After a poorly attended race last year Merrick returned to its traditional September date and route. Its 95 miles from the Vale to the Heart of Glentrool and the start a few yards from Bruces Stone. The route is an 8 or 9 mile loop round a few Galloway Hills with over 3000 FOA in between.
The away from it all feeling grows as you go from the Vale, through Paisley, down the A77 past Kilmarnock and Ayr, the huge plug of Ailsa Craig appearing as you pass the Turnberry Estate. At Girvan a few miles further on you leave the coast for the 20 or so miles of twists and turns through forrest to Glentrool.
The forrest is a welcome contrast to the urban mess you have driven through to get there. After registering I take a seat for a few minutes on Bruces Stone in the sun with Loch Trool sparkling below.
A quick race briefing with some minor route changes to appease the National Trust and we're off and running for about 20 yards before the first steep climb. A short one it's about 12 minutes before you can get running again, 3 or 4 impatient runners pass me near the top.
After this first short sharp climb, the steepest of the race, the field of 37 strings out as I settle into what I hope is an appropriate effort level. On the way up Bennan, the 2nd hill, another 4 pass but I'll catch them before the end.
The route undulates up all the way to Merrick with the climb up Ben Yellary the longest in the race. Pick off one of the overtakers here then push on down the Neive of the Spit, the smooth turf gives you the chance to check out the glorious scenery without falling over. Keep a steady jog up most of Merrick slowly reeling in a couple in front but they turn at the top before I can catch them.
After the loop round the summit Trig Point, 73 minutes, the initial descent is via a broad spur, put the hammer down and pass the two in front before the tricky run off into the glen which is a traditional Galloway tussock fest, best advice is slow down and don't fall over too many times.
A narrow path leads out the glen onto the 1 1/2 mile long undulating ridge leading back towards Loch Trool. Occaisonal glimpses of one runner ahead, try not to watch him just keep the effort levels up. Catch and overtake him on the the last descent off Buchan Hill then nearly miss the path back to the road.
Run past a seized up runner struggling in the last 150 yards, a delightful 45 degree uphill sprint finish. Run time 2 hours 10 minutes and 22nd out of 37. A few photos on the SHR Flickr site. See you there next year.
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