Ben Nevis Race

Some folks use more traditional “hallmark” events to mark another year done and dusted. I have never been big on birthdays and being an a devout sinner, the religious stuff passes over my head but …over the last 5 years the annual Ben Nevis hill race seems to fit the bill of something to celebrate (getting an entry is worth this alone).


If last year was silly cold, wet & windy …then this year was perfectly clear if a little on the warm side. Registration done and it was time to wander about nervous as hell waiting for the race to begin.

The start caught me a bit unaware but soon joined the surge round the field (taking my usual wide left line) before heading out onto the road. Finished the first mile in just over 7 minutes which seems about normal from previous years. Things continued at a reasonable pace onto the track and folks split up a bit as different lines and shortcuts appeared. All seemed much of a muchness and which one was quicker had more to do with congestion rather than gradient and distance.

Crowds along the path above the Red Burn were great …shouts of encouragement do help morale ! Past the half way point and up the steep scree with a mix of sweat and suncream nipping the eyes. Onto the plateau and time to dodge walkers with sticks (the hill was really busy due to the good weather). Having the leaders pass on the descent is good …the summit cannot be “that” far away. Passed my tag to the summit marshall in about 1:17 …again about the same as previous years.

Dodged the trekking poles down the initial descent before dropping off the path. With very few runners in sight, I had to pick my own line down the scree ...and most of my choices were bad. On two occasions, I went too far left and lost a pile of time. Managed down the green wall without incident and thanks to dry rock enjoyed the lower section of the mountain. Checked my watch on reaching the road and was chuffed to see that unless I made a real mess of things I would cross the line in under two hours for the third time. With cramp threatening the whole way along the road, I opted for a safe pace which meant I was a bit slower than last year but no point in being silly about things. Had a great wee sprint to the line (which I lost) with Stuart Malcolm of Highland Hill Runners.
 
Already looking forward to next year !
 
Results