1514 Uphill Mile

The recent 1514 Uphill Mile does exactly what it says on the tin.  The popular Teviotdale Harriers event is kindly sponsored by the 1514 Club and sees runners tackle a one mile course, all uphill.
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With a good turnout of both kids and adults, the runners mustered and registered at the entrance to the Motte Park, ready for the 26th running of the event.

With conditions ideal, all runners would set off together and it was the job of current 1514 President Kenny King to start the race.

At the first break in traffic, the 41 competitors filled the road and after a few words of encouragement from 1514 President Kenny, he fired the starters pistol and the race was on.  Greg Walker and Bruce Hughes set the early pace as the runners ascended the Loan and at the ‘Auld Man’s Seat’ turned right and began the climb of Crumhaughhill Road.

Just behind the two leaders, another battle was taking shape between two of Teviotdales most consistent and reliable juniors.  Jamie Waugh and Fraser Clyne matched each other stride for stride nearly the entire way up the hill.

Around the half way mark of the unrelenting course, Greg made a small but significant break.  Opening up a 5 metre lead on Bruce, Greg worked hard to maintain his advantage out of the town and on up the rest of the route.

With the finish of Crumhaughhill Farm just along the road, Greg (6:17) stayed on strongly to claim victory in one of the fastest times of recent years.  Bruce (6:20) finished just behind in 2nd.  Keith Murray (7:16) secured the bronze.

Greg’s victory completed a family double for the Walkers as dad Sammy watched on.  25 years earlier, Sammy – one of Teviotdale Harriers most prolific runners, claimed the uphill mile title in its very first running.

Jamie Waugh (7:00) found a little extra and in the last 100m and managed to steal a few yards to win the Juniors Boys, with Fraser Clyne (7:05) just behind in 2nd.  To their great credit, Jamie and Fraser finished 3rd and 4th overall in the race.  Sam Allot (8:16), chasing his dad Richard, took 3rd.

The Ladies title was won by Lauren Corbett (8:37).  Leading from the gun, Lauren opened and maintained her advantage the entire climb.  Ishbel Inglis (8:50) ran well to finish 2nd and Pauline McAdam (9:32) made steady progress to finish 3rd Lady.

Maddie Hewitt (8:31) ran superbly to romp home with the Junior Girls title.  Lucy Ash (9:21) and Sophie Allott (9:21) at the end of the lung bursting rise through our scenic town could not be split for time but it was Lucy who secured 2nd with Sophie taking 3rd.

Not for the first time, after a mad dash up the Knipknowes (this time by car), 1514 President Kenny King was on hand to present the worthy winners with their hard earned medals.  A keen former runner himself, Kenny thanked the Harriers for their continued support and organisation of the race.

Thanks must also go out to the timekeepers, marshals and organisers, who all play their part in staging these important Harriers events.