Where Buchlyvie, Stirlingshire
When January 27, 2007
First Man Alastair Morrison 32:21
First Woman Fiona Matheson 37:50
Last Finisher 2:01:46
No. of Finishers 399
The first Buchlyvie 10K in 2006 raised money for the village school and other local causes. Judging by the race’s instant and still-growing popularity, soon Buchlyvie will have the finest educational facility in Scotland.
Perhaps the event’s success illustrates a growing market for more races in the area – the neighbouring village Balfron also has a new race in April – but it deserves to be a hit.
The course is a flat, out-and-back run, mostly over a disused rail route. Snow-capped peaks and hills loomed ahead in both directions, and needles from the avenue of pine trees along the way helped to cushion the stony track.
At the turnaround, just past halfway, a little party was underway complete with balloons and boombox. This faintly surreal touch may have been more for the benefit of the shivering marshals than the runners, but was appreciated all the same as they negotiated the muddy turning for the journey home.
At the finish, pre-registered runners were rewarded with a T-shirt with their names on and a well-stocked goody bag – that no free food or drink was available for latecomers was begrudged by some, but hopefully more will be encouraged to enter beforehand next year.
The only problem faced by the organisers in future is that this race could be in danger of being overwhelmed. In recognition of this they plan to cap entries at 450 next year – so enter early.
