Monday, September 10, 2007

Devils Beeftub Sat Sept 8th

A new race for me, 2 miles with 700' of ascent, the hill running equivalent of a sprint. The race starts about 6 miles north of Moffat, that's 5 miles to Corehead Farm at the end of a single track road then a mile walk to the start. The race is run in and around the Devils Beeftub.

A warm sunny day greeted the 86 runners for one of the 2 short races in the Scottish Hill Runners 2007 Championship. The race starts in the Beeftub bowl and the main climb begins within 50 metres of the start where it's hands and knees up to a monument on the top for an undulating run clockwise round the rim of the Beeftub, first to Annanhead Hill, then a short descent and re-ascent to Great Hill.

From the top of Great Hill its a steeeep descent back into the Beeftub, first part not too bad in that it is grass and ferns but from about half way down the ground is peppered with rocks and stones and staying on your feet becomes more important.

Took the last descent too carefully and lost 7 or 8 places but got 3 back on the short run past the circular sheep pen to the finish.

A good wee race but just too far to consider a regular visit with over 1 1/2 hours drive each way.

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