Highland Fling 53 Mile trail Ultra – 29/04/2017

Saturday saw 6 Team Yella runners on the start line at Milngavie for the 53 mile Ultra Marathon that is The Highland Fling.

Steven Morrison and Fiona Brant as previous participants and Alan Swadel, Robert Bruce, Sally Bruce and Karen Norvell all running the full distance for the first time.

The Fling is a fantastically organised and well attended event, with entry this year being allocated on a ballot basis … the only MRR to miss out was Neil Purdie, who ably stepped up from support crew to relay runner.

The race started at 6am in pretty much perfect running conditions, slightly overcast with cool temperatures, which remained throughout the day with only the odd shower.

It breaks down really into 4 sections…. Milngavie to Drymen (which is the first relay handover and the leg that Neil ran) then over Conic Hill with it’s seemingly endless steps up, ridiculous descent and awesome views over Loch Lomond down to Balmaha (first checkpoint and the chance to grab some breakfast!!)

Along Loch Lomond side to the next two checkpoints of Rowardennan & Inversnaid is what can only be described as ‘technical’ which means in effect doing your mountain goat impression and trying not to face plant as you are attacked by random tree roots …. some people actually enjoy this section!!??

Finally you make it to Beinglas Farm and the final checkpoint… 11 or so miles, including the Roller-coaster and infamous coo – poo alley takes you to the red carpet finish at Tyndrum.

All 6 runners finished…. some of us a little slower than others…. but the experience over this beautiful course and the fantastic people that you both run with and meet along the way is truly brilliant.

Steven : 10 hrs 15 mins (123rd)
Alan : 11 hrs 32 mins (283rd)

Steven & Isla
Fiona : 11 hrs 53 mins (345th)
Sally : 13 hrs 36 mins (586th)
Robert : 13 hrs 42 mins (598th)
Karen : 13 hrs 42 mins (599th)
There were a total of 681 finishers with the final runner over the line in 15 hrs 51 mins and the first one home in a new (ridiculous) course record of 6 hrs 41 mins!!
Ding Ding

Report by:  Karen Norvell
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