While the hardy locals were lining up in Victoria Park at the St Ronan's Games ready to endure the rigours of Lee Pen, Scout was toeing the line in Llanberris with 600 others about to set off on her toughest challenge yet - the Snowdon International race over 16.1km with a climb of 1006m. Whilst still very warm, Scout reported it to be not quite as hot as the previous day's 30C. Undeterred by what lay ahead, particularly the brutal 8km descent, Scout headed her Scottish team-mates for most of the way up, only being overtaken by Jill Mykura as they approached the summit where Scout turned 4th woman in 57.03. Now for the descent, not her strong point (Gregor says!) - but it has been improving in recent races. One place lost, to the fast finishing Jackie Lee of Wales, but also one place gained by overtaking none other than experienced England and GB internationalist Pippa Maddams (!) saw Scout home for a fantastic 4th place finish in 1.28.33. With Jill picking up a place on the descent for 2nd behind Irish winner Sarah Mulligan, and Charlotte Morgan home in 6th, it was team gold for Scotland ahead of Ireland and the other home countries.
Gregor adds "When we sat down to plan her 12-13 season back in September 2012, Snowdon was on the race list as a target just for participation and experience as she tackled her first full season out of the junior ranks. To then make the Scotland team for the race was a boost but to go on to finish 4th and be a crucial counting member of the winning Scotland team is way beyond what we could have hoped for. It's testament to all the hard work and dedication which Scout has put in over the last year in making the transition to the senior ranks."
There is a highlights programme on Welsh language channel S4C on Sunday evening 7.30-8.30pm which cooncil TV folk can watch online.
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