While most runners were concentrating on the Edinburgh marathon festival, I headed down to the south of Scotland to take advantage of my parents’ babysitting service and the opportunity to get a wee race in.
Kirkcudbright is a wee town about 45 minutes away from Dumfries. It’s not a particularly big place and to be honest I wasn’t expecting much from the half marathon but I was glad to be proved wrong. The race formed part of the local celebrations so there was a good crowd gathered at the high school for the start of the race. They also had a BBQ doing burgers and the most amazing bouncy castle/obstacle course I have ever seen. As I lined up on the start I was beginning to think I would prefer to stay at the start instead of running!
Anyway, as we set off the front two runners went flying off ahead. I recognised Neil Renault of Edinburgh AC and knew it would not be wise to try and keep up with him so I let them go. By 3 miles I was alone in 3rd place as the front two had built a good lead and the chasing pack were nowhere to be seen. The first 5 miles were nice and flat. My legs felt good and thoughts started turning towards a PB. The next 4 miles though soon put paid to that. The hills came thick and fast and a strong headwind combined with the heat made for difficult running conditions. Thankfully still being alone in 3rd place meant I could take my foot off the gas a little which meant I could enjoy the scenery and the cheers of the supporters. I think half of Kirkcudbright must have been out as there were people everywhere. Mile 9-10 was a steep downhill and then I picked up the pace again for the last 3 flat miles back to the school. I crossed the line in 3rd place in 1:14:20, a time which would have won the race comfortably the previous year but strong competition this year meant it was some 5 minutes behind the winner.
I then had to do an interview for the local paper which was probably one of the most awkward moments ever in my running career. You know when you see idiotic footballers getting interviewed and they come out with a whole load of clichés and repeating themselves, well I pretty much did that but in running terms!! It was like my mouth and brain had just stopped working together, but all added to the fun of the day.
By the time I got back I wasn’t hungry so never even got my burger but still enjoyed my day out. Tough, scenic course but a well organised race with good support so would thoroughly recommend it for next year.
Craig
