Path of Condie Half

The organisers web site describes the race as not one to do if you are looking for a PB. They are right.

Number pick up and registration was simple and easy enough as we got there with plenty of time to spare. This allowed for what is becoming a tradition of heading to the local cafe for pancakes and coffee. Heaven Scent coffee room was fantastic.

After coffee and up to the start line which is a short distance from the registration hall. The start line is at the bottom of the first hill and there is a lot of hill to come. These are rural single width county roads with the odd car coming along, with all the runners shouting out to each other that a car is approaching.

Make no mistake about this run as there is a lot of climb. In the first it felt like every corner turned resulted in a view of the next climb. You are told to stay on the left, but for some reason they put all the water stops on the right. However the countryside is lovely and fellow runners encouraging. A nice wee downhill at about fools the first timers into opening up thier stride and enjoy the downhill. This ends at the start of the steepest and longest climb of the race and the legs start to complain. At you reach the top of the climb and from here it is mostly, but not all, downhill to the end.

There are a couple of right hand turns just before the finish, both of which reward you with another short climb. Last section is coned off to allow the race team to note your number and laugh at your attempt for a PB.

A really good half marathon, though probably the toughest road one we have done. You can chose to make a donation to The Rural Access Committee for Kinross-shire (TRACKS). Scottish Charity Registration Number: SC030183 Runners at KRR events have now donated over £1,000 in 2024 to improve rural access in the local area.

As long as you are quick enough from when the race opens it is easy enough.

This is one you really have to drive to but it is close to Perth. Finding on street parking was easy enough.

Near Orwell Church Hall, Ba'hill, Milnathort

Outside Orwell Church Hall, Ba'hill, Milnathort

The finish line is outside the hall used for registration which is handy if you have left a bag. Soup, cakes and all kinds of goodies are provided and a rather cool wooden medal.

We did drive there and back on the same day, but lots of places to stay in and around Perth.