HAPPY NEW YEAR

Sixteen runners took advantage of the near perfect conditions, on Auld Years Night, to take part in the Black Bun Run. A 1.5 mile "dash" from the Masons Arms to West Barns and back on what's an all too familiar route at this time of year as it makes up part of the winter "town run".
Some were chasing the "win", some were chasing a "time" and some were just out for the sheer hell of it (perhaps some did it to work up a thirst for the night?)
One runner even chose the event to herald their return to racing after a prolonged absence!

Whatever their goal...well done to everyone who took part.

Results can be found HERE.

2012 Bank of Scotland Great Scottish Run

The Bank of Scotland Great Scottish Run may be Scotland's largest mass
participation sporting event but we know that club entrants are the
foundation of that success. Online entries for the 2012 event are now
open and we hope that your club will encourage members to take part on
Sunday 2 September.
Enhancements for 2012
Along with feedback from our sister race – the Women's 10k – we are
planning a range of improvements for 2012 which should be of real
interest to your members. Developments for next year are kicking off
with:
• Prices frozen for the 2nd year running – enter at 2010 rates!
• Limited edition technical t-shirt option for early
bird entries*
• More of the same great organisation and friendly atmosphere

Keep checking the website regularly for the latest updates on the 2012
developments and enhancements. Alternatively, encourage members to
join our online community on facebook or twitter for instant updates.
Raise more for charity online
The Bank of Scotland Great Scottish Run is a fundraising powerhouse
with an estimated £1.5m going to good causes in 2011. With our online
fundraising system you can raise more for charity compared to other
online systems. This is because our provider is not-for-profit so
their charges are lower and they collect Gift Aid contributions for
free!
Find out more about fundraising online on our website.
Thank you for your continued support of the Bank of Scotland Great
Scottish Run and may we wish you a successful 2012 for your club.

See you at the start line!

2012 Bank of Scotland Great Scottish Run Team

The Strathearn Marathon

The Strathearn Marathon is a brand new marathon in Perthshire which
will take place for the first time on Sunday 10th June 2012. It is
organised by Strathearn Harriers running club.
The race starts and finishes just outside the village of Comrie, and
its route follows quiet roads through the beautiful scenery of
Strathearn. The setting is stunning but with about 1500 feet of
ascent this is an event that will present a tough challenge even to
experienced runners!
We hope the Strathearn Marathon will be of interest to your club
members and we'd be very grateful if you could make them aware of it.
Full information about the race is at www.strathearnmarathon.org.uk.
Many thanks for your help.

Phil Tipping
Race Organiser
marathon@strathearnharriers.org.uk

The Festive Holidays

The last night for the club will be Thursday 22nd of December,
returning two weeks later on 5th January.

By way of seeing in 2012, how about taking part in the Black Bun Run
on Hogmanay! Those familiar with this will know it is a nice dash
round a circuit of about a mile and a half - starting and finishing
opposite the Mason's Arms in Dunbar. This is open to members, their
families and friends (that includes children) and commences at 7:00
pm, whatever the weather.

If you don't over-indulge and fancy a New Years' Day run - there's
always the Portobello Prom run. Good fun and only four miles. Keep
an eye on the Porty website for details.

Merry Christmas everyone.

FESTIVE HALF

Santa, his good lady Mrs Claus, some of their helpers and even an unfeasibly sweaty Frosty the Snowman all took to the streets of Dunbar and pathways of John Muir Country Park this morning, along with other less colourful but equally enthusiastic runners to take part in the Festive Half and 10K races.

First back in the 10k race was Joe Bourhill knocking about 7 minutes off his handicap time, while Andy Sheldrick got in a bit early London training and knocked 4 minutes off his handicap to cross the line first in the half in a time of 1:40. While Santa's little helper Jamie bagged the prize for best costume!

All times can be viewed HERE while some extra photos can be viewed HERE.

Thanks to Frank for stopwatch duties and to Jim for the big box of sweeties - "they also serve who only stand and wait"

CANCELLED

Please note that due to the severe weather, and taking travel advice into account tonight's interval session has been cancelled.

Not that we would expect many to turn up in this weather anyway!!

WEIRD "SCIENCE"

Strange indeed that the very day the news is full of reports telling us that 40% of cancers are due to "lifestyle choice" and encouraging us to take better care of ourselves (including exercise) another report makes the press... A report that suggests that endurance sports can be bad for you.

Sounds like an excuse for fatties to mumble "told you so" as they shove another slice of cake into their face.

But you can read the article HERE and make up your own mind.