From John Hayes…
14.5 miles
2,500 ft of climbing
Zebras?
Ever since I learnt of this race, it has been top of my “to do list”. Its core appeal is a fabulous combination of hill running and road running, with some urban orienteering to add to the mix. It takes in the seven hills of Edinburgh, being:
- Carlton Hill (the start/finish);
- Edinburgh Castle;
- Corstorphine Hill;
- Easter Craiglockart Hill;
- Buckstone Snab;
- Blackford Hill; and
- Arthur’s Seat.
Between the hills, runners may go whatever route they choose. This means runners use their own little shortcuts in places in the road sections, whilst some of the hills involve the choice between brutal steep climbs through woodland clinging to tree roots and branches or longer routes on more conventional paths. I spent a long time pouring over a map prior to the event, but on the day I discovered other little short cuts (and, no doubt, missed others!)
The atmosphere was lively and friendly, and the marshalls along the way enthusiastically dished out drinks and wet sponges (it was hot at times). The tourists looked on bemused at the Castle, the traffic stopped (usually) for runners zig-zagging over the streets, and if you were lucky when you passed near the zoo, you had a sporting chance of seeing zebras. As for the final climb over Arthur’s Seat, it was exhausting and exhilarating in equal measure. If you get the chance to visit Edinburgh next June, give it a go. It’s a great event.
Results:-
1st Eoin Lennon 01.35.53
93rd John Hayes 02.16.03
The Challenge (runners set off 30 mins earlier but do the same course).
Total runners (race + challenge) 466