Six Road Runners represented the club at the 2016 running of the Jean Carr Challenge organised by Spey Runners. Locals Bill Murray, Euan Cantlie and Brian Milne were joined on the start line by yours truly, Kimberley Clark and Kev Rae making his race debut for the club.
The rain cleared and the cloud hung low and thick giving us near perfect windless running conditions. Free 
massages were on offer before and after the race and a handy gazebo was provided to leave belongings.
Fochabers Gala Queen(s) set us off in good order up Fochabers High Street. It looked like the number of runners was similar to previous years. Mark Smith of Spey Runners led the way out of town on his bike. A snaking, colourful line headed out the Ordiequish Road, trying to sort themselves out before the climb. Passing for the next 3 miles would be difficult most of the time, so it’s important to get in position.
At just over the half mile point, Mark parked his bike across the road and directed us into the woods. The initial climb is steep with plenty of tree roots to dodge. For half a mile I tucked in behind 3 runners to get used to the work. Two of the three slowed a bit just as we approached the Ordiequish Burn, so I took the chance to nip past when the path widened a bit.
On the steep drop down to the burn I was on the heels of a runner from Fraserburgh Running Club. The path is narrow and twisty as well as steep and this guy took off making several meters on me. Next I knew, his arms were wind-milling wildly as he struggled to keep his feet and battered into the narrow footbridge. His momentum almost took him over the side but he came to a halt on the other bank, battered but not beaten. I saw him on the finish line, so he somehow finished, but I would think his run was compromised and he is feeling it now.
It’s a very steep but thankfully short climb up from the burn. From here the path levels or even drops a bit as it contours around Ordiequish Hill above the Spey. I lost a place to a Keith runner who slowly but surely disappeared. The final mile of the climb is quite tough, lots of boggy bits, even more roots and very narrow or closed in with vegetation making foot placement tricky. I knew I was tiring as each stumble or slip would lead to a good twist of the torso. Core of steel?
Soon enough I passed the Jean Carr Stone, it’s the first time I’ve noticed it on the run. Touch for good luck apparently then smile for the camera, but I couldn’t smile, too much effort. The drink station near the stone was duly ignored, I’d only get a face wash or choke. The top was near and I was glad to be on good, wide, firm, forest track.
Downhill from now to the finish on fast track. I had to keep reminding myself to work rather than leave it all to gravity. It’s a long way down, and hard to believe we had climbed so much. I caught and passed one runner at the edge of town but the next was too far ahead with the finish approaching.
A slight change to the route at the end kept us off of the streets and in the trees beside the Burn of Fochabers. We exited the trees, turning onto Charlotte Street for a slightly uphill 200m run to the finish at the Square. I was 12 seconds slower than last year but this was my third hard run in four days, so there’s my excuse.
The other Road Runners filed in, and I think I know the finish order, but just in case I get it wrong, I’ll leave it for the results to come out.
Thank you to Spey Runners for another fantastic event. I’ll miss the final event of the Fochabers Triple Challenge as I’m running The Illuminator the day before. But I would recommend all to try and make time for the Monumental Challenge on 30 Oct 16. You won’t regret it. Well, actually, half way up the hill you might, but go for it anyway. You’re all tough enough.
Report by: Nigel Williams