The Scottish Champs took place last weekend (24th and 25th May) near Aberfeldy in Perthshire. The event often attracts quite a few BL members but this year there were just three of us, with the Manchester in May weekend (more of which later) luring people south instead.
Both the individual and relay events were held at Grandtully (which slightly disappointingly given the grandeur of the area is actually pronounced “Grantly”). Some people may remember it from the Scottish 6 Day in 2019, when it was used for a Middle distance event on the final day. It’s a great and very varied place, with open birch forest to the north and denser coniferous forest to the south. Shorter courses stayed in the birch forest where the key to a good run was balancing speed through the extremely runnable forest with the difficulty of relocating in the absence of distinct features. Stella obviously got the balance right, winning W70 by 10 minutes, though not being Scottish, she had to make do with a medal rather than a trophy. Karen and Dan both “ran up” so that they could enjoy more of the area, and finished in the middle of the M45L field.
The relay works on a handicap basis; different age group have different points values and there are classes for a range of total scores. It’s a good system as it allows any combination runners to be competitive. There is a single mass start for all first legs which makes for an exciting, and slightly chaotic spectacle. The mass sprint to the start kite soon slowed as runners realised that there was a 300m uphill run in full view of the spectators to follow. Once in the forest the courses were very enjoyable, though it was important not to be put off other runners and controls on different courses. The organisers had also managed a spectator control on all courses which added to the atmosphere. The BL team was again running up, and came 5th out of 9 teams.
Results and Routegadget are here
The Manchester in May weekend attracted quite a few BL members, and reports suggest that it was very enjoyable, very well organised and VERY hot. It included a Knock Out Sprint – not something that non-elites often get to try.
Top BL results:
Carol, 1st Women Ultra Vet Day 1
Keith, 2nd Men Ultra Vet Day 2
Judy, 2nd Women Ultra Vet Day 2
Results and Routegadget are here
(Photos courtesy Peter Cull, lots more here)
Border Liners Orienteering Club 