Arrochar 10k

Post date: Sep 22, 2016 9:22:31 PM

By Lorraine McDonald

I decided to run the first Arrochar 10k after reading the history of the run (I love a bit of history)the cross country run was established in the 1940’s & was last ran in 1947. The 1947 cup winner a Mr Jim Bichard recently contacted Arrochar running club to say he still had the original cup in his possession & would love to return it, which he did.

The 10k started across from the Cobbler car parks in Arrochar, start line was very friendly everyone was relaxed weather was perfect sunshine & a small breeze, wasps were a bit of a pain at the start line

so straight off road it was, trail running I love it, settled in straight away, I knew it wouldn’t be long before the first hill & I was right about half a mile along the climb started, half way up I was starting to pass a lot of runners struggling on the hill, I kept my pace steady as I knew if I went to fast on that size of hill I would be walking as well, got to the top beautiful views made it worth the climb, the run was undulating all the way after the first big hill.

We crossed the main road at Ardgartan which was well marshaled (I was a bit worried about crossing there but it was fine), through the forest then onto the Loch Long Pavement, I ran the last mile or so with another runner going the same pace, we never spoke but kept each other going (I think) to the end. Finished in between the 2 car parks on the grass. I was really chuffed with my time 55.03, 7th lady overall & 3rd female vet, I waited on Margaret coming in, knew exactly when she was coming,( the runner with the arms in the air)coming over the finish line

the after tea & cakes were amazing & a lovely prize giving.

Margaret had radio 2 blasting all the way home & she sang on the way home in the car lovely way to end the day thanks Margaret!!

X factor for you next year Margaret!