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Deeside Runners is an Aboyne-based club of runners covering road, hill and cross-country running. The club runs both training and social events for members and organises several prestigious local running events. We look forward to seeing new runners of all ages and standards at club events and can promise you a warm welcome |
What a fantastic way to entertain the Italians visiting us from the Lanzada running club in Northern Italy. The weather improved throughout the day and by the time the Hill Race started, the sun was shining. There was a great turn out of runners (about 100) and they made a great spectacle as they did the first lap of the arena before heading out to the hill. By the time they were returning, there was all sorts going on in the arena - tossing the caber, the drum majors throwing their maces over the bar, the tug-of-war, as well as all the dancing and piping events being judged.
First in was Enzo Vanotti in his kilt, bought specially for the occasion! (unfortunately the camera man messed up and only got a very brief shot of him entering the arena). The battle for second place was a tough one, with James Espie just pipped into third place. Stefano Ferrari came in sixth. Fist lady was Bryony Curtis, and Ruth McKenzie came in second. Roberta Venzi had a great run and finished together with a 'new friend'! Several other club members had excellent runs - I hope you'll be able to download the video from: www.flickr.com/photos/26736131@N08/4884393823/ and spot yourselves in it.
Warm dry conditions saw over 150 runners complete the 10 mile course. First male was Ross Fulton in 59:23 with first woman Melissa White not far behind in 1.00.11. A big thank you to all the helpers.
The summer picnic was was a big hit with all those who managed along. Unfortunately Gary was struck down with flu and Warren was delayed by a hurricane on his way home from Houston (poor excuse). Luckily Warren's brother John was visiting and walked in with Sue.
Derek and Evelyn brought in the picnic on their bike trailer though an over enthusiasm on the catering meant Derek had to make a second trip back down to Keiloch to fetch in the juices and pudding.
John's son biked in with Sam and they were the first guest arrivals at about 12:40. Evelyn hi-jacked some tables from the BBQ hut (no breaking and entering) and had the food on display on the BBQ porch by the time Derek arrived back at 12:50. The picnic was scheduled for 1:00 and bang on the dot, people arrived from all directions. Phil (running in from Keiloch), Dave and Kathy on bike, Dave and Jane (finishing a long run from Balmoral - and looking to cadge a lift back), Jon, Sarah and Ewen and finally Sue and John.
We had a couple of sharp showers but we were all protected under the porch and the picnic continued unabated. Everyone made a valiant attempt to eat as much as possible so as to save Derek having to make two trips taking it out again. Pretty much they all said they were stuffed - until the chocolate was produced and suddenly space was found for 'just a little more'.
A team effort on the tidying up at about 3:00 and we all headed home, perhaps just a little slower than we came in.
A great success.
www.flickr.com/photos/51597720@N02/sets/72157624265146655/
Race Report - A competitor's view (click Read More)
A big field of 83 runners lined up in front of the Police Station in Braemar for the 26th running of the Lairig Ghru hill race on a beautiful Sunday morning. Most of the field was in front of me within seconds of the ‘gun’ but I’m told that Matthew Sullivan more or less led the whole way. The runner who ultimately finished behind him (Edward Catmur) chased hard for about two thirds of the race but described Matt’s pace on the downhill as phenomenal. He didn’t stand a chance but gave it his all and finished a creditable 5mins behind.
Our club did well at the Scolty hill race. A well organised and marked race saw 44 runners heading off. Deeside's Robbie Simpson won overall by over 2 min and helped us to win the male team prize.
A decision has been made to cancel the Deeside Duathlon. The main reason was the low competitor numbers. The club will concentrate its resources on the other 4 races that it organises throught the year.
Have a look at the relay pictures at http://www.flickr.com/photos/32731683@N00/sets/72157623589989693/
With the clocks changing this weekend we return to Glen Tanar for run training starting on Tuesday 30th March.
