I was really hoping someone else would write a report for this race. After chatting to so many other Carnethies while eating at the campsite the night before, on the hill during day 1, at the mid way camp, waiting to start on Day 2, the fact that we didn’t see any of them after CP3 on day 2 might tell you something about how the day went for Chris L and I. But I guess it falls to me to tell the tale.
The weather forecast looked quite grim. However, it was dry for the entire 4+ hour drive North. That is until we turned down the final 3 mile stretch of road to the Attadale Campsite at which point the skies opened up. Luckily we were able to run straight into the marquee for registration, a warm meal and beer. Before long the rain let up and we were able to set up the tent with getting soaked.
Day 1 started with a hint of sun through the clouds. It also started with a piper wake up call (nice touch). Although it never became full sun the day was quite warm. The route was great, navigation went well, and we leapfrogged back and forth with many other Carnethy teams throughout the day. We managed to make it to camp in good time and get the tent set up just before the heavens really opened up. There was even a bit of thunder in the distance. After hiding from the rain, napping, and trying to stretch cramping legs in a small tent for a few hours the rain slowed up a bit. We were able to get out and chat with friends and enjoy a meal before the rain started again and it was back in the tent for an early night.
Day 2 began with another piper wake up call. Not only was he fully decked out in a kilt (as every piper should be) he managed at least two fairly wide stream crossings while playing in order to circumnavigate the entire camp site.
At the start it looked a bit ominous with mist in the valleys and the tops of the hills but by the time we climbed up up up to CP1 it was quite clear. Things were looking up for another fun day until two turned ankles required us to adopt a plan in which we avoided steep descents. Unfortunately, this meant contouring and trying to pick out less than obvious points for navigation. It also meant we were no longer “in the pack” with the secure feeling that we were probably going the right way.
The plan wasn’t too bad up to CP6. We were definitely moving slowly but I was feeling positive and made the fatal error of voicing my optimism. Between CP6 and CP7 we had nav disaster involving a mis-identified track that took us way off course without us knowing it. Unfortunately, tired brains, poor decision making and quite a bit of head scratching resulted in almost an hour standing in one place. In hind sight there were lots of things we could have done in order to rectify the situation. Some of them were even suggested by Chris. What happened? Let’s just say I wasn’t operating at peak efficiency.
All things considered I still had a great time. Chris said he had fun as well (although the finish photo may suggest otherwise) and am very happy we managed to finish the course with 10 minutes to spare on Day 2. Not a stellar performance for a first Mountain Marathon but definitely enough to get me hooked. Can’t wait to do another.
Many other Carnethy teams did much better than us in various classes. Full results.
Special shout out to Nikki Dunn and her daughter Ellie who won the Short Score Ladies prize AND waited around for a long time in order to give Chris and I a lift back to Edinburgh. Thanks again and well done!
Sean Walker