Walkhighlands

I had never been over to Ardnamurchan before but by booking into the Beinn Resipol hill race, I would have a chance to explore this region - albeit in a race! I enjoyed the drive up and ferry over and once I got out of Ardgour and started the drive up towards and past Garbh Bheinn, I was already working out when I could come back. The drive to Strontian was wonderful and even the wee single track to Resipol was great. I eventually arrived at the campsite at 1210, with 20 minutes left before registration but I hate hanging about before races anyway. I changed and checked in, then mustered for the pre-race briefing. Probably as relaxed as I've ever felt before a race knowing that the distance was short and the ascent not huge. I had hoped for a time of 1 hour 45 or less but just intended to enjoy myself and take photos where opportunities afforded. I couldn't see where the hill was and the anticipation of seeing her reveal herself (!?) was real.

About 130 runners were competing as this was the final race of the Scottish Hill Race season and I started near the back as I'd hopefully catch a few up over the field once things opened up after the forestry, which we were told was narrow and wouldn't allow for overtaking. However, what I hadn't banked on was how boggy the early running was.


My first 5k up the mountain was done in 50 minutes, which was not bad going but the final kilometre and the 280m ascent to the summit saw me slow down with a 19-minute km. An hour 10 to the top. I wouldn't get down in 35 minutes so took care on the initial descent, which was very slippy. Once out of the coire, I ran just behind a lassie who was at my type of pace (in 2nd photo). When we finally hit tarmac/Land Rover track, things really sped up and as we raced to the finish line, I opened up the legs and pipped her and another lassie to the line. I felt chuffed with myself until I realised I finished 106th of 132 runners!
The last 2.2km were done in 11 minutes so I finished strongly.

I finished in 2 hours flat and while I was a good bit down the field, I thoroughly enjoyed the race with occasional views. One to come back to from Arundle to get a less boggy experience hopefully. Great post-race food and a cracking t-shirt. Now to slow it down and once again get back into fully savouring the hill experience.

Excellent Kevsbald. Enjoyed reading that, tempted to do this event next year, I've hiked Resipole and I can well imagine the final K was tough to the summit. Its a great way of getting up and down the hills, especially when time is limited!!!

Where's the tap o' yer heid gone in that last photie (the "care in the community" shot)?

With these 50-hour weeks at work, I almost feel like I am being let out of the madhouse.

Good to see you back on the site (and the hills) again. Tough way to do Resipol!