Lochaber Athletic Club

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RAMSAY ROUND SUCCESSES

A busy few days on Ramsays Round in Lochaber. Alan Smith (Deeside) and Bruce Poll (LAC) set off on a semi provisional last minute weather forecast decision on Thursday at 1700 from Glen Nevis YHA. In hindsight a good few hours earlier would have been better, but that only became apparent after dark. Ahead after the first hill, confidence was up, enough for Alan to find an antler and wrap it up and pack it in his rucsack as his Ramsay Antler Trophy. Confidence was high and the weather was fantastic, totally as forecast. Progress was steady, and more importantly always ahead of Charlies schedule, but not by enough to think we should slow down, both having never done a day quite like this before. Having done a few Mountain Marathons together and never been too far apart in normal hill races for quite a while we were lucky to be alongside for this adventure. Luckily, Alan had only jogged around Tomnabat, after the forecast had given an incling to a great possible weather window over the two days we were out on Ramsays.

The night section from Sgurr Eilde Mor slowed us significantly by being off tracks and trods in deep heather and bog. It was a blessing to arrive on the track next to Loch Treig. Dawn and herds of red deer welcomed us on Chno Dearg in the cloud (another antler), but atleast the head torches were off by now. On arrival at Fersit damn, which we had cycled to the previous afternoon to leave a bit of food, we found Alan's bag ripped with empty food bags and crisp packets lieing on the path. Alan reckoned a wild boar attack, an escapee boar probably recognised the smell from several years ago, and thought revenge to all those SHR members who had eaten his brother at the hog roast after Tomnabat. Bruce's rucksack was however intact and had enough food for both runners. Interestingly Bruce was not at Tomnabat. Watch out for wild boar around Loch Treig.

Climb after climb continued until some flat running along the Grey Corries Ridge. The ascent of Aonach Beag was a bit of a struggle, but, it was always going to be. We were still well ahead of schedule and after Aonach Mor we were just concentrating on getting to the end without any injury and finishing in 22 something. This was acheived in 22 hours 47 minutes. Totally elated. Thanks to Olly at Glen Nevis YHA and supporters who got to know who met us at the end. HUGE DAY.

Highly recommended, just don't overdo it on the race calender, or go up the Ben the day before!!!!

On Saturday at 1200 Peter Duggan (LAC) and Jon Gay (LAC) set off on the same route, but with a bit more planning, recceing and pacers in place behind them. Jon was not sure whether to do the whole thing or not, but would be pacer for Peter on their first leg. They met up with some other pacers along the way, and Jon kept going too. Along the Grey Corries Peter was not sure whether he would make it, and set Jon off on his own. Jon made it in in 23 hours 07 minutes and Peter 23 hours and 49 minutes. A great weekend to boost the Ramsay completion list for LAC members and to Deeside for Alan getting round.

MEALL AN T-SUIDHE HILL results

HALF BEN HILL RACE results

COW HILL results

Arrochar Alps - Bruce's report results

As the team photo shows, a little short of a qualifying team, if only Mick Tighe or Ernie Orr could have turned up. It seems these long races are a bit too far for, not only in distance, but in miles from Lochaber. There was no prize awarded to V50 ladies, because there were none entered. Eagle Crag looked good though, and home in time for tennis and football, and if you did really well, a bag of Liquourice Allsorts!

As Stewat Whitlie pointed out to Bruce at the start line, "that will be a new pair of shoes then.", "thats fine Stewart, never had a problem with new shoes". Wish I had put an old pair on, come half way down the first hill, thought their was a stone in my shoe. Stop, finger in shoe, no stone to be found. 30 seconds later, stone must be in sock, oh dear, its not a stone, its a blister. Next descent, feels like I have put my foot in a puddle (that will be the blister bursting then). Long races are not necessaily all about navigation!

For those that got lost and did not finish last year, this year was a dream. No cloud, no map out of the bumbag, water where you would expect it (in the burns), great day out. The humidity was the problem this year, although on the tops it was cool enough to make life pleasantish. There was loads of food at the end though, but you need it after a long day out in the fells. Good prizes too, if you like beer.

Bruce managed 6th overall, just at the back of the lead gaggle, and under the 4 hour radar to get a Loch Fyne Ales Tankard and medal. Ray was 2nd V60 and beer to take home. Great day out in hard terrain. Legs having a rest toady. Susannah Macmillan took home second V40 to Andrea Priestley who broke the Womens Record. Both the womens and mens records were set at a British Championship race in 1987. The fact that the mens winning time was so far behind Billy Bland's time of the same year (21 mins) puts his achievements further into the history books. Maybe I am a bit biased, having run for Borrowdale, before Lochaber. Andy Symonds + Robbie Simpson head to head who knows?

Special note: Kate Jenkins did rather well at the West Highland Way last weekend, won the ladies on Wednesday night, 3rd lady at Arrochar on Saturday just gone and Alan Smith had to work hard to overtake her in the Lairig Ghru today (Sunday). Awesome, well done Kate! What do you do on a rest day? Inspirational!

Bruce

Eagle Crag results

SHR Champs and Scottish Longs LAC's Sarah Byrne leads the ladies scottish Hill Running Championship after 3 races with Nicola Meekin joint 11th after completing 2 races. The mens team are joint 2nd after 3 races. In the Scottish Long's series Linda MacEwan is 2nd in the female 40 catagory and Ray Murdoch is leading the M60's

WEST HIGHLAND WAY RACE, by my calculations, at this rate George Cairns is due to win the event in 2012, sorry Carol! George had another superb run finishing 3rd overall in 17.38.12 one place up from last year. Unlike many in the race George was strong in the later sections where he was able to pick up places. Results

GLEN ROSA HORSESHOE good turn out from LAC runners
report results

LOCH LOCHY MUNROS - Another great day for the Lochy Munros race, cloud free and dry underfoot. The long grassy descents were pure joy today and there was a good quality field on the start line. Last years winner Andy Symonds set off fast this year and his lead kept growing to the finish. Despite some suffering in the heat Andy took 7 seconds off his record from last year to win by over 10 minutes from Brian Marshall (first V40) and Matt Sullivan in third. A very impressive run from Andy. In the ladies race Emma O'Shea also ran a fast time, to win by nearly 20 minutes from Jaqui Higgingbottom (first V40) and Linda MacEwan in third. Laurie Anderson won the V50 and Ray Murdoch the V60, avenging his defeat to Mick Tighe at Slioch. Mick got second V60.

Tom Smith came in 6th, just ahead of Manny Gorman, with Paul Maclean in 10th. Andy Dale made up the 1,2,3 for the Lochaber Team. Due to the low level of ladies in the race they all got a beer to take home. It was a long hot day for Donna, Fiona and Kathy, well done, hard miles done in the heat will pay their dividends in the weeks to come.

Strong running from John Binnie, Ali Kennedy and Andrew Craig gave Lochaber the 3rd team position too, ahead of Highland Hill Runners.

As last year the river at the finish provided a great cooling down spot before sampling the beer supplied once again by Glenfinnnan Brewery. Thanks to the Brewery (John Fish) and to the helpers from Lochaber, particularly Elma, Robert, Theresa, Lynnn, Roger for his arrows, Emma and Outward Bound for the 'O' flags and friends from Borrowdale who missed the start, but stayed until the end, very much appreciated and thanks for coming along for a great day in the sun in a very scenic part of Lochaber. Sorry if I have missed anyone. RESULTS
Bruce

Billy Brooks Memorial The sunshine brought out a good number of runners (68 in total) for the Billy Brooks Memorial. David Rodgers won the men's race with Craig Mitchell close behind him in a sprint to the line. The ladies' race was won by Nicola Meekin with Deeside's Emma O'Shea in second.
results

NICOLA TAKES SCOTTISH BRONZE Nicola Meekin awarded bronze at the Scottish athletics championship race Ben Lomond Hill Race on Saturday. LAC had a great turnout for the race with the ladies taking team silver more

JUNIOR NEWS
The Highland, Islands & Grampian Champonships 2010 were held on Saturday at Inverness when Isla MacKay took Gold in the Under 15 Girls 1500m . Eilidh Moynihan finished an unlucky 4th in the Under 15 girls 75m hurdles, set a personal best of 3.45 in the long jump and was 3rd in her 100m heat. Whilst Chloe MacDonald was 5th in the Under 13 girls 70m hurdles and set a good time in the 800m for her first time competing on the track.

On the previous weekend the Under 13 boys team took 3rd place overall in the opening meeting of the North of Scotland Athletics League. Stehen Dent was 3rd in the A 100m, 4th A 1500m and 5th A Shot Put. Stephen Burns was 3rd in the B 100m and 2nd in the B High Jump. Ewan MacLean was 4th A in the 200m, 5th A High Jump and 4th B Shot put with brother Bruce 3rd B 1500m annd 3rd B 200m. Craig MacLean was the only Under 15 Boy competing for the club but did himself proud with a personal best in the 1500m. Isla also competed with a 2nd in the 1500m and personal best in the 200m of 31.92.

Well done to Donna MacDonald and Keri Page who both completed this years Stuc a Chroin hill race. Keri was 66th, 3hr 09 and Donna 4hr 15. more

Tom Smith wins on Mull more

REPORT FROM LOCHABER MARATHON 18.04.10
RESULTS

Despite volcanic ash clouds and threats of snow, there were 356 starters in the Lochaber Marathon this year. Spring sunshine with cool breezes made for good running and spectating conditions.
Kirkintilloch Olympian, Stuart Kerr, was first runner over the line in 2:31:43, having battled with second place Kerry-Liam Wilson of Ron Hill Cambuslang for much of the race. Kerry was just 17 seconds behind in 2:32:04 and both runners posted personal best times. Third spot went to Kerry’s club mate, Robert Gilroy, 2:34:26 who’d also held the lead during the race. Kilmarnock Harriers took the men’s team prize.
First lady Pamela Tosh of Aberdeen AAC finished 22nd overall, in 2:29:11. Second lady was Carnegie Harriers’ Gail Murdoch in 3:07:56 and third was Westies’ Katy Mackintosh in 3:13:25.
Backed up by Pauline Walker and Linda James, Carnegie was the first ladies team.

In an excellent day for Lochaber Athletic Club, John Binnie was first man home in a time of 3:03:57. John took an impressive 19 minutes off his last year’s time. Second local man was dedicated Jog Scotland coach and LAC runner, Ian Adams. Finishing in 4:02:54, Ian was awarded the Tarradale Shield as most improved local as he took an astonishing 43 minutes off his previous best. Third in was Lochaber exile Angus Whyte in 4:27:45. Taking 9 minutes off his last year’s time, Angus was also the second male vet 70+ to finish.

Amanda Blackhall was first local lady. Finishing in 3:19:06, she improved her already impressive time by almost 4 minutes. Second local lady was Sarah Mackenzie in 4:28:57. At just 21, Sarah is a successful hill runner and this was her first marathon. A delighted Margaret Rose MacPhee was third local, also in her first marathon, finishing in 5:18:18.

This year, Lochaber Marathon hosted the British Masters Athletic Federation Championship which brought an impressive and inspiring range of runners in the veterans categories.

Some runners were unable to make it to Lochaber because of flight cancellations and others were to be commended for the long train or car journeys they undertook to get to the race. Chief among these was Enrique Arroyo, an American living in Stuttgart who set out with his wife on Thursday and arrived at the Nevis centre on Saturday looking remarkably cheerful.
The race was on his birthday and he was determined to run, which he duly did, wearing a plaid and Tam O’Shanter made by his wife. Enrique set out on his return journey rewarded with birthday gifts from the organisers of the Dew of Ben Nevis and the mile 26 race sign!

Race convenor Clare Rumgay would like to thank the small army of volunteers who work so hard to make the day such a success, including marshals, finish and results team and local groups who man the water stations every year. Thanks also to sponsors of the race and the Nevis Centre. Particular appreciation goes to Northern Constabulary for road safety support.

RESULTS HERE

Chapelgill by Tom and Bruce

The first round of the Scottish hill running championships were held near Broughton on probably the shortest and steepest hill on the racing calendar. Considering the distance from Lochaber area there was a reasonable turn out, although not as far as some. Unfortunately for the women's team both Linda Macewen and Nicola Meekin had to withdraw from competing with some injury niggles and probably a wise move as this little race is fairly brutal.
So the men's teams prospects were Tom Smith, Bruce Poll a very late but welcome Mike Bossard, Ken Rumgay, Davy Rodgers . Flying the flag for the women were Nancy Kennedy and Sarah Bryne. The 20 minute run was only part of the day, meeting up, banter in the car with like minded people was way more fun than the run itself topped with a great takeaway in Glasgow on the way home.

A record 178 runners were at the start. With 50m of run in to the brutally steep climb Davy went off with his usual aggressive start leading the main pack to the left while Prasad Prasad and Robbie Simpson (lairigmor winner) lead the rest of the field to the right. Davey held on to 3rd round the top I was 7th but tiring a lot. Mountain Marathon specialist Bruce found this a little short for his taste but was still going well as 3rd Lochaber counter. Davey lost some ground and and crossed the line in 5th while I suffered on the descent dropping a couple of places but pleased to be 9th. Bruce came in 26th and Mike 33rd. This was just enough to hold off Ochil Hill Runners and gain valuable 2nd place points for the championship with Carnethy Hill runners turning out in force to win all team prizes.

Next championship race is Ben Lomond on May the 8th. Lochaber AC already have both male and female teams in place for this one.

Entries are filling up fast for Arran Horseshoe, a bit of a mountain day. Glenshee entries are now live (nine munros on beautifully soft mossy ground with not nearly so much height gain that you would expect for nine munros, it starts at the same height as the finish of Aonach Mor uphill! . It would be great to get a team standing this year, we should atleast be able to maintain second this year in the mens. The male team trophy was last held by Lochaber in 1993 and has only been held by Carnethy or Shettleston since then, and we beat Shettleston in this race. Lochaber has never been victorious in the Ladies team yet, but are improving year on year.
If you are keen to travel and try new races, get an entry and let either Tom or Bruce know by e-mail (addresses on club website at Beinn Lora and Lochy Munros in calandar section). We can then do the circular e-mail thing and get transport sorted nearer the time.

Looking forward to more great days out in blue and white vests.

JUNIOR WINTER LEAGUE

The last of the Lochaber Athletic Club Junior Winter League races took place on Tuesday evening at Achintee - a change of venue and time due to the snowy/ icy conditions on the forest tracks. On a cold but nice evening following a lovely sunny day, Calum Fraser U15 and Innes Blackhall U13 raced neck and neck all the way, crossing the finish line together. In the Under 11 event Ewan Maclean and Stephen Dent had a similar battle with just 1 second apart at the finish. Under 11 girl Chloe MacDonald from Invergarry ran fantastically to finish just behind the boys, winning her 2nd winter league race but she just never completed quite enough races to complete the league.

Everyone was extremely grateful to Achintee Inn which opened its doors with a lovely warm firefor the presentation afterwards, were all the athletes were presented with their trophies/ medals and specially printed Buffs from OFFBEAT BIKES.

League Results: Under 15 Boys 1st Calum Fraser 2nd Joseph Tagney 3rd Craig MacLean Under 15 Girls 1st Isla MacKay 2nd Megan Munro 3rd Leah Davie (Lochaner High) Under 13 Boys 1st Innes Blackhall (Caol) 2nd Bruce MacLean 3rd Stephen Burns 4th Finn Munro (Lochaber High) Under 13 Girls 1st Eilidh Moynihan(Lochaber High) 2nd Rachael MacPherson(St.Mary's) 3rd Francis Oliver(Gaelic) Under 11 Boys Ewan MacLean(Banavie) 2nd Steven Dent(St.Brides) 3rd Ruariidh Shaw (Gaelic) 4th Lachie Shaw (Gaelic) 5th Alex Dent ( St.Brides) 6th Fergus Fraser (Invergarry) 7th Johnny Forster (Inverlochy) 8th Cameron Fraser 9th Finlay Fraser (Invergarry) 10th Alfie MacLeod (Lochyside) 11th Ben Callans (Banavie) 12th Lewis MacRae 13th Keir Gibson 14th Hamish Shaw 15th Murdo Shaw (Gaelic) Under 11 Girls 1st equal Abbie and Robyn Blackhall (Caol) 3rd Erin Davie (Banavie) 4th Chloe MacDonald 5th Katie Macrae 6th Rosa Gibson (Gaelic)

Vetrified Fort 2010 results

LAC Ron Hill running jacket, light weight, showerproof. They will be in club colours with club logo on back.
sizes available: 10, 12, 14 etc and men’s : sm, med, large etc - The price is £27.00
Tthe club can now get a good quality Ron Hill running jacket in the club colours with the club logo. Anyone who'd like to order one of these jackets or find out more, please contact Aileen Duncan: 07917605128

CLASSIC HILL RUNS AND RACES IN SCOTLAND This new guide contains 70 routes including all the Lochaber classics. A must have for any runners bookshelf. A great introduction for the hill-running novice or an excelent reference and guide for the more experienced and seasoned hill runners among us! It presents mountain challenges, routes and races in an easy to follow format, full colour throughout. Available from scottish-collection.co.uk or speak to John Hepburn about picking up your copy.

Glen 10k 2010 - results
The distance might be 6.25 miles but any 10k race always feels like one big sprint so hats off to the 58 runners who took part in Lochaber Athletic Clubs annual Winter League 10k on Sunday 7th February 2010.
Tom Smith went out fast shadowed by Bruce Poll and followed closely by Oliver Blomfeld and John Binnie. Tom pulled away from Bruce after a mile and never looked backed finishing in an excellent time of 34 mins 20 secs.
Bruce Poll tired in the second half and was caught by John Binnie who finished first male vet 40 and second overall in 36 mins 20 secs with Oliver Blomfeld in third in a time of 37 mins 01 sec.
In the senior ladies race Amanda Blackhall lead until the final few yards when Sara Byrne stormed past her to take first lady and 10th overall in 40 mins 33 secs. Third female was Keri Page in 42 mins 54 secs.
Susan-Jane Ross showed her continuing fine form finishing first female vet 40 in a time of 46 mins 22 secs.
There were also impressive performances from Mark Haran and Stephen Martin taking part in their first race. Both LACs Ian Henderson and Bruce Davie had strong races as did Andrew Cameron for Jog Scotland. It was great to see several Jog Scotland runners taking part and we hope to see more of them compete in LACs Winter League.
Thanks once again to Northern Constabulary for keeping the runners safe crossing the main road and to the marshals, Donna, Dave, Paul and Alan and to John and Ellen for timekeeping and results.

TRIP TO THE BEACH IN JANUARY! Ten Lochaber Athletes were competing on the sands at the Nairn Cross Country on Saturday. Under 11 boys finished 2nd team with Ewan MacLean 7th, Stephen Dent 12th, Alex Dent 24th and Ben Callans 30th. Calum Fraser finished 5th in the under 15 boys event which was a close race, team mate Craig Maclean was 17th. Isla Mackay had a strong run to finish 6th which was won by top Scottish Under 15 runner Emma Dunnett from Caithness. Calum and Isla are in 3rd position overall in the league with one race remaining. Bruce MacLean finished 10th Under 13 Boy and Colin Donnelly finished in 5th place overall and top Vet 50, in the senior race and Mark Shaw 25th.

Leanachan winter league results senior here junior here

Winter League Riverbank race 2010 results

AONOCH MOR UPHILL RACE 1 JANUARY 2010 results
Snowy conditions did not deter 90 runners from taking part in the annual Lochaber Athletics Club New Years Day Race. The runners started from Nevis Range Bottom Station and ran the 2.5 miles climbing 2,000 feet to the top restaurant. The entire course was white with snow and had a few icy patches! For the first time this winter Manny Gorman did not make a podium place. Local Ruari Watt had a fantastic run and finished first in a time of 27 minutes and 4 seconds in front of Ed Catmuir from Thames Running Club. Ewan Taylor from Perth Road Runners was 3rd. The times were slower than usual due to the snowy conditions. Manny Gorman (Westies) came in 4th and was also 1st veteran Male in 27 minutes and 54 seconds. Alan Dent was 1st Veteran 50 ( 14th overall) in 32 minutes and 11 seconds. Lochabers Nix Forster finished 1st Lady in 33 minutes and 48 seconds in front of team mates Amanda Blackhall and Linda McEwan. 1st Lady Veteran over 50 was Christine Menhennet in a time of 37 minutes and 4 seconds.
Lochaber Athletic Club would like to thank Nevis Range Staff, all marshalls, and especially Andy Rogers who did the timing yet again.

Glenachullish
Fifty eight runners turned up for the latest race in the LAC Winter League, which was held at Glenachullish. The Winter League races continue to attract runners from outwith the Lochaber area and Westies Manny Gorman MV40 won the mens race in 34:43 second was Lochaber's Bruce Poll in 35:21 and third Ross Bannerman of Highland Hill Runners in 35:40. Manny Gorman was also first MV40 with Davy Duncan of Ochils first MV50 and Lochaber's Davy Tomlinson first MV60.
Amanda Blackhall of Lochaber continued her current strong form and was first lady home in 39:20, Roxy Bannerman of highland Hill Runners was second in 41:49 and Lochaber's Keri Paige third in 43:17. In the age categories Lochaber's Nix Forster was first LV40 in a pb of 43:45 with Nancy Kennedy first LV50 in 47:34 and Jenny Ford first LV60 in 56:27. RESULTS

Mother and son both take Championship bronze
2009 North of Scotland Cross Country Championships held in Inverness Lochaber AC athletes came away with a handful of medals with excellent performances all round.
Isla MacKay took silver in the Under 15 girls race, Calum Fraser bronze in the Under 15 boys race, Innes Blackhall bronze in the Under 13 boys race,
Amanda Blackhall bronze in the Lady Vet 35 event and the Under 13 Boys team took bronze behind East Sutherland and Stornoway, and the Under 13 girls took 5th team.

Lochaber Athletic Club Junior Winter League 09/10
The Junior Canal Bank race started with a good turnout across the age groups. In the Under 13 Boys race Innes Blackhall (Caol Primary) set a new course record of 9min27,with Bruce MacLean 2nd in 10.34 and Keiran McIver 3rd in 11.16 ( both Lochaber High).

Calum Fraser also equalled the age group record of 9min37 in the Under 15 Boys race, with Joseph Tangney 2nd in 10.35 and Craig MacLean 3rd in 11.04. With Isla MacKay winning the Under 15 girls event in 10.38, Megan Munro 2nd 14.01 and Leah Davie 3rd 15.13.( all Lochaber High)

Eilidh Moynihan (Lochaber High) improved by over a minute and half on last years race to win the Under 13 Girls in 11min45, with Rachel MacPherson ( St.Mary’s Primary) running a very good 12min09 and Francis Oliver (St.Mary’s Gaelic) just behind for 3rd in 12min34.

It was a very close race in the Under 11 Boys event with the Ewan MacLean (Banavie Primary) 1st just ahead of Stephen Dent (St. Brides Primary) 2nd both clocking the same time of 9min48, with Ruairdh Shaw( St.Mary’s Gaelic) running well for 3rd in 10.19.

Robyn Blackhall (Caol Primary) easily won the Under 11 girls race in 10.34 with sister Abbie 2nd in 11.18 and Erin Davie 13.30 (Banavie Primary) 3rd.

In the Youth race ( 15-18 years event) Ryan Denny was 1st in 31min49.

The next junior race for all age groups is the Christmas Handicap (December) but the youth league for ages 15 – 18 has Glenahulish 13 December.

Bienn Lora
No snow this year but Alan brought along some Rein deer for that festive touch.
The weather was fine with a fairly stiff breeze on top but with all that rain lately it was still very wet under foot for the record breaking 71 starters.
Alex Johnson has just returned from a three year sailing expedition and now resides in inverness. he hasn't got his Highland Hill Runners vest yet but im sure its in the post after a strong run taking the win in 27.35. Only Corbett king Manny Gorman keeping him on his toes, Manny also took 1st MV40. 3rd was Alan Smith.
Local lass Nicola Meekin rounded off her excellent year with a cracking performance, i thought Dawn Scott's record was pretty good until Nicola stripped it down by 1.31! this sets the standard girls of 31.19. Second was another Oban girl Keri Page in 34.06. 3rd was Nix Forster in 36.28. Nix was first FV40 too.
MV50 race was hammer a tongs all the way with Gordon Pryde coming out on top. With Nancey Kennedy taking FV50 honers.
MV60 winner was John Banks beating Ernie Orr.
Well done to Martin Bonnar, his first hill race at 16 and managed to raise £200 for the heart foundation for his efforts. Full results here

Big thank you to Jeoff Skrone for giving Jog Scotland and LAC a HANDS on evening about the benefits of stretching and how to do it properly. It was worth it just to see him bending Ian around for an hour! The evening was very specific to running and went into detail about how to perform correctly all those stretches we thought we knew how to do, plus a few new ones thrown in for good measure.
You can contact Jeoff on 01397 702257 or visit www.click4osteopath.co.uk

Corbett King wins at Blackwater
Manny Gorman, who spent the summer completing all of Scotland’s Corbetts on manpower only, won convincingly at Lochaber Athletic Club’s Blackwater Dam race. Part of the Winter League, the race takes runners the 11.5 miles up to the Blackwater Dam from Kinlochleven.
Manny led the 50 competitors on the steep ascent and held the lead throughout. LAC’s Bruce Poll finished second with course record holder Tim Brand coming in third.
First lady Amanda Blackhall finished 9th overall, overtaking 4 strong runners on the return leg and taking an impressive 3 minutes off her previous best time. Sara Byrne was second lady with Chloe Paterson third.
Conditions were testing with a bitter wind and sharp showers and the competitors showed real strength and endurance. Particular credit goes to runners who tackled this distance for the first time and to Jo Ness and Margaret Rose MacPhee who both took 5 minutes off their previous bests.
Thanks go to Astie Cameron, Rio Tinto Alcan for permission, to Calum MacInnes Blackwater Hostel for shelter and Ice Factor. Also Peter Duggan, Ken Rumgay and Ray Murdoch for marshalling
RESULTS
BEN LORA, Tom Smith is looking for helpers on Sunday 29th November Ben Lora, contact Tom on 01631 710391.
Helpers will get a credit towards a T-Shirt.

Druim Fada Chase - by Roger Boswell
A record field of 74 runners lined up and both male and female records were broken. Robbie Simpson took 3 minutes off the Mens record and Nicola Meekin LAC took over 4 minutes off the ladies record. Lochabers Craig Mitchell came 2nd, just ahead of 16 year old Craig Tomisen of Tobermory High School. 2 teenagers in the first 3 - another record? Great to see the juniors right up there. Amanda Blackhall also beat the old record to come in 2nd in the women's race, she is getting seriously fit.
Only 73 runners finished as Caroline Cole's race finished brutally and abrubtly with just a mile to go at the cattle grid where the route emerges from the forest. Caroline was lying about 7th in the women's race, and was concentrating on the route choice just ahead, watching the arrows and the opposition, which way they were going at juncton just beyond the cattle grid, she never saw the cattle grid. The race organiser was lucky she got up with minor injuries only, bruised, grazed and temporarily unable to breathe. This cattle grid will feature in next year's risk analysis.
RESULTS

The Canal Bank 2009
The Canal Bank is the first of the Lochaber Athletic Club’s Winter League. A very enthusiastic field turned out, 59 runners in total. There was a battle for first place right from the start, with Craig Mitchell, LAC, coming first in a time of 24mins and 16 secs, 2nd was Alex Johnson (U/A) in 24:25, and 3rd Tom Smith (LAC) in 24:41. Tim Brand (LAC) 1st Male Vet 40 in26:46, Alan Dent (LAC)1st Male Vet 50 in 28:00 and Dave Tomlinson (LAC) 1st Male Vet 60 in 29:17.

With the women Amanda Blackhall was a clear winner in the lead the whole way, she was first woman and 10th overall with a time of 27:10, Sara Byrne came 2nd with 29:07 and Sarah Mackenzie 3rd with 29:19 all LAC runners. 1st Female Vet 40 was Nix Forster in 29:33 and 1st Female Vet 50 was Nancy Kennedy in 31:32.
Results

New record set at Eddies Half Marathon

NEIL Renault won the Eddie's half marathon at Fort William on Sunday 1st November in a course record of 67min 25sec. Conditions were very wet but luckly the forcasted gales did not arrive. The Edinburgh AC runner, who won the Stroud half marathon the previous weekend in just over 66 minutes, picked up a £300 bonus prize, plus the winner's £150 prize, for breaking the record. Neil Renault's coach, Andy McNeil, won the Vet40 prize when finishing fourth overall in 76:21.

Fiona Matheson (Scottish Veteran Harriers) won the ladies in 80:19 with Amanda Blackhall (Lochaber AC) runner-up in 88:25 and Nicola May third in 90:42. Mens team Bellahouston RR, Ladies team Lochaber AC, Amanda Blackhall, Chloe Paterson, Nicky Martin. Results

OMM 2009
By Bruce Poll

A good turnout with folk on the waiting list from August for this ultimate Mountain Marathon in the British Isles. Conditions were relatively benign this year, compared to last years attrocity in Borrowdale. Shorts and thermal were the order of dress for both days, despite the rain on day 1 and the occasional shower and strong winds of Day 2.

Bruce Poll partnered by Alan Smith (Deeside and regular runner in Lochaber) managed 6th in the Elite class, won outright by Jethro Lennox (Shettleston), partnered by Steve Birkinshaw (Borrowdale). We think Jethro could be the first Scot to lift this title in the 42 years of running the event. Navigation was the key for the first half of Day 1 with visibility down to 40 metres most of the time, before it cleared to give easier navigation but harder going through the Peat Hags and at times endless tussocks. The overnight camp was breezy, but dry, with a spectacular starry covering, a pleasure to lose that extra hour as the clocks went backwards.

Chasing starts on Day 2 always give you the feeling of being the fox, being chased by the hounds. Unfortunately, on Day 2 Alan was an injured fox, and we were tied at the hip, we could only really be caught, and never aspire to be the hounds, heading for the fox ahead. 'Can't wait for next year' were Alan's words. There were far fewer tussocks on Day 2 and much more running, which was liberating. It is always enjoyable running somewhere new.

Joanna Schreiber was second in the mixed categaory in the 'A' class, a fine effort. Our paths crossed briefly on Day 2 for a quick 'hello'.

The OMM has become a fixed weekend in the calendar and attracts both hill runners and orienteers. It is both friendly and competitive. There are classes to suit all. It is both an end of season blast, and a kickstart into the winter. Highly recommended by 3500 participants in 2009.

Lochaber has more than enough terrain to enable people to prepare for this event, see you there next year http://www.theomm.com/index.html Entry by July normally, but changes allowed on the day within the same class, a very accomodating organisation.

Bruce (the builder) and Alan (Reindeer man) were 7th on day one and finished 6th overall after day two, a superb result in the elite class of this event. CAN they beat IT next year? YES they CAN

Manor Water Hill Race
Colin Donnelly produced what must be one of the most outstanding runs in Scotland this year, even for someone of his pedigree. At the age of 50, he not only won the race outright (meaning the Over 50 record is now faster than the Over 40 record ! ), but in recording 68:50 he ran an almost unbelievable time that was only 36 seconds outside the 2006 course record of Brian Marshall (68:14). This year, Brian could only watch as Colin disappeared into the distance, as he came home a distant 2nd in 71:03. First woman was Kate Jenkins in 80:51, comfortably clear of Carnethy's Lucy Colquhorn (84:46). The field of 86 was the 3rd largest ever and they enjoyed a surprisingly warm autumn day results.
Taken from www.carnethy.com

LOST & FOUND!!
A bum bag was found after the Triple Hirple weekend, if you have lost a bag please email me details of what was lost. j.hepburn581@btinternet.com

Lightweight red jacket found after the Ben Race, email me with make etc. and I'll get it to you.

LOCHABER XC RESULTS HERE

Lochaber Marathon 18 Apr 2010
online entry is now available here
printed entry forms available here
race info here map here

LAC Christmas night out
WEST END HOTEL, SATURDAY 5TH DECEMBER 2009, SIT DOWN 3 COURSE MEAL AND DISCO!!
SITTING AT 7PM AND FINISHING AT 12.30AM
COST £20 PER HEAD
IF INTERESTED PLEASE PHONE AILEEN ON 07917605128 AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!! A DEPOSIT OF £10 PER PERSON WILL BE NEEDED TO SECURE PLACE

The Commonwealth Mountain and Ultra Distance Championships
Well done to Nicola Meekin, 14th overall in the up and down event. The ladies also took team bronze more here

George completes
The Ultra-Trail
du Mont-Blanc
3 countries - approximately 166km and 9400m of positive altitude change on semi-autonomy, 46 hours max – Start Friday 28th August 2009 at 18:30 in the centre of Chamonix Mont-Blanc. 2300 participants max.
George Cairns completed the race, finishing in 57th place in a time of 29:33:37. I've been round the route and it took me 6 days! can't begin to imagine running round in under 30hrs, well done George! What's next?