Brutal B*stard

Another new route.

Judging by the in race feedback it wasn’t a good change. Type 2 fun was promised prior to the event. And type 2 fun it was. And it didn’t even take that long for in-race offences to change to finish line compliments!

Bastard brutal

A post race Strava trawl had many “brutal” comments, mostly related to the route change. Mostly related to the new hill in the new route. Now known affectionately as “Bastard Hill”, named for the race director/route designer. This affectionate term was directed at him more than once during the race, despite Dad being present 20m away!! Dad like St Peter denied any responsibility (for the route not his son 🤣).

Despite complaints about the hill, and the other hill, Steven Gilligan (Westerlands CCC) continued his own ongoing complaint about lack of hills in the series. Joined by serial complainant David Gemmell, who moaned about having to queue to get up the hill! There’s just no pleasing some folk! 🤪

The new route was overall well received with multiple compliments. The new trail section through the Low Wood a high point (see what I did there?) Other folk have been through since the event and done some vegetation trimming. Clearly we highlighted a nice route to some people, which is actually already on the park map!

Race time

Michelle once again did her Pied Piper impression leading the runners down to the new start line. The start line is now at the South Side Six turn off for East Ren Stamperland Walkway. Another wee nod to put event’s heritage.

And then they were off … heading for the Halfpenny Bridge and the start of lap 1. Disappointingly lap 2 wouldn’t start with a big splash through the infamous duck pond.

Lack of rain left it a muddy patch, the ducks required our special conservation project! They’ve survived another year, after a late arrival having been left at Acorn HQ prompting Jim and Alex off on a last second rescue mission.

Conservation project

Hats off and applause to Garscube Harrier, Craig Brown for fully embracing the South By Five duck pond spirit and ensuring he got his feet wet!!!

Podiums

The front end battle is becoming a good tussle. New Strava pals Ruan Van Rensburg and Callum Wallace vying for the top spot. Fife AC’s Van Rensburg eeking out a lead to take the win for this one, with Kings Park winner Grant Jeans DNF after a mid race tumble.

All to play for as the series progresses.

And not just with the men. Leading lady from Kings Park, Lindsay Branston, had to settle for the second step, with Bellahouston Harrier Karen McQuarrie taking top spot! McQuarrie’s first place also pushing Ruth Harrison down a step into third place.

Full results and current series standings are here….

Series results are based on completion of 5 races from the six events. If all six events are completed the best five will be counted.

Thanks

An amazing team of volunteers and helpers:

Cedric Moreaux, Lynn Connor, Maureen McKeown, Kay Mi-Mo, Michael McNamara, Cameron Winter, Stuart Macdonald, Steven Prentice, H, Dad, Claire Taylor, Audrey McIntosh, C, Zuzana Rencova, Alice, Julia, Seoras Buchanan, Imaan and Marwa, Sophie Anderson, Evie Murray, Dee Harrington, Callum Wallace

Paparazzi

Great photos as always from our army of paps:

Laura Lennon, Robert Hill, Duncan Boyd, Blythe Lindsay, George Wilson, Ian Cochrane, Bill Oliver, Kevin Queenan

Next up…

We’re steaming headlong into Sx5 at Rouken Glen. Guess what? Another new route. It’s going to be great. It’s going to be Acorn Trails…