Saturday 18 June 2005

West Highland Way Race - 18th June

95 miles / 11,600ft
WHW Race website| Results| SAL News Report
Split Times
Course record holder, Kate Jenkins put in a brave effort and almost made it to Tyndrum before wisely deciding to pack it in. In fact there wasn't a decision to make since she couldn't run and could barely walk by this stage, due to her quads going into spasm. If there had been any way she could have continued she would have done. But there wasn't. And she didn't. Even from Milngavie to Tyndrum is the best (or worst) part of 50 miles.

Kate's sensible decision to stop allowed Willie & Jill Mykura and myself to go home early, having been up all night since the 1am kick off. I understand Russell Stout of Carnethy also dropped out, despite looking strong at Rowardennan.

The race is still in mid-swing, with at least another 5 hours to go as I type this. When I last saw, Carl Pryce of Cosmics was looking strong, and might possibly win. I'll find out later. Allan Douglas and Bruce Hall were also going well - however a lot can change from Tyndrum to the end at Fort William.

Oh, and I forgot to say, the weather was tropically warm, muggy and oppressive, with at least 100% humidity - and in need of a damn good monsoon. Desperate conditions for running. Like driving a car without coolant.

Postscript
The race was won by Bruce Hall in 18 hours 57 minutes.
Only 48 of the 88 starters made it to the end.
Kate and Carl just before the start The start line at Milngavie Carl Pryce at the top of Conic Hill Kate at Balmaha Kate and another runner at Loch Lomond Checkpoint at Derrydarroch Farm Leaving the Derrydarroch checkpoint Tunnel vision Allan Douglas of Strathaven finished 4th Kate being caught by Bruce Hall who eventually won the race View towards Ben More at Crianlarich Moth on the path

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Why weren't you running it Mr Upson?

Chris said...

I may be mad. But I'm not that mad.

Anonymous said...

Evidence on your site suggests you might be.