Standing out in the rain and getting eaten alive by midges was a small price to pay last night for the pleasure of being at the Callander Crags Hill Race. It’s a small, local event that’s organised by the Johnstones - a lovely family we became friends with during our first trip to Club La Santa in Lanzarote - and we always try to support it.
Now, I know the name ‘Club La Santa’ sounds kind of naff, but its name belies the brilliance of the place! We love it and have been back many times since our first holiday there in 2006. It’s more of a training camp than a holiday resort, and caters for folk who are keen on sports of all disciplines and all levels. There are timed, competitive events - such as a triathlon, duathlon, aquathlon and road races – and there are things like tennis, badminton, squash, kayak racing, biking, all kinds of fitness classes, a big gym, an Olympic size pool and a full size running track. It was originally built as the training camp for the Danish Olympic team before it was converted to accommodate sporty holiday-makers, so the apartments are pretty basic. But, we love the whole ethos of the place, and we’ve met some really interesting and great people during our holidays there – such as the Johnstones (knew I’d get back to the hill race eventually! And, yes, we went all the way to Lanzarotte to become friends with a family from Callander...).
The Crags race, like most hill races, is a simple affair with no airs and graces or complicated rules and regulations. The runners register in the back of the family’s wee camper van, set off with a bunch of other mad hill runners, run as fast as they can up to the top of the Crags and back down again (about 3 miles in total), enjoy the usual post-race banter at the bottom, head to the local sports centre for a cuppa, prize-giving and more banter before heading for home.
So, as I said, getting eaten alive by midges while standing in the rain was a small price to pay for a good catch-up with our friends. Cheering for Ross then Alex as they made it safely to the finish, enjoying the post-race chit-chat and watching Ross collect his second-place prize were all added bonuses that made being there a definite good choice for a wet Wednesday evening.
Though, I must admit, coming home to a cosy house and coorying up in front of the telly with everyone to watch ‘The Apprentice’ while supping a few beers (to help take my mind off the itchy midge bites..!) was a perfect way to end such a lovely night. Being outside and active is great, but sometimes you just can't beat a bit of slouch!
