Lairig Ghru Hill Race – Deeside
Runners
Sunday 29th June 2008 : Time 1000 hrs Entry Form
Photos
2004 (Courtesy of Tim Downie)
An SAL
category C Long Hill Race run over 28 miles
An
ultra distance hill race, between the police stations of Braemar and Aviemore,
with 28 miles of spectacular scenery, run over an historic drove road rising to
2733 ft. between some of the highest peaks in
Start: Police Station,
Braemar
Start time: Please note
that the race begins promptly at
We offer normal hill race safety cover but limited other
facilities.
NO: changing facilities at the start
regular
drink/feed stations
route
marking
immediate
first-aid
To meet safety requirements, and for their comfort,
competitors should typically be capable of a sub 4 hour road marathon and do
the required training for the event. The race calls for a degree of self
-sufficiency and commitment, and also a readiness to assist someone in real
distress on the exposed portions of the route. A few years ago we found it
necessary to introduce cut off points in order to avoid the excessive time the
sweep runners and mountain rescue have had to spend on the hill in previous
years. If you cannot complete the event within six hours, please do not enter.
Information on
Cut-offs - Please read before entering
One weight saving suggestion is not to carry too much
drinking fluid. We will provide a drinking station at the back of Mar Lodge,
and again at the road junction at Coylumbridge. A small scoop/cup enables water
to be gathered en-route from streams with perhaps only a small reserve supply.
We will transport any kit required at the finish from the
start. Please mark the bag clearly with your name.
TRANSPORT
We will organise transport for anyone who has to drop out
at Derry Lodge, firstly back to Braemar, and, if necessary, to Aviemore. We
will also have something organised for anyone dropping out at Pools of Dee or
beyond. Return
transport to Braemar
From Braemar the first few miles are on tarmac road up to
Mar Lodge. From there a track leads to Derry Lodge, then over fairly soft
ground through Glen Lui and the stream at Luibeg (the bridge is too far off
course unless the river is in spate). The ground rises steeply by Carn
a’Mhaim with the Devil’s Point on the left, as soon as the full
splendour of the Lairig Ghru comes into sight. It is rough going, hard on the
legs and on the concentration. As the track rises, it passes between Braeriach
on the left and Ben Macdui on the right. The two boulder fields before Pools of
Dee are tricky, but soon after this, Aviemore can be seen, and the ground
descends over softer surfaces down to Rothiemurchus Forest. The final miles are
on well-used tracks out on to the road at Coylumbridge. Finally, the town of
Aviemore is approached by the old bridge over the Spey, under the
railway line, and up the main road to the finish.
The finish is on the
main road opposite the police station. The finish facilities and recording of
times will close at 4 p.m., six hours after the start. Shower facilities are
available at the public toilets, just down the road.
As you will know from
the news, there are always risks on the Scottish mountains. Even in summer,
they can be very dangerous, particularly if a scantily clad runner is forced to
stop. Cairngorm Mountain Rescue teams have provided support to the event and
assisted with occasional minor injuries. We aim, with your help, to raise funds
for the team and would therefore appreciate any donations with your entry.
The Lairig Ghru is a SAL category C Long Hill Race and
this requires competitors to carry the following minimum essential equipment:
a) whistle
b) full
waterproof body cover
c) emergency
food equivalent to 2oz chocolate
d) a map of
the route and compass
Do not underestimate the potential value of the above!
Competitors who stray or retire from the course, and are
out of contact with the sweep runners or Mountain Rescue should, as soon as
possible, get word to the race organisers or telephone the police at Aviemore
to confirm their well-being, and avoid unnecessary search action.
Men 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Women 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Veterans M40, M50, M60, F40, F50
1st Team – three to count
Organisers “Special Category” award –
for any noteworthy achievement in the race
Spot Prizes
Entry
By pre-entry or on the day
Pre-Entry £8.00
… Non-Affiliated £10.00 On the Day £11.00
… Non-Affiliated £13.00
Pre-entrants may collect numbers at the race start.