Steffen said...

"The Isle of Jura Fell Race", "Westies licking the Paps of Jura" or "The Jura Monster",24 May 2003, 16 miles, 7500ft

The inclusion of this event into the Summer League ensured that a healthy number of Westies runners made their way to Jura this year. Weather forecasts varied widely but not one sounded too promising, which, anyway, never stopped us in the past, in particular when valuable Westies Summer League points are at stake. The day of the race started with heavy rain lashing down at our tents, but by 7am the weather turned to leave us with cold but dry conditions. Discussions about shorts, short lycras or long running tights continued 'til shortly before the start of the race, by which time the sun had come out...

As this was the my first attempt I was both excited by the challenge as well as apprehensive about the magnitude of what would be asked of my legs and lungs. After all the Jura fell race is said to be the most demanding of all Scottish and some even argue British hill races.

The race took off exactly 10.30am, us along a farm road and after only a few minutes onto the grassy foothills of the Paps. Immediately it became clear why the underfoot conditions of the course were widely regarded as demanding. Waterlogged heather and grass, with any path reduced to a soft and muddy line in between. One unfortunate lady even managed to fall into a water hole - completely submersing and then happily continuing on her way. Further up towards Dubh Bheinn and Glas Bheinn conditions somewhat improved, runable but still requiring due concentration. After checkpoint 3, Aonach-bheinn, we descended steeply into a wet Gleann Astaile from where we begun the steep ascent of the first of the three Paps, Beinn a'Chaolais. Prior to the event I was warned the race won't start properly until you reached the first Pap. How true. The decent from there was as expected: Moving scree and sharp rock eating into your trainers. At least this allowed a relatively fast descent.

At this point I joined up with my pal Eddie (Ochills), who, I trusted, knew the course inside out. I could safely put map and compass to the side and concentrate on enjoying the hills. All in all we managed fairly decent route without major hick-ups.

On the second Pap, Beinn an Oir, although a shorter climb, legs begun to tire more and more. Another good squeeze of energy gel was asked for, which makes you want to throw up but also has the potential of delivering a good kick. My second wind duly followed around 30 minutes later on the climb to the third Pap, Beinn Shiantaidh. The descent from there was the most talked about, as quite a few runners get it wrong. Luckily, avoiding any bad surprises we picked up some good scree and grass heading East before following the well worn trod North around the hill and towards the second last checkpoint on Corra Bheinn.

The descent route from there was fairly obvious and easily runable at first. After crossing the river we hit an awful bog trod. Little running and a worsening language. By now legs and attitude at an all-time low. I figured that, at that time, the winners would be shaved, showered and in the pub enjoying their third pint. I made it to the bridge in one piece, hoping that the road would offer some easier running. And so it did - for a while at least. After a mile I spotted a six year old playing around on a bike. Oh boy was I tempted to take it off him and cycle the remaining bit. Hitting the tarmac my legs now quickly packed in and what was meant to be a section where I could gain a few places turned into torturous trek. Although, saying that, there were others who had even less will power than me, who became easy prey.

On arrival I was handed my hardest ever earned and long dreamed of trophy: My own Jura Fell Race t-shirt!!!!!!! I am going to wear this on Sundays and special events only ... and probably every day in between.

On the last climb to Corra Bheinn a lad from the Lakes asked me if I enjoyed this race as much as he did. What could I say??? Diplomatically, I replied: Ask me again in a weeks time. I sooo couldn't find anything good to say about this hardest of hard races. Although, whilst writing this I am already looking forward to returning to Jura next year. What difference a few days rest can make.

The most amazing part of the trip to Jura must have been the effort the locals have put in to make this a memorable weekend for all. Half the island was working in the kitchen and pub of the hotel to quite efficiently serve food and drink to 165 runners and their followers.

How can I finish this little summary off? I guess for all who made it to Jura this will have been a memorable weekend; a beautiful island and a fine mountain race with some unexpectedly good weather on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Even the midges stayed away for most of the time thanks to a constant, light breeze. And what a sense of achievement ...

WESTIES RESULTS:

3:xx Ronnie Gallagher3.59 Chris Upson4.17 Murdo MacLeod4.21 Kate & Ben Jenkins4:41 Don Reid4:47 Keith Adams4:50 David Rogers5:03 John Donelly5:06 Pete Baxter5:27 Steffen Gorgas5:31 Elspeth Scott

Wednesday 30th November -0001 12.00am

Chris said...

Full Results

Tuesday 9th March 2004 4.05pm