Three years ago we visited the Isle of Tiree for one of the most scenic island races we have run - beautiful golden sand, blue sky & turquoise sea, post-race ceilidh & true Hebridean hospitality. We were keen to return this year!
We spent a week travelling around the Inner Hebridean islands of Mull, Coll, Tiree & Lunga, spotting sea eagles, minke whales, dolphins, & puffins, cycling to many lovely cafes & lazing on sunny beaches, truly spoiled with unusually beautiful Scottish sunshine.
The Tiree Half marathon & 10km is now on a new route and rather than being a nice flat road route, it is now on the eastern side of the island, mainly on sandy beaches & is a double loop - once for the 10km race and twice round for the half marathon. We did a recce of the route the day before which was stunning!
However, as race day loomed the forecast wasn't looking good, and sure enough we woke on the Saturday morning to grey skies, pouring rain & a strong Westerly wind blowing in, with the expectation that it was going to get worse! The thought of dropping to the 10k was very tempting!!
Getting your goodie bag, with a wee bottle Tyree Gin, a Tunnocks caramel wafer & a lovely "Team Tiree" t-shirt before the start made it even more tempting just to sit in the pub & watch!!
As the start time drew near the crowds of hardy runners braved taking off the layers and gathered on the sands of Gott Bay. No hanging about for pre-race chat, we were off sharp at 2pm, thankfully with the wind behind us (for the 1st 1km at least!). The tide was out which made for a nice wide beach, but lots of water to wade through, so wet feet from the word go! We then followed a nice road to the north of the island and a bit of shelter before turning straight into that westerly wind and another couple of beaches before heading down hill (into the wind) back to Gott Bay, but this time to the far end of the beach (into the wind!) only to reach a turning point and back again. What a relief to turn and have the wind behind you again!! Those lucky 10km runners had a lovely sprint back along the beach to the finish, but we had to do it all again!!!
By this time it was a case of just getting the head down, gritting the teeth and getting round!
The second lap was a lonely run, with only a few dots on the beach ahead! The support of the brave marshals & locals was great though and really encouraged you along.
Coming back to Gott Bay with another mile to go, the thought of having to go all the way to the end (into the wind!) and back again was like torture! Still, the thought of a hot cup of tea kept me going! Turning to the final straight with the wind behind you and seeing the finish sign was such a welcome sight!
I sound like I didn't enjoy it, but despite the weather, it really was a great run, a true flavour of the island and definitely character building! On a clear day it would be a joy to run round taking in the sights of the golden beaches that Tiree is famed for.
Dean had a great run finishing in 4th position (3rd vet) and I finished just behind him in 5th (1st Female).
Endless cups of tea & coffee were waiting for us in the Tiree Lodge hotel as well as a menu of soup, chips & burgers, and our dry clothes!!!
The day finished off with a post race Hawaiian beach party with live music & prize giving at the Scarinish hotel. We each won a beautiful print of Tiree - not the most portable on our bikes!!)
After all that, just another wee cycle across the island (still in the rain & wind) to our soggy camp site.
And then the next day .... the rain & wind were gone, the sun was out, and the beaches - beautiful golden sand, blue sky & turquoise sea. Island life :-)
Gillian Carr
 |
| Gott Bay on a nice day !!!!! |
 |
| On the Razz at the Hawaiian beach party !!! |
 |
| The Bling !!! |
No comments:
Post a Comment