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2004 RESULTS
May 16 -- Turriff Triathlon (Official results here)
This was the first event in the MPH Triathlon Series 2004 and included Sprint (Ranking) and Short races. Both races were also counters in the TPT championship. A glorious day with warm sunshine and little wind made perfect conditions.
A good turnout of 15 for the Short course and 47 for the Sprint, with the 20k hilly bike course identical for both races.
A post race note from Kelda Spratt, a sprint competitor and Director of Communications, triathlonscotland....
"The Aberdeenshire series has kicked off with a very successful novice and sprint event at Turriff. As usual it was run and marshalled excellently, special thanks to many Air Cadets who did a great job steering us all around the rather complex run route!Of course the sunshine made a big difference, in fact it had many of us scrambling for sun cream lotion, not something I've needed before at Turriff, in fact two years ago I rode through sleet!Thank you to Henry and his team, next stop for this series is Skene on 13 June, another ranked sprint event." [MB]
May 9 -- Deeside Duathlon / Triathlon. (Official results here)
This race involves a 35m cycle from Braemar to Potarch Bridge, a 10m run to Durris Bridge, then either a 13m cycle or 15m Canoe to Aberdeen. Either way it requires a back-up crew and is a good test of fitness. Teams of 3 (one for each discipline) can also enter.
TPT competitors Steve, Donald and Jake arrived at a cloudy but warm Braemar. Riders are set off from 10.00 at half minute intervals. As the race progressed, the weather conditions improved into a perfect day, as is often the case in this event. Steve was on his new TREK, an impulse buy from a certain shop in Huntly, only popping in for a dust cap.
Donald chose the tough route and took the canoe for the final stage. But any thoughts of canoeing for next year soon disappear when you see them trying to get out of the canoe at the boat house. Stiff (almost solid !!) after canoeing for 15m with the bike and run in your legs. It's only for the brave !!
But it is an excellent race, enjoyed by all (well most !!). A big 'thank-you' to organisers (FFT) and our support teams. [Jake]
Apr 29/May 6/May 13 -- The PROMS Spring Series...Aberdeen North / Stonehaven / Aberdeen South. (Official results here)
I usually make some comment on the weather for most events but this one was exceptional. Gale force northerly wind and torrential rain.. what a combination. I was most surprised to see so many competitors turn up.. it was definitely not an evening for running along the Aberdeen beachfront.
This series of short (3k) runs has proved very popular in past years and, despite the weather, a good turn-out for the three heats.. kids, females and males.
The first race started on the lower prom 500m north of the Beach Leisure Centre, up to the Don end, then back to the Leisure Centre along the top promenade.
For the run north it was prudent to get tucked in behind someone to get as much shelter as possible into the wind and rain, but what a difference on the return.. you felt you could fly as the strong wind really blew you to the finish line. No prizes awarded for this first race, classed as a 'time trial', but times were generally slower than expected in the conditions.
The second race on 6th May was at Stonehaven. A much better night weather-wise. Again a good turnout raced around Cowie, along the prom, then back around Cowie to finish at the outdoor pool. This race always seems shorter to me and usually about 30 secs. quicker than Aberdeen.
The final race, from the Beach Leisure Centre down to Footdee and back, was run in perfect conditions and several sub-9min times to show for it. Again a high turnout with a little congestion for the first few hundred metres but then an excellent run along the wide proms.
This series certainly attracts a lot of kids and hopefully many will go on to compete in other events and make running a part of their leisure activities. [MB]
Apr 25 -- FFT Winter Series (No 3 of 3). Aboyne Duathlon. (Official results here)
A warm, sunny and calm day greeted the large field of 92 competitors for this popular race. The 5kR/30kB/5kR ranking event has runs around Aboyne with the cycle route a double lap out to Dinnet. All very flat and fast. With this being the last race in the series, there was also the overall series positions to be considered.
The field was split into two heats to avoid congestion and minimise the spread of finish times. With the unexpected good weather, some found themselves overdressed for the run and returned to transition a little hot and bothered. Out onto the bike and a chance for a cooling breeze, and to take in the glorious scenery along the banks of the river Dee. It really is one of the best races of the year. After a second lap on the bike it was a repeat of the first run around Aboyne, although maybe a little slower this time.
A quick shower and the results were out quite quickly, especially since both the race and series results were announced. Jake came in 5th MV and 2nd MV for the series, while I managed 1st MSV for race and series. [MB]
Apr 04 -- RAF Lossiemouth Duathlon (Official results here)
After a wet and windy Saturday, race day was bright and sunny with a cool, fresh SW wind. A slightly disappointing entry of only 45 competitors started the 5kR/30kB/5kR event. Along-side the main (Ranking) event there was a novice 3k/20k/3k event.
The circular run took the competitors from the Lossiemouth Community Centre, up a short steep climb and through the main street, past the golf course, the RAF base and back to transition. The bike route headed out west into the freshening wind for about 5 miles before turning south through Duffus and back towards Lossiemouth. Everyone had to negotiate a cycle path alongside the main road into Lossie on Police request, which was a little tight getting on and off. The standard competitors then had a shorter second lap, taking the road south past Gordounston School.
The final run was identical to the first, although the hill into town definitely looked and felt steeper.
Some good times recorded by the strong cyclists and while everyone enjoyed the soup and stovies, the awards were presented to the first three males and females overall, as well as first male and female in the novice event. With this event counting in the RAF championship a cup went to the top RAF competitor. [MB]
Mar 28 -- FFT Winter Series (No 2 of 3) (Official results here)
In contrast to the first event in the series, the weather was almost spring like, with bright sunshine and mild temperatures, although there was a fresh NW breeze. A large field of 75 competitors set off in 4 (progressively faster) heats for the 3m run, 8m bike and 400m swim. The run was strewn with the usual assortment of walkers, prams, dogs, children etc taking a stroll along the prom. The bike was into the wind on the outward leg but blew you back down the hill to transition on the grass outside the back door to the pool. The pool water seemed extra warm but this was probably due to the mild weather creating warmer bodies ?
With no comparison on times from round 1, there is no means of judging the quality of today's effort, but appeared to be enjoyed by all involved. Many more TPT members out racing today and the TPT Championship leaders board has a few new names, although still a three way tie at the top.
The third and final round of the FFT Winter Series is the Aboyne Duathlon (5kR/30kB/5kR) on the 25th April. [MB]
Mar 21 -- Bruce Winter Series (No 3 of 3) (Official results here)
The last round in the Bruce series saw a disappointing turnout of only 33 competitors, almost half the numbers who competed in the first round. This may be due in part to other events on the same day, but the organisers have asked if those who entered the full series but did not start the second or third round to let them know the reason and they may be able to plan the series differently for next year.
Jake V. and Murray B. were again in action. This race was the same distances as round 2 (3k run, 19k bike and 400m swim), split into only two heats. Jake set off in the first (MS/MV) heat while I ran in the other (FS/FVIN/MSV) heat. The weather stayed dry but a fresh westerly wind made some sections a little harder.
The run around the playing fields was very soggy in places after two days of heavy rain, but times were generally quicker than round 2. (Training beginning to kick in ?) The bike times were also quicker (although Jake suffered a puncture and lost about 3 minutes). I had a particularly poor swim, fighting with a flapping hat ! and general lack of swimming practice.
As always a generous buffet laid on while the results were calculated. Overall series results were taken on the best two times out of the three rounds, awarding 1st and 2nd places in each age group. Unfortunately Jake missed out in MV but I managed 2nd MSV.
This is an excellent winter series and is recommended for novices and the more experienced alike. As with all winter events it can be affected by the weather but has been very reliable. Look out for it in 2005. [MB]
Mar 14 -- INVERNESS HALF MARATHON (Official results here)
Four TPT members, masquerading under various clubs, Doug, Jake, Steve and Murray made the trip to Inverness for this very popular, and always oversubscribed, race. The weather was mild but very changeable, with heavy showers one minute, then bright sunshine the next. Throughout the day a strong westerly wind was blowing.
The runners set off from Bught Park along the north bank of the river, across the bridge, then back along the south river bank, into the strong headwind. Then a loop through several Inverness housing estates before coming back onto the road along the south river bank. Retrace the outward route back to Bught Park and finish with a lap of the sports track, with a total of 896 finishers. A 5k fun run was held while the half marathon competitors were out on the road.
I found the route fairly flat and made steady times, although it was hard running into the headwind in places. The rain held off for about an hour but then chucked it down for the next hour or so. The last couple of miles were straight into the wind and rain....very miserable !!
TPT times : Doug: 1.28.20 *** Murray: 1.28.42 *** Jake: 1.36.23 *** Steve: 1.37.20 [MB]
Mar 07 -- NAIRN 10k (Official results here)
Another lovely winter's day greeted the record entry for this year's Nairn 10k, the first race in the Northern Scot Series. A large field of 239 finishers enjoyed blue skies, winter sunshine and calm conditions. Hopefully the next 2 races in the series will attract the same level of interest.
The course is fairly flat, starting in the town's high street, making a loop out into the country and returning to finish back along the high street.
The race was won by Aberdeen Student Graham Bee of Fife AC in a very impressive time of 32:23 closely followed by Inverness athlete Andrew Wright who competes for Cambuslang Harriers. The Men's team event was won by Moray Road Runners ( Andrew Clarke, Brian Foreman and Martin Flynn). Brian was also the first Veteran across the finishing line, and Danny Bird took the Super Vet's title.
The ladies race was won impressively by Jane Barker, who had also competed in the Scottish Veterans Cross Country Championships the previous day. [MB]
Mar 05 -- PROMS 3K (No 6 of 6) (Official results here) (Overall Series Results)
Perfect weather for the last race in the series saw some excellent times and a new female course record. A large field of 60 competitors enjoyed the blue skies, winter sunshine and calm conditions. Many managed a PB and an improvement to their overall position in the series, your best three times to count.
Overall Series Winners.
Male: Calum Davidson.
Male Vet: Kevin Tulloch.
Female: Nicola Gauld.
Female Vet: Laura Mahady
With such nice conditions it seemed a pity the race is so short, but with Nairn 10k and Inverness half marathon just around the corner it is good to get a fast 3k session under your belt.
If you're a fan of these short races it won't be long till the summer series is underway, (Thurs.29th April). Alternatively there is the 5k KRUNCE series on the first Tuesday of the month (April to September). Judging by the numbers on this winter series they should all prove extremely popular. [MB]
Feb 29 -- FFT Winter Series (No 1 of 3) (Official results here)
After a very snowy and icy week the event was in danger of cancellation, but Sunday was bright and sunny. Despite the sunshine, the organisers decided to drop the cycle leg due to some icy patches in the shaded areas of the road. So the event became an aquathon with a 3 mile run and 400m swim.
The 60 competitors were put into 5 heats and set off at 15 minute intervals to avoid overcrowding in the pool. The run was twice around Cowie and along the seafront, followed by a strip in the snow at the back door to the pool, then 16 lengths in the water.
As always these short events attract many first timers, and some were quite happy to see the bike section cancelled. I'm sure they won't have it so easy the next time (28th March). This altered event will have skewed the overall results somewhat, with the strong cyclists not able to make their mark, but that is always a risk on these winter events.
TPT only had 4 representatives (where were the rest of you ??) on this first TPT Championship event. As it was, they were all in different categories so they will all score the same. (All equal in the championship so far !!) See the Championship page.
A good but short event, so sharpen up the training for the next (hopefully full length) event in a months time. **Remember to put the clocks forward** [MB]
Feb 22 -- Bruce Winter Series (No 2 of 3) (Official results here)
The day was very wintry in Aberdeen, but Lochgelly had a nice cool but sunny winters day. Jake V. and Murray B. were again in action on this, the second of three races in the series. This race increased the distances to 3k run, 19k bike and 400m swim. Unfortunately the poor weather forecast appeared to put many competitors off and the field was reduced to 47, split into only two heats. Jake set off in the first (fast) heat while I ran in the other (mixed) heat.
The 3 lap run around the school football pitches tested the legs and lungs with soft ground and several different ground levels to negotiate.
On the bikes, a fresh headwind on the way out and a much hillier course than the first round made hard work for the first few miles, but then a nice fast return with the wind behind. Obstacles included the usual traffic lights, roadworks, pot-holes, roundabouts and Sunday drivers !! Surprisingly, only one person punctured.
Peel off the bike gear and into the 16 length swim in the nice warm water after a cool bike ride. (Especially for those brave souls wearing only a thin tri suit).
As usual a good selection of tea and sandwiches, followed fairly promptly by the results. TPT results: Jake - 3rd MV / Murray - 2nd MSV.
The third and last event of the series is on Sunday 21st March and is same distances as this event. If you would like to compete there will almost certainly be spaces available on the day. [MB]
Feb 15 -- Monikie Winter Series (No 4 of 4) (Official results here) (Pictures)
This race was moved to the 15th Feb, having been delayed for a week due to severe weather. (Gales, ice & snow !!). The weather could not have been more different, with a cool, calm and cloudy day. A field of 67 were registered for the 4k run, 40k bike and 4k run. Several prominent competitors from earlier rounds were absent due to the date clash with Lossiemouth Half Marathon and several other events. A couple of enterprising competitors had done the Carnethy 5 hill race the day before, which was probably not the best preparation. The TPT team that had done the previous rounds, Murray B, Jake V, and Steve B. were here to try and take some Series prizes.
The first run spread the field out, with a quick transition onto the bikes. Unusually for Monikie only a slight headwind on the outward section which helped on the climb to the mast on the return to Monikie. This final race had a two lap, double distance cycle so legs were extra tired on the second run, times being generally a couple of minutes longer than the first run. Several quick times were recorded, with the long bike course suiting the strong cyclists.
A fairly quick calculation of results led to the presentation of the Series prize giving, sponsored by Angus Bike Chain. Overall 2003/04 Champion was James Ouchterlony of Angus Bike Chain, with runner-up and MV Champion Tim May, Edinburgh Road Club. Female Champion (and FV) was Margaret Anderson of FFT.
TPT did share in the spoils with both Jake (MV) and Murray (MSV) both picking up 3rd place in their respective groups. [MB]
Feb 06 -- PROMS 3K (No 5 of 6) (Official results here)
This was the penultimate race in the series. Previous times need to be beaten to minimise your overall time for your best 3 runs from 6. Today's race saw 46 competitors lined up at the Beach ballroom, facing into a fresh SW wind, which was actually not the hindrance it seemed as the runners were sheltered behind buildings and fences along the prom. The return leg was fine with the wind behind.
As always the fastest were back in just over 9 minutes, with some enjoying around 16 minutes of sea-air at lunchtime.
You only have one more opportunity to sample this race...give it a whirl !!. ( last run is Fri 5th March 13:00 ) [MB]
Jan 25 -- Bruce Winter Series (No 1 of 3) (Official results here)
Jake V. and Murray B. made the journey down to Lochgelly for the first of these short reverse tri's. This first one was a 2k run, 13k bike and a 400m swim. Based at the Lochgelly High School, it has been extremely popular this year, and has been fully subscribed, although you may still get a place for the 2nd and 3rd events on the day to replace no-shows. This series is designed to appeal to novices and around half the 64 entrants were first timers.....great news for the ever increasing profile of triathlon.
Although the day started a little frosty, by race time the temperature had risen and the roads were mostly clear. The sun shone and the wind was minimal. Three heats (fast, medium and slow) were set of on the 2k run around the school playing fields at 15min intervals. Onto the bikes and up through Crosshill and Lochore, taking the pit road past the Meadows (Scottish Sprint Championship Venue), then back up the Cowdenbeath Road, through Lochgelly and back to the school. Strip off all the bike gear and into the pool for 16 lengths.
A very well organised event (including Raynet comms. and first aiders), followed by an excellent spread of sandwiches, tea etc. The prize-giving followed without much delay and everyone left looking forward to the next event on 22nd Feb. (3k/19k/400m)
P.S. I'm the one running in the cycling gear (saves transition time....that's my excuse anyway !!) [MB]
Jan 18 -- Castle Series X/C -- Drum Castle (Official results here)
On a cold and overcast day there was a good turnout for this, the second of three in the Castle X/C series. The route had been changed since last year and was a really good cross section of terrain. Start uphill through a grass field, over a style and short steep uphill section through the woods, followed by a longish descent and along a flat track for a few hundred metres. Then downhill again followed by a longish steady uphill to the start/finish line. Three laps required for the senior/veteran men(8k), although the earlier races for the younger age groups used various combinations and lengths on the same circuit.
Apart from a queue to cross the style on the first lap, everyone soon found their pace and spread out. Tree roots and stumps were a hazard through the woods, especially when following close to someone in front. The rest of the circuit was good paths and made for quick times. [MB]
Jan 11 -- Monikie Winter Series (No 3 of 4) (Official results here)
The same TPT team that competed in the NYD Tri in Edinburgh were at Monikie for the first of the 'proper' duathlons. The first two events were only a 4k run, followed by a 20k bike. This time a second 4k run is added. This event can be treated as a 'stand-alone' race, but anyone completing one of the first two (your best time is used) and then the 3rd and 4th events can compete for the series prizes.
The heavy showers held off for the race, but a strong SW wind was blowing. A whistle set us off for the run, a figure of eight around the perimeter of the two reservoirs and into transition to pick up the bikes. The outward bike leg was fast with the wind behind but it was a real struggle against the wind and up the hill to the mast as we headed back to Monikie. There was also some hairy moments when the strong side-winds would gust through hedge gaps etc. and push you all over the road. It took a brave rider to stay on the tri-bars.
Back into transition and out on the same run as before. At places around the last reservoir the strong wind gusts almost stopped me in my tracks. Eventually made it across the finish line for a welcome shower and hot soup. As always, a well organised, popular event. [MB]
Jan 10 -- EL-Brim-Ick Hill Race (Official results here)
Almost 50 competitors signed up for this race over the two hills. (3m/800ft). From the car park at South Kirkhill, you set off over Elrick, down the other side and up to the mast on top of Brimmond Hill (clambering over two fence styles). Underfoot was good this year, although the strong sunshine in your eyes as you climbed was off-putting (for me anyway !!) It was also not great for the morale to meet Dan Whitehead half way down when I was only half way up !! There was also a good turnout of juniors who tackled Elrick.
A great little race around 30 mins duration, suitable for all abilities. Give it a try next year. [MB]
Jan 09 -- PROMS 3K (No 4 of 6) (Official results here)
Over 50 competitors lined up for this lunchtime sprint from the Beach ballroom to Fittie and back. The weather was perfect....mild, sunny and little or no wind. It's a short distance but speed is all.....it gets really hard in the last kilometre. As always...a range of abilities from the 9 minute brigade to the 13 and 14 minute folks. Everyone enjoys the run and some sea-air at lunchtime.
If you haven't tried it...give it a go...you won't regret it. ( next run is Fri 6th Feb. 13:00 ) [MB]
Jan 02 -- Lumphanan 'Detox' 10k Road Race (Official results here)
This was the first running of this race, held to raise funds for an all weather sports pitch for the village. The weather was cold, bright and still, although in places it was icy underfoot. A good turn-out and a range of abilities from speed merchants to fun runners. Well organised (although parking could have been a touch closer to the start) and marshalled. Excellent goody-bags and prizes, with tea and biscuits in the village hall afterwards.
The first 2k was steep uphill but this meant the rest of the route was downhill or flat, apart from an undulating farm track between 6.5k and 8k, which was covered in ice and snow. It had been salted in places but was still slippery and caution was required. [MB]
New Years Day Triathlon -- EdinburghThree club members suspended celebrations to welcome in 2004 for 24 hours to compete in this little cracker of a race. Steve B., Jake V. and Murray B. made the early start to arrive for the 10.00 am registration. A field of around 400, including several 3 person teams had entered the (oversubscribed) event.
Despite the cancellation of the Edinburgh Hogmany Street Party due to torrential rain and gale force winds, New Years Day was mild, overcast and with only a gentle breeze.
For those who have never done this race, it is a short but tough course. Only a 400m swim (in the 50m Commonwealth Pool) but 3 times up Arthur's Seat on the bike (15k) and once running (5k) is hard going. It's a short but steep climb, not to mention avoiding the pedestrians, dogs and geese!! that like to take a stroll around Holyrood on a holiday.
The Elites set off first to show everyone what they could do. Kevin Clark was overall winner in 1.00.54 with first lady Catriona Morrison an excellent 10th overall in 1.07.28. The No.1 and last years winner Fraser Cartmell had bike problems (puncture ?) and DNF.
Murray B. was first off in heat 4, with Steve B. in heat 5 and Jake V. in heat 6. Championchip timing was used so with many people choosing to get dressed for the bike beside the pool and not crossing the timing mat till picking up the bike you should add the swim and first transition times together to give accurate comparisons.
The run down the hill and past Holyrood was great (watching the punters on the death slide) and then onto the tough climb up Arthur's Seat. Now you find out who has been putting in the training miles. Struggle to the top and around the front of the hill into the freshening wind, before plunging down hill and frantically trying to slow down to negotiate the two roundabouts. Twice more round (the legs getting better on each climb) and back to transition.
The run downhill gives an opportunity to get the legs working before shortening the stride and puffing up the hill. It's a great feeling knowing it's all downhill to the finish and a strong run to cross the line.
All three TPT members had a good event and times were : Jake V. 1.13.35 (44 o/a) Murray B. 1.18.30 (83 o/a) Steve B. 1.23.28 (137 o/a) [MB]