Nethy Explorer 5k & 12k

Summer holidays present a great opportunity to run races far from home and in the midst of this hot spell 3 harriers found themselves in Nethy Bridge, just north of Aviemore to run the Nethy Bridge Explorer races.

Leaving husband Andy behind at their caravan in Aviemore to bask in the glory of heroic life saving exploits in Loch Morlich the previous day, Susan Ballantyne was first off in the 5k trail race and had a strong run through the surrounding forestry, quickly pulling away from the deer & squirrel and  finishing in the top five. 

The 12k race followed shortly after and was a mixture of trail and quiet country road, and an excellent undulating route.  I’d come up to Aviemore for the weekend, so after celebrating Andy’s heroics the night before, there was some early morning rehydration before starting the race steadily.  I managed to pick my way through several of the field as the race progressed and was delighted to finish in 51 mins.

It was an early start for Stuart Murray who  made the 300 mile round trip for the race, such is his love of trail and off road races.  Having spent so much time in the car Stuart made sure he spent a good deal of time on the 12k route having an enjoyable run, accompanying a friend who was returning from injury.