The biggest change in the map is the runnability of the forest, where previous shades of green have now been classified as white, and at this time of year when bracken is low, it is very visible and fast.

The Yellow course was above standard for climb, but the climb was on a main track, and allowed runners the chance to follow a good ditch downhill through open forest, and still have energy to spare for the sprint finish!  A large entry for this course was very much due to a big contingent from Banchory Primary School, who have been coming along to training and coaching sessions with Denise Wright and Hilary Quick.  If the beaming faces at Download are any guide, they certainly enjoyed the fun.  Congratulations to Skye Gordon who flew round inside 17 minutes.

The 45 minute Score did not stray too far from Start/Finish area, and was mainly contained within the nice open hillside, with good contour detail.  Kenny Milton triumphed over Hilary Quick, but special mention goes to Tim Gomersall of Gramp with a well-thought route giving him 270 points for 4^th place.  Well done, Tim.

The 60 minute Score was a very keenly fought battle, with 5 runners gaining over 600 points, including maximums for Calum Coombs and Bob Daly.  Calum’s younger legs got him round the course in 56 minutes 30 seconds for a storming win over very good opposition.

Thanks to the Verra family for a sterling job at a very busy Registration, Jonquil and Simon for Start, Neil McLean and John Reeve for the help striking the tent, and to all who turned out and used up all my pre-printed maps, a very big thank you.

Andy and Danny Oliver

8 February 2005