Never could understand why the record was slower than Ben Lomond, shorter & less climb, I do now. Decided to do this race to try to suss out the route for Glen Rosa in a few weeks. Set off in low cloud and light rain (pipe band championships in Dumbarton today), good running conditions.
The race starts in Brodick to the sound of the local pipe band and a lap round the playing fields then it's 1 1/2 miles of road heading up towards Brodick Castle before finally leaving the tar and off up the GF tourist path. This starts as a forest track then changes into a man made hill path which progresses to a very stoney then rocky path as it undulates its way into the Coire Nam Meann climbing all the way. The rocks turn to slabs on the last section towards the summit as it curves round the edge of Coire Lan ending in a scramble to the trig point at the top. Lost a couple of places on the way up this steep section.
Not a lot to see at the top apart from clouds and rock.
Gloves on for the descent avoiding the slippy slabs as far as possible. Passed a few on the steep drop from the top. Once off this steepest part let gravity take over and pick up the pace and managed to pass another 5 or 6 people, a bit sore on the feet. Gets easier once back on the man made section and pass another couple. Back onto the tar and can see 2 guys a couple of hundred yards ahead. The last 1 1/2 miles are all down hill so relax and keep a steady pace, gradually close up and pick them off. Nearly caught by the race organiser on the closing lap round the field but out kick him to finish 56th out of 98.
Good race put on by Arran runners with a testing descent demanding full attention especially in the wet. Race followed by afternoon tea of sandwiches, cakes, tea and coffee.
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