The final race in the Scottish Champs series drew the expected throng to this remote corner of Scotland. Not geographically perhaps but logistically.
This race suits a certain type of hill runner who can descend happily on slippery morasses of semi liquid peat and mud, with rocky bits. There were quite a few in this category. Not including me.
Ben Resipol is an attractive hill of 845 metres. A mini mountain with a big feel and an impressively craggy top that would be great to revisit. The start fairly soon leads into a muddy and very narrow path. This opens out to a muddy and very wide path. This theme continues up and down. As we toiled up, the ultimate winner (in a new record time) James Espie was flying down, followed shortly after by ladies winner Jill Stephen. It was a while before I spotted a Carnethy on the descent – Stewart Whitlie. However, Michael Reid was first Carnethy home, just in front of Alex McVey, with Michael taking 1st V40. Our other prize-winner, Angela Mudge, was also 1st V40 (and second woman). The day started sunny and cold, and very slowly deteriorated but we were lucky, and apart from the cloud descending it stayed dry, overhead anyway.
The afters were top notch, with a great spread of sandwiches, soup and cake. One of the best post race feeds I’d say. And a well organised race, fully marked and marshalled.
Results
Digby
Andy Spenceley’s photos: