1AM – I’m standing at the base of Neptune’s Staircase on the edge of Fort William. The 20 degree heat of Friday has disappeared and there’s a cold wind blowing straight at us. Thankfully we’re soon set off and the run up the staircase and along the first canal path soon warms me up. There’s a fairly steady stream of runners going past me but I’m determined not to chase them and stick to my own pace. Into the first checkpoint at 10 miles and the midges are fierce. I just stop to fill my water bottle then run on. Stage 2 consisted of some forest trails, a long road section and the best sunrise I’ve ever seen. I stop on several occasions to watch the sky on fire as the rising Sun lights up the clouds, amazing! The checkpoint 2 midges are even worse. I want some food but they’re driving me insane within seconds so I just grab some more water then run on.