Lairig Ghru Hill Race
Dear Runner
This letter was prepared in 1998 because of previous
problems. I repeat it for your information. Over the past few years the race
organisers have experienced some difficulties with both the organisation and
running of the Lairig race. One of the major problems
has been that some runners have entered the race and taken part
who have taken times well in excess of earlier races. In 1996 and 1997
in particular, we had runners taking between eight and nine hours to complete
the course. This happened despite pleas by the organisers to applicants to
apply only if they have recently achieved a four hour marathon or similar. We
feel that this is a major problem, firstly because of our concerns over the
safety and health of some runners who are clearly struggling with the distance
and difficulty of the course. This is obviously a concern of Cairngorm Mountain
Rescue Association also. They are the team who provide backup to the race
through having a training event in the Lairig Ghru during the race. After the 1997 race they wrote to the
organisers detailing their strong misgivings about the fitness of some runners
and their inability to cope with the rigours of the race. I quote:
“ In
recent years the increasing number of persons who are incapable of maintaining
a reasonable pace over the whole event is a matter of some concern. In bad
weather unfit runners who are incapable of maintaining their body heat are very
likely to succumb to hypothermia and this could have serious consequences.”
“Increasing publicity will attract more runners. The
race is run through serious terrain and should only be undertaken by those who
are properly fit.”
The organisers are in complete agreement with the
above statements. As well as this, both organisers and backup have to spend
much longer at the event itself, latterly well into the evening of the race
day. Clearly there are question marks about the event, and, vitally, about the
participation of Cairngorm Mountain Rescue. If they pull out, there is no Lairig Ghru Hill Race. We hope
that the points mentioned will be heeded by prospective runners, but we feel
more is needed than voluntary agreement because of the recent problems, so we
intend to introduce this year a system of cut-off
points whereby runners will have to be at certain points in the race by a
certain time, otherwise they will be told to quit. These points will be:
Derry Lodge ( 8 miles ) – 1 ½
hours
Pools of
While the above may seem a drastic and heavy-handed
approach, we feel that it is necessary if the event is to survive. It is really
up to runners. If you are not fit to take part in the event, don’t do it.
Remember, you have the future of the event in your hands, or perhaps your feet.
We are depending on your good judgment
Happily, the situation is much improved in the last
two races. Long may it continue.
Yours sincerely
Phil Benzie