The cream of Scottish hill running were at the Law Breaker this year, with it being both an SHR championships short race and the Scottish Athletics East District hill running champs. 171 lined up in total, with the women and most (all?) of the over 60 guys joining them to start 10 minutes ahead of the men. This was done to spread the field out better in the narrower earlier sections, but with chip timing this year it didn't affect the final results placings.
As such, it made for some interesting targets for lead man, and current scene star turn, Tom Spencer (Dark Peak), who akin to a greyhound chasing the hares, blasted up and down in a new course record. His 32.45 clipped just 6 seconds of Robbie Simpson's time which had stood since the inaugural race in 2008. Rory Abernethy (Ochil HR) continued his good form to run a still impressive 33.56, with Luke Fisher (Carnethy HR) another 28 seconds back in third.
In the women's race, Nancy Scott (Edinburgh AC) was easily first to the summit and continued to lead for most of the descent. But an absolutely flying downhill by Lochaber AC's Alice Flint saw her pass Nancy in the latter stages to cross the line 28 seconds ahead in 41.20. Third place went to Ellen Downs (Westerlands CCC) in 44.38.
For all other categories check out the results on the SHR results tab.
Overall, the weather was kind, everyone seemed to have 'fun', 1st aid was only required once, and the prize giving even had a good attendance!
Thanks must go to the marshalls from PH Racing Club and Fife AC for keeping an eye on everyone's safety, members of Westerlands CCC for supporting the timing, and Williams Brothers Brewery in Alloa for their generous beer sponsorship which saw all runner receive a free can.
Next year, the race will revert back to its usual last Wednesday evening in June slot as part of the Bog & Burn series.
Andrew Wright
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