Old Cheviot was working hard on the first climb up Staerough Hill at the Yetholm Hill Race.  He knew there was a large field of 177 runners, but even so was surprised by the noise of the pounding footsteps.   Glancing up he spotted the heavy-footed runner: a cow – which had just overtaken him.  “Plus ça change” he reflected.

The race had started in dreich conditions – cloud just brushed the tops, it was drizzling, and the temperature was only 9°C.  This didn’t deter the field which was swelled by Scottish Hill Runners Championship status – Carnethy in particular were there in droves.  There was also a good turnout from NFR with circa 20 folk there.

After the initial climb, the hills came thick and fast.  So did the runners – both Geoff Davis and Steph Scott nipped past OC in quick succession on the descents.  Visibility was good, so there were no route finding problems as the runners all dropped down to the sheepfold before the slog up The Curr. 

OC put on a spurt on the climb to Steer Rig and overtook Andrew Burton.  This proved to be a pyrrhic victory, as Andrew promptly took off on the grassy run down the Pennine Way and vanished into the distance.  This left the final climb up White Law.  OC closed on Dave Wiseman, only to see him too go into top gear on the run-in to the finish at Halterburn.

The race was won by Jethro Lennox.  Phil Sanderson was first home for NFR in 8th; Karen Robertson was third lady overall and first NFR lady.  Steph came in next for NFR ladies, followed by Sue Mitchell, Susan Davis, and Ruth Fletcher.  Certain hardy types also ran the Alwinton Fell Race the day before – readers won’t be surprised to learn that Peter Reed was among this number.

[addendum: it later transpires that NFR ladies won the ladies team prize, mistakenly awarded to Carnethy - ed]

Karen & Steph - photo: John Duff

This was an excellent race.  Many thanks are due to Les Turnbull and his team from Norham.

Old Cheviot

more photos from John Duff