Thrill seekers have Mighty fun in Borders

The race began and ended at Traquair House, with runners completing a five or ten kilometre loop across a range of ascents, water crossings, and both manmade and natural obstacles.

Among the competitors were actress Rachel Stenton, best known for her role as Mitzeee Minniver in Hollyoaks.

Jim Mee, creator of the Mighty Deerstalker said: “The Mighty Deerstalker is one of our toughest events as competitors not only have to deal with a gruelling course, but they must do so in complete darkness.” Mighty Deerstalker organisers Rat Race have 17 further events planned for 2014.

The Border Telegraph’s roving reporter Nadia Vidinova dived straight in to her first organised run, the Deerstalker, dressed as a rein-deer.

Here, she tells us how she got on...

“IN a newsroom full of seasoned runners, it’s not easy to remain a couch potato.

I got the running bug in October, when news editor David Knox persuaded me to join him on a 'gentle’ run up Gala Hill.

Back home, sore and grumpy, I swore I’d never leave my sofa again - but I’ve found myself enjoying the buzz of running in all weathers, when most people are tucked up under their duvets.

So when my colleagues suggested entering the Deerstalker, I was all for it.

It seemed like more of a challenge to go whole hog and sign up for the 10K night time run. But after being struck down with a virus and languishing in bed for three weeks before the event, I quickly realised that I’d have to downsize.

The 5K day time route turned out to be a more sensible option, given my declining fitness and the fact it was my first ever race. Fancy dress was encouraged, so I found myself at the start line dressed in a reindeer suit, alongside Border Telegraph editor Ally McGilvray, who was spreading some early festive cheer as Santa Claus.

The anticipation was building up as runners warmed up to music booming from loudspeakers, photographers snapped away and the event’s comperes cracked jokes at the sidelines.

Following the countdown the crowd sprinted towards the first obstacle - a number of hay bales stacked on top of each other just a few metres after the start line. Not far from it was the first water crossing, a muddy burn that nearly swallowed up Santa’s trainers.

And just after I’d caught my breath we began the hill climb, with many of us now walking or jogging at a slower pace, then speeding up when we reached flatter ground.

Our balancing skills were tested when we reached the wooden ledges, strategically placed in-between trees that we grabbed hold of every now and then.

After that it was further up a hill, the ascent getting steeper and steeper and the ground less steady.

Although the Deerstalker has a competitive edge, there is also a fun vibe with a DJ playing tunes high up in the hills and marshals, as well as fellow runners, shouting encouragement along the way.

A sense of humour is definitely needed when you’re coming down the hill and sliding down muddy ground on your bum, or wading waist-deep in freezing water under a tunnel, cursing the now soaking reindeer suit.

I crossed the finish line - right after running up a ramp and sliding down a rope - at 1.34 hours, with the leading runner home at 00.52 and the last one finishing at 2.21 hours.

It was with a spirit of fun and adventure that I entered the Deerstalker, mainly racing against myself and enjoying the views at the same time.

The balance between catering to runners like me, as well as the more competitive minded, is what makes the event appealing to such a large number of people.

And I’m told the 'Beerstalker’ after party is not to be missed, if you can resist the temptation of a hot bath beckoning at home.

Now, back at my desk, I’m already looking forward to next year’s run - and this time, I’ll be going for the full Mighty Deerstalker night time glory.” With 18 events in 2014 and catering to some 70 000 participants annually, Rat Race have the largest selection of adventure races in the UK.

To enter any event please visit www.ratrace.com