Traditionally, Tinto hill race marks the end of the Scottish hill running calendar, and 13 Shettleston runners turned up to mark the occasion this year.

Although I should add, there are still four races to go on the Scottish Hill Runners official calendar, found here.

With the end of the year on the horizon at least, and a hotly contested club championship (when hill running statistician Stephen Winter shared updates) coming down to this, the final race, everything was to play for. That is, in the male category, at least.

2022’s female champ CJ stormed away from the field in the early races, and with several notably strong Shettleston teammates on the bench for much of the season, at this late stage, CJ had this year’s title in the bag.

In the men’s championship, three runners went into Tinto tied for first place. The results of this battle to be revealed in good time.

Of the runners on the day, Dan took the 1st Shet spot in 9th place overall, behind a vast Carnethy turnout, a sole Ochils runner, and the newly ‘W’-branded Andy Douglas (westies) – who took the men’s win. It was not the best day out for Dan, especially given his recent good form and Scottish Champion title secured just a few weeks ago.

Club legend, but also probably just general legend, Jethro claimed 1st M V40 (2nd Shet), despite saying at Thursday-night reps, “I’m not doing Tinto seriously,” which is probably why Iain, soon to be M V40, managed to hang on to him for so long and come in 3rd. Ryad, looking almost happy in the race photos, crossed the line just over 30 seconds later for 4th Shet.

The female winner was Naomi Lang of Carnethy, followed by CJ in a highly respectable time of 39:10. Not only was CJ 2nd on the day but made her way convincingly onto Carnethy’s record list of sub-40min female finishers and only the 3rd F Shet ever to have done so.

CJ Macphail collects her 2nd female prize at Tinto Hill Race 2023
CJ Collects 2nd Female prize

Not to be outdone by the adults, the juniors had a great day out with Rowan in 2nd overall, Euan 3rd, and Joseph in 5th – his first run for the club.

Shettleston Harriers line up on the start line of Tinto HIll Race 2023

Rounding off the seniors, Matty came in 38th and 6th M V40 after quite an absence from the training and racing fold. Gemma, in her first SHR Hill race for Shettleston, came in 69th. They were followed up by Bill, John D., Rod, Xun, Myrtle, and Gavin.

Full adult results here. Full junior results here.

Bill was the only runner who correctly opted for sunglasses on a surprisingly clear, mild, and sunny 4th Nov.

Bill Breckenridge running through some mud at the Tinto Hill Race 2023
Bill cruises through the mud-trap. Photo by Alistair Cox

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