Spring forward at the Dunky

The clocks may have gone backwards, but the runners certainly sprung forward off the start line of the 2024 Duncan Macfarlane Race.

Everyone enjoyed their extra hour in bed, here at Acorn HQ, we were up spritely to pack the car, and squeeze in some last minute race admin! Printer issues. Why don’t printers ever work when you need them to?

Michelle had activated her weather machine and once again defied the forecast to have a perfect morning for a run. You were a lucky bunch to get to run such a great route in such amazing conditions 😜

This is now the fourth ‘actual*’ edition of the Dunky and it’s becoming a favourite in the calendar, and our biggest one to date so far. We’ll definitely be back for more next year!

*We had a virtual version in January 21

Dunky 2024

Race signups this year featured 30 different running clubs or groups, 48 females and 34 males taking to the start line, with ages ranging from 16 to 74. Trail running at the Dunky certainly has some broad appeal which we love.

A mass start along the flat tree lined avenue before downhill to the zoo, passing hi-viz hero Steven. With Michelle’s pre-start brief in their ears a chorus of “Happy birthday” and “Happy new age category” filled the autumn air as runners passed the handily placed birthday balloons.

Starting on the loop, runners take a slight detour off the main path taking in the ‘jug handle’ before rejoining the main path and circling the loch, with beautiful views over the water towards the castle.

Passing the castle, well used as part of the Outlander TV series set, runners are through the gate and a long gradual slightly inclined elevation gain (not a hill 😜) of the Khyber Pass. Anyone looking over their left shoulder were treated to expansive views across Glasgow and the Clyde. In the foreground the remains on World War II anti aircraft batteries remain. Michael Devlin managed to catch the scenes this year having run round the whole route last year total oblivious to everything! Below photos courtesy of Mr Devlin!

Cutting right at the car-park and down past the bridle path, returning to Steven and the Craigend Zoo to commence lap two. Second time around, up the only hill on the route and onto the very flat finish line.

The race

Finishing lap 1, the front two of Andrew Anderson (Cambuslang Harriers) and Chris Hunter (VP-CoG) appeared to be running at their own chatty pace, conversation trailing behind them as they started lap two.

Dave Shaw (Run Rhaw) was hot on their tails eager to improve on his time from 2023.

The front three stayed the same to the tape, with Anderson crossing the line in 28.40, Hunter completing his first V50 race on the podium second step in 28.59 and Shaw ultimately missing out on improving his ’23 time but improving position with his first Acorn podium to finish in 29.03. I’m sure there’s more to come.

South By Five’s perennial 4th place man, Lukasz Pudlow, once again taking his favourite spot!!

In the female battle, Ochil Hill Runners, Edel Mooney, managed to cope with the lack of hills, and hold off strong competition from the event smiling Roberta Fletcher (Run Rhaw) with them crossing the line in 32.03 and 33.46 respectively. The Hunter family made a podium pair, with Lynsey Hunter taking the third step in 34.40

Full results…

Prizes

Our age category prizes cascade down from the podiums allowing a good spread of prizes. It also regularly highlights that age isn’t necessarily a barrier to the podium, especially in trail running.

M40 Derek Robertson (863)
F40 Laura Wallace (Ayr Seaforth AC)

M50 Mark Ford (856)
F50 Sharon O’Leary (841)

M60 Alan Cox (SG Coaching/JogScotland Cumbernauld)
F60 Pauline Henderson (Bellahouston Harriers)

M70 Mike Smith (796)

Our podium prizes were Migo Sports vouchers £50/£25/£15.

Age category prizes are a free entry to the Castlemilk Trail Race taking place in Glasgow on February 16th. General entries for this event will open soon.

Another free entry for Castlemilk Trail Race was awarded as a spot prize to Cornel Neil of Kirkintilloch Olympians. His enthusiasm around the finish line both in his own crossing and support of others, in particular his club mates earning him plaudits from fellow runners and deserving of a prize.

Victoria Park

Duncan Macfarlane was a proud member of Victoria Park AAC. More can be read about his running here.

It was fantastic to see the current Victoria Park – City of Glasgow AC support the event so well. Thanks very much to them all for coming along.

Two Raccoons

Hopefully many of you got to try the samples of energy gels from Two Raccoons. They used left over fruit to make these gels and are currently in the product testing phase. They have been making wine to for the past couple of years, helping to reduce food waste.

Find out more and give their Facebook page a wee follow.

ReShoes

Thanks very much for your donations of preloved shoes. These will be donated to ShoeShareMalawi.

Further collections will take place during South By Five.

We’re also hoping to be taking donations of running t-shirts and apparel during South By Five. Keep an eye on our socials for details.

Thanks

Heading across the city allows us to welcome some new folks to join our well kent faces amongst our hi viz heroes.

Thank you to our tail runners Colin Hardie and Theo Jaeger both of whom had completed the 48 mile Jedburgh Ultra Marathon the day before!

On course marshals: Steven Gilligan, John Craig, Fiona Milne, Sharon Couper, Sam Allwood, Hannah Duncan, Sam Hampton Smith with Bram and Maze, Phil Knight with Barney, Deidre and Simon Parkinson, Jenny Peebles and Nikki.

Finish line team: Morag McFarlane, KMAC and Sophie, Cha Harris

Next up

On Sunday we plunge headlong into our signature series, South By Five starting with Kings Park. We added some more places, so maybe a few spots throughout the series. Head over to http://www.entrycentral.com/acorntrails

Photos: Cha Harris, Duncan Boyd, Acorn Trails, Michael Devlin, Morag McFarlane