Carrying on the fantastic achievements of the club this year, we have had a really strong representation across the Ultra Marathon disciplines available across the country, with more and more Harriers taking on the ultimate running challenge. Anything beyond the marathon distance is considered an Ultra, but some of the distances for the Scotland events is extraordinary.
Great Glen Way Ultra Marathon – 6/7/24
Setting off at 1am along the Caledonian Canal two of our hardy ultra runners, Lorna Mitchell and Vice Captain Kev Craig, set off with the headtorch on in what was a perfect morning for running – cool and no wind. Having set off with the intention of running to checkpoint 3 before stopping, Kev executed this plan perfectly, having the confidence from a strong, injury free, training block leading up to the race. Was this to be the race Kev wins gold!? In his own words Kev had “and absolute disaster” in the same event in 2022 and was looking to make amends. Lorna, on the other hand, had only just managed to get a late entry into the event as she fancied another crack at a long distance event to make up for not entering the West Highland Way this year.
By the time he got to checkpoint 3 Kev was aware he had opened a good 20 minute lead on the others as the sun started to rise. Some fuel and away he went along the banks of Loch Ness. The next section of the course is where the big climbs kick in and it was here that eventual winner Pierre overtook Kev. In the fear of losing second place Kev managed to dig deep, holding on for a brilliant second place – and only 13 minutes off the winner. However, there was a nervy moment when the swing bridge across the canal opened to let a boat through leaving Kev waiting a good 5 minutes to cross. To top it all off, the runners were made to run a 400m effort to finish the race off within the running track in Invernes – just what you want at the end of an ultra. Kev was delighted to complete the 71.5 mile course in under 12 hours.
Lorna had a different goal from her team mate. The main aim objective was to complete the course within 20 hours, well under the 22 hour race cut off. This was to be Lorna’s second race of the infamous UTMV Word Series having compete the Ultra-Trail Snowdonia 50km in May. Not only did Lorna go on to smash this target but she finished well under 16 hours in a time of 15 hours 53 minutes and 4 secs. This was due to a well executed race including fuelling well and some great training plans. Lorna did admit she needs to stop chatting so much at the checkpoints and could go even quicker. Topping off an excellent day for our ultra runners, Lorna was rewarded with a fourth place in the ladies race and second in her age group.
- Results
- 2nd: Kev Craig – 11:59:21
- 16th: Lorna Mitchell – 15:53:04 (fourth female and second in age category).
Highlander Backyard Ultra – Last one standing! 20/7/24
This unique event sees everyone in the event, bar the last one standing, facing a DNF (Did not finish) again their name. The goal is to be the last person out on the course but most runners test their endurance by completing as many laps as they can. Viki Smith completed an incredible 46 miles of the backyard Ultra events. Not a PB for our Viki on the course but an incredible performance and one to be proud of.
Saint Cuthberts Way Ultra – 20/7/24
Taking on his longest Ultra marathon to date, John Logan took on the Saint Cuthberts Way 100km race which consists of over 8,000ft of elevation. Billed as a race against the tide, runners set off following the border from Melrose to the Holy Island on the East Coast – but can runners make it before the tide rises and runners need to wade through the water? John had a great build up to the event and planned this one well. However, a mistake on race day from the organisers meant that John had to run the entire race with drop bags. Not ideal for the longest race of your career so far. But being the calm person he is, John managed well, sourcing fuel from others. John was delighted to finish in second place overall and just over 1 minute shy of the win.
- Result
- 2nd: John Logan – 12:14:40
Devil O’ The Highlands Footrace – 10/8/24
As if one Ultra wasn’t impressive enough, two of our Harriers went on to complete the coveted ‘Triple Crown’, completing all 3 races on the West Highland way – Highland Fling, Devil O’ The Highlands and the full WHW race. Just take a moment to thing about that… nearly 200 miles over 3 races in a few months. Kirsty and William were the two Harriers to complete this awe-inspiring achievement. Kirsty has gone from strength to strength under the guidance of her coach. Kirsty crossed the line first Harrier in awful conditions for the runners with William close behind. Coach Alan smashed his second ultra of the year and only his 3rd to date. Having learned a lot from the Highland Fling Alan executed this one perfectly. You can read Alan’s full account on his social media pages. Well done to all of our Harriers across the three events.
- Result
- 113th: Kirsty Ormond – 8 hours 30 mins 22 secs
- 119th: William Taylor – 8 hours 36 mins 44 secs
- 131st: Alan O’Rourke – 8 hours 45 mins 01 secs
Speyside Way 50km – 17/8/24
It was brilliant to see our mad Ultra enthusiast Viki getting a last minute entry into the Speyside Way 50km. Despite not having the best prep for racing this year our Viki went on to run a great race and finish 3rd FV50!
- Result
- 39th: Viki Smith – 5 hours 51 mins 56 secs (third in Age Category)