Banff 10k
The race is described as one of the most picturesque on the planet and sells out very quickly. The flat course starts in Central Park, Banff goes along the Bow River and then alongside the Vermilion Lakes, surrounded by snow capped mountains. The altitude of 1400m presents the main challenge.
One unusual feature was timing mats either side of the railway crossing to ensure race times were not affected if a train passed. This would not normally be a big issue, but the trains are eeenormous, typically 1 1/2 to 2 miles long so take a few minutes to trundle past.
MAC were represented by Ian Pitkin who managed to get a last minute entry the evening before. A time of 46.09 resulted in 42nd place out of 1672, it wasn’t a quick field. Although this only achieved 2nd in a competitive vet 60-64 category (again). The first three in this category would’ve won both vet 50 and the 45-49 category. ‘Power to the olden’s’!
A great experience, despite having to remortgage the house to fund it. The only disappointment, no tr
ain!
