Nearly 2 years after moving south of the border I’ve finally joined a running club, The Bob Graham Club, although Carnethy is still my first claim. It’s definitely not as inclusive as Carnethy, in fact some would say quite exclusive given the entry requirements. You have to go over 42 peaks in less than 24 hours to even be considered for membership, and this has to be witnessed by at least one other runner. I do get lifelong membership however so that’s a bonus. They don’t have any club kit so I’m considering designing my own, and wearing it with my kilt to the club dinner next year.
A huge thanks to my fantastic support crew and pacers, of whom 6 are already members of the BG club. Between them and relatively good weather conditions I made it round (un)comfortably under 24 hours in 23:26. When I say “relatively good” I’m referring to it being largely dry and good visibility, and not the hellishly hot and sunny leg 3. That’s when my day became a constant battle against cramp and taking on just enough food and water to get me to the finish. I clearly wasn’t my normal self by the end as I declined a beer on the run into Keswick and only managed half a can on the steps of the Moot Hall. First time for everything I suppose.
Here are some photos and video clips from my round, and there’s probably a more detailed write up to follow in the journal.
Jeff Roberts