Stuc a Chroin Sat 5th May

Back for the 5th time in 6 years for this tough 14 mile race with 5000' of ascent. Apart from the first and last couple of miles, all very rough terrain. A real mountain race over a Corbett and a Munro with steep ascents and descents, a rocky ridge run and rough moorland to cross as well.

Very well organised with 50 odd marshalls on the hill all with water and sweets for the runners, course fully marked as well which is unusual for a hill race. My previous best was 3:45 and the plan was to get as close to 3:30 as possible. So set out with the target of 2 hours to the top of the Stuc and if I get close to that without blowing up give it a go on the way back but saving a bit for the climb back out Glen Ample.

The first couple of miles are on a forrest road which climbs up the valley side from Strathyre then pops out onto the hill through a tunnel of fir trees at Cnap Ardchullarie followed by a scraggy moorland mile climbing past Tom na Moine and Meall Mor before plunging 700' down into Glen Ample. From the bottom of Glen Ample its a tough 1500' climb in about 3/4 of a mile up the Corbett Ben Each. Came off the top of Ben Each feeling unusually good.

Ben Each is connected to the Stuc by a 2 mile long ridge which starts with a steep 500' descent and then undulates along climbing back up 1000' by the top of the 3200' high Stuc a Chroin. This is when you need to dodge the runners ahead who come flying past on their way back. Reached the Stuc summit in 25 seconds over 2 hours so right on target and 12 mins faster than any of my previous attempts at the race.

Set off back down the ridge with a minor tumble, which will not be mentioned, going as fast as possible while trying to retain enough energy for the key climb back out Glen Ample. Luckily the route side steps Ben Each on the return leg cutting down at Bealach Nan Cabar for an ankle trashing as you descend 1000' in a mile running along into Glen Ample. Anyone who thinks running downhill is easier should try this!

Somehow the bottom of Glen Ample seems to have turned into an impossibly gooey mush in the couple of hours since I passed through on the way out. Luckily this only lasts as long as it takes to hit the steep part where the real trouble starts, aches, pains, cramps and the Glen Ample syndrome kicks in (why me, what am I doing here etc etc), swallow an energy gel and plod on to meet the far too cheery marshals at the top, no time to chat as the run back over the moor is not easy on tired legs.

Made it back on to the forrest track in 3 hours 3 mins and just over 2 miles to go with the first half mile of this slightly uphill so ease into a steady run. Once on the down slope push the pace with gravity helping, a quick check of the watch with 50 yards to go and pleasantly surprised 3 hours 21 mins, a 24 minute pb.

Sparkling race (when you have a good one) with organisation which puts most road races to shame. Plenty of race souvenirs to buy, t-shirts, sweat shirts and hats, oh and this year a goody bag as well. You need to prepare to run on the roughest ground for the 1/2 marathon distance but marathon time.

.....and if you have any energy left at night there's a ceildh in the village hall (I've never seen a pint of lager look so good).