Pulling back the curtains this morning it was too nice a day to waste and having ran the Yetholm Hill Race 3 times previously in the last 4 years, I gathered up the gear, hunted out my fell shoes and set off up the road for Yetholm. At around 9 miles and with 2500ft of ascent, this race is a real test for the quads with 50 minutes of roller coaster hill work before the final 25 minutes or so of grassy downhill where the route picks up the Pennine Way. Located in the Cheviots on the Scottish Borders, it attracts a right mix of runners which always livens things up.
Early on after the start up yon big hill with the odd name, I found myself with Jill Mykura (Carnethy), Tim McCall (Norham) and another as we picked our way through the low cloud. Visibility was poor and it was cool and calm. Ideal running weather really. There was no chance, however, of seeing who was in front unless you happened to be wearing a pair of murk-goggles.
I felt heavy going up hill. Could it be the after effects of the marathon, gravity, or more likely the after effects of a big Friday night out. It took me around 45 minutes to get it together, but come the long downhill stretch which is a pleasure, I dropped my companions and finished in the rain just behind Wull Hynd (Moorfoot) whom I hadn't realised was just up in front.
Gary Jones (NFR) won after having to wait for a while for a few others at one junction just to make sure he was on the right route. Tom Hobbs and Mike McGovern (Moorfoots) were 2nd and 3rd. Jill won the women's race from Eilidh Wardlaw (HBT) and Julie Connor of Moorfoot (3rd).
Finished in 10th place in 1:19:02. Sat in the stream for 10 minutes after the race. A cup of tea would have been nice. 
(Pictures from the top -1st, 2nd and 3rd lady)
(Pictures from the top -1st, 2nd and 3rd lady)
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