Turning off the main Callander road into Aberfoyle Village it was only 9.15am, and the thermometer in the car was already reading 22 degrees. It might have been a bit over hot for racing but heading for registration it was obvious that the runners were out to enjoy the experience.

 

The tourist town of Aberfoyle was going like a fair and the car park was mobbed, runners and sightseers alike all adding to a great atmosphere. Plenty of friendly banter was flying between the various club athletes. I thanked the couple running in Morcambe & Lancs, vests for bringing me sunshine. In fact during the race, at around the 5mile mark, the Morcambe lad ran past me and then started to do a great impression of that silly end of show dance that Eric & Ern were famous for. A bit early for celebrations I thought? …. But alas! He had badly pulled his hamstring, so it was goodnight from him. Oh! And yes the 10K was marked out in miles.

 

The 10.30am kick-off was looming and Andy and I had been joined on the start line by special guests The 3 Degrees, yes, it was now 25 degrees. Earlier a handsome but unfortunately fair skinned and befreckled Andy had indicated that he was really up for it, but I had my doubts as he was already going crisp around the edges.

 

With the blast of the air-horn ringing in our ears we were away, turning left and over a humped backed bridge with the cool waters of the river gurgling in amusement below. A short road section led us into the Ard Forest and onto dusty access roads that undulated and twisted their way around the course. It seemed to be one small hill after another but nothing too severe, if it hadn’t been so warm the forest would have been a very fine place, a real joy to run through but it had turned into an oppressive, stifling, strength sapping monster that had swallowed any earlier breeze leaving an airless breathless vacuum.

 

 Ach! it wasn’t that bad, in fact I was quite enjoying myself. I had found a wee return to some kind of form over the previous weeks and the hills were coming easy.  I had pushed on hard from the start and found myself isolated from the group behind where someone was expertly vomiting on the run , I was holding my own

and getting into it man.

 

With the castors wobbling ever so slightly I crashed out of the trees, for the run in, on a lovely smooth cycle track A beautiful copper coloured slow worm slithered out of the verge to cross my path, some people have  lucky black cats, I get legless lizards, which are more apt I suppose?.

 

A generous cheering crowd pulled me through the finish and soothed my roasted bones with goody bags, fancy chilled water, medals and the like. A well run Rab, from big Stevie Speirs was most appreciated; we had met Stevie earlier at the start. Like the lipless musician, he is never one to blow his own trumpet but I believe he ran his usual strong, uncompromising race to come 5^th overall. I think I was 1st V50 in 11^th place with Andy, who had also raced the previous Thursday, not far behind finishing in 20^th, all our times were obviously

just a touch slower than usual.

 

Well run and low key, in a beautiful part of the country. The race was advertised on BORN2RUN and cost £12.00p. The friendly and helpful backrooms staff a big plus.

 

Some top notch après race snacks can be had from the Butchers/Deli located at the corner of the car park, try the steak filled roll with mustard and onions carved straight off the joint and fried in beef dripping. Andy and I will be back next year for a second helping and we might do the race again as well.