Inaugural Isle of Islay Marathon

On Sunday, April 13, 2014, the romantic Isle of Islay will host its first marathon, a point-to-point 26.2 mile challenge that will showcase the breathtaking setting of the island.  This route represents one of the most scenic spots in the world (whitewashed seaside villages, rugged rock-strewn beaches, a shimmering loch, and a ramble through the moors). Please visit: http://www.lordsoftheisles.com/marathon.html

The marathon will raise funds for the children of Islay – the youth pipers and the high school seniors who will make a volunteer trip to a developing country in 2015. All entry fees will be given to this expedition. Each finisher medal will be handcrafted by an islander, making each piece unique and memorable. And, to complete a fun-filled weekend, a ceilidh, a celebration of Gaelic dancing and song, is planned for the evening after the marathon – a rare chance to witness traditional Gaelic culture as well as celebrating your accomplishment with fellow marathoners.

Due to this being the first time for Islay to host a marathon, the field is limited to 50 runners. Entries will be on a first come, first served basis. Don't wait since the race may fill quickly. And, make your hotel or B&B reservations soon as well.

And, to add a new wrinkle, a golf/marathon challenge will also be held.

Dr. Bob Kroeger, marathon director

Run with us in April in Scotland! www.lordsoftheisles.com

 

Run 4 It

 

Run 4 It are holding a retail event in Galashiels on Saturday 30^th of November  - there will be a great range of Christmas offers, so people can either shop for themselves or get a head start with their Christmas shopping.

 

Galashiels was chosen for its accessibility from all areas in the Borders and the event will run from 8 am to 4 pm at Trifitness, Netherdale Industrial Estate.  To ask any questions or reserve anything for collection on the day call 0131 228 3444 or e-mail edinburgh@run4it.com 

Two Breweries Snippet

Following on from recent updates to races in which club members have starred, I thought I’d make a wee mention of Dunbar’s representation at the Two Breweries Hill Race this year.

 

Three members made the trip and were rewarded with fine sunshine and much merriment. Unfortunately, the merriment was held 19 miles from the start, with 5 or 6 lumps inbetween. But well worth it. James Addie came in 40th (03:50:39 in his first attempt), Ian Rowland 45th (03:53:36, with no orienteering required) and Lee Curtis in 63rd (04:06:11, PB).

October Races

The month kicked off with the club hosting their annual EDF 10-mile multi-terrain race on Saturday 5th.  Andrew Crichton took first place in 56:55.  The following day saw Sheila Morrison competing in Glasgow City Centre in the Bank of Scotland Great Scottish Half Marathon, finishing in a time of 2:12:21.

 

The following Sunday saw a men's team from the club compete in the East District Cross-Country Relays at Livingston.  Grant Noble was first out, finishing in 15:16, Stuart Hay next, finishing in 14:55, Nick Williamson doing the third leg in 15:08 and Ian Rowland taking the final leg, finishing in 14:41,  making the team 21st overall.

 

Five runners from Dunbar travelled to York to run in the inaugural Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon on the 20th - Stuart finished in 2:56:45, Ian Rowland in 3:03:54, Richard Taylor in 3:35:05, Jamie Thomas in 3:45:06 and Anne Hay in 3:54:54. The race started and finished at York University, taking a route through the town centre then heading outwards to Stamford Bridge and other villages on the outskirts, the good weather encouraging lots of spectators along the way.

 

The following weekend saw the hosting of the SA National Cross-Country Relay Championships at Cumbernauld.  The team saw Stuart taking the first leg in 14:51, Andy Sheldrick second man in 17:32, Grant next in 16:00 and Andy Anderson on the final leg, finishing in 18:09.  The following day saw Rhona Anderson compete in the ever popular Jedburgh Half Marathon. Finishing 53rd overall, Rhona was second in her category with a time of 1:31:41.

September Races

The East Lothian Track and Field events took place at Meadowmill on Saturday 7th with Grant Noble finishing first in the men's 800m with a time of 2:18:01.  The following day at the Around Cumbrae 10 mile Road Race, Brian Davidson finished in an excellent time of 69:20, with Theresa Davidson and Sheila Morrison both having good runs in 91:14 and 96:42 respectively.

 

On the15th at a wet and windy Stirling, five Dunbar runners took part in the City of Stirling 10K. Stuart Hay finished in 36:23, Nick Williams in 39:09, achieving a pb, Anne Hay in 51:00, Theresa in 56:25 and Sheila in 57:53. On the same day, Valerie Thomson took part in the Great North, finishing in 1:55:45.

 

On the 29th Nick Williamson and Marjorie Kelly both made their Marathon debut at the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and both finished in excellent times - Nick in 3:11:51 and Marjorie in 4:07:33.  Well done.

GOATS GALLOP 24th NOVEMBER

A Message from the guys at HELP....

"HELP Goats Gallop is on Sunday 24th November probable 1030am start at Longyester Cottages. Please fell free to ask any Dunbar guys to come along and join in."

If memory serves me well this is a 9(ish) mile circuit that has a bit of everything for everyone in it. Climbs, descents, heather, rough tussocky grass...and even a really nice scenic fast road section along by the reservoir.

Oh...and there's usually an opportunity for a beer or two afterwards.

Festive Races

Sunday 8th December is the date for the Festive Half Marathon and 10K - for those of you wishing to take part (open to members of Dunbar Running Club, HELP and MADAC), just contact Anne to let her know which distance (unmeasured) you wish to do. 

 

Rather than the usual handicapping adopted in previous years, the runners will go away in three waves, so that anyone who is unfamiliar with the course, shouldn't get lost.  We will aim for the usual 12:00 finish for the race and then have refreshments at Hallhill afterwards.  Fancy dress is optional, but there will be a prize for the best costume.

Let there be Light!

These head torches are on offer at Asda. £10 for an 80 lumen torch good value. I tried mine out last night and apart from an annoying hinge that occasionally flips the lamp forward (a bit of tape will sort that out), it's not a bad deal. They don't stock them at Dunbar but you can get them delivered free to the store.

http://direct.asda.com/Energizer-6-LED-Head-Torch/001136085,default,pd.html

BORDERS XC - LAUDER

Only a few days to go until the first round in Lauder. Please read the following carefully.The senior event is FULL. Please do not turn up expecting to enter on the day as your request will be politely but firmly refused.

Parking
There is ample parking in Lauder within a 10 minute walk.
From Edinburgh turn right at the Lauderdale Hotel and then 1st left towards the primary school. this area can accomodate over 50 cars in the car parks and on street parking (Allanbank Gardens). Park at the other side from the houses and do not obstruct the residents exits.

From the south after the Kelso turn off on your right take the first left. There is ample on street parking around the Maitland Park area. Again respect the residents property and access.

From Gala there is a small car park at the southern upland way car park which will take 20-30 cars.

If you are helping on the day you must use the new Health Centre Car Park which will be reserved for this purpose.

We will not be supervising parking and I have asked our community police to be aware of the extra traffic, and they will enforce any issues around selfish parking and take appropriate action.

Registration
Please bring along your confirmation e mail to speed up the registration process. Please allow plenty time and be patient as we cope with around 350 runners. Please remove all muddy footwear before entering the sports pavillion. there will be refreshments available to buy before during and after the event.

Course.
Hilly,muddy,scenic and tough and as 2012. Not suitable for spikes. Although the red Cross is in attendance and a full risk assesment has been carried out you are responsible for your own safetyand this is a condition of entry. Please follow the instructions of the race director and marshals.

We have had a few issues organising this series but we look forward to a great start to the 2013 series. Please check the website before you start your journey as the Race Director reserves the right to pospone the event due to inclement weather or unacceptable risks to participants or spectators.

I hope you enjoy your day

Graeme Sutherland
Lauderdale Limpers

Glamis Castle RNLI Reindeer Run

We are holding our Reindeer Run at Glamis Castle on Saturday 9 November 2013 – we have 10k & 5k funruns as well as a 1k Santa Saunter for wee ones.

Further details & online registration – www.rnli.org/angusreindeer

Please contact us at angusreindeer@rnli.org.uk or 0300 300 9902 for further information or queries.

There will be a medal for every runner, plus free antlers and a t-shirt!

We are also looking for volunteers to help us on the day – so if anyone isn't able to run but is available to volunteer to help, we'd be delighted to hear from them too!

Many thanks

The Angus Reindeer Run Team