WayOutside winter challenge makes debut
More than 100 entrants braved freezing temperatures to be part of the first Tyndrum 24-hour race at the weekend.
Competitors for the winter trail race travelled from as far as Orkney and Southampton to complete as many laps as they could over dirt tracks, rocky paths, through forestry and over river crossings.
The event was also a first for its organisers, Stacey and
Max Holloway from Oban, who run outdoor sporting and adventure business WayOutside.
The first man home in the 24-hour challenge was Ian Harrison who completed 117 miles, the race’s first woman who also came in overall fourth place was Angela Davidson with 104 miles.
As well as the 24-hour challenge, there were 12- and six-hour race options. The first runners set off from By
The Way Hostel, just before midday on Saturday.
Sixteen hours of the 24-hour race were in darkness with temperatures reaching minus five and runners relying on head torches.
Among the runners was 68-year-old Raymond McCurdy from Glagow who finised the 24-hour race notching up 32 miles. It was his 48th 24-hour challenge.
Volunteers marshalled the route and watched over drop bags, helped fuel participants with hot drinks. Laps were electronically tracked so supporters could follow runners’ progress.
‘Everyone who took part in the challenge was amazing but we couldn’t have done it without the huge support of the local community, businesses and our volunteers. A big shout out to all of them. They were brilliant,’ said Stacey.
Prizes to be won included special poster prints of the event and a bottle of whisky for the first person to notch up 100 miles. Other prizes were also donated, included stays in a local B&B.
Keeping the event green, race T-shirts were from ReRun, a clothing company that recycles and logos preloved T-shirts.
The Green Welly Stop also ran a welcome fire pitstop part way round the course, said Stacey.
Spreading cheer even further, the event was supporting Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) and will be making a donation from its profits to help its life-saving work.
‘We’re hoping to do it again. We’ll have to see what the landowners say first but WayOutside will definitely be doing something again next year.’