Baby inspires Raistrick to new heights
MOUNTAIN runner Eilidh Raistrick from Kincraig is hitting new heights after winning her last six races.
And the 30-year-old puts her amazing form down to becoming a new mum!
Her last three wins run over consecutive weekends add up to 80km, 5,140m of ascent (doubled to include descent) in 10 hours and five minutes of racing time.
Eilidh’s incredible roll call of success has come in the Dollar Hill Race, Glen Banchor Canter, Nethybridge 12km Trail Race and the Ben Rinnes Five Tops (Scottish Championship). She also won the Glenshee 9 – the longest mountain race in Scotland – in the third fastest time ever and set a new course record in the Two Inns Glencoe.
Her last three race wins, along with second and third places at Loch Lochy Munros and Slioch earlier in the season, have put her currently in first place in the Scottish Long Classic Series.
Eilidh said: “My form has been so much better since I had my daughter, Sky, a year and a half ago. Giving birth gives you an idea of what real pain is, hill running is not so bad in comparison.”
She jokingly added: “If I keep running as well as this I think I will have more babies.”
Eilidh is hoping to compete in the Ochil 2000 in a fortnight’s time but she may be unable to compete if she can’t find a babysitter.
Eilidh’s husband, Paul (39), is also a top runner and has been selected to represent Scotland in the Commonwealth Championships in Wales next month.
Eilidh’s success coincides with the success of her friend and fellow Highland Hill Runner, Gill Irvine, from Aviemore, who also ran very strongly to take second place at the Ben Rinnes and the Two Inns Glencoe races.
Gill, who is 51, is likely to finish top in the Supervet categories in the Scottish Long.
Eilidh added: “Gill has been running brilliantly since she went up an age category. If I am still running as well as her at her age I will be very happy.”