A tremendous turnout from East Lothian Athletes saw 23 runners from the Dunbar, Haddington and Musselburgh clubs run in this year’s Lasswade 10 mile road race.

When I picked Tony up, the rain had just stopped and the wind had lessened. As we approached Rosewell for registration, there were even patches of blue sky to be seem. So the tights, long sleeved tops and gloves were left in the kit bag and the famous red and black vest put on.

372 runners lined up at the start. There was a new start to the route this year. Rather than the gentle amble down into Roslin Glen, there was a steep incline westwards up into the wind. Setting off at what I thought was a controlled pace, the first mile went by in 7 mins, the second down into Roslin Glen in 6.30. Too fast? No! Stewart McConnell goes running past me at the two mile marker. Paddy from HELP goes past too. So just trying to hang on over the next three miles as the course goes up and out of Roslin Glen, down into Auchindinny then upwards again. As the course turned left towards the grounds of Rosslynlee Hospital, the wind was now to our backs. From six to nine miles the course gently rolls along country roads. Small inclines make you grin and bear as you push yourself to keep the pace. The last mile is run uphill through the splendid grounds of Whitehill House. I made the mistake of glancing back, only to see Stewart 10m behind. Help! Big luminous signs; 400m to go, 200m to go. Run, dig in, RUN!
Totally knackered in crossing the line, just in front of Stewart (73.25). My time was two seconds quicker than last year, 73.12. All that way and two seconds! Tony followed a couple of minutes later in 75.36. Jan was 81.16 and Jean 104.04.

A highly commended must go to Stuart Hay of Dunbar, finishing in eleventh overall in a time of 60.19.
As always, Lasswade A.C. put on a fine race, with a tough course, excellent mashalling and sandwiches and buns after the race.