Full course this year after the wind curtailed 2009 premiere of the race. The start and finish is from the access road to the Loch Katrine sluices. The first and last miles on forest tracks through Gleann Riabhach, the middle section off road up and over Ben venue then Creag a' Bhealaich.
About 90 or so runners including 4 Millies, set off in pouring rain on an undulating run across Achray water and into the Forest. It wasn't looking good for the climb up Ben Venue then shortly before we hit the hill the rain stopped.
Followed the crocodile up the hill and managed to lose only a couple of places. From the first top a rocky path takes you across a few minor ups and downs to Creag a' Bhealaich, a short climb and you pick up a narrow track that switches over to the north side of the hill, then a sharp left on a faint path over the hill to start the steep slippery descent back towards the forest.
Just before the forest you pick up a rough roller coaster path with a few streams to jump. The run through the forest starts on the forest road you crossed on the ascent, at the same place you turn back into the forest for a run back to the finish where you have to suffer the last couple of hundred yards on the road before you get to sample the sandwiches and cakes laid on by the host club.
A new race with a variety of terrain, probably too much forest track for the purists and more running than usual which meant I got past two or three I usually struggle to match. Only the climb up Ben Venue and a short section over Creag a' Bhealaich where I had to walk.
Link to course map here.
Splits;
18 mins to CP1 exit from the forest.
34 mins climb to CP2 the top of Ben Venue.
26 mins ridge run to CP3 Creag a' Bhealaich.
17 mins descent to CP4 re-enter the forest.
10 mins to the finish.
Finished just over 1 hour 45 for the 7 1/2 miles and 3000' of ascent. A few good runners out and as next year it is an SHR champs race we will see if todays 70 minute winning time is beaten.
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