New & Improved – Stuc a Chroin 5000

Full results: http://po.st/p2J9c6

Photo: Allardyce Photography https://goo.gl/HwER8U

Ahhh, the mighty Stuc A Chroin 5000, one that puts the HILL in hill race. Grey clouds and snow on the hills gave the Trossachs and intimidating look on the drive up from Glasgow, it was unlikely to be pleasant up top. Spirits were high on the start line, everyone seemingly looking forward to a fine effort.

This year there was a new, and I would say improved, route. The first few miles of grim forest tracks have been replaced with an interesting and meandering run through the forest, a mixture of pleasant trails and tricky bogs. I took it easy going off the start, settling in to a group with led by Dan Gay of Lochaber. It all started pleasantly enough, though the top of the descent in to Glen Ample gave a taste of what was to come. Beinn Each offers a steep and steady climb to its summit, I pushed too hard on this section and was to pay for it later. Next there’s the undulating ride, the snow on the ground making the short descents hair-raising. I did a lot more sliding than usual and have the bruised buttocks to prove it. The final push to the top of Stuc involved snow, ice, neve, howling wind and bitter cold and I was very glad to reach the top and begin my escape. Manny overtook me just before the summit and shot-off, making quick work of the steep terrain. I took a few tumbles on the way down and by the time I reached Glen Ample I was battered and drained.

I wasn’t looking forward to the final ascent as I could already feel twinges of cramp in my legs. As I passed him, a spectating Brian Brennan yelled that Gwynn was up and he was f**king knackered – “That’s a scalp for you!” I looked up, Dr Bellamy was quite close by now and his usual springy gazelle-like stride had been replaced by a seemingly drunken stagger. I was aware of his achievements last weekend, it was no wonder he was tired. It’s never good to kick a friend while he’s down, but beggars can’t be choosers…I begin to push just a little bit and slowly began to reel him in. I’d almost caught him by the top when, faced with flat running, he regained his usual bounce and shot off. Well, I thought, that’s him gone, was worth a try.

On the final stretch I managed to stand in every grippy bog on the course and fell flat on my face half a dozen times. I could slowly feel my body falling apart, even the pleasant forest trails seemed hateful and I was relieved to finally crossed the line. I was shocked when, about a minute later, Gwynn came around the corner and crossed the finish line after me – apparently having taken a wrong turning on the final descent. I really enjoy Stuc a Chroin, but I don’t think I’d ever prolong the experience like that!

There was a good turn-out and some impressive efforts by other Westies. As ever, the numerous marshals giving out copious sweeties on the hill were the real heroes of the day.