The Strathearn marathon took place on Sunday 7th June, which unfortunately had it clashing with the Elgin Marafun race. It’s a small event with only 200 entries available and was organised by Strathearn Harriers and the Comrie development trust, who bought the old Cultybragan army camp, which was the registration area and start, finish of the race. At registration, I found out that Claire, who was the only other MRR entered had just withdrawn with an injury. But, there were a few other Northern runners, as amongst others, Gordon Main from Nairn RR said hello.Saturday nights wet and windy weather had broken and the morning was bright and sunny morning. But there was still a stiff Westerly breeze blowing which was making it feel cold when you weren’t sheltered from it.
After a briefing at the start line and a quick 3,2,1,GO, we set off for a lap around the camp, where I met up with Cosmic runner Alan Cormack, who I’d previously met at the end of the Garioch half. Out onto the road, climbing up the glen into the headwind for the first mile before turning off and having the wind on our backs for a while along a mostly downhill section which lured several runners into a fast pace which was soon going to be costly for some. As we joined the B827 and more climbing up to the top of the moors, I was thankful for keeping a comfortable pace as we re-passed a few runners before the top, where the road bends slightly, getting the wind on our backs for a long level or downward stretch.
To kick off the Northwards leg, it was a brief section of main road, followed by getting back onto the minor roads again and another long climb. Quiet roads and brilliant scenery soon had us on the outskirts of Crieff, where we turned back towards Comrie and a long undulating leg into the headwind again.With four miles left, I was starting starting to suffer with achy hips but generally feeling pretty good and we were starting to wonder how much under 4hrs was possible. Coming out of Comrie, Alan was thinking that sub 3:50 was possible if we picked up the pace slightly. I tried to pick up but it wasn’t happening, so I encouraged Alan to go for it, as being my first marathon, I was going to get a PB anyway. 
After crossing the finish in 3:50:45 I found Alan, who was well happy with getting 3:49:34. Congratulations done and I was off in search of the hut for some tea and awesome cakes, ready for a well deserved sit down.
It’s mentioned as the friendly marathon and, all the organisers and marshals out on the course were definitely smiling and cheering everyone on. Plus the pipers who gave us a good send off from the start before dispersing around the route added to the occasion. Yep, even with the hills, I think I’ll try to do it again.
Report by: Neil Purdie