Course records broken as solo runners smash it at Loch Ness 24
Runners returning for the second Loch Ness 24 challenge at the weekend endured contrasting conditions to the inaugural event last year.
Gone was the sunshine and in its place was heavy rain, as participants battled wet and wild weather for much of the 24-hour running challenge.
It added an extra level of difficulty to those running through the night on the 4.7 mile / 7 kilometre off-road circuit around Aldourie and Dores, with the aim being to complete as many laps as possible in the time.
Despite the conditions, organisers said the atmosphere was fantastic, featuring a sea of happy faces and fabulous camaraderie between the runners, support crews, volunteers and events team.
Solo category winners Rosie Doull and Iain Bathune both achieved new course records, with Rosie equalling the existing female solo record of 24 laps of the 7.032km course, but in a record time of 21 hours, 14 minutes and 41 seconds, and Iain taking the male solo race title with a 29 laps under his belt, their overall distances being 168km and 203km respectively.
But the event wasn’t just for the serious ultra-runners. Participants could take on the challenge in pairs or teams, in a relay style to share the load, and as a result it saw many people surprising themselves and achieving marathon or ultra-marathon distances for the very first time.
Race director Jonathan Buckland, of Zone Events, was pleased to see everyone joining in with the festival-like atmosphere.
He said: “What a great response from all the participants and their support crews, who dug deep throughout the challenging night. We also had a great crew of volunteers, who provided much-needed motivation throughout the relentless rain, so a massive thanks to them!
"Many people came dressed in costume, from clowns to Kings (Elvis), to clergymen! And of course, all our runners managed to catch a glimpse of Nessie himself (albeit on the same weekend as the biggest official Nessie hunt) – who popped by to help us start the race!
"With people travelling from as far afield as Australia and even South Africa just to take part, we think it’s safe to say that Loch Ness 24 is definitely proving itself to be one-to-watch on the international running calendar."
Thousands of pounds have so far been raised for the official charity partners, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, RNLI Lifeboats, Centered and Held in Our Hearts.
