Trotternish Ridge Run 2014

Results

The second edition of the Trotternish Ridge Run was held on Saturday, an event that is shaping up to be a classic. No sign of the challenging conditions that saw half the field retire last year – nothing but sun, sun, sun from start to finish for the 34 entrants. Luke, Craig and myself made up the Westies contingent. The two of them bolted off from the start in the blistering heat, leaving me to enjoy an unpressured lope along some of the most spectacular scenery in Scotland. The last time I was up here on New Year’s Eve, when I did part of the route in reverse. Today day made up for the complete absence of views on that occasion – sweeping panoramas of the entire ridge under a cobolt blue sky. Stunning!

26km, 2000m ascent, only one water station and no burns before the final climb up The Storr made for a tough event. I had been running with a cluster with four others for most of the race, and would usually back myself to find a last burst of energy for the final descent. Not today, as the wheels started to come off and I staggered sedately to the finish, a minute or so the wrong side of the 5 hour mark. No sign of Luke, but Craig greeted me at the finish line, having finished just a few minutes earlier after suffered from cramp. After a soak in the loch, some soup and home baking I was feeling much recovered. Back to the B&B for a shower and change, then out to dinner at the Tongadale hotel – all part of the entry fee! What a superb job by the Skye & Lochalsh Running club!

Will put this one down as a “must do again” for next year. Highly recommended!