Benbecula Half Marathon 7/06/08
Coming into LochmaddyAnother day, another weekend in paradise. This is ‘Heb 3’ season and, two races in, we have been blessed so far this year with consistently warm, sunny weather, showing off the Hebridean landscape in all its splendour.
For the uninitiated, the ‘Heb 3’ challenge is to complete at least three of a series of five half marathons taking place on different islands of the Outer Hebrides from end May- mid-July each year. Richard reported on the first of this year’s events, at Stornoway two weeks ago. This weekend it was the turn of the tiny remote island of Benbecula, and the only one of the series which I had never done.
SG photo of race startPart of the adventure is the journey, and it was with the usual sense of anticipation that four of us- Richard, HBT and Heb stalwart, Izzy Knox, my partner, Alison and me, set off on the long scenic road to Skye, where we joined fellow aficionados for the Calmac ferry service to Lochmaddy on North Uist. The approach to Lochmaddy feels remote and idyllic and, as we boarded the waiting ‘runners’ bus’ for the near 20 mile road trip through single track wilderness and by narrow causeway to Benbecula, it all felt a far cry from the city.
SG photo of Ben in first placeHaving once again failed to persuade each other of the merits of our respective accommodation preferences, Alison and I headed off for our canvas ‘room with a view’ at the conveniently located campsite; Richard for his comparatively plush hotel extravaganza. Izzy, meanwhile, appeared to lack just a little commitment, having abandoned her tent in the car at the first offer of a more solid roof for the night.
The only hint of concern amongst the usual ‘Heb buzz’ on race morning was whether it might be too warm; not your usual complaint in the Western Isles! The course, if not quite flat, is not significantly undulating either (at least, not by the standards of Harris or Barra) and follows a winding course along mostly small roads around the centre of the island. With little traffic there is no need to close the roads in this part of the world.
SG photo of the Helensburgh TeamWithin a few hours of finishing, we are back on the ferry and, via a very pleasant bite to eat at the Kintail Lodge hotel, heading back to the city. We have cause to celebrate. Richard has scored his first win, scooping ‘1st vet’, and Izzy ran well to achieve a fast third place (she would I think have taken the course record, had it not simultaneously been smashed by strong performances from Michelle and Julia (two parts of a very strong Helensburgh team, which easily won the womens’ team prize). I had what I felt was a strong run*, and probably my best run of the year to date and, to cap it all, the self-appointed ‘Ben’s bloaters’ (not my idea) took the mens’ team prize (a dynamic combo of Richard, me and Adrian Hodges, another Heb regular from Forres). Between us, it is fair to say that we had a very fine haul- both (stylish) pots and other (liquid and non-liquid) prizes- as our booty for the return leg to the mainland. Not to mention a classy horse brass for a finishing medal.
Thank you again to Lenny and the other organisers for a thoroughly enjoyable event, with impeccable organisation (not to mention the fine buffet, of which the tablet was for me a particular highlight). Lenny did suggest the glorious weather was typical and I for one intend to return next year in full anticipation…..
As we were driving home that evening, replete from a very agreeble meal at Kintail, I was struck, not for the first time, by the stunning scenery which pervades this part of the World. And I wondered out loud that more folk haven’t discovered it for themselves. “Sshhh”, Alison responded, “don’t tell anyone”…..
Report and photos Ben Kemp
Other photos Stornoway Gazette (get your copy, out on June 12th, for more pics)*What Ben neglects to mention in his report was that he crossed the line in first place.
If anyone would like a set of results, as they are rather hard to come by, email this site.
