We have just got home after a weekend in the North of Scotland in the stunning setting of Gairloch. This was the 3rd Highlander Mountain Marathon event, but the first one we had competed in.
Myself and Helen Jackson were partnered for the A Class, along with other Haglöfs athletes Tim Higginbottom and Chris Near. We were all set to run hard and race the best we could. Unfortunately Helen fell quite ill the day before and seriously considered not taking part. The amazing scenery and sunny weather provided some motivation to crawl around the D class though, and that we did.
The event took the normal mountain marathon format of carrying all kit for an over night camp, except here we would be met by a band and hot cooked food. The map was OS 1:50,000 which meant reading the terrain was really quite tricky as little craggy outcrops on route were not immediately obvious.
Tim and Chris stormed the first day in 4 hours, 59 minutes ahead of 2nd place. with that kind of lead they sat back and had a couple of beers at the overnight camp. We walked round the D class and had a cracking day in the sunshine chatting away and forgetting to navigate sometimes. Somehow we were 4th at the end on the second day!
Day 2, gave more glorious sun and 20C temperatures. The first touch of sun burn for 2010! The terrain was really wild and not a footpath in sight, a really magical day, virtual wilderness, with just the odd runner coming into view. The finish took us right through the town and to a very warm welcome from the crowd assembled there.
Tim and Chris won the A Class with quite a lead, and we mysteriously came 3rd in the D class. It was amazing that Helen ran at all with her illness, but she was glad she did. Glorious sunny, midge free days are too rare to miss in Scotland.
We cant wait to go back next year!
Photos: Dave MacFarlane - planetFear
More info: www.handsonevents.co.uk
I remember my first mountain marathon it was fun but lot of knee pain. I love marathon, great post there.
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