The weather looked bright enough when I woke up but would it last? The forecast had not been good! Gordon and I started off reasonably early to get to North Queensferry – we wanted to be sure that we were able to get parked at the community centre which is hidden behind a housing estate. When these houses were built, nobody had anticipated the sheer number of vehicles that would need to be parked by the residents of this estate – hence the congestion!

When we arrived I hurried towards the centre for my first of several visits to the loo! We got ourselves ready – trainers on, numbers pinned, skip cap on to shield my glasses from the imminent rain. Black clouds were looming on the horizon. Only twenty minutes to go now and definitely looking much brighter; the sun was beginning to break through. I wonder, should I ditch the hat?

I started to warm up, a gentle jog along a narrow path, busy with many other joggers/runners doing exactly the same. I could see the bridge sitting menacingly on the horizon. If you have driven over this bridge you may be under the impression that it is reasonably flat. I can assure you that you are completely mistaken.

At 10.30am the race started. The first 3 to 4k gets you from the community centre to the bridge. It starts off downhill and round the corner and then it starts uphill passing North Queensferry railway station. After a while you are rewarded with another longish downhill before you start to approach the bridge and then it’s uphill for quite a long way. As I got towards the top of the bridge I was getting very hot and thinking it would soon be much easier. But no! As I hit the top, so the wind started to gust, blowing straight into my face. Working hard I aimed for the turning point where you turn off the bridge, take the road under and then run back up the other side. And this, all in the name of FUN AND ENJOYMENT!!!! As I began running back up the other side I was greeted with words of encouragement from a friendly marshal, “You’re nearly there. It’s a downhill finish.”

Yes, it was a downhill finish but there was still another 2k uphill to do first! And to top it all, the wind I was expecting to help me on my way was still in my face even though I was now travelling in the opposite direction. Strange!

Would I do this race again? Definitely! Last year’s race was acclaimed as being one of the most scenic and memorable in the Road Running calendar and this year the race was at full capacity several weeks earlier. All in all, it was a very well organised event, with lovely scenery and a friendly atmosphere. Oh and I nearly forgot to say about the magnificent array of food back at the community centre. I’ll be back next year.

Val McDonald