Falkland Yomp 2025

I ran the Falkland Yomp in 2023 (link:http://runnerwanderings.blogspot.com/2023/01/). I wasn't in the best state, but I enjoyed the event and the course had a bit of everything. The youngster set the course record, but then she does that shit.  So we entered it again last year, but I had a medical, so none of us went. The organiser (Ian), however, advised that he would defer our entry until this year. That was pretty good of him - The Lomond Club are a decent bunch, so this year, we rocked up eager and ready to go. It was Cat, Marg and moi. Ant came along to shepherd us. 

There were 2 starts. One for the slowies and one for the fasties. Marg decided she would do the early start. I fancied it, but my ego hasn't quite deflated sufficiently.  The event, a 7 miler around the Falkland Estate in Fife is an adventure through Scots Pine, heather moorland and forestry gravel paths. This year,  Ian had even put on a bit of snow at the top of the hill to spice things up. Hill races are a little thin on the ground in Scotland in January. This event was oversubscribed, but we were in. 

The race HQ this year was at the Covenanters Hotel. Warm toilets provided and a small crowd. Very civilised. We got our numbers and said goodbye to Marg as she set off. I warmed up by running back to the car and then back to the start. The clothing choice was 2 layers, hat, woollen gloves and the i-rocs. Around 60 or so set off in the second group. After around 200 metres I was passed by Adrian from the Lomies. He looked comfortable and was in my age group, so I took my cue and tucked in behind him. And there I sat.  For 3 miles. We passed a few in front of us. He passed them; I passed them. I was attached like a limpet. He's a better runner than me, but I was up for a challenge. As I sat there, I fully expected to have to sit in for the whole race and take my chances in the sprint at the end. However, just as we ascended the second climb, he slowed. I assumed that he wanted me to take the lead, and I did, but he didn't follow and, not looking back, I ploughed on without any idea where he was. I finished in just under the hour. First V60 and 30 notes. Ego intact. Very nice. 

We caught up for a chat in the hotel afterwards and had a good natter. This is an ace race, and no wonder its in demand. The Youngster took another chunk out of her course record, which was impressive, and Marg enjoyed herself, so a good day all round. Thanks to Peter Bracegirdle for the excellent photographs.