This was the first event of its kind in Scotland organised by No Fuss Events.
The race started and finished in Cameron Square with a rolling start between 8.30am to 10.30am.
8 timed stages with unique character totalling 11K of great trails, 7 Liaison stages between timed stages that allow recovery – 100m – 750m in length. 850m of Total Elevation. 20k in total.
Myself and Gemma Munro were the only 2 MRRs to take part in this event.
At registration all runners were given a wrist band with a timing chip which you had to dib at the start and finish of each stage, also your running number which wasn’t made of paper but cloth!! Now I realise why, due to the weather… from there we made our way up steps past houses all uphill to the start at the SLUG allotments. Stage 1 Distance: 0.82km Ascent : 174m, this route was flagged as a guideline, you had to run straight up to the summit, halfway up I thought ” Just what am I doing, this isn’t me!!” however I dug in to the top then Recovery. This is where I went through an ice puddle up to my shins, wet cold feet and burning thighs, onto the next stage.
Stage 2 Distance: 1.76km Ascent: 5m Descent: 222m, from the gate we ran cross country to the left, headed straight down the hill to Glen Nevis then at the fork we turned right and up the hill again!!
Stage 3 Distance: 1.1k Ascent: 6.7m Descent:103m
This stage climbed up the fireroad until we were directed down through the woods on a new walking path, wow this was steep but hey I stayed on ma feet JUST, here I enjoyed the recovery as next was Heart Attack Hill oh no.
Stage4 Distance: 1.78k Ascent: 158m Descent: 136m
( To Hell & Back)
This is the access to the Ben Nevis Tourist track from the Glen Nevis Youth Hostel, at this point I felt broken but with two Inverness guys encouraging me all the way I made it to the end of the stage.
Stage 5 Distance: 2.44k Ascent: 196m Descent: 5m
This was the longest stage and this was when the snow was very heavy adding excitement to this challenge. I was never so glad to see the finish point but again uphill. This was where I met and chatted to fellow runners from Troon and Helensburgh, from here I thought all downhill now!!! We could see the Town.
Stage 6 Distance: 1.04km Ascent: 0m Descent: 86m
Here we went straight down Cowhill Road, thick with snow and uneven for my balance!!
Short and sweet.
Stage 7 Distance: 1,33km Ascent: 17km Descent: 91km
This stage was an undulating trip along the front of Cowhill and downhill to the Lesiure centre at the bottom. For me bliss back on Tarmac, what I’m used to, however the legs just turning over with the challenge I had just endured!!!
Stage 8 Distance: 0.76k Ascent: 2m Descent: 0m
The” SPRINT” from the college to Crannog along the esplanade……
From here we walked backed to Cameron Square, uphill to hand in your chip and get your times. I had mixed emotions, I thought that was so tough!! I’ll never do it never again…. but in hindsight I enjoyed the day, met some great folks, scenery was amazing, weather was crazy and really enjoyed the challenge. I would recommend this very well organised event to all my running buddies who like the Hills.
Gemma Munro done amazing 4th Senior Female, and I was 10th senior vet Female.
Report by: Helen Low