MIDST the familiar raft of fell races at the traditional late summer shows, sports and Scottish games events, one particularly notable landmark was reached this time. That being, the record held by Mick Hawkins from Hawkswick, which was achieved for the hill race at the Royal Braemar Highland Gathering in 1984, and which has now defied challengers from world-wide, for 40 years.

Precisely the same course, to and from the games arena – to the summit of the 2,600 feet high Morrone. And, Mick’s winning time, 24 minutes 28 seconds has remained steadfast ever since. He had also won in 1982 and in 1983.

Skipton’s “Mr. Sport”, Roger Ingham, remarked concerning Hawkin’s truly sensational descent in order to even win the Braemar race, let alone breaking the record which, hitherto had been held by the Lakeland star, Kenny Stuart. Himself then on the threshold of him winning the world title in Italy.

Roger, who himself finished fifth and won the top veteran Over 40 award, ironically in a faster time than this year’s winner, added that “conditions were far from perfect, as swirling mist enveloped much of the upper part of the course, although the sun glistened through, right at the summit. And, sufficiently to note that a leading trio were well clear of our high-flying “Hawk” who was not too far ahead of me at that point.”

All competitors were recorded rounding the pinnacle, so there was absolutely no dispute regarding any potential indiscretions. And, a split-second glance to my left, as I neared the pinnacle, noted Mick tearing back down towards the mist, and way back on that same front three. Indeed, to suggest that the “Hawk” had sprouted wings would not seem far from reality!

Thus, having finally managed to survive all the hazards and pit-falls myself, and just managed to defy a couple of competitors snapping at my heels midst the final desperate lung-bursting surge to the finishing line, I was truly amazed to discover that Hawkins had even managed to have won the race. Let alone he having broken the record.

A performance to behold though, be assured!

Meantime, Roger’s participation at the Braemar Games had already been a significant factor for other reasons.

Enjoying his most successful ever summer season around the shows, sports and Scottish Games events fifty years ago in 1974 when he won 16 races in track and fell races, plus a host of high order placings in other events for good measure, Roger hitch-hiked to the celebrated annual late-summer event for the first time. More in hope than expectation. For, with all competitors – “highland heavies”, wrestlers, the lot – being hyped up to the high heavens by Scottish games commentator whom Roger had already heard elsewhere. Thus, he was already aware that there would be no margin for joggers and the like. And, - for the runners – it was still track events only at that time. Hence, all competitors in every race being obliged to finish within a reasonable “lick” of the winner.

Roger, at the time – enjoying the form of his life – thus franked the form-book and won the two miles event which finished right in front of the Royal Box which traditionally housed the reigning monarch and other leading members of the Royal family. And, with the Games’ vociferous commentator “Owd” Miller from Dollar forever keen to hype up any new stars who may have arrived, Roger – once having recovered breath and composure – maximised his time in the spotlight to suggest to some of the tartan-clad chieftains, a resurrection of the hill-race which – hitherto – had not been on the Braemar Games programme now, for more than a century. Roger himself having been already aware of the history concerning Queen Victoria having strongly requested the all-time abolition of that event due to Her Majesty being offended by her having witnessed the distressed state of one of the competitors.

The Skipton man thus suggested a Royal Pardon which initially fell on deaf ears. But, when two fellow athletes, Mike Grant and Guy Scott – both resident in close proximity to the Games arena and who helped with the construction of any necessary work within the event, - came out in support of Roger’s request. And, reason for it further enhancing the overall attraction of the Games, the wheels for the overdue return of the hill-race, were set in motion. And in consequence of further lobbying along the way, then – after three years of the same and more, - fruition finally arrived. Albeit the first revived hill race in Silver Jubilee year, 1977, that first revived Braemar hill race was held a week previous to the Games due to overzealous chieftains being concerned regarding its spectacle and credibility being an attraction. But, it would prove to be thus, and from 1978 onwards, the hill race proved to be an integral attractive part of the programme.

Not so just yet regarding female participation. Indeed, other than a female athlete from the Czech Republic competing unimpeded and grabbing all the gloss and glamour in one of those early revived events, any future intending female athletes midst the next three years failed to escape the clutches of overzealous officials, whether planning for track or fell. Indeed, one intending competitor, Lorraine Johnstone from Livingstone – who had already proved herself as a potent force at other well-contested meetings further South – was apprehended and carried physically from the arena by overzealous officials – after her being noted warming-up for her intending track event.

The ”ban females” policy basically arriving as a throw-back from the days of warriors, hunters, foresters and other manual tasks when the females were destined to more chores. And, that historical link, - as often featured in the annual Braemar Games brochure remains as an integral part of the programme. Tossing the caber and throwing the Scottish hammer serving as typical examples.

Meantime – while grand to note that some of the ancient traditions still remain a special part – the persistent campaigning by Roger and pals – firstly for a reintroduction of the hill-race, and then for the participation of females – has now born fruition. And the Braemar Games – attracting their annual tens of thousands – continue to figure as popular as ever. And, it might well be that the hill-race star Mick Hawkin, - “the Hawk” – might fly high in the record books for many years yet; and perhaps therefore a VIP seat in the Royal Box might soon be beckoning. Watch this space!