devils burdens

Report from Gerry An outstanding performance by our ‘A’ team (Bryan, Matt & Mark, Greig, Grant & Andy) got us third position in Saturday’s (9 Feb 2013) Devils Burden’s relays. The day was quite a contrast to the recce held two weeks ago. A good temperature for running, no wind though still a bit tricky underfoot and a mist that would make it a challenge to navigate through the trickier legs of the race. For our A’ team, Bryan had an excellent first leg over mainly good tracks finishing in 6th. Mark and Matt took on the 2nd leg, the longest and most demanding one, and made up a few positions before handing onto Greig in 2nd position. Greig held this position on a steep uphill section before passing onto Andy and Grant for the final ‘downhill’ leg. They were overtaken by one team but held onto 3rd position. Well done to the team. Our mixed team of Emma (making her return to racing after over a year’s absence), Jim & Ciara, Elsie, Gordon & Stuart managed to navigate the course well and put in a good performance. Our ‘B’ team (Gerry, Barry & Andrew, Graham, David & Chris) had less success on the course with navigation problems resulting in a DNF. Despite this all seemed to enjoy the experience of the hills. It wouldn’t be fitting to report on the Burden’s without making mention of the great spread provided afterwards for hungry runners. The homemade soup was excellent and the variety of home baking was just what hungry runners and supported needed after being outside on a winter’s day. This ends a great eight days for Bella, with our men (Greig, Russell, Scott and Peter) taking 4th team place at the masters cross country the previous Saturday in Nairn and both men and women taking 3rd team prizes at the Renfrewshire 5 mile road race on the Sunday. Well done all. We now look forward to one of the biggest events in the callendar, the Scottish National Cross Country championships at Callendar Park, Falkirk on 23 February where we will be well represented in both the men’s and ladies event. Here’s hoping our teams can continue to spread the word that Bella Road Runners do well whether hill, road, country or ultra.