Stuc a Chroin 5000

This was my 17th go at the Stuc, and my first long hill race for a couple of years. 200+ started with a few drop outs along the way. The first couple of miles undulate up on forest roads and grassy tracks to reach open hillside, across the moor beside Meall Mor before a steep drop into Glen Ample, not so easy on the way back, steep climb up Beinn Each, 1500' in under a mile, heather and a rusty old fence helping on the steeper parts. from Each to the Stuc its about 2 miles along a rough undulating ridge, dropping 500' and climbing 1000' a mixture of running, walking and scrambling gets you there, from the cross over at Bealach nan Cabar you have to avoid the runners in front on their way back as you grind up to the Stucs summit. No time to take in the views running back along the rocky ridge, there's a few ups and downs  but most of the climbing is done for the day, apart from Glen Ample. From the cross over drop down steep pathless grassy slopes to a stream crossing where a faint ankle trashing path takes you back along the glen to the start of the climb out, a slow jog at first then everyone slows to a painful trudge as the 600' in half a mile climb sucks the energy from your legs. From the exit from Glen Ample its a 3 1/2 mile run to the finish, across the moor then grass track and forest road, mostly down hill with just enough rough ground to keep you working hard all the way to the finish, 167th out of 196 finishers.

 

Stuc a'Chroin hill race

A British and Scottish championship race made for a big field in this tough long race.

Gone is the two mile forest track at the start and finish replaced by a rougher series of narrow trods and an old peat track. The 9 miles in between just as tough. Beautiful sunny day, back to traditional Stuc weather instead of some of the recent years with hypothermic conditions. Field well strung out by the time we pop out the forest for the run to Meall Mor where we drop down into Glen Ample keeping it nice and easy wary of the hard work to come.

Beinn Each's climb as steep as ever, about 1500' in just over a mile, it's a 2 mile ridge from here to the Stuc's summit, the first one mostly downhill the second one​ undulates 1000' up. The front runners are coming back, the fastest will finish before I reach the top of the Stuc. Steady climb doesn't feel too bad probably not trying hard enough. The gradient eases before one last rocky climb to the summit cairn.

Pause for a photo then steady running down the Stuc and the undulating ridge back to bealach nan cabar. Each short uphill gets harder. From the bealach we drop halfway down Glen Ample then a descending traverse before trying to climb out the other side. Half a pint of electrolyte fluid as I walk across the bog to start this tough wee climb, cramp invades my legs then as those behind catch up the electrolytes kick in, cramp eases and I steadily work my way up, a short walk at the top to recover then running back towards the forest. Stagger along the tussocky boggy track keeping a jog going as much as possible. About a mile left I cross a stream and stop to cool off, feel much better and set off in a happier state. The track gradually​ improves for easier running and soon back on a forest track, a short climb before a pleasant trail run down to the finish 291st/343 finishers just inside 4 hours.

Stuc a'Chroin 5000

Route change, gone the two miles of forest road at the start and finish, the Strathyre residents had cut a path through the forest picking up old paths and tracks, a few bogs and a lot of tussocks. After half an hour and a couple of miles we popped out joining the old route across Meall Mor and into Glen Ample, I was near the back and stayed there for the rest of the race. Into the snow on Ben Each's tough climb and trashed my calf, decided to carry on, along the undulating ridge to the Stuc reaching the cross over 10 minutes inside the cut off, on up the freezing misty trail the rest of the field flying past on their way back. Slid up a snow chute rubbed smooth by those in front, hip gives up in sympathy with calf accompanied by agonising cramp in my quads (Vastus medialis :)) encouraged the cramp to leave with some dried mango, luckily this seemed to work, another wee climb up to the cairn. Proof of achievement a marshall's tick on my number, round the cairn and its downhill, at least for a few minutes. Stumbling along the ridge to the crossover at Bealach nan Cabar dropping into Glen Ample away from the snow and wind. Relief short lived, the cramp inducing climb out the glen tried its best, more dried mango and some High 5 electrolyte's keep it bearable. Working jog across Meall Mor gradually catch and pass the runner who whizzed past me muttering never again on the climb out Glen Ample. Now I have to work to keep ahead, head down and concentrate on the new mushy track through the forest, the gap grows towards a minute, good enough. The last half mile a good trail only a couple of hundred yards of up to grimmace through, finished in 4 hours 42, the finish area practically deserted, 129th out of 133 finishers with another 10 or so having pulled out. Limped slowly and painfully back to the car convinced my running and racing was over for a few weeks, a few pictures here, race website here. Marshall's heroes, many standing around for hours in freezing conditions, handing out gallons of water, buckets of sweets, encouragement and a watchful eye on the lightly clad runners skittering past. The route is about 14 miles, the 5000 in the race title was the amount of ascent in feet, turns out this is a wee bit shy of the real climb nearer 5700'.

Stuc a'Chroin

160 plus runners in this years Stuc, better weather than last years freezing wet hell. Tighter safety rules and checks at registration. Trotted along the two mile forest trail and onto the hill through forest. Across the moor to Meall Mor and in to Glen Ample. Work my way up the Beinn Each climb in stages, three steep heathery sections then a rocky traverse onto a steep eroded path, a few minutes and the gradient eases as we climb towards BE's top. Sharp left down onto the ridge to the Stuc pass a couple of tentative descender's. The ridge twists and turns and undulates, reach the crossover at Bealach nan Cabar in 1 hour 40, the next ridge section to Beallach Glas longer than I remembered then its up up up to the top of the Stuc. Turn the cairn in 2 hours 24. Pass the last few runners on their way up as I stagger my way back along the ridge to Beallach nan Cabar, more down than up. Good trail marked into Glen Ample and I'm soon traversing along to the crossover. Jog walk across the bottom of Glen Ample then trudge up to Meall Mor, a weary trundle back across to the forest and down the trail to the finish and soup at Strathyre, 4 hours 7 this year. Another good Stuc, water, sweets and support from plenty of marshalls all over the route, every turning point manned on the fully marked route.

Stuc A'Chroin 5000

2nd race in this years SHR championship and the SAL Championship Hill Race as well. The Stuc 14 miles and 5000' of ascent over rough mountain tracks. 206 set off from Strathyre only 193 finished today. The rain started as we were on the two mile run up the forest track towards the hill and stayed for most of the race reinforced by the wind as we climbed each of the ups that help make this race a tough classic. The marshals were stars assisting troubled runners and handing out water, jelly baby's and encouragement in testing conditions. The warm up continues through the forest onto the hill and the traverse towards Glen Ample, a boggy delight. A couple of hundred yards behind a running friend, just up for a run, not the race, fell and broke his wrist as he jogged along, a trip to the Vale Fracture Unit for us after the race. The drop into GA reverts to its usual straight down one this year, across the marshy valley to Beinn Each's climb, starts with a series of steep ups with a few 10 yard flattish sections to break it up. Up we go on a narrow overgrown trod beside an old fence,  Heather and fence posts are all used to help pull me up. We pass a few marshals before and after a short traverse across some cliffs then its onto the upper part, more exposed to the wind, jacket and gloves on to keep me safe and comfortable. Really wet and windy at the top, more marshals with water and sweets. Hesitant on the run down onto the ridge to the Stuc, unfamiliar and slippy in the mist. The ridge is two miles of rock hopping, the first mile undulating, the second undulates a bit more, up a thousand feet. The front runners pass on their way back down.Its survival stuff now, freezing, gale force winds, a mixture of driving rain and sleet, must buy a decent pair of gloves. A hypothermic runner passes me being helped off by two others, a bit more focus on taking care today means I don't notice the uphills so much, through a series of climbs and I'm soon at the last steep rocky section, someone takes a tumble coming back down, thankfully only superficial damage and they get up able to continue. Round the cairn and turn for the relative calm of Bealach nan Cabar, can't seem to push as hard as I would like and tiptoe down the muddy, rocky and snow covered ridge. A slight slip and the resultant blow of rock on shin slows me down for a while, happily the Bealach soon comes in to view and with it the drop back down Glen Ample's grassy slopes. Good fun along the narrow muddy track in the rain with only the short slippy drop to the valley floor to hold back on. Steady walk out Glen Ample's steep slope then running again across the boggy moor. Drop down in to the forest and a poor route choice, the wrong side of a tree, puts me in a deep bog, pull myself out, shoes still on and run through the forest to the track for the last two miles back down to finish in 3 hours 48. A big thanks goes to the 40 or 50 marshals who looked after us runners for hours in the freezing rain, all of them cheery and supportive. This was the 25th anniversary of the Stuc, my 10th, here's hoping for a few more.

Stuc A Chroin

My 9th Stuc, roller coaster of a race, you come out feeling like you've spent a few hours in a washing machine. Not at my best just now and thought I should give it a miss, decided to go and set a target of sub 4 hours instead of aiming for 3 1/2. Ran steady along the first two easy miles on forest tracks.

The run across the moor to Glen Ample

Onto the hill and a rough run across the moor past Meall Mor before the drop into Glen Ample for the climb up Beinn Each.

Beinn Each across Glen Ample

A bit steep, hands on knees, the ground, pulling on the heather, anything to get me up there. Tried to keep it steady as there is a bit to go after this.

The ridge to the Stuc from Beinn Each's summit

Drop a few hundred feet off the side onto the 2 miles of lumpy ridge to the Stuc, the leading runners bomb past on their way back once I'm past the crossover. I reach the top in 2 hours 18. Steady run back along the ridge, try to save something for the climb out Glen Ample. At the crossover we're sent off down into Glen Ample, straight down at first then a traversing descent along the glen to the path for the exit climb. Struggling now usually I can gain a few places here, concentrating on not stopping seems to be a good idea. Drink some high5 electrolyte stuff to try to avoid cramping on the next climb. Cross the track and start up the other side of Glen Ample, boggy at first then dries out the higher you get, cramp starts then eases, maybe its worked. About 4 miles left, two across the moor then two back along  the forest track. The three runners ahead drift away across the moor, unable to catch them I try to maintain the effort and not lose any places. Glad to reach the forest and soon pop out on the track after 3 hours 34 only two miles left, the first slightly uphill in 10 minutes takes its toll, the last mile, downhill, takes 12 minutes, still I finished inside my target in 3 hours 56. Contrasting route today, moor and valleys a bit boggy but the ridges and tops dry and sair feet stoney. Lots of marshalls out as usual, water chocolate and jelly babies and encouragement in their usual quantities. Pictures here (view last to first), and here.

Stuc A Chroin

143 started the 14 mile 5000' Long Classic race from the village of Strathyre. Beautiful sunny day luckily with a strong cooling breeze. Covered the two miles of forest track undulating up in 22 minutes, felt like I pushed too hard. Through the trees and onto the moor, steady jog walk towards Meall Mor and an easy run down into Glen Ample. Kept to my own pace on the ascent of Beinn Each, letting one or two past on the short level sections on the way to the crags. Three or four got past just after the crags as the path steepened up and I slow down. Let them go, hoping to catch them later. Good run off the top of Beinn Each, caught and passed a few on the ridge. Felt harder than I would have hoped, still, views to die for and the breeze kept you from overheating. After about a mile of undulating ridge you have a 1000' in a mile climb up the Stuc's SW Ridge, yo yo time again as those I had passed on the ridge drift pass me. Reach the top of the Stuc in 2 hours 11, a few minutes down on schedule. Round the cairn and ease after those in front, not too fast as there's a few undulations on the way back and Glen Ample as well. Gradually pull a few places back on the run off the Stuc, the ridge along to Bealach nan Cabar and the drop back in to Glen Ample. Steady traverse along to the crossover hoping somethings left in the tank. Cross the bottom of Glen Ample and the first part of the climb ok for me although yo yo time again as I'm passed by two or three. Cramp hits about half way up but luckily another runner offers me some nuun drink which seems to help almost immediately and although losing ground on those in front I manage to run out the Glen as the slope eases. Jog over the col then try to make a steady pace back across the moor, gradually reel in and pass the three in front, one sticks with me and overtakes on the last up before the forest. Overtake and leave him on the run into the forest and pass another couple oh and a wee fall in a ditch. Back on the forest track, keep it steady for the first slightly uphill mile hoping that no one passes, one guy does, a wee chat then he's off. The last mile is downhill, not steep but enough to help you along, I can hear footsteps behind, lean forward, lengthen my stride but can't shake him and he soon passes. Manage to catch another three before the end, a couple of them barely jogging, then a quick finish required to keep ahead of the kind runner who gave me the Nuun, 3 hours 36 for 105th place. Super race, route on the hill fully marked with 30 or 40 friendly marshalls out on the hills, laden with water, sweets and loads of encouragement.

A few pictures here.

Stuc A Chroin recce

This weeks long run was a recce of the race route. 14 miles and 5000' of ascent. From Strathyre the route starts and finishes with 2 miles on forest tracks with a few ups and downs in between. I had only run this as a race so today was a chance to take in the views. After the first couple of miles we left the track through the tunnel of trees onto the hill for a gradual climb over Meall Mor and a steep drop into Glen Ample, then an enjoyable climb up to take in the views from the summit of Beinn Each. Its two miles from BE to the top of the Stuc, the first mile good fun as the path twists and turns along an undulating ridge, the second a steady 1000' climb. We spent a few minutes on the top looking from Ben Vorlich which sits a mile or so behind the Stuc right across to the Firth of Forth on the East coast. A quick refuel in the shelter of the summit cairn and we set off for the return back along the ridge to Bealach nan Cabar, luckily the return route avoids Beinn Each and we drop down a tussocky gulley before the rough traverse along Glen Ample saving something for the climb out to Meall Mor. Good run back to the forest, mostly downhill, then the two mile jog to Strathyre. We finished in 4 hours 50 and hope to be somewhat quicker in a couple of weeks time.



Sunday was such a good morning just had to go for a recovery run over Carman, Overton and Bromley Muirs, 5 or 10 minutes slower than usual and walked the steep bits.

Stuc a Chroin

May means its time for the Stuc, 14 miles and 5000' of fun. As usual weather turned out fine, rumours of snow and hail came to nothing, a bit chill towards the top of the Stuc but hat, gloves and buff kept things comfortable.

One other Millie ran today, Adrian in his first Stuc, a few minutes ahead of me at the top, less than a mimute ahead at the finish courtesy of a Stuc a Cramp in the last run down through the forest.

Slight route change through Glen Ample this year took us away from most of the swamp, the lower half longer but not as steep.

Started with the usual 23 minute run to the end of the track, through the forest and onto the delight that is Meall Mor before the plunge into Glen Ample. Beinn Each steady, climb 1500' in three quarters of a mile, and before ya know it your flying down to the Beallach Nan Cabar and an undulating ridge run to the Stuc. Reached the Stuc in 2 hours 8, a bit slow.

The run off the Stuc full of twists, turns, ups and downs, give it a push keeping a wee bit for the run in and out of Glen Ample. Its a longer traverse into Glen Ample to the new crossover and this years sheep track is a good one, only one or two mushy bits where the footing is not secure.

Adrian back in sight for a couple of minutes as I began the plod out of Glen Ample, manage it with only one stop but struggle to run off the top. The run back over Meall Mor and through the forest ok but can only jog on the uphill part of the track. After about half a mile the track starts to descend and at last I can pick up the pace. Finish in 3 hours 32 mins, and ok after a quick lie down and a wash in the stream. Some pictures here and here.

Stuc A' Chroin Sat 2nd May

14 miles and 5000 feet of fun and frolics in the hills above Strathyre. This year it's part of both the British & Scottish Championship series and a record field of over 300 set off at 1:00 pm.

Well known as a toughie the first couple of miles are only a warm up as you undulate your way up through Strathyre forrest. You leave the forrest and run over a rough and boggy Meall Mor, so far overall climb not too bad at 1400' in just over 3 miles.

A quick plunge 600 feet down into Glen Ample before the assault on Beinn Each, hands, knees and teeth required for a 1500' climb in less than a mile.

The ridge run from Beinn Each to the Stuc is a joy to run with full concentration required over rock and bog as it undulates along. Take care to avoid the front runners as they fly past on their way back. The ridge finale is a 1000' climb within a mile to the top of the Stuc.

The return journey is fun as it misses out Beinn Each. The initial descent to the ridge is tricky on steep loose rock, easy to be caught out as you try to make as much use of gravity as possible.

The Beallach Nam Cabar is reached after a couple of miles and signals the drop back into Glen Ample. Initially a straight run down to pick up an effort of a sheep track to trash your ankles as you run along and down to the bottom of the Glen.

You slither down a swampy stream for the last few feet thinking what could be worse and it's right in front of you, a mushy bog followed by the 600' plus climb out the Glen. A stunning rainbow behind breaks up the climb. The photo doesn't do it justice but was a good excuse for a rest.



As you exit Glen Ample its a struggle to keep your legs moving in time as you run back over the delightfully rough Meall Mor. This finishes in a plunge back into the forrest where going too fast to turn a corner Christmas comes early as I run into a tree, the needles cushion the blow.

For the last couple of miles its back onto the forrest track which is a bit harsh on the feet after the soft moor.

A cracking race but one you need a wee bit of patience for, marshalls fantastic as they provide gallons of water, jelly babies and chocolate on the hill.

Finished in 3 hrs 26 mins which seems ok to me, 227th out of 318 finishers. Race profile below gives you some idea of the ups and downs, to find out more you'll need to give it a go.

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).