My Devil of the Highlands- Kev Craig
We were almost late to the start line meaning we had to jog the 1.5 miles from the car park to make it on time. Set off at 0600 and I found myself up the front. As we headed towards Bridge of Orchy the race leaders were disappearing into the distance when suddenly a wee group of us got charged by 2 highland coo’s who obviously didn’t appreciate us disturbing their chilled Saturday morning, I’ve covered this very eventuality in training lots of times up the wind farm and I was quickly over the fence to get out their way. I soon reached Bridge of Orchy and with some words of gentle encouragement from Elaine Medenelli (who was volunteering at the check point) and off onto the next section over Rannoch Moor.
By now I was on my own and 11 solo miles of remote trail led me to Glencoe and some food at the check point. I knew I was ahead of target now, as I headed out again to take on the Devils Staircase. A mere 832ft climb over a mile is a fair wee climb but you’re soon up and over it with amazing views all round even in the moody cloudy skies. It had stayed dry with a wee breeze at our back all day, perfect running weather. Before I knew it I was at Kinlochleven with only 14 miles to go, but another big climb up to the Lairg Mor saw my first wee blip of the day and I lost a couple of places, however i dug deep into my race vest and retrieved a big bag of Leo Lions( Aldi version of Percy Pigs) and this was enough to give me a sugar boost.
The next 10 miles passed in a flash as I took back a couple of places again, and before I knew it I was climbing out of the Glen onto the Fire Road and the 2 miles decent towards the Braveheart car park, somehow my legs felt great and mile 40 and 41 were spanked at sub 7 pace. I managed to take back about another 8 places here but 1.4 miles from the finish you are papped back up Cow Hill, where my enthusiasm soon caught up with me with every part of me cramping up, even my earlobes 
but then there’s a wee drop down into the park at Lochaber Leisure Centre and a fantastic finish line compered by John Cassidy from YHRF pod. I was absolutely delighted to have secured a PB of 6:54, 10 mins quicker than 2018. The scran at the finish lie was top notch and this was the best I have felt in ages on the trial. 1st crown secured and 2 still to go to secure the Triple Crown of Devil, Fling and WHW Race.
