2023 Bog n Burn update… 

With the two of this year’s Championship races behind us the hill running season is now in full flow with many club members strutting their off-road credentials in blue and gold. 

The annual Bog n’ Burn series got underway at Kaim on the 19^th April on a sunny Wednesday in evening in Largs. Last year’s series winner for the men Harry Pulham was first Shett home in second place. Kenny Richmond, 7th (1^st v50)) and Alex Clarkston 10^th made it into the top ten followed by Donnie Buglass 22^nd, Rodrigo reis 52^nd, Phil Murwill 60^th and Gavin Finbow, 94^th. 

Harry went one better at the next race a week later, storming down the super-fast decent at Beinn Dubh to take the win, congratulations Harry! Anna Wallace put down a marker for her season with a great run to take 2nd place in the ladies race, 21^st overall. Stephen Winter 19th, Donnie Buglass 29th, CJ McPhail 36^th , Andrew Taylor 39th, Rodrigo Reis 57th  and Phil Murwill 81^st made up a strong team performance on the banks of Loch Lomond. 

It was a short trip south to race No3 on the 26^th April for the Whangie Whizz at Auchineden. The ever-improving Iain Pender enjoyed the shortened route this year whizzing home in 6^th place. Top ten finishers Chris Grant Pantry 9^th (3^rd v40) and John Connaghan 10^th (1^st v50) were closely followed by Alex Clarkson 13^th and Donnie Buglass 19^th. 

Next up was Dumyat in Stirlingshire a week later. As usual a massive field of nearly 350 runners assembled at the start. Dan Dry had a great race to finish 4^th in 33.47 followed by local boy Stephen Winter in 60^th 43.21.  Next Shetts home were John Craig 82^nd, 46.08, Tara Walker 122^nd, 49.15, Rod Reis 125^th, 50.37, Xun Zhang 140^th, 50.37, Bryony McLeod 150^th, 51.14, Gavin Finbow 268^th, 59.58 and Ceana Heron 288^th, 1.02.06. 

It was a slightly smaller group of athletes who took on the challenge of Ben Sheann in Perthshire for the 5^th race and just 1 Shett made the journey to Strathyre. It was worth the effort though for Ceana Heron who had a fine race to finish 6^th lady and 34^th overall in a time of 44.55.  

Next up is the Kilpatricks race on the 31^st May as we approach the half way mark in the series. 

Report by Bill Breckenridge