Harriers Brave Highland Weather at Glen Ogle 33
On Saturday 1 November, runners from across Scotland gathered in Killin for the Glen Ogle Ultra Marathon, a 33 mile trail race renowned for its scenic beauty, challenging terrain and unpredictable autumn weather. The course winds through forest tracks, tarmac paths and the iconic Glen Ogle Viaduct, offering a true test of endurance. Despite torrential rain and slippery trails, the Harriers turned out in force once again, delivering personal bests, first time finishes and unforgettable moments.
First home for the Harriers was William Taylor. On his third attempt at this race, William set off pacing himself on the undulating hills with his knowledge of way lay ahead. He picked up the pace on the long flat section over the viaduct picking off lots of runners. William spend a lot of time running with the lead female and feeling strong they both ran all the hills up till the biggest hill of the day at 19 miles just after the checkpoint. One more big hill at around mile 23 and then it was all flat or downhill the rest of the way where he managed to pick it up the last 3 miles down into Killin. A sprint down the Main Street and a brutal lap of the park saw him finish in a time of 5:02:04, smashing his previous best by 22 minutes.
Colin McKnight, who making his ultramarathon debut at Glen Ogle 33, was not far behind William. After a strong first half performance, the second half tested his resolve with cramps on the relentless climbs. In Colin’s words, “It was a grind to finish with the final insult having to stop about 100m from the finish as my left leg seized up and had to stretch, using a dog poo bin to lean on”. However, this didn’t stop Colin from achieving his goal. “Overall happy with a solid (plan) B,” he joked, praising the organisers and volunteers for making the day possible. Overall an incredible debut from Colin who’s hard work and miles in training certainly paid off.
Viki Smith, now with 44 ultramarathons under her belt, returned for her seventh Glen Ogle. Despite grim weather at the start and slippery trails early on, she powered through to a 17 minute personal best, finishing in 5:36:52 and placing in the top 20 in the female category. “I just love it,” she said, “the organisers, the autumn colours and of course the ceilidh”. Viki continues to go from strength to strength across the ultra distances and we can’t wait to see what she has lined up next.
Kev Craig, a Glen Ogle regular, made an emotional return after a serious medical incident earlier in the year. With just four weeks of training, his goal was simply to finish. Running alongside close friend Greig Turner, Kev completed his 11th Glen Ogle in 5:59:04. “This run wasn’t ever going to be about racing, it was just about being happy, healthy(ish) and able to run. The aim was to finish. Crossing that finish line was probably the happiest I’ve ever been at a race,” in Kev’s words.
Greig Turner marked his 10th Glen Ogle with humour and resilience, battling illness and fatigue throughout the course. Running the full race with Kev, he hit a wall at mile 27 and was twice sick in the final stretch. Despite this, the pair crossed the finish line together in under 6 hours, proving that friendship and determination can overcome even the toughest conditions. Greig summed up the race perfectly by commenting, “Although this race was far from my finest moment in my running life it was a great day out on the trail with loads of laughs with my best pal. Another one in the bag”.
Sean MacFarlane completed his first ever ultramarathon, tackling the course with grit and determination. Clocking 68,000 steps, he battled fatigue from mile 16 onwards but pushed through to finish in 6:26:42. “the goal was to complete the course,” he said, “and the ceilidh afterwards was a great way to loosen the legs!”. Despite being his first Ultra Marathon, Sean seemed to get his fuelling spot on which is no easy feat. An incredible Ultra Marathon debut from Sean.
Beyond the miles and mud, Glen Ogle remains a celebration of community. From home baking at the finish line to the post race ceilidh, the event continues to be a favourite among seasoned ultrarunners and first timers alike. The Harriers showed up, not just to race, but to support, cheer and dance, making memories that will last long after the legs recover.
Results
- William Taylor, 28th, 5:02:04
- Colin McKnight, 37th, 5:18:10
- Viki Smith, 66th (18th Female), 5:36:52
- Kev Craig, 108th, 5:59:04
- Greig Turner, 110th, 5:59:52
- Sean McFarlane, 150th, 6:26:42
Entries are open for the 2026 edition of the Glen Ogle 33 should you find yourself inspired by the GGH runners – https://runyarocket.com/race/glen-ogle-33/