Death warning over mountain running race

Challenge: Entrants warned there is a ‘risk of serious injury or death’

A gruelling race in the west Highlands this weekend comes with a death warning.

But the event in Lochaber is set to be a record breaker with around 100 runners – including a local GP – taking on some of the country’s hardest peaks.

The Salomon Glencoe Skyline 2017 is billed as the UK’s most prestigious and hardest mountain running race.

But organisers have warned race entrants: “The nature of the challenge is very severe and there is a risk of serious injury or death while participating in this event.”

The event is part of a weekend of racing – based in Kinlochleven – which also features the Mamores VK, Salomon Ben Nevis Ultra and the Salomon Ring of Steall Skyrace which have attracted more than 1,500 participants from over 30 countries.

Despite the chilling warning, Salomon Glencoe Skyline has attracted a world-class field including the world number one, Kilian Jornet, a Spanish trail runner and ski-mountaineer, who is considered by many to be the best endurance athlete on the planet.

The route features an ascent of 3,350ft along Buachaille Etive Mor, Aonach Eagach ridge and Bidean nam Bian.

Among the competitors will be Dr Finlay Wild from Fort William, who recently won the annual Ben Nevis Race for the eighth consecutive year and was the British fell running champion in 2015. Another local runner is ready for the challenge of the Salomon Ring of Steall Skyrace.

Mark Warner, 35, from Ballachulish was 146th when he took part last year, but the climbing instructor at Kinlochleven’s Ice Factor is hoping to beat his time of six hours and 32 minutes.

He said: “Last year’s race was one of the most physically demanding things I’ve ever done and it felt amazing when I crossed the finishing line.

“I’ve been training really hard for this year’s race, including running a traverse of the Aonach Eagach ridge in Glencoe.

“I really hope the training pays off as I cramped up and lost a lot of time during last year’s race.

“So, in my mind I’ve some unfinished business with this course and want to try and run under six hours if I can.”

Race director Shane Ohly said: “This year’s event is set to break all the records again with a huge number of participants and spectators expected.

“All competitors carry GPS trackers during the race, so it will be possible to follow all the action live through the event website.

“There will also be a large truck-mounted screen at the Ice Factor in Kinlochleven.”

HARD GOING: The Salomon Glencoe Skyline 2017 race has attracted around 100 runners, despite the death warning attached to it