Monday, 28 April 2014

Highlander Mountain Marathon 2014

Mid way camp at Loch Ailort
My first mountain marathon, teaming with Eddie Balfour (experienced MMer) at this years Highlander event held around the Moidart area.

Competing in the A class (maximum distance and contour lines for your entry fee), the two day event was split into a 27Km (2200m ascent) day1 with mid camp at Loch Ailort and a 23Km (2000m ascent) day2 finishing back at Glenfinnan.

Day 1 - finishing time 8hrs30mins; position 15 of 21
Tough navigation early on in thick hill fog, but cleared spectacularly around mid day. I struggled around the 5hr mark (totally cooked !) before finding a bit energy later on. Spectacular scenery and views on some very rough ground

Day2 - finishing time 7hrs20mins; position 16 of 21
Fantastic sunny day with a nice breeze - very stiff knee from a slip on the Saturday so down to a very slow pace. Managed the hydration/nutrition better...and got a bit of sun burn !
Again, Spectacular scenery and views, and more very rough ground....

Overall - 15th in A-class, and 3rd A-class Male Vets (after some age related time adjustment jiggery pockery !)

Fantastic event - super mix of endurance, navigational challenge, team work, scenery, friendliness - great evening at mid way camp catching up with 'well-kent' faces and making a few new acquaintances...

Full results...

Eddie enjoying view west towards Skye
View down south down Loch Shiel

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