West Highland Way 2009

The Start 5:30am

The Harriers enjoyed possibly the best weather we have ever experienced on our annual West Highland Way weekend and not only that, it was too hot for the midges. A slight change in start position due to underpass repairs in Milngavie caused a few minutes delay but despite that, Genevieve lined up at 5:30am in already balmy conditions to run the first leg towards Carbeth accompanied by Colin. WHW first timers David Dickson and Don Kennedy took over for the next leg towards Dumgoyne accompanied by a large pack (pictured). The majority of this pack then carried on to the Killearn road crossing where Russell officially took over with a pack in tow heading towards Drymen.

Colin Freeman then made a tough, solo effort over Conic Hill and into Balmaha where those awaiting his arrival revelled in the midge-free conditions. David Dickson then had another turn, this time for the short sharp stretch to Millarochy. Davy Watt joined him on this leg and then benefited from a flying start into his own leg to Rowardenan where once again there was not a midge in sight! Recipient of the short straw this year, Scot Hill had then to tackle the 13.5 mile Loch Lomond side leg to Inverarnan in now very hot conditions. With a recent background of marathon training, Scot managed this stage fine but remarked that it was harder than a marathon. There were a few comments regarding Scot's qualifications to make that statement, however, I believe him.

Keeping it in the family, Stephen Reilly cruised through the "flat" uphill stage to the hand over at the top of Bogle Glen just above Crianlarich. Graham Allan was joined by David Dickson, Don and Dawn on his leg to the road crossing at Ewich where Malcolm was reunited with his club vest for the first time in a while and carried on with a small pack towards Tyndrum.

In the heat of the midday sun, WHW first timer Martin Duthie was now primed for the spectacular leg through the glen towards Bridge of Orchy which he despatched in short order with only a few blisters for reward. Rather than failing to finish, this year Eddie failed to arrive (on time) and as he was transporting the designated runner for this leg, Joanne McAvoy, Graham Allan promptly volunteered to run over the hill into Inveroran. A somewhat stressed Eddie was trusted with the leg over Rannoch Moor for the first time since his Oban detour a few years back. No mistakes this time as Eddie met up with former Harrier Jimmy Stewart enroute and finished strongly to hand over to wife Sandra who ran the double leg to the foot of the Devil's Staircase. Frances Maxwell was given the leg over into Kinlochleven in the now scorching heat, accompanied by Joanne, Stephen and myself. Frances negotiated the toughest and roughest part of the course without incident only to come a cropper on a scree covered steep hair pin bend about a mile from the end of the leg. Despite cramp in both legs and various scrapes and bruises, Frances picked herself up and was soon back into her running to hand over to Jim Holmes for the very tough climb from Kinlochleven over to Lundavra. Jim slipped in to the finish of his leg in a very impressive time to hand over to Gerry Mullen for the leg into Glen Nevis, along with Eddie. Gerry clearly needed some extra miles so chose to go off course via the camp site and along the Glen Nevis road to complete his leg. Finally, more or less the whole team ran the last mile (alright, it is now officially a Garmin measured 0.8 miles) to the finish in Fort William in a total time of 13 hours and 40 minutes. Then it was time for the men and ladies to have a quick swim at the hotel, smarten up and head for dinner and a well earned celebration in the Ben Bevis hotel. Well done to everyone for making this such an enjoyable weekend and a special thanks to Malcolm for organising it all so smoothly once again.

Of course there is more to tell. The full story of the relay and the Sunday beach activities will follow in pictures in a few days time. Meanwhile, if anyone has any photos, please bring them up to the club on Thursday on a memory stick and I will merge them into the gallery at the weekend.

Alan