Ben Nevis 6 Sept 03

Well, this was my first Ben, and about big Drew's 20th. Saturday saw near perfect running conditions and a very good westies turnout for this classic event. With the grand atmosphere, a few nerves, and some hot competition we were all in for an interesting race.

Like most folks I felt a bit under the weather on the way up, but always seemed to be within sight of any number of Westies (Manny, Chris U, Stevie McL etc ...). After about an hour, Rob Jebb came past in descent as race leader and boy was he shifting. Lochaber's Dave Rodgers and The Shetts Jethro Lennox were in the top five a few mins behind and looking good, Ronnie G a bit further back still.

After summitting, the descent was fast down the loose rock and scree and then the grass, and despite feeling slow to the top I could see a 1:45 or thereabouts was still on the cards. With about 5mins to the road and 15 to the finish I took a nasty fall ... but lots of swearing, limping and a final push got us to the finish as 3rd westie in 1:49hrs, Manny and Ronnie had already finished in about 1:45 and 1:42 repsectively. Soon coming in were Stevie McL and Chris U in the 1:50's followed by Chris F in 1:59 (after a 2hr 30min tennis derby on thurs - ideal prep!). Murdo just about flew through in 2:02, with Graham Benny, Drew and Dave Rodgers not so far behind. So 6 Westies under the hour, and 10 finishers in all - a great day out. Did I miss anyone ?

As a result of the fall I am struggling to walk just now and am having to dose up with Ibuprofen - hopefully I'll be back soon. Ouch !

W

Posted by Nigel Scott on Mon 8 Sep 2003 | 2 comments

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