Sunday 20 July 2008

Isle of Mull Fell Race

19th July 2008
Results

My 8th time up Ben More - first as my last Munro in 1993, then in 2002 as John Coyle's famous "Mull Monster", and then 5 times in the Scottish Island Peaks Race. Pretty cold for mid-July, and very strong winds on the hill.

I felt tired on the first climb up Beinn Ghraig and slumped well down the field, but then more or less held position with Bruce Smith and Jill Mykura just in front all the way to Ben More. Passed Bruce just before the summit and followed Jill on the descent until the river crossing at around 330m, but then made the mistake of following the track beside the river instead of cutting across the hill in the direction of the finish. By the time I realised my mistake it was too late and I was committed to heading down to the road, thereby adding on a fair bit of extra distance, and throwing away at least 4 places.

Brian Marshall won in an incredible new record of 1:46:02, and well over 3 minutes clear of 2nd-placed Stewart Whitlie. Jill knocked 24 minutes off the women's record finishing in 2:03:57.

Race route 3D image of route The Mull hills Brian Marshall - race winner High on Ben More Claire Gordon Jacqui and Ellie
Race profile against distance Race profile against time

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