What a stunning race the Balmoral 10k was. The course takes you along a rural path for about 3km until you start climbing the extremely steep 1km hill and descending for 3km after that. In the last 300m you come past the stunning Balmoral Estate (although, at this point all you want to see is the finish line!!).

They say on the website ‘don’t expect a personal best’ because it is THAT hilly. I set low expectations, so in the end I was really pleased with my time. I finished in 47:10, which only 45 seconds off my personal best.

The hills were tough – both going up and down — so the course defiantly took a toll on my legs… I didn’t have any thing left in them by the end of the race.  For the last 3kms I was desperately trying to track down Ash and beat him to the finish line but I couldn’t pull it together; he stayed at least 100m in front of me at all times and beat me by 25 seconds. I’ve lost so much chirping power!!!

Dan had a great race but is still experiencing some shin pain since surgery earlier this year. A bit discouraging for him, but hopefully all part of the heeling process…

ABOUT THE RACE

The race is held annually in Aberdeenshire, Scotland at the end of April. The organizers of the event also host a 5km run, a kids run and on the following day a 15 miler as well. There are around 2,000 places for the 10k race and they go fast – if you are interested to take part in the 2016 race, make sure you put it in your calendar to sign up in January.

MAKE A WEEKEND OF IT

Dan and I did the race with a few friends – Ash, Colin and Pete. Our mate Pete lives in Aberdeen and went into full-out tour guide mode organizing a wicked weekend of exploring Scottish country-side.

We saw some stunning sites including a walk along Loch Muick / Lochnagar and visiting the coast line to see Dunnottar Castle!