The Rat Race EDINBURGH Urban Adventure Race
Racing Round Auld Reekie
Marty Lee - Team Top Bananas / 23.07.2009
The streets of Auld Reekie came alive this weekend (18/19th July) with the sounds of rodents scurrying around the city, Stewart Caithness playing the role of Pied Piper for the event this year, the 6th time it has been run in Edinburgh, and the 21st Rat Race overall.Expectations were high that the standards wouldn't be slipping any time soon, but there was always a concern over the weather - traditionally, there hasn't been a wet Rat Race (at least in the Northern Hemisphere). Would Edinburgh stay dry for 2009? Unlikely if you checked the BBC or MET Office websites in the week before the race …
Nestled under the inspiring vista of Edinburgh Castle, the event village was already bustling by the time we arrived for registration; crowds of people in Princes St Gardens watching the bike skills of Danny MacAskill and friends. We just watched in awe as he pulled off a full 360 degree backward loop, over tarmac. Inspiring..
The race briefing was short and sweet - Jim Mee opening the proceedings and handing over to Stewart. There did seem to be a large number of people that were new to the Rat Race, so although some of the more usual suspects hadn't made it this far North, the number of unknown teams (especially with the likes of Edinburgh and Stirling triathlon clubs in close proximity) made it a much more open and unpredictable event.
Saturday night prologue was made slightly harder by the extensive road works being undertaken on Princes Street for the new trams. Entries and exits from the gardens were limited to East, West and South; something all teams had to take into consideration when trying to get back before the penalty points start to accrue if you return late.
Our route on Saturday took us to the kayaking/water polo on the canal; we guessed it would get busy quickly, so Jon and Chris kept a quick pace to make sure we were there ahead of the mob. After some initial confusion about what we were supposed to be doing, Pyro quickly stamped his authority on the situation; clarified what was required and we were back on the road - heading South towards Morningside and the Hermitage. Local knowledge paying dividends for us, and Jon getting a cold foot wash in the burn at the Hermitage.
From Morningside, we worked our way back through the centre of town; lacing shoes and visiting the Blue Blazer en route. As far as I know, this was the first time we had a mandatory drink on the course (a pint; maybe Jim has an over 21 policy for us rats!
Our next targets were the checkpoints on the North of the city - liberally scattered around New Town. With one New Town resident on the team, these were cleared in quick order, but we opted not to stop at his flat for a quick brew ... Wish we had, as I'd been on the tow for about 30 minutes by this point and I was a wee bit on the tired side.See All Event Posts
