Some fancy Clugston driving saw us arriving at St Joseph’s High School, to register, in plenty of time for the 7:30pm gun. As it was only a short drive round the corner to the start in Dean Castle Park we had plenty of time for a looksee and warm up. Dave Mewes and Ann Dale turned up, wherein Dave regaled us with his usual pre-race witticisms Ho Hum. On the fashion front his socks were disappointing saggy black jobs, and it was left to the lovely Ann to supply the glamour.

Despite  heavy rain which fell for most of the day, the park was in fine fettle, the welcome sunshine filtering through the foliage very beautiful indeed ,with the tracks firm and well drained the underfoot conditions would cause little problem. Andy was in top form as he gave me the gen on the course, his wee bright eyes all a twinkle as he talked of its varied challenging aspects. His enthusiasm was infectious setting the mood for the rest of the evening.

The 80 or so strong field of mostly club athletes gathered and we were off. I could see Dave powering away with the front of the field, well!  We were never going to catch him anyway. I intended to stick with Andy as he knew the course and maybe have inkling on the pace but as he starts steady and I like to go out a bit faster it was a duff plan from the onset. The tarmac of the start soon changed to gravel as we ran an undulating tour of the park’s landscaped woodland trails and gardens .

The Marshals were doing their bit keeping us on course, shouting encouragement and warning us of steep sections, tight turns and the like. A hard climb up a series of woodsman’s steps led us to a long tarmac stretch and out of the park onto the local roads. This flat stage saw a lift to the pace and as we battled along I felt well within myself even picking off a few places. We then turned on to a delightful country lane which led us back into the top of the park. Things were getting exciting and as we re-entered the park I could see that Dave was only 5 or so athletes ahead maybe I could catch him?’ unfortunately I could also sense somebody in a Kilbarchan vest breathing down my neck and it wasn’t  Ann!!!.

The final section was a mile of fast thrilling downhill running at its best and I tried to forget that I’m a big fearty and pushed as hard as I could. I gained a few more places including a bit of a tussle with a lass in an Irvine vest, a quick elbow to the face at a dogleg settled her chaff. I still think she managed to finish first woman.

With about 400 to go we broke out of the trees for the run in, both Andy and another young guy went by me as I picked off the penultimate runner between myself and Dave, I’m not having this I thought and set after them, my wee skinny legs pumping like pistons, the unknown lad was done and I went past him in a blur, Andy was slowing up and I sneaked up on him from behind where he couldn’t see me, pulling out with a couple of metres to go and lunging for the line.????

A great course, well organised, friendly and a wee goody bag to boot. Well worth the six quid entry and a must for next years diary.

Though billed as a trail race it is definitely multi terrain and I had no problems underfoot just wearing my ordinary road shoes.

1^st        Kerry Liam Wilson               RHC                25:45

13        David Mewes                        Kilbarchan      31:33

15        Andrew Clugston                  Kilbarchan      31:40

16        Robert Allison                       Kilbarchan      31:41

81        Ann Dale                               Kilbarchan      49:16