June 15th The Ben Sheann Hill Race

Although Garry Rankin matched last year's winning time exactly, it wasn't enough to beat Alasdair Anthony running out the winner in 27 mins 17 secs in his first Ben Sheann race (we think). Stephen Rawlinson came 3rd with a time of 28:29. Christina Rankin came first for the female (32:13) and giving 2 places in the top 3 (M & F) for Kilbarchan. Eilidh Wadlaw giving Hunters Bogtrotters a 2nd place in 36:02. Julia Conner (Moorcroft) came 3rd in 39:07

The full breakdown can be found here but here's a summary :

John Stevenson - Male Vet 40+

Susan Lindsay - Female Vet 40+

John Stevenson - Male Vet 50+

Christopher Ryan - Male Junior

Bill Duff - Male Vet 60+

Steve Rawlinson - Local Prize

56 runners started, and 54 finished the race..

June 15th The Ben Sheann Hill Race

Ben Sheann, Ben Shian, Beinh an t-Sidhein, however you spell it, there's a race up it on Wednesday 15th June. Click here for details or follow the Ben Sheann link at the top.

Results : The 2011 Stuc a'Chroin 5000

... one of the best days weather wise although a bit blowy up top saw Jim Davies from Borrowdale come first with a time of 2:17:54. Alistair Meikle (unattached) came in 2nd with a time of 2:24:57, and four times winner Stewart Whitlie (Carnethy) came in third with 2:26:27

1st Female was Alayne Finlay (Ochil Hill Runners) 3:00:53, Julia Connor (Moorfoot) was second with a time of 3:15:16 and Jacqui Higginbottom (Carnethy) was third with 3:18:44

Other categories of winners were

Male Vet 40+ Jim Davies - 2.17.54

Female Vet 40+ Jacqui Higginbottom - 3.18.44

Male Vet 50+ Alan Smith - 2.37.42

Female Vet 50+ Tilly Smith - 3.39.46

Male Vet 60+ Herbie McLean - 3.35.24

Female Vet 60+ Ros Evans - 3.37.04

The Team Prize went to Carnethy with 4 runners totalling 10h 14m

The Local Prize went to Robert Osfield from Callander

Comments from the runners

"Thanks for a great race , the marshalling and organisation was first class as usual and along with the weather made it a great day !"

"despite the torture of running this course again its still one of my favourite events on the hill race calendar."

"the best organised and marshaled race I've been to (we did check, they had been on more than one)

and finally ...

as usual, the race was a success, but only because of the hard work by everyone involved (see comments above). This includes (and we're sorry if you're not named in person but everyone's contribution counts)

- the runners, for whom the race is organised and whose positive attitude makes it possible ;

- our sponsors, Graham Tiso, the Green Welly Stop (Tyndrum) and Kingshouse Travel

- our Spot Prize donators, Immervoulin Caravan Park, Stirling Stoves, Strathyre Cleansing, The Inn and Bistro, The Ben Sheann Hotel, The Village Shop, Roll On Flooring, Sula Furnishing, The Munro Inn and Thomas Allan and Son

- everyone involved in the admin and planning, everyone at the start & finish for their patience and diligence, the marshals for their superb support supplying jelly babies, chocolate and trudging all that water up the hill, the course markers, everyone that setup the site and tents and took them down again, and Tommy for the photos ;

- the Inn and Bistro that supported the race and the Ceilidh this year, and Nyree, Linda and helpers with the refreshments

- for the opportunity to run the race on their land, Edinample Estate and Mike Holliday for his support and running around, and the Forestry Commission

- and to everyone that tirelessly helped make the Ceilidh such a success again this year, the bar staff, band, organizers and of course, everyone who attended

The 2011 Stuc a'Chroin 5000

Now in its 23rd year, the race is run annually on the Saturday before May Day Bank Holiday Monday. This year, 2011, it falls on the 30th April. Called the Stuc a'Chroin 5000 because of its approximate total climb (in feet!), the race is 22k long and the course record is 1:59:22 for the males, and 2:22:47 for the females. Organised under British Athletic Rules and classed as a Category A Long Hill race, in its 21st Anniversary (2009), it was a British Championship event with over 300 runners.

Usually blessed with good weather, its timing at the beginning of May does mean that there may be a variety of conditions - consult the forecast before your journey ... and don't forget the midge repellant!

Our hotels take it in turns to support the race - this year you can register in the Inn at Strathyre Hotel at the South end of the village from 10:30am - 12:30pm, admission fee is £6. The race is well marked all the way to the top; (marked maps available @ £2 before the race), stewards and water stations are aplenty and well supported by the local community. Renowned for its plentiful supply of water, jelly babies and chocolate, rumours that some runners actually put on weight during the race are to be treated with caution!

The village has a small shop, a car park, and toilets are located approximately 50m from the Start / Finish. There is always a céilidh after the race (2011 start 8:00pm Adm £4.00) and those going to the prizegiving at 6:00pm in the Village Hall can purchase refreshments from the bar there.

One word of warning though - traffic through this popular tourist area, and especially Callander (A84 Stirling - Strathyre ) can be very busy on Bank Holidays so please allow an extra 30 - 60 minutes to pass through.

The race starts at 1300 hrs.