Loch Ness Marathon 2018
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- Category: News
Arrows on Tour at Inverness
By Stephen McKee
Planes, trains and automobiles were in action getting 6 Arrows to Inverness for the Loch Ness Marathon and 10k. Team McKee, Team Russell and Lyndon arrived on Friday in time for parkrun on Saturday taking advantage of the slightly later start for an extra 30 minutes lie-in. Rhona marshalled while the rest of us jogged round a flat, grassy 2.5 lap course which was adjusted slightly due to the Expo being set-up on part of the course. Nice run but the flat terrain provided a false sense of security ahead of the Sunday routes. A brief visit to a small, compact but well stocked Expo which left David a few pounds lighter; the 20% discount on garmin products being too tempting for a Scotsman. A pleasant meal Chez McKee followed in the early evening providing sufficient carbs to get us through the next day.
Early Sunday seen Stephen, Lyndon and Steve Mowles queuing for the bus at 07:00 for the trip to the start line some 24 miles south of Inverness; cue early breakfasts for more carb loading. It was like a military operation with some 50 plus buses lining up to take the 2,800 or so runners to the start line. Being a relative local I took things on my stride during the bus journey while Lyndon kept commenting on the remoteness and spectacular views of the Loch with surrounding hills covered with mist.
Arriving at the start it was amazing to see nothing but hills, trees, empty buses, baggage lorries and the inevitable rows of portaloos. Best of all was the welcoming local Scout troop who had been on the move since 5am to provide the runners with a pre-race tea and coffee. Presenter Brian Burnett singled out Steve Mowles as the most stylish runner - resplendent in dressing gown, shades and with a cup of tea to complete his pre-race preparations - for a round of applause after a brief interview.
At the start we mingled with other runners from across the globe with representatives from New Zealand, South Africa, France and Sweden amongst others. Plenty of representation too from Hertfordshire with Striders, Medway, Dunstable, Ware, Dacorum & Tring and Stopsley all represented. I even got asked at the start if I knew Terry Atkinson and Richard Moreton; not a question I was expecting 500 miles from Harpenden as we milled around waiting for the race to start. The weather conditions were kind to us with a rather cool 7 degrees but dry and very little wind.
Starting at 1000ft above sea level we steadily descended over the first 9 miles although there were a few sharp inclines to break the monotony. There was little support at this stage although as we ran through some small villages there were a handful of enthusiastic supporters to encourage us along the way. Reaching the shores of the loch we run an undulating 9 miles before the much-anticipated big climb at 18 miles. There were some spectacular views across the loch toward the hills during this stretch. Natural showers were welcomed by many of the runners including myself but thought to be a bit much for others (Lyndon). I was happy to pass the Elephant at 16 miles before we tackled the hill. The hill was similar to Westfield although slightly steeper and 2 miles long. This caught out a number of runners as it arrives at a difficult part of the race. The top of the hill signalled the start of a downhill finish to the race although, not surprisingly, there were a couple of minor inclines to be tackled. The closing stretch was along the South stretch of the river then crossing the bridge and back along the North bank to the welcoming finish.
Lyndon was 1st Arrow home in 3:24, another PB followed by Stephen in 4:16 with Steve Mowles walk/running to help an injured partner while completing his first marathon.
Jillian, David and Rhona tackled the 10k which was also a point to point course with a few hills. Fast PB course with a net downhill with the final 6k mirroring the marathon finish. David led the way with a 39:57 to collect 4th in age category. Jillian was next home in 1:00:19 with Rhona walk/running with another tourist and a new best friend.
The event was well organised with lots of support from the local community. In addition to the typical goody bag, hot soup was provided for all finishers with marathon runners also receiving a warming plate of chilli. A ceilidh band played in the marquee as the runners ate and chatted about their race. Some runners even had the energy left to dance with Nessie who made a welcome appearance. You can guess which Arrows joined in.
Definitely one to do again!
