The Southside Six

At 9:30 on the 29^th February, amidst great hype, I sat frantically trying to get entry to “The Southside Six” as if I was trying to get tickets for a big one off gig by some big act. By 9:35, people were being put on the waiting list. I, fortunately enough, got allocated race number 300 with 1^st time luck in entering the race whilst many were left disappointed.

Spring and Summer passed with training going well for both London and then Moray marathon and targets achieved in both that I’d never dreamt of when I ran my first marathon. However, with work commitments and no proper recovery after Moray, I was walking into most races far more tired than I should have been. With a 10 mile race, 3 hard half marathons (1 on trail) and XC filling in the other weekend gaps, preparing for Southside Six was never going to be easy (nor a proper target).

So, on Sunday 6^th November, I arrived at the race (Starting at Queens park) with fellow harrier, Mark Alexander, parking outside where I stayed as a student over 20 years ago. It felt a bit strange, especially as I had ran by another Student accommodation in Kirky a few weeks back in the Neil McCover Half. Needless to say, I wouldn’t have been fit to run either races in my student days.

Back on topic, The Southside six is a 26km race (16 milish) going through the Six parks in Glasgow Southside (Towards King’s Park, Linn Park, Rouken Glen Park, Pollok Country Park, Bellahouston Park and finishing back at Queen’s Park). Some of the course was familiar to me (mainly Pollok and Bella). However, other parts I’d only ran occasionally in Sunday Runs.

Heading out of Queens Park towards King’s Park was fast although it felt comfortable then. In Kings Park though, the pace slowed down as the undulation increased. On leaving Kings Park, I got my 1^st sticker on my number (1 for each of the 6 parks). Then, I foolishly took a wrong turn but only lost seconds. Next we went past Linn Golf Course and through the park. This had quite a drop before it flattened before a large incline.

The next couple of Miles were mainly road with a roundabout to negotiate. Then into Rouken Glen which was mainly downhill. After that, it was back to road for a mile or so before heading towards more known territory, Pollok Park. An enjoyable trail (for me anyway) brought us to entrance where some familiar faces were cheering us on. Through the park were some other known faces and then it was towards Bella.

At this point, fortune was on me and the lights just turned to Green for Pedestrians as I crossed the M77 Dumbreck turn off. Bellahouston, however was a hard grind uphill before a very windy straight. At this stage of the race, the conditions were unwelcome.

On leaving Bella it was now heading straight back to Queens Park and all was well. That is until a Marshall says, straight up the steps and you are reminded of the notorious end that everyone speaks about. From the steps, there is still an uphill before reaching the more than welcome Finish. On crossing the line you are handed water, goody bag and a foil blanket which most people took in this cold morning. At this point, your number looks like it’s got a colourful version on the measles and the top 3 are already getting their photo taken.

Finishing in a time of 1:40:34, Mark Alexander wasn’t too far behind at 1:46:26. David White came in at a respectable 2:05:13 after (in his own words) an unfortunate Summer where he missed most of the Hill racing season. Just in front of Davie was Neil McMullen who is now an assistant coach with the club. Winners were Crispin Walsh (1:32:47) and Katie White (1:42:04).

With a nice route, friendly atmosphere and loads of Soup and Cakes after the race, this is a great day … if you are fortunate enough to get in.

Full Results On Scottish Running Guide