PH Racing Club’s Neil McLure had a very interesting time last weekend as he took on three races at the European Masters Off Road Running Championship. This was hosted in conjunction with the Râșnov Medieval Run and Festival in the Transylvania region of Romania.

First up on Friday 11th September was the uphill only Vertical Race, starting at Wolf Slope in Poiana Brașov and extending to the top of Postăvarul mountain, about 2.3 miles and 2666 feet of climbing. There don’t seem to be published finish times for most runners in this race this race, but Neil finished in 16th position in the V55 category.

Then on Saturday 12th September came the Long Distance Trail Race which was 24 miles with 6790 feet of climbing. This was billed as a 40k technical course through ancient forests and high-altitude crests, though Neil found it was mainly on good paths by Râșnov Ski Resort, with one tricky descent down a crumbling path. Neil finished in 5:38:53, placing 14th V55.

Finally on Sunday 13th there was the Classic Up & Down Race, which was about 7 miles with 1200 feet climbing, and described by Neil as being like a cross country course. The finish was up slippy stairs to Râșnov Castle, then back down a steep back road. Neil finished 15th in the V55 category in this race, timing at 1:12:14.

Well done to Neil on an excellent weekend’s work. He is pictured in below with the rest of the Scottish contingent after one of the races, all in GB&NI vests other than dual-national Des Crowe in the Ireland vest.