Organiser’s comments

Saturday was just about perfect for running – very mild, often sunshine, and a slight breeze. That plus wonderful views meant that the participants had the Cheviots close to their best. Sunday, of course, was the other side of the coin – wet, wet, and more wet with a good dollop of mist just to make it interesting. Despite Sunday’s poor weather, a remarkable number of people came in saying that they had enjoyed themselves.

There were some problems, and we have taken note of the many comments so that we can improve the maps and information for next year. The Planner has commented on some of these elsewhere. However, any shortcomings in the organisation on the day are my responsibility and I apologise to anyone affected by them.

An event like this owes a huge debt to a number of people. In particular I would like to thank the landowners, farmers, and tenants for their cooperation in allowing us to use their land. Patrick Smyth, the Controller, deserves a special mention, as in the unavoidable absence of the Planner, he had to cover about 5 times more ground than anyone else in getting controls out and back. Andrew Nicoll, our computer expert and download manager also pitched in splendidly, and the controls in the far west became all too familiar to him! As ever, Adrian Barnes planned the courses splendidly with plenty of route choice in mind. One of the striking things on Sunday, as I stood there in the rain, was the number of people who having just finished engaged in animated discussion on their route choices, despite the water streaming off them. Thank you to our Start and Finish teams of Chris Bradford, Paul Jameson, Colin and Ro Mattheson, and John and Margaret Crosby, and also to Ted Phizacklea who provided First Aid team and a number of Scouts to provide additional assistance. Their knot tying skills were particularly invaluable for lashing the stile to the fence posts! And thank you to Jeff and Rosie Mason (car parking, registration and getting in controls), Peter Firth (registration) and to Alan Fortune and John Wright for their help out in the hills with controls.

Finally, as ever, thanks go to our sponsors, Force Ten, who generously helped provide the prizes. Sadly, the weather was too unpleasant for a formal prize giving, but three cheers for all prize winners, and an even bigger cheer for everybody who took part. Thank you.

Fred Miller