Swinburn turbos to Mugdock win
Nick Swinburn
GB international Nick Swinburn took the Mugdock Country Park mud in his stride this weekend at the second of this year’s Saab Salomon Turbo X races, as he comfortably beat a loaded international field of over 400 starters…
With a small hiatus in the championship and European races it was an opportunity for some of the UK’s top talent to try something a little different and test themselves on a course that featured sand, mud, bogs, trees and brooks that came up to the waist, and the fantastic Mugdock course was equaled by the weather as the runners were greeted with bright blue skies for the event.
Swinburn was matched for much of the way by GB international orienteer Scott Fraser. The Scottish youngster stayed with the SAAB Salomon man until the X Zone (7 miles) in the 10 mile race. Swinburn then pulled away to register a 51 second win over Fraser.
Third place went to fellow SS runner Ricky Lightfoot with 2009 British Champ, and new dad, Rob Hope in 4th. Rob stated that he was a little “dazed” on the start line after the euphoria and excitement that the previous days had brought. (For the record the Hopes had a little girl!) Another GB international orienteer and mountain runner, Murray Strain, made up the top 5.
Natalie White
In the women’s race Kendal’s Natalie White was a very comfortable winner, finishing 16th overall. The former British fell champion has had a tough season with injuries, but after a great run at Ben Nevis (2nd) the previous weekend Natalie is rounding into some great form as we get the back end of the season.
Bellahouston athlete Emma Birnie was a strong second, with local road runner Jacqui Thompson making up the women’s podium.
Provisional results
Men
1. Nick Swinburn (Saab Salomon Outdoor Team) 63:55
2. Scott Fraser 64:46
3. Ricky Lightfoot (Saab Salomon Outdoor Team) 65:57
4. Rob Hope (Saab Salomon Outdoor Team) 66:28
5. Murray Strain (Hunters Bog Trotters) 68:09
Women
1. Natalie White (Saab Salomon Outdoor Team) 80:47
2. Emma Birnie (Bellhouston Road Runners) 87:23
3. Jacqui Thompson (VP City of Glasgow) 93:33
Full results can be found over at the Race Timing Systems site, with details on all Saab Salomon Trails events here
Reactions so far
Chris Upson Sep 15, 11:04 PM
Here are a few photos from Mugdock Turbo X
Comments closed