Last September fellow Westie and friend Simon Triger tragically died high on Mont Blanc. As a memorial, the club had organised a trophy and the Dumgoyne Handicap will now be held each year in Simon’s memory.
One of my favourite photographs of Simon was taken back in 2007 when he was coming along the last road section towards the finish. He spied Muffy Calder and saw an opportunity to gain a place in the results – the bold boy took off big style and bounced down the road in pursuit in true “tigger” style. The one thing he did not factor on was that Muffy had already finished and was just heading back after a short cool down run! The photograph captures Simon in mid area with a cheeky grin …and Muffy with an equally cheeky grin.
For the run I opted for a no watch approach …just run based on how it felt. Heading along the track, I swapped between opening the gates and jumping them – not sure what was quicker. Katy took some photos (at about the time most folks would be starting to blow a bit) and it was time to turn off the track and head up the hill. Nice thing about a handicap race where folks go off at timed intervals is trying to close down the gap in front whilst try to maintain or even better, open a gap with the runner behind. Round the summit and the steep descent began! With the bracken still being short, it provided a good bit of assistance to work against gravity and soon, it was back to the traverse and onto the track.
About this time, folks were starting to bunch up a bit and it seemed rude not to hold the gate open when going through.
Crossing the line, my thoughts were back to 2007 and that wonderful photograph …
Photo by Chris Upson
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