Is it worth the money? 100 quid plus extra for a T Shirt. You do get a medal though, and a bean feast meal, an after party and you might be able to scrounge a few freebies from the many stalls selling bling bling running kit.
If you haven’t done a European Race, this is probably as close as it gets in Scotland. Multiple races range from 1km (vertical) to 5, 10 and 18km trail races, to the more arduous 27, 50 and 52km races involving 2700-4800m ascent over some of Scotland’s finest and most technically demanding hills.
Quite a few Carnethy folk were about for the longer races despite detours and late arrivals due to an accident near Crianlarich. Someone won, I got a great PW with the worst cramps, but the real stars of the weekend were the weather and the hills. Since climbing regularly in Scotland since 1987 I have rarely seen better and more stunning views on the Saturday for the Ring of Steall Race. Friday’s Ben Nevis Ultra had it great as well with crystal clear air and cobalt skies on both days, with a cooling breeze and nae midges. Sunday’s Glencoe Skyline was a bit more murky but just added to the atmosphere with a sublime cloudscape on the Aonach Eagach to match the amazing landscape.
These races are superbly organised and supported with little flags to follow. You are tracked, filmed, photographed and can be interviewed. You get to run with folk from all over the world who come to Scotland to get a real mountain challenge with fewer prepared trails and wilder routes than further south. I heard a complaint of a lack of water stations on the Ultra Route which kind-of made me laugh given the number of burns crossed, but for the money, someone should have carried water, food and a table to the top of the Ben shouldn’t they! If you like a £10 entry and tea and cake, these are not for you although the shorter trail races might be worth a look since they are cracking routes. If you can spare >£130 to get a medal and a T shirt and want some challenging race routes, the longer races are worth building up to. Beware missing the cut-offs though as if you are too slow, you are stopped and returned to the race HQ. For more info, chat to some of the following who were about at the weekend. Sorry if I missed anyone:
Carnethy Ring of Steall racers spotted:
Andy Fallas, Rob Owen, Nick Williamson, Alex Coakley, Alex Kinninmonth, Richard Delf, Paula Morillo Lobaton, Mark Hartree, Andy Gravett, Pete MacDonald
Carnethy Glencoe Skyline racers spotted:
Andy Lamont, Lucas Lefevre
If you want to know more, you can look here and search on Facebook for some stunning video footage and race info and the results – http://www.skylinescotland.com/
Mark Hartree