I’m going to suggest to race organisers to design a new t-shirt for this race ‘I ran the Balfron 10k - and survived!!’

This is one race where the term undulating was more than stretching the truth.

Registration was between 9 and 10.30, so to ensure I could get a good parking spot and avoid the crowds I was there nice and early. I sat and listened to some of the coverage for London Marathon and while they were sweltering in +20 degrees our temp was a very chilly 10. The sky was thick with cloud and it was drizzling - perfect running temp!

The organisers had laid on stalls for selling raffle tickets, baked goods, juice and fruit. We had the use of the schools Games Hall toilets and shower rooms and the queues were moving quickly - although I must be getting used to this racing malarkey cause only had to visit loo twice - a new PB!

Headed to the start and it was very crowded, there didnt seem to be enough space between the expected finishing times so everyone was was a bit squashed. Then we were off. We did a loop of the roundabout at the school and then out onto Roman Road. The club runners were away very fast and as usual I was nearer the back of the pack (where the fun is!) The road very quickly turned into the ‘undulating’ route that we were promised and from there it never halted to twist and turn and rise and fall before us I lost track of the number of inclines. I was running beside another woman for a wee while but she left me by about 4k, met up with a couple of jogscotland ladies (dont know which group) who have entered there first half marathon in Elgin this year. There was a great camaradarie amongst the runners near the back and the route was our main cause of hilarity!!

Got to 5k and the turning point and I was knackered and the thought of going back really felt too much - but my car was back at the start so had to get there somehow. at this point I was at just above walking pace. I gave in several times and walked up some of the hills. My legs had turned to lead. The runners around me kept passing each other time and again as we all seemed to take turns in walking then running. At 7k there was a water station and they had kids from the Primary School handing out bottled water and they were hilarious, shouting encouragement and telling us the finish was just round the corner - aye right.

There was great support along the route, mainly from people (!) - but we did have a herd of cows watching us as well - god they stink! Finally I could see the houses of the village and knew it wasnt too far, and sure enough I came up to the high school and roundabout. There was another woman running beside me now and she said ‘do you fancy a wee race sprint for the finish’ to which we both started laughing and somehow found the energy to belt it over the finish line together. Hysteria had now set in. I completed the race in 1hr 8mins and 21secs - a new PW!!

Once over the finish line people from the Co-op were carrying big platters of cut up oranges and I have never been so grateful and I kept grabbing one whenever they passed me. Got my t-shirt - which you only got if you had paid for the race in advance, and a medal plus a wee goody bag with a chocolate cereal bar in. Heard a bloke behind me complaining to the organisers regarding the comments on the race website that the route would be suitable for beginners and I have to say that I agree with him, it was a very tough course and if you were just starting out that could put you off.

I am very thankful that our routes on Tuesday nights the previous few weeks had been hilly and round the country roads, otherwise I dont know how I would have managed it.

And I think a wee jogscotland outing to this route would be beneficial for us all - although I am sure on that night I cant get a babysitter!!

Shirley Ann Duncan