It was nice to do an event again after a few weeks of entertaining myself running wise.
The race was organised by Moray Way Ultras, and started at the Tamdhu Distillery, in Knockando.The night before, we stayed at The Delnashaugh hotel, an old fishing lodge, about 15 minutes drive from the start. It was proper old school, and excellent. Our room was called "Polly's Poo", which the manager explained had been a typo on the original sign, which was meant to say "Polly's Pool", after a nearby salmon fishing pool, but they liked the typo, so kept it.
In keeping with interesting signs about the place, outside our room I found this:
Which turns out is the motto of several Scottish clans, and is a warning "Don't touch the cat without a glove", using the fierce Scottish wildcat as a metaphor to tell rivals to be cautious when disturbing the clan, as the clan members are ready to fight back. Gee wizz!
It was a leisurely 11am start, as there was also a 100km going on which had started at 5am in Aviemore. I was a bit sad to not be doing that one, to be honest, but I just couldn't figure out the logistics.
Andrew dropped me off (thank you!) at Tamdhu, and I registered, and saw Liz! 11am came round quickly, and it was time for the off (supervised by the dog at Thistle Timing)!
The first part of the route followed the old Strathspey Railway. It was nice and runnable, mostly under the trees, and very pleasant. Speyside is whiskey country, and the smell of malt permeates the air all around!
After 15km or so we got to the first checkpoint at Craigellachie. The checkpoints were all well stocked, and were run by really great volunteers.
After this, the part I was apprehensive about; the climb up Ben Aigen! It actually felt better than I was expecting, and I managed to run most of it. From here, it was down, then another spirited uphill, before dropping down again to Fochabers and the second CP at 36km.
The last section followed the river Spey to the coast at Spey Bay, along the old railway line to Portgordon. I was feeling tired by then and not really in the mood. It was hard going underfoot, and I had a fall (my third in a week!!). Still, you just keep on keeping on, and every step gets you closer to your goal.
The final few miles were along the cost to the finish in Buckie. Great atmosphere at the finish line, and I snuck in under my target of 5 hours.
All finishers got a nice goody bag. I've noticed that all events I've done in Scotland so far have included a beer/ whiskey at the finish!
Irn Bru ice cream at the the finish with Andrew, Donald, Robert and Freya!
Thanks Moray Way Ultras for a great event and Stuart Ross Media and Ray Liversidge for the photos!
From there, it was over to Aviemore for a mountain day, and to focus on one of my new projects - The Munroes....more on that another time!
