Lochaber Marathon

This was the big weekend when I was hoping to get a decent time for a recent marathon. However as I went over on my ankle a few weeks ago I haven’t even been able to run whatsoever but heh, why let that spoil a good weekend? I searched the internet for caravan sites and found a decent one along the shore of Loch Eil on the A830, the very route of the Lochaber Marathon. This meant that I could take the tourer to the site and support the runners as they passed on the way out at the 5 mile stage and on their way back at the 21 mile mark. A quick phone call revealed that there were plenty of spaces available at the Linnhe Lochside Holidays site and that there would be no need to book ahead.

I gave Susan Clark a text to see if she would care to join me. Gave the caravan a much needed start of the season clean and greased the appropriate points packed all the usual equipment, including bikes and headed northwards along the A82.  What a gorgeous and scenic route, along the side of Loch Lomond, over Rannoch Moor, through Glen Coe and onto Fort William where a left turn took us along the Road to the Isles to the caravan site. We hitched up right on the loch side, under the imposing, snow covered peaks of Ben Nevis.

Saturday night was filled with an early evening trip to the Moorings Hotel on the Caledonian Canal for a much needed dinner and pint of Guiness.

On Sunday morning we had a hearty breakfast in the caravan and used the excellent onsite shower facilities before heading up onto the road side at the site entrance at around 11:30. armed with our deck chairs; Sunday papers; cameras and Jelly Babies – for the runners, of course!

The sun was shining and it wasn’t long until the first three racers appeared, running towards us, with a spectacular backdrop of Ben Nevis, was Kerry Liam Wilson, Robert Gilroy and Stuart Kerr. We exchanged pleasantries as they led the field along the banks of Loch Eil. Behind them was Killie’s Keith Haining, participating in his first marathon in eleven years and not too far behind him fellow Killie Harrier Scott Martin; Bella’s Peter Gallanagh; Greenock’s Alan Henderson and Robert Wilson; Killie’s Connell Drummond; Bella Struan Robertson; Kirky’s Robert Rogerson; Hamilton’s Jim Breen; Les Cairney; David Weatherhead; Angus McTaggart; Al Murray; Susan Addison; Marie McChord; Jacqueline Cowan; John Softely; Chris McKiddie; Theresa Wall; Jangbu Sherpa; Craig Reid; Kate Todd, Fiona McCue; Stuart McBeath; Suzanne Motherwell; Sandy Bridley; Debbie Jackson; Ruth Robertson and loads of runners that I didn’t know including those from the local Lochaber Running Club as well as healthy turnouts from the English clubs Beverley AC and Wesham Road Runners.

After a break, which afforded me the opportunity to chat with fellow supporters and photo - graphers as well as sitting in the sun reading the papers, the runners reappeared. However, as they now had 21 miles under their belts, they were less talkative as they made their way back towards Ben Nevis and Fort William. The temperature had risen about 7c above the predicted 8c and many experienced runners, as well as those not so experienced, found themselves hitting the wall at the 21 mile marker and stopping at least momentarily until they found the inner strength and determination to continue, either running or walk/running. My heart went out to them all as I shouted words of encouragement to help them get started again.

After the vast majority had passed, we headed back to the caravan for a rest and something to eat before deciding to get on our bikes and cycle along the marathon route to support the last few runners as they headed to the finish line in an almost deserted stadium. These included Enrique Arroyo who had to make his way from Stuttgart by car and ferry as all planes had been cancelled due to the volcanic ash. The Puerto Rican was dressed in full highland outfit. His wife was the sole person left in the stand and she advised us that it was his birthday. So we and the few remaining officials sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to him as he crossed the line full of emotion.


We headed back to the caravan and in the evening made our way to the highly recommended Crannog Seafood restaurant in Fort William, perhaps not too surprising most of the diners were either marathon runners or supporting friends and family. The banter between the tables was almost as good as the gorgeous setting and wonderful food.

All in all an extremely enjoyable way to spend a weekend.

Results

Photos


Killie Report

Huge congratulations to Keith Haining who clocked the quickest Killie Harriers Marathon in a number of years, Keith ran on his lonesome for all of the race to finish in a time of 2.39.08, a superb fouth in his first 26.2 miler in 11 years and knocked 13 mins off his previous best marathon time !!

Connell who ran his first sub 3 hour Marathon in 2.59.15 after major disappointment in Berlin last September, this after being diagnosed with shin splints last month!

Kate Todd who was WELL within her pre race prediction and in running 3.43 took the Gold Medal in her age category in the British Masters Marathon Championships. A superb effort!

Al Murray who was 10 minutes inside his race target and his 3.20 run gives him a qualifying time for the Elite Entry only Boston Marathon should he choose to do so.

Scott Martin who PBd and with Keith and Connell helped the Club to win the Team Prize, which is possibly the first time the Harriers have won this.

Thanks in no small measure go to our supporter crew - Les, Liz, Rosemary, Jackie, Paula, Ian G, Christine and everyone else on the course.