Club Handicap Races

Westerlands organise the following 6 club handicap races:

In The Dark Handicap

Venue: Clachan of Campsie
Distance: 6 km
Climb: 190 m
Date: Traditionally held the first Wednesday in March

This short sharp handicap race was apparently first run as far back as 1987.

The race starts in the square at Clachan of Campsie and climbs a walker-friendly path to cross Crow Road just below the Cort-ma Law car park. After crossing the road, continue up hill to a small brick shelter, before turning down rough bracken to hit the Crow Road again, and a long section of downhill tarmac to Lennoxtown. Keeping turning right and you should soon be back in Clachan of Campsie.

Chatelherault 10k

Venue: Chatelherault Country Park, near Hamilton
Distance: 10 km
Ascent: 150m
Date: Usually held in April

First run in 2006, this route follows a figure-8 course through the wooded gorge of the Avon Water, by crossing the White Bridge halfway along the gorge, then the Green Bridge at the far end, then the White Bridge again, and finally the Duke's Bridge to return back to the start.

Dumgoyne Handicap

Venue: Blanefield Monument
Distance: 8 km
Climb: 350 m
Date: Last Wednesday in May

First run in 2006, this route starts at the Blanefield war memorial and heads out to the prominent volcanic plug of Dumgoyne, and back the same way. Since 2009, the race has a trophy awarded to the handicap winner in memory of Simon Triger. Simon was one of the biggest enthusiasts for club handiap races, and ran at the first 3 Dumgoyne handicaps from 2006 to 2008, but Simon sadly passed away on Mont Blanc on 10th September 2008.

Narnain Boulderdash

Venue: The Cobbler car park at Arrochar
Distance: 6.5 km
Climb: 470 m
Date: end of July or beginning of August

First run in 2006, this route takes the steep zig-zag track for The Cobbler, turning at the huge Narnain Boulders.

Croftamie Handicap

Distance: 12.5 km
Climb: 90 m
Date: Usually the last Wednesday in August

The Croftamie Handicap is the last of the summer handicaps, traditionally held on the last Wednesday in August.

The route starts at the Killearn junction off the main road to Drymen (A809 / B834 intersection), and follows undulating farm tracks and quiet country roads. The course basically follows a clockwise loop towards the finish at Croftamie village.

Christmas Handicap

Venue: Carbeth Huts on the West Highland Way
Distance: 4.2 km
Climb: 90 m
Date: Saturday between Christmas and New Year

The Christmas Handicap is traditionally held on the Saturday between Christmas and New Year.