despite the weather, a good turnout at Halterburn

Appalling weather saw a good turnout of runners (66) gather at Halterburn for this year’s Yetholm Hill Race. Constant low cloud, drizzle and rain made for an eventful run, bereft of the views of the Cheviots and Borders. The route was run anticlockwise this year. It was the weather and lack of visibility that led to compasses being out from midway into the race.

steering over the rough towards Staerough

The start led to a steep climb up Staerough Hill (after an initial run through ankle deep cow clap!). The first section of the race was reminiscent of the Sedbergh Hills race with lots of steep ups and downs. It led over the inaptly named Sunnyside Hill and then Wildgoose Hill to Latchly Hill.

low cloud all around

low visibilty but plenty of runners to follow in the early stages


heading off Staerough to Sunnyside Hill

The main mistake seemed to be to follow the fence from Latchly Hill down left to the Pennine Way, thence back up to the Curr from the col between it and Black Hag. The true route was straight downhill from Latchly Hill to the sheepfold, thence hands on knees up the steep side of the Curr.

heading up to Latchly Hill

I confess to this deviation; however, I did avoid the infamous “squeaky reeds” and steep directissimo to the Curr. I was in good company, including a group of around 30 runners who made the same mistake. I did manage to cheer up John Telfer (Keswick), seeing me plodding up the scenic route as he hurtled back down the Curr. Ah Schadenfreude!

The race winner [Will Horsley] zoomed up the initial ridge of hills then, doubting himself, shot up Black Hag first, scaring a marshal to death. He then doubled back on himself up the Curr and then back the correct way (and still had a chance to stop and chat to Pat Dunn taking pictures near the end). He promises to come back next year and make an effort on the record!

Will in full stride on the Pennine Way

Thereafter the route was over Black Hag and onto the other limb of the Pennine Way, which led to minimal opportunities for route deviation. The steady climb over Steer Rig and White Law were very runnable, despite the persisting rain. A long run in home from White Law with a nice final few miles of easy running on fast grass made for a nice end to a great race. Definitely one to be returned to in decent weather!

John enjoying his first Scottish Race

NFR was represented by Will Horsley (Winner), John Duff, Rob Stephens and myself.

Phil comes in to the finish, no wiser to how superb the views are around these parts

Phil Green

results

more photos from Pat | Rob

[a few extra notes from Rob]

• NFR took home the team prize (lots of beer)
• The Search and Rescue Team (to whom much of the race fees are donated) were just about to set off in search of a late runner in the poor visibility but the sweepers managed to sweep the chap up (unhurt) as they returned.
• Thanks Les for a cracking run - running it in reverse was a good way to celebrate the race's tenth show (I think I prefer this anticlockwise version!)
• If Norham RC's Veronique Oldham had been at the race, she might have given Jill Mykura a run for her money, but regulars to Northumberland and nearby races will be sad to hear that Veronique is leaving Norham RC (and heading North), so probably won't be leading many future ladies' races in Northumberland.

Veronique Oldham leading the ladies at the Cheviot Summit Race in April 2008