Cosmics Medal Monday 10 December 2025

Lots to report and celebrate this week.

Another good turnout for Tuesday training, 16 Cosmics running hill reps and relay loops at RGU.

Thursday was the first of the Deeside Night races, Cnoc Dubh from Cambus O’May. 7 Cosmics took part and conditions were reported to be “much better than expected”, “hardly no rain” and “almost dry underfoot”. First Cosmic to finish was Pippa Samphier in 22nd place and 3rd F, closely followed by Fiona McDonald in 23rd and 1st F40, but between them was Fiona’s daughter Samantha just 1 second in front of her Mum (1st Junior). Dave Kirk was 26th, Richard Ingram 29th, Shayne Lilith-moon 30th and first F50, and Ian Hamilton was 37th. David Taylor’s Out and Back store was supporting the event and loaning out kit for trial.

The weather was fine for the Friday lunchtime Metro Proms 3K enjoyed by Andrea Drummond and Tina McLeod.

Not so for the Saturday morning Park Runs, distinctly soggy conditions prevailed for Ewen Rennie, Anita Hamilton and Elaine Murdoch (Hazlehead), Ally Sutherland (Aberdeen Beach), Rory MacPherson (with Buggy) (Ellon), and Chelsea Cook (Crathes).

The conditions looked better later in the day for Linda Smith and Andrea Drummond doing the North District Cross Country at Gordonstoun (for their other clubs).

Perhaps less concerned about the weather were the competitors in the International Ice Swimming Association Championships held at Stonehaven outdoor pool. Gemma Morgan did the 500m and helped her team to 3rd place in the relay. Apparently the water at 6 degC was not quite cold enough!

On Sunday, a temperature inversion meant it was much warmer and brighter the higher you climbed, 5 Cosmics had a lovely run from Aboyne along the Fungle to Carnferg with most detouring on the new path to Glen Tanar on the way back.

Also on Sunday, Maria Davis, Kay Davies and Andrea Drummond did the 10mile Christmas Trail run at Glamis Castle. Described as “muddy fun, lovely atmosphere and route”. N.B. I think this means Andrea was racing on 3 consecutive days - well done!

And that’s week 1 of the Cosmic Marcothon complete. 34 started, 3 have dropped out so I guess there are 31 still in the game. Rory MacPherson claimed the distinction of the first recorded activity with a long run that spanned midnight on the 30th November/1st December. Jim Currie wins the award for the wackiest activities (for the Cosmic Marcothon it’s 25 minutes of any aerobic activity, not just running) with Pickle Ball and wheelbarrowing rocks, but bopping to a Madness concert may be a step too far (gets you lots of steps though).

Coming up soon:

Tuesday evening training is 18.30 at Hazlehead Crematorium for some reps and loops or relays.

Sunday 14th December the social run is Pressendye from Tarland .

Thursday 11th December is the Cosmic Mince Pie Competition preceded by a head torch run.

Full details and sign up for Cosmic runs etc are on Spond. As always, please message if not on Spond and you want to join in either on Tuesday or Sunday (or Thursday).

N.B. To avoid disappointment it’s a good idea to check the exact location of the meeting point.

Also:

Tuesday 9th December Fetternear Shadow Series Race 3 https://runabc.co.uk/fetternear-shadow-series-december

Saturday 13th December Deveron Harriers Xmas Fun Runs https://runabc.co.uk/deveron-harriers-xmas-5k-fun-run

Sunday 14th Lossiemouth 10 mile Turkey Trot https://runabc.co.uk/10-mile-turkey-trot-road-race

Sunday 14th December Aberdeen Santa Run https://runabc.co.uk/aberdeen-santa-run

Friday 26 December Nairn Turkey trot 5k https://runabc.co.uk/nairn-turkey-trot

Friday 2nd January Lumphanan Detox 10K https://runabc.co.uk/lumphanan-detox-10k

And of course our own El-Brim-Ick Race on Saturday 3rd January - get your entries in!