As well as the London Marathon, the other big running event this weekend was the 11th Balfron 10K.
This is one of the toughest 10K road races within the centre of Scotland with lots of undulating country roads to contend with. I should also say that it is also one of the most scenic as well with fantastic views in all directions.
The big talking point about this year’s race was the change to the first 2K of the course. Instead of a straight out and back, the course now went in a different direction through the village before then joining up with the old route. Knowing some of the village roads, I was hoping that this change might make the race easier but in fact it made it harder. There was a fast start as we ran downhill through the main street of the village but then a left turn to meet up with the old course involved running uphill for an extra 600 metres!
The race had 438 runners this year and was won by Peter Moffett (Falkirk Victoria Harriers) in a time of 34.50. Last year’s winner did it in a time of 33.08 which might be an indication of how much tougher the course is. The first lady was Michelle Sandison (Springburn Harriers) in 10th position and in a time of 38.03.
Realising the course was a bit tougher my aim was to try to get under 40 minutes. This meant quite a battle, particularly at 7 to 8 K which is all uphill. However, as I came in to the finish I saw I was just passing 39 minutes and so had time to high-five some kids before crossing the finishing line……
19th: Andy Sutherland (39.10)
Many thanks to the organising committee for a fantastically well-run race and to all the marshalls for great encouragement along the course.
Photos are available on the race website and Flickr.
Full results available on stuweb.
