Once again I was drawn back to this event, my favourite of the calendar; 43 miles of pure midges sorry pleasure, Tyndrum to Fort William.
A misty 6am start soon gave way to a mostly sunny day, but not too hot & with a light breeze, perfect for running. First good day after a seriously p*shing week. Scenery stunning as ever, the Orchy hills, Rannoch Moor, the Devil’s Staircase with its views back to the Buchaille & across to the Mamores, then the long descent to Kinlochleven- cruel on the old knees! Then the climb back up to the long stony Lairig Mor & finally the stretch of forest switchback before reaching the top of Glen Nevis. Had a bad spell here, lost a few places but who cares! I finished.
I was delighted not just to finish but to improve on last year’s time, in 9h 32mins, 73rd of 94 finishers & 9 non-finishers. Didn’t win any prizes, of clocks, whisky & beer, but I live in hope. The hot buffet after was worth running for!
Craig Stewart won in 5h30m58, an amazing time but still well outside Jez Bragg’s record of 5h 22. First Lady was Joanna Zakrzewski, 9th overall in 6h51m30, THREE SECONDS outside Helen Johnson’s course record! (She unfort. dnf this time).
