Report from Lucy. Thank-you so much to lovely Sandy who made the long journey to Fort William to be a supporter at the Lochaber marathon on Sunday. Was a dreicht day for standing about, but Sandy was always smiling and enthusiastic, and altogether a wonderful supporter. Really helped to get us round. Race was great. Ran with Suzanne, who, like myself, was running her 2nd Lochaber. Last time I ran it was 2001, don’t remember much about that race, apart from it being windy and rainy (much as it was on Sunday). We stuck together for most of the race, was great to have the company (sorry for talking mince, Suzanne. Sorry also for singing. Poor you). Really enjoyed the race. Was chuffed to run 2nd half one minute faster than 1st half. Lochaber doesn’t have the crowds, bands, famous sights or incredible wall of noise London has. It does, however, have:spectacular hills to admire (for many a mile), rousing sound of bagpipes at start and finish, shower at the end(unfortunately mine was cold, but it was good to be clean), post-race best cup of tea EVER, lovely filled roll and a Ben Nevis whisky miniature (my husband quaffed it when we got home, his reward for driving me there and back). Also, a shiny medal in a plush velvet box. Very well done to Suzanne, who ran her first sub 4 hr marathon. John Gilhooly 3:03:57, David Lockhart 3:36:16, Lucy Mackay 3:53:41, Suzanne Motherwell 3:55:49
Lochaber
Beautiful spring weather welcomed 500 runners to Fort William for the Lochaber Marathon on Sunday, 15 April. An out and back course along the shore of Loch Linhe was the challenge and 6 runners from Bellahouston Roadruners were up for it. The course is fairly flat, undulating in places. Basically you run towards Corpach and continue on until you reach 13 miles, then turn round and run back. The snow capped mountains give a scenic backdrop and the fact there are only 500 runners and few cars means you get a clear run. Although there is a sneaky wee steep hill in the last mile. Bellahouston highlights included PBs for Greg Glendinning ( 2.41 and 1st MV40) and 2.59 for Nea Macinnes. Thanks to Danielle, Brendan, Susie and Peter for their excellent support around the course. Bellahouston Times Greg Glendinning 3.41 Nea Macinnes 2.59 John Gilhooley 3.09 Frans Roelefse 3.14 Tomoyo Fujiwara 3.33 David Boyle 3.39 Full results Above report from David And some additional reporting… from Tomoyo I enjoyed running this race, beautiful view and plenty of water station there. It was my 19th marathon and I had my first experience “I took a wrong turn” at 25 miles, as I did not see any runners in front of me. However the guy who was running behind me (actually he was walking when I passed), he shouted and rescued me!!! I wonder if this guy ignored me….am I still running now?? Lucky me, I guess! I will try hard again at the Edinburgh marathon next month to get sub 3:30!!! Thank you for all your support. And more from Nea ….. Phew, that was close! Ran 2:59:46, new PB by 10 mins. Perfect running weather on lovely flat course, until the last mile when little hills come out of nowhere and feel as if you are climbing Ben Nevis itself! I thought I had 90secs to spare and cruise to the finish until Brendan started running beside me in the last mile screaming at me and looking worriedly at the stop watch on his iphone. My garmin was showing that the finish must be round the corner, but alas it was round the corner, up the hill, round another corner and then the final straight (0.25miles longer than I thought!). In the final straight just as the legs wanted to fall off I had Brendan screaming behind me and Peter screaming in front of me – there was NO way I was not going to finish under 3 hrs!! Great support from Danielle, Suzie and the Sadistic Duo – Brendan & Peter! I know I could not have done it with out your support – BRILLIANT!!!! Well done to all Bella’s on the day and Greg getting 1st V40!