Devil of the Highlands April 2025
With no less than 9 Greenock Glenpark Harriers set to toe the start line at The Devil of the Highlands race along roughly half of the West Highland Way from Tyndrum to Fort William months of training were set to put to good use and firmly to the test. Unfortunately injury and illness put paid to the plans of some but we are sure that they will be back smashing their running goals in the not to distant future.
A special mention also for Elaine Medinelli who volunteers and was ready to support all runners at Bridge of Orchy and Kinlochleven. Having just completed Brighton Marathon, one wonders if Elaine has an Ultra in her future plans. Also a special mention to the support crews who make sure that the runners can have their best chance of success on the day.
One of the unlucky ones was Lesley McKerral who had planned running and up until January, training had been going well and then an annoying calf niggle happened, which she couldn’t shake off. Having decided to withdraw from the race she did the next best thing which is to volunteer to help. On the day, I was in the post race massage tent, and must have massaged over 30 pairs of tired and sore legs. Each and every one of the runners were amazing, in good spirits and had a story to tell. Many were first timers too, and some had not been on the WHW trail before. The event finish is amazing, with each runner from first to last being cheered in. If you haven’t run it before, it really is special, and very doable. The camaraderie is awesome. Hopefully, she’ll make it to the start line next year and leave the after race recovery to someone else.
Sadly for West Highland Way veteran Kirsty Ormond, having managed to make the start line, was faced with making the tough decision to record her first ever retiral in the midst of a race with the section over Rannoch Moor providing the backdrop for Kirsty’s difficult choice. We are sure Kirsty will be back stronger than ever in no time at all.
Yvonne Prager found herself on the start line after multiple occasions of volunteering at various races held on the West Highland Way. By her own admissions she was feeling a wee bit of imposter syndrome at the start line and found a kindred spirit in Lee McLaughlin at the start line and Lee’s infectious chat and both runner’s determined nature saw their miles fly by.They were separated at the Glencoe checkpoint but found each other just before the ascent of the aptly named Devil’s Staircase. and ran together into KInlochleven where they were joined by Silke Loehndorf as Yvonne’s support runner. Lee pushed on to finish in 11.05.02 with Yvonne showing tremendous grit, determination and guts to finish in a time of 12.01.14.
Fresh from his incredible run at the West Highland Way race last summer Greig Turner had another good showing on the trails. He had a strong run until about 32 miles in where he battled feeling unwell. After mile 38 he started to feel better and battled his way out the other side to ensure a strong final 5 miles. He finished in a time of 8.37.49 and it seems he may have some unfinished business with the Devil in his future.
Chris Cameron is one of the Harriers who has his eyes firmly set on achieving the WHW Triple Crown. He found himself stood on the start line with no real time goal in mind, but a target of “Get to Fort William. Preferably in one piece” Hoping to use this race as an opportunity to try and nail his race fuelling over a longer distance. Feeling pretty good throughout and managed a PB to boot with the weather remaining favourable and the added bonus of no annoying midges to contend with. Chris finished in 7.49.54.
Kev Craig is another of the Harriers chasing the Triple Crown this year and had another strong run on his home from home on the West Highland Way. Casually minding his own business as he headed towards Bridge of Orchy, he and some other competitors found themselves being eyed up by some locals. Unfortunately the Highland Coos in question were not too friendly and Kev put his cow evasion training to good use and hightailed it over a fence and into the distance. Kev was having a great run until he was faced with the climb over Lairg Mor and while having a desperate rummage for some inspiration in his race vest found some sugary snacks which were just as welcome. Refreshed and suitably re-energised he picked up the pace and 2 consecutive sub 7 minute miles helped Kev finish in a time of 6.54.51, securing 26th place.
Kyle Wilson is another who is no stranger to the trails and as perfect a day as you could wish for saw him once again put in a strong performance at the front of the race. Kyle who finished an amazing 6th place in the WHW Race last summer again found himself at the sharp end of the race. In 2023 Kyle finished 2nd with a time of 5.55 so this year saw a massive PB. Included this year Kyle had a tumble which resulted in a few cuts and bruises and a bash to the head yet still finished in an amazing 3rd place overall in a time of 5.37.18. Kyle puts in the hard yards in his training and preparation although I am not sure how many Clune Brae climbs or Corlic Hill ascents would be needed to prepare for a day on the West Highland Way.
