West Highland Way Race 2025
21st June 2025
The West Highland Way sees many visitors challenging themselves to complete the challenge that starts in Milngavie and arrives in Fort William 96 miles later. Most people will walk it over 5/7 days and either camp or stay in the many B&Bs along the route which has certainly grown in popularity in recent years.
On 22nd June 1985 Duncan Watson and Bobby Shields challenged each other to race the route. They set off from Milngavie train station car park and headed out onto the trail. After playing cat and mouse with each other they realised that after 60 miles that it would be much easier to run together, they both arrived at Fort William a mere 17 hours 48 later. The West Highland Way Race as we now know it was born. The race has changed subtly over the years and has grown to its current size of a field of 243 on the start line. The race is entered via a ballot which you must have run a suitable qualifying event within the last 3 years.
On 21st June 2025 at 1am 4 Harriers stood on the same start line in Milngavie car park ready to face the same route as the first competitors.. Kyle Wilson, Lorna Mitchell David Duncan and Chris Cameron had been successful in this years ballot with Kyle and Lorna chasing their second goblet and Chris his first. In total 6 Harriers were set to toe the line but unfortunately 2 were not able to get there this year.
The race has a 35 hour cut off and all the harriers finished comfortably within this time.
There was an uncertain and excited buzz at the start line, as the Harriers made their final preparations. At 0100 after the race briefing the loud horn signifying the start was followed by a head torch lit charge down the high street and then off into the dark as the sea of LEDs snaked its way towards Carbeth. Each runner is required to have a motorised crew meet them at certain points and it was down to other Glenparkers, family members and friends to make sure their runners were fed, watered, showered with love (tough or otherwise) and also to share some of the miles as support runners.
Kyle was the first Harrier into Balmaha as expected sticking to his plan to race a steady race and sitting happily in the top 10 at this point. As the night passed Chris was next into the checkpoint followed David and then by Lorna as the big yellow ball was rising in the sky. The standing expectation is that there will be weather during the race and from early morning the day was to prove a warm day at the office for all runners, which brings its own difficulties and challenges.
When the runners got to Beinglas farm check point they were treated to some Harrier comfort in the shape of Yvonne Prager and Elaine Medinelli who were marshalling here. I know for a fact the runners appreciated the care given here by two well kent faces.
Kyle continued to race sensibly and despite some stomach issues and the reccurence of a recent ankle problem at around Glencoe, with still 25 miles or so to go, he managed to pick off some places and finished in a superb time of 17.07.54 and an unbelievable second place. Only seven runners broke 20 hours which shows just how amazing a run this was and it was fantastic seeing a Glenparker on the podium. Kyle not only improved on last years’ 6th place but also secured a 15 minute PB. An absolutely amazing achievement by any standards.
Chris Cameron was next home. Chris has volunteered at this race before and last year was one of the sweepers supporting runners towards the rear of the field to pace at a time able to meet the cut off. With a strong block of training behind him he had a good run and made good use of his support runners and crew from Auchtertyre onwards. As mentioned previously the warm weather meant tougher conditions to fuel and cool for than maybe planned. Chris like Kyle had a growing niggle in his ankle from about Glencoe but powered up and over the Devil’s Staircase, and then climb from Kinlochleven up onto the Lairig Mor passing Lundarva still in shirt sleeves into the wee small hours as the clock ticked beyond 24 hours. As Chris and his crew descended the Fire Road flashed of lightning and rumbles of thunder filled the air and the last two miles were completed in some more ‘weather’ as promised on the start line. Chris finished like the proverbial droont rat in a time of 27.31.11 and in 92nd place.
As the weather closed in Lorna found herself out on the course in the full blown midst of the storm having battled along with everyone else the scorching heat of the day. Lorna was able to be supported for some of her run by her children and was aiming to beat her previous time where surprisingly enough, second night weather problems reared their head also. Even Lorna’s eternally positive attitude was tested to the full but as she often does she finds reserves of energy and determination to see her through to the finish. This helped Lorna secure an incredible PB of over 2 and a half hours. She has suggested that her WHW Race itch is scratched, but we will watch this space with interest.
Our final Harrier David Duncan made a steady start and was similar time wise with Lorna in the early stages. Unfortunately the heat and and his feet were to be his enemy on the day and made a valiant effort to continue but was unable to push beyond Bridge of Orchy. It should be minded that Brodge of Orchy is still 60 miles into the race so this is still an incredible effort and we are sure David will be back to fight another day.
The prize giving on the Sunday is a good end to an amazing weekend with each runner being presented their “Goblet” by the race team. The ballot opens in November for the 2026 race, we wonder if we can get more than 4 harriers to the start line. Pencil the 20th of June 2026 in your diaries.