The toughest two stages in a very tough race were undoubtedly two and six.   Both attracted the top men.   Six, at seven miles, was the longest but maybe two had the edge in quality.   Poor teams put their top man there to try and improve their position while the field was still close together; good teams put their top gun there in the hope of maintaining their expected position near the front and, if possible, capitalising on it.   Many, many great runs and hard fought duels were witnessed on this stage.   

 Donald Macgregor running in 1959 in the colours of St Andrews University.   He moved up from 16th to 12th

Craig Douglas to Fergus Murray at the start of the second stage in 1970

Fergus Murray racing Dick Wedlock with Hugh Barrow chasing in 1970.   Lachie Stewart looking on

1982: Steve Binns (Falkirk) leading Alan Robson

Eddie Stewart, Cambuslang

Chris Robison, Spango Valley, leading Craig Ross, Dundee Hawkhill

John Graham, Motherwell

McDonald and Puckrin, 1983

Neil Thin passing the baton to Craig Hunter, Edinburgh Southern Harriers

Lawrie Spence, 1984, Spango Valley

Chris Robison, 1985

Joe Forte taking over from Johnny Ross for Haddington ELP

1985: Joseph Nzau (left); Neil Thin (ESH), Calum Murray (Cambuslang), A Jenkins (EAC)

Tony Coyne, Bellahgouston, 1985

Tony Coyne, Bellahouston, 1985

1986: Eddie Stewart leading Edinburgh AC

1986: Tommy Murray

1986: John Pentecost (FVH 11), Iain Steele (ESH  and American J Stirrat (Massachusetts guest team)

1987: John Pentecost

Alex Gilmour and Chris Robertson

Steven Doig, Clydesdale, 1990

Graham Crawford, Springburn, 1984

 

Alistair Douglas, Victoria Park, and Richie Barrie, Dundee Hawkhill

Graham Laing, Aberdeen

Tommy Murray chasing the pack in front, second stage, 1986

Alan Currie, Edinburgh University

 

Nat Muir, 1992