The second running of this event, together with a half-mar & a 10k, each limited to 100 runners, was held as a fund-raiser for Alzheimers disease, & organised by Audrey McIntosh.
She then completed the 100k Ultra Marathon on 22nd November in 17.19.51, 1st lady and 3rd overall.
Although I’d reckoned that my road marathon days were well behind me, I was very keen to attempt this event, not knowing the N. side of the loch, and tempted by the route description; traffic-free, scenic and undulating (2000+ feet of undulating!) More of a trail race in character.
Sunday saw a superb cold clear morning, with snow down to below 1000ft as the pin-sharp mountain vista opened up around Queen’s View. Clear roads to Aberfoyle gave way to a hairy unsalted ascent on black ice to the Duke’s Pass; the highest road section had fresh snow, which was easier to gauge. The descent was hairier still; black iced s-bends where you couldn’t brake. Sadly, at least two cars later left the road.
Checking in, I collected my cherished no. 1 race number, having been the earliest entrant! Well its nice to be first at something. The cafe was opened at the Trossachs pier, which made for a civilised start. Was delighted to be met by four friends who had turned up early for the later-starting 10k; this lifted my pre-race rough spell.
Audrey’s briefing saw us off, I enjoyed a chat for a while with sweeper Robin. The routes for all 3 events were out & back, which is great for seeing everyone else on their return, in this case from just past Sronachlachair. Mostly sheltered on the first 10 miles W to the head of the loch, & at your back for the next 3 or so to the turn, there was a fair icy wind heading back; but the sun was doing its job by then on a perfect running day.
I caught 2 or 3 places on the return, & was happy to keep a consistent pace until a bad spell in the 24th mile. Signeage was brilliant; mile markers out & back, also half-mar. mile markers, also 10k k markers over the last few miles, a forest of signs! Not forgetting “Graveyard Hill” among other summit signs! No risk of getting lost. Last but not least of course, world-class marshalling, dancing girls included.
I’ll be back!
Winner; Dr Andrew Murray, in a new record time of 2hrs 49m 35s.
First Lady; Shona Young, FUDS, 22nd overall, in 3hrs 35m 57s.
86th; Fletcher Murdoch, Maryhill Harriers, 5hrs 16m 17s.
90 finishers, & 3 dnf’s.
