BHGE 10k is one of Aberdeen’s biggest races. As such it attracts lots of people from the local running community and is great fun for spectating! (Other races are available too: I’d recommend the Metro 10k and Dyce Half for starters)
Running a 10k didn’t fit with my marathon training so instead I opted to get my long run in yesterday, a lovely early start at 7 am, enabling me to finish my 20 miler at Aberdeen parkrun. I had the fun challenge of chasing the Tail Walker, and was very happy to meet Bryan and his son part way along the upper prom.
A very early night ensured I was fit and able for another early start. Picking up Alan, we headed down to Satrosphere, cheekily parking there as we intended to return there for coffee post-race. The Sand Dollar then provided a safe haven and breakfast of the BEST poached eggs and toast, while we chatted and spotted running friends both outside and in.
We reached the top of the Beach Boulevard just in time to see the Metro Aberdeen team photo. What a sight to behold – great to see so many of our clubmates out in force, and even better later on to see the ladies take a clean sweep of the top three places with Fiona Brian, Claire Bruce and Ginie Barrand claiming the top spots.
We watched the race get underway with the different waves of runners setting off, then heading back up to the top of the Boulevard to drive those around us mad with our enthusiastic cowbell ringing! Here we saw many familiar faces from both parkrun and Metro, alongside the lonely figure of Robbie Simpson who already had a clear lead.
Wishing to linger to see everyone but aware of the speed of the front runners, we decided to head over Broad Hill to our next vantage point where the ‘hill’ is. It’s not really a hill in the grand scheme of things; however, when you’re running hard it does take an effort and tests the legs as the final stretch is approached. On route we met Bill, a fellow parkrunner and the three of us hot footed it up Broad Hill. Just as well, as Robbie Simpson passed below as we reached the top. What an effort!
The spectators here were then treated to the medley of the cowbells as again we saw lots of familiar faces. What great fun it was! Time flew past as we watched runners of all abilities giving it their best. It was lovely to see so many friends and I was delighted to see my former work colleagues too – you were all great!
Finally we headed back to catch the prize giving and see many clubmates being rewarded across the categories. Huge congratulations to all the prize winners!
Thoroughly enjoyed my morning out. I will run the race again sometime; just not sure when!
Clare, happiest outdoors! 