drizzle, no wind to speak of. Yes, a perfect day for hill running. For the club and along with yours truly, was Ian McNee. A big drop in Tortoises from last year when we fielded about 6 runners.

The field in general was down by over 50% on last year with only 25 starters. Numbers weren’t helped by injury to many of the stalwarts like Ian McManus, Nat Taylor or Colin Brash. Even last year’s winner, young Colin Sturgeon, didn’t turn up. Colin has a good excuse. Playing football he took a bad knock that didn’t seem to be getting better. A week later he went to his GP who informed him that he’d been carrying a broken leg for the last 7 days! When that boy gets better, be afraid, VERY afraid!

A new entrant to this minor classic was Toni MacIntosh. She was a bit apprehensive but I assured her that the £50 was hers for the taking. With her speed on the road, she was bound to be 1st female even if she didn’t do well on the hill.

There’s not a lot I can really say about the race that I haven’t said before. However, as I approached the top, Toni was well ahead of me but I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone go down a hill slower, it almost looked like she was going backwards.

Ian caught Toni on the way down and on the way over the field I was only a few seconds adrift. However, I knew I’d have no chance on the road. Ian had managed to build up a lead on Toni that he JUST managed to hold to the line. I passed a number of others on the way down the hill but was caught myself on the road by one guy.

Both Ian and I were happy with our times – especially me who had been thinking on sub 24 rather than sub 23. The fun day was also great fun with both of us going home with copious amounts of home baking, brik-a-brak and cuddly toys! Another very good day.

For the record. The winner was Adam Anderson of Carnethy in a time of 17:57. Ian was 9th on 22:08. Toni was 1st female on 22:11. I was 12th on 22:58.

Ho hum – Girvan tomorrow.