Hundreds of the country's top hill runners will converge on Midlothian next month for the 35th TISO Carnethy Five Hill Race.
The gruelling six mile race over five of the Pentland peaks takes place on Saturday February 12 at 2pm. A three mile race for juniors (U-18s) starts at 1.55pm.
The race starts and finishes close to Silverburn and the course takes in Scald Law (189
9ft), South Black Hill (1840ft), East Kip (1750ft) and West Kip (1806ft) before descending to the Howe. The athletes then tackle the final hill, Carnethy (1890ft).
The first Carnethy Hill Race took place in 1971 but in those days it started and finished in Penicuik Public Park and the competitors only had to climb Carnethy.
The first winners were Ian McCafferty (Law and District) and Jim Alder (Edinburgh AC) who crossed the line in 47 minutes 40 seconds. Last year's winners were Jethro Lennox (Shettleston), who finished in 48:39, and eight-time winner Angela Mudge (Carnethy) in 55.20.
The course record holders are Gavin Bland (Borrowdale), who completed the race in 46:56 in 1999 and Angela, who set the 55:20 record in 2002.
Entry forms are now available for athletes wishing to tackle this challenging event. The closing date is February 5.
For details contact race convener Andy Spenceley, 103 Mayfield Road, Edinburgh, or e-mail
carnethy5@carnethy.com
