No further group attempts were orchestrated in the years that followed, however. But the idea was there in the back of my mind. So this year I emailed Jim, basically threatening him that if the Scottish runners weren't having a go, a bunch of Dutchies would. He confirmed that indeed there were no plans, but that, as I'd hoped, they'd likely join us if we got the ball rolling.
For those too lazy to click the link above, the idea is you do the course of the Seven Hills race, and in between the hills you stop in a pub for a beer. You run in pairs (or more), because when you get drunk you need someone equally drunk with you to keep you safe. Like the original event, you choose your own route, and you also choose the pubs you visit (however, not doing the same pub twice).
Flash forward to November 16th and we find ourselves in The Kilderkin with 13 teams readying themselves for the run. Who'd have thought that running and drinking would prove this popular. Jim had made a starting order based on intel and intuition, which had my team (Leon and myself) in the final starting group, i.e. we were expected to be fast.
Getting ready at Calton Hill
A little after noon we set off, under the watchful eye of Alan Lawson, who'd come over just to watch a bunch of drunks run his course. Stopping traffic on North Bridge and the Royal Mile proved a little more difficult as it was just the two of us, rather than the stampeding bunch you'll see in June, but we managed to reach Ensign Ewart in good time.
Inside, we quickly ordered two pints (I think Belhaven Best, but might have been Edinburgh Gold instead), drank them, and left. Under 2'30, a feat we wouldn't repeat.
Leon already struggling with his pint
From the pub it was a short run to the Castle Esplanade, where Ronnie Sloan stood cheering us on. Down the steps and we'd only just hit 2 km as we entered our next pub, the Blue Blazer (pint of choice: Jarl by Fyne Ales). Most teams opted for a later pint, but we liked this one as Alan Lawson had shown it to us back in 2011, while we were over for the Seven Sober Hills.
Haymarket went fine, I think. We did run a few red lights, but so did the police officer I spotted. Without the whole tourist-dodging we had near the Castle, Leon proved to be faster and I struggled to keep up. Luckily he didn't chase the two teams that overtook us (Jim&Roly, Sasha&Alex), who had quite some speed on us. Then again we were one pint ahead and saw them stopping for a beer soon after.
Sasha and Alex passed us a second time near the end of the Corstorphine climb, where a third runner awaited them who guided them through the tricky descend. Well done for taking the challenge this serious. I made sure Leon was behind me as I like the line I know on the downhill. It's rather straightforward but a bit technical, and I had quite some distance on him as we ran onto Kaimes Road. Sure, he'd catch up, but I also took the time for some failed selfies.
On towards The Pub at the Corn Exchange. We passed Graham&sailors and noticed Jim&Roly catching up again. We got there first, though, and I quickly placed our order (two pints of Machlachlan's Best Ale) adding more beers to the order as the other teams entered. They wouldn't accept my charity, though, as someone slipped me a twenty which more than covered the expenses.
Meanwhile, Leon decided to take a closer look at the interior, slowly sipping from his pint. I teamed up with him because he's from the Westland (for the non-Dutch readers: a place known for excessive drinking), but he proved a-typical. As the other teams left the pub, I decided to munch on some jelly babies and kindly spur Leon on to drink faster.
We caught Graham and his bunch again passing under the railway at Slateford, where bad traffic caused them to pause for crossing. We skipped the Meggetgate shortcut due to the difficult crossing, and nearly went the wrong way as I'm less familiar coming from the other side. Banter from Graham, but we got on our way and headed for Craiglockhart.
Leon climbing Craiglockhart
Another team summited just before us and we passed them on the downhill. I thought they were shouting abuse at our route choice (not doing Fly Walk, essentially), but it later transpired we nearly got hit by a truck. Reached the Braids Hotel safe and sound (even though I nearly fell on the slippery deck near the entrance). Another Belhaven Best there and we saw the other Dutch team, Bob&Raoul for the first time.
Four pints in and we'd reached the hard part. Jim asked ahead and could confirm that the golf club would be open and willing to serve us (for those unfamiliar with the finer details of the route plotting of this challenge - it's a game changer). First, though, we struggled up Braids as a cross-country race was on heading in the opposite direction.
You bump into other teams as well, which adds to the fun
Downhill we took a very direct line, tumbling down through some bushes essentially, and found the golf club. Another Belhaven Best, this time from a can (though we poured it into pint glasses to make sure we drank enough, an extra can was already available for the required top-up).
We skipped Lang Linn Path, which I believe was the right call. I'll admit I used the gps for this bit, which I think is bad form in hill racing. Sorry, but also not sorry because as Dutchmen we were unable to recce. On the Blackford steps spotted Bob, and heard Raoul spurring him on. We'd seen them at the golf club as well, but just like in the hotel they'd left before we finished drinking. Now we we're definitely catching them, but they did the steep downhill (towards the duck pond) where we opted for the observatory.
Pub 6: The Old Bell (pint: Red McGregor)
We were making good progress. I really wanted to stay under the 3 hour mark, and I never worried we'd finish outside that window. However, a lot can happen on Arthur's Seat, so we kept going as fast as was somewhat sensible.
Gutted Haddie, because why not
And down again
As Leon was struggling a bit with the technical bits, I figured the Dry Dam was our best option. Quite a few walkers there making it harder to pass, but we managed. I kept looking over my shoulder to see if Leon was still in sight (and more importantly, if he could see me as I was doing the navigation). He caught up fine on the tarmac and we entered the Kilderkin together.
Two pints of Edinburgh Gold were waiting for us
The sub 3 was still very possible, so I forbade Leon to linger and within 6 minutes we were off for the home stretch. We missed the shortcut Jim had shown us (Campbell's Close) but our route (Lochend Close) wasn't much slower. We we're making it! Passing another team at the steep bit and then almost sprinting towards the trig point. Finish in 2:54:44, extremely happy.
Bit knackered, also
Mark, Tom and Ivar
Raoul and Bob
Walking back towards the Kilderkin, Leon realised he lost his phone. Bob, Raoul and I did the sensible thing and got someone to take a photo of the three of us. Shortly after, a lady came up to us with the phone. We made her hero of the day and went back to the pub for chips more pints.
Little did we know, the real heroes of the day we're still out there. Dutchman Tjalling had teamed up with his Scottish mate, Archie. I figured the latter would work out a good route, but didn't know he lived in Glasgow and was far from familiar with the Seven Hills. Long story short, they did Arthur's Seat in the dark (no headtorches, either) and racked up a marathon.
Archie and Tjalling having a pint,
with Leon in the background happy it's over for him
It was a great day out, incredibly fun. Was it because the Seven Hills is my favourite race? Was it the beer? Sure, but even more so it was getting out there with a fantastic bunch of people. This wouldn't have been as fun without you joining us. Thanks to all, and I look forward to the next time.
Pascal
Links:
Report by Jim (includes final results)
Photos and more reports (includes the tale from Archie and Tjalling)
