Devil of The Highlands Ultra Race

The Devil o’the Highlands 43 mile race was the target of 5 members of Dumfries Running Club last Saturday. This sold out event with a field of 400 is a tough challenge from Tyndrum to Fort William on the route of the West Highland Way and presents many challenges with a course that passes Bridge of Orchy, traverses Rannoch Moor to Glencoe with the steep climb over the Devil’s Staircase and sharp descent.

The rocky, technical final climb out of Kinlochleven saps the legs of all participants but the first glimpse of Ben Nevis through the trees can provide fresh impetus with the knowledge that the end is close. The 6am kick off unfortunately is not too early for the midgies who impeded runners in the early stages.

First home from the club was David Burns who had a storming start and was feeling strong until the heat caught up with him later in the race. However he battled through this and was pleased with his time of 9 hours 33. Ian Anderson, who has missed a large part of the season with injury, was next home from the club. After another strong performance that was hampered in the last third of the race by the heat. Despite his lack of training Ian was delighted to cross the line in 9 hours 46. Laura Broach and Andy Dickson ran most of the race together and as the common theme of the day struggled with the heat, that became intense whilst climbing the devil's staircase. However they both battled on to cross the line in 11hours 57 which meant she had completed the triple crown of the Highland fling, the West Highland way race and the Devil in one season. The final member of the club to finish was Ryan Mccrindle who struggled to cope with the heat, he was helped in the last third by his club mates and when he finally crossed the line in 12hours  07 was delighted they had all waited to see him finish.