Water of Leith Half Marathon

28/11/15

It did help that I had some work-free days to deal with this, particularly the days of admin it takes to set up the handicap and route plan. It didn't help that I am still not over the cold and cough. Or that it rained for most of the 4 hrs it took to cycle the WoL paths yesterday afternoon tipping 14 bags of floury arrows along the way. What made it all worthwhile was the cheery thanks and appreciation from my fellow runners who all seemed to enjoy it. The rain even held off for most of the run. And although there was a lot of mud on legs it was more patches of mud (on the ground) than lakes. The riverside paths keep the worst of the wind off the runners and I hoped there were enough arrows to guide the first timers down the route without mishap. (Pretty much!) And that everyone would take care at the road crossings. (Mmmm nearly!)

First up, some photos taken by the splendid marshals at Roseburn, Angus and Andy. They were unable to run this year so threw themselves into the marshalling with gusto.

Then Scott's excellent photos near Saughton Skate Park
Again Scott and Helen weren't running this year so put on the fluro tops and pushed the green man button as runners approached the lights at Balgreen Rd.

Next up my photos as folk came to the end of the run.

Marion was first across the line. Though technically not the winner as she took the Early Bird start at 9.30. (defined by single digit bib nos. and ineligible for prizes.) We did give her a spot prize for being a good sport.

Official first runner Lucy. 

second (and first male) Lindsay

third, Ben

Jim B - all his fault! 

(One of the race originators) 

Jim timed this nicely, getting to the start line (having just stepped off his flight from Washington) 2 mins before kick off. Just time to pin on a number and run!

Glad to wave goodbye to the last of the soluble numbers. New ones next year!

Great to see Nicola managing to run after months of injury. While not back to full strength nor running without pain she came along for the fun, and managed to get more mud up her legs than most.

Everyone loves a Wombill.

Fastest time today, Drew ran an impressive 1.18

Seona keeps Dr Neil behind her.

Craig showing no respect for his elders, overtaking Willie in the last few yards. 

Youngsters these days!

Big thanks to Yana and David who did a great job of the results, considering the melting numbers.

Mr. 7 Hills

Martin (not being a local) took a wrong turn towards the end, 

only seeing the arrow second time past. 

Nick had a tough day at the office.

Kemps!

Big thanks to Eric (and Lynda) for the excellent catering. Fab soup and homebakes, which is really appreciated after the run. They have become one of the great traditions of this event and it encourages folk to hang about rather than jump in cars and disappear. 

Afterwards we retired to the Leith Beer Company where we did a few prizes and those not driving had a beer or 2. Really nice company with the emphasis on fun and social, more than being just about who ran fastest. Jim did a fun prize giving telling us about his recent trip and training runs in the US. A few spot prize beers were dispersed. Great fun and big thanks to all who helped:

Richard organising and results

Christina assisting

Jonathan: Lanark Rd.
Helen and Scott: Balgreen Rd
Angus and Andy: Roseburn
Anthony: Pizza Express
Michael: Rocheid Path
Ruth: Canonmills
Yana and David: finish line / results

photo of Marion by Christina

Results in order of crossing the line: (Provisional - let me know corrections)

1.    Marion Clark        2.12.35  eb=(early bird)

2.    Mags Turnbull        2.22.19  eb

3.    Jim Salvage        2.22.19  eb

4.    Lucy Colquhoun    1.30.51

5.    Lindsay Cockburn    1.32.56

6.    Ben Kemp            1.39.00

7.    Alex Hilliam    1.28.47

8.    Gordon Cram    1.48.51

9.    Jim Bruce    1.56.47

10.    Neil Paton    1.41.09

11.    Ronnie Sloan    2.27.10  eb

12.    Angus Farquhar    1.37.19

13.    Iain Cadogan    1.40.28

14.    Vince Fraser    1.38.49

15.    Fiona Carver    1.39.51

16.    Shona Young    1.41.12

17.    Nicola Duncan    1.28.19

18.    Stewart Roxburgh    1.58.32

19.    Robin Wombill    2.28.38  eb

20.    Sheila Morrison    2.28.38  eb

21.    Judith White    2.28.38  eb

22.    Drew Sharkey    1.18.14

23.    Derek Small    1.29.57

24.    Philippa Ivison    1.49.00

25.    Kate Fraser    1.49.01

26.    Graham Smith    1.35.13

27.    Douglas Graham    1.36.22

28.    Ian Beattie    1.34.41

29.    Jon Waters   1.36.50

30.    Stuart Hay    1.23.51

31.    Alan Yardley    1.43.54

32.    Frank Ovens    1.51.26

33.    Paul Young    1.34.31

34.    Alan Robertson    1.47.41

35.    Mike Lieberman    1.38.42

36.    Seona Burnett    1.46.51

37.    Neil Jones    1.47.56

38.    Alan Inglis    1.34.03

39.    James Robson    1.32.20

40.    Craig Taylor    1.29.33

41.    Willie Jarvie    1.29.36

42.    Keith Martin   1.34.41

43.    Neil Burnett    1.34.45

44.    Sally Best    1.57.47

45.    Steve Crane    1.32.55

46.    Isobel  Burnett    1.43.10

47.    Kevin Rutherford 1.42.10

48.    Simon Smith   1.55.18 

49.    Alan Lawson    1.48.20

50.    Dean Friday    1.47.51

51.    Jim  Alexander     1.58.02

52.    Barbara Livingston     1.49.35

53.    Gavin Orr    1.32.59

54.    Martin Dawson    1.24.55

55.    Nick Williamson    1.29.01

56.    Cat Meighan    1.52.35

57.    Roddy McRae    1.36.49

58.    Derek Henderson    2.00.08

59.    Louise Provan    1.49.28

60.    David Robinson    2.06.30

61.    Kieran Morgan    1.52.20

62.    Phil Young    1.42.31

63.    Jim Ramsay    2.19.05

64.    Maureen Byrne    2.19.05

Mark Hartree was struck down with leg problems and dnf'ed.
Jonathan in a fit of keeness noted everyone's times and positions at Lanark Rd. I had asked him to make a rough note of what times people came through. So if you want your 6 mile time let me know. (Timing chips and mats have nothing on us!)

See you all next year. If anyone wishes to shadow the process of organising next year with a view to taking over the following year I'd be happy to pass on the baton.