HIGHLAND FLING RACE 2009 ~ A GROUPIE’S PERSPECTIVE

Murdo McEwan

After the drizzle-fest at the top of Conic Hill last year, I arrived at Balmaha this time round well prepared with copious layers of wind and waterproof clothing. But today was fair, and heralded by one of the finest sounds of Spring ~ the first cuckoo call of the year ~ as I perambulated out of the forest up the almost-dry-underfoot hillside.

The race had started in three separate ‘waves’ from Milngavie ~ all the ladies, plus gents of a certain age (50 years and over) at 6 a.m.; gents under 50 @ 7 a.m.; and the relay team first leggers @ 8 a.m.

Just as I crested the top of the hill the first of the MV50s passed me, hotly pursued by the first three ladies. Lucky chap! I continued over the crest and slightly down the eastern side of the hill where there would be a good vantage point to observe the troops approaching. It would also be a good pitch for my Saltire flagpole. Visible to them on the skyline, it might raise a few spirits. (Or not!) Those first four runners were way ahead; it was not until I had almost ‘set up shop’ that the fifth arrived, closely followed by a steady trickle of others. (‘Trickle’ doesn’t sound very complimentary, but I couldn’t think of a better word; especially given the trickle of water through which they were coming up.) Morale was high though ~ plenty of smiles; no tears. Yet…….. To the north there was a slightly misty haze ~ the sun didn’t seem to have the energy to burn it off ~ giving a somewhat ethereal other-worldly feeling to the surroundings. Stunning views.

Before long, as the pace of the 6 a.m. starters was beginning to flag a bit, the first of the 7 a.m. tranche was meandering upwards at a steady rhythmical trot – gradually picking off the earlier starters. This would set the scene for the rest of the race as the 7 a.m.ers would always have someone to chase down and pass. Or would they? Would the leading 7 a.m. starter pass the leading 6 a.m. starter to reach the finish line first? And at what point would this happen? Money, as such, was not changing hands on these questions; but quite a few folk were wondering “At what point will Jez (the record holder, and race favourite) pass me?” In the event of being overtaken by Jez, and others of fleet-foot, there was the opportunity to see in-the-flesh how fast these guys actually  go relative to one’s own more humble pace; this in itself being something of a rare treat. Usually the front guys blast off at the start and are not seen again until the prize-giving.

Meanwhile my Saltire flag was providing a welcome excuse for those not so fleet-of-foot to pause and be photographed / take photos of the fine panorama to the east and north. By now, though, the first of the 8 a.m. relay runners were approaching at speed. Another race! This staggered start initiative made for great spectating!

Eventually as the tail-end heroes and heroines were wending their weary way, I packed up my bags and trotted back down to Balmaha, but now the cuckoo seemed to be taking a break from its Spring serenading. Pity.

All this activity spurred me to (relative) action (Maybe I should have been doing the race???) so my journey to the race finish @ Tyndrum was interrupted by my going up a couple of Corbetts over the Arrocher Alps way. The leaders had long since finished by the time I arrived at Tyndrum, but the race organisers had set up a great reception area for folk still coming in. Whilst some left promptly for buses to return southwards, many stayed around the finish area to welcome arrivals, soak in the atmosphere, and give suitable applause to those picking up the (numerous!) prizes. Later on there was opportunity to burn off any surplus energy at the post-race celilidh until 1 a.m. ~ a fine way to round off a fine (and longish) day. In the event (maybe not surprisingly) there wasn’t much evidence of much energy being left to expend on the dance floor…….

Insofar as the results are concerned, Jez Bragg and Sarah Ridgeway took the main honours in 7:19 (new race record) and 9:19 respectively. But all credit to everyone who completed the full 52 miles distance ~ a fine achievement. Full results (and photos; and much else) are on the comprehensive website www.highlandflingrace.org

MURDO (“THE OTHER ONE”)