Lairig Ghru Hill Race – Deeside
Runners
Sunday 27th June 2010 : 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
THE RACE
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.
Many competitors carry a small cup or bottle to take water from streams on route to save weight. Unless you have knowledge of where the burns are we recommend you carry plenty of liquid. Most competitors carry camelbaks. There is one water station early on at the back of Mar Lodge and no others. Logistically it is too difficult to offer more stations so competitors should aim to be self sufficient.
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.
There is a bus available to transport competitors back to Braemar from Aviemore. The cost is £10 and must be booked in advance through the organiser, please state this on your entry form and enclose the £10. The bus leaves Aviemore at 5pm.
THE COURSE
From Braemar the first few miles are on tarmac road up to Mar Lodge. From there a track leads to Derry Lodge (see cut off below), 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
The finish is on the main road opposite the police station. Please not Aviemore is very busy at this time of year and we cannot close the road so take care on this final stretch. 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.
SAFETY
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.
ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT
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.
PRIZE CATEGORIES
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
Male - 3:04:25 - Paul Raistrick (2007)
Female - 3:32:38 - Lucy Colquhoun (2006)
Entry
By pre-entry or on the day
Pre-Entry £8.00 … Non-Affiliated £10.00 On the Day £12.00 … Non-Affiliated £15.00
Pre-entrants may collect numbers at the race start.