Ben Nevis

Super weather for this years jaunt up the Ben. I was lucky enough to get one of the 600 entries, two hundred or so were disappointed in the February draw. Arrived in Glen Nevis campsite on Friday evening, no welly camp this year, dry underfoot, sunny and you could see the Ben.

Registered on Saturday morning then went back to the campsite for an early lunch. The race started a couple of minutes before one, a steady jog round the football pitch and onto the road to Achintee, reached the end of the road in good time, about 9 minutes, with no major effort.

The tourist path rises along Melantee from here, ignored the early shortcuts and took the one at Eddies bench which seemed to go well picking up 50 or so yards on those in front. Least favourite part round windy corner followed, a few went past but no stress, reached the Red Burn feeling ok in 54 mins, within a minute of my target time. Ok means fine as usually dizzy by now!

From the Red Burn its straight up, initially on grass, then scree and rocks, began to slow down and a few small people trains went past. Stopped for a drink and some sugar to try to recharge the batteries. Reached the top in 1 hour 50 mins which meant 9 minutes lost from the Red Burn.

Turned for the descent, and jogged along, another drink then gloves on. Wandered down through McLeans Steep and the Field of Cairns, hard to find the drive required to pick up the pace and get past the runners in front after what was a difficult up and the traffic jam of runners and walkers.

As the descent got steeper started to relax and enjoy the race, found a forgiving scree filled track further left from the Red Burn than most others which meant the brakes could be switched off for a while.

At half way you hit the Grassy bank, usually a few times. Kept relaxed and tried to stay on my feet as much as possible and maintain a steady pace. At the bottom a welcome cool blast of water in the burn then back onto the tourist track, take care on the blocky gritty man made steps back round windy corner but gradually picked off a few runners, a few courtesy stops for walkers as well.

Two short cuts on the way back, the second longer section well worth it when its drier underfoot. Back on the busy tourist track again, thankfully most walkers and runners are like minded folk who make way for each other, a few don't.

Onto the road and a steady jog back for a 54 minute descent and finish at Claggan Park in 2 hours 44 minutes, 362nd out of 481. Good to meet Ian, Rich, Elaine and Catriona at the end, although I have still to see the pictures.