Ogling in Killin

Ogling in Killin by Alan Murray

On Saturday, November 2nd, a determined group of 10 Harriers ventured to Killin for the ever-popular Glen Ogle 33-mile ultra-marathon, organised by Rocket Events, showcasing strong club representation from the club on race day.

The weather had been fairly mild all week, and as the runners gathered at McClaren Hall, it was clear we faced a decent start, with only light drizzle and unseasonably warm conditions for early November. The race begins in the village at 8 am prompt, after a detailed race briefing, soon crossing the picturesque Falls of Dochart before plunging into a challenging 4 mile climb on slippery forest tracks towards the A85. The aim here is to take it easy, and not sprint up the many climbs on this section. Due to the mild conditions, many runners soon shed their winter layers, eager to find their rhythm. I wasted a good few minutes faffing with gloves, hats and jackets, but at least it was mild and dry, which is not always the case!

By mile four, we are across the main A85 road, where the terrain shifts to flatter cycle tracks, allowing us to settle into our pace and enjoy the stunning scenery. A highlight is crossing the Glen Ogle Viaduct, where I run alongside other friendly runners for a few miles, exchanging conversation and admiring the views. So far so good!

After the viaduct, I safely negotiated the switchback downhill section, as the course descends towards Balquhidder, reaching the 13-mile mark. This is where I had my first mini wobble, as this is an undulating 6+ mile tarmac section, not that exciting, runners are now very much spread out and I had only the sheep for company! I was sure the sheep were looking at me thinking, “this guy is mad!”  Soon we encounter a relatively flat stretch toward Strathyre, where the only checkpoint awaits at mile 19.

At the Strathyre checkpoint, we replenish our supplies with snacks and drinks from our drop bags, before tackling the daunting climb to Kingshouse. This steep, muddy section proves to be the toughest part of the race, as many runners shuffle or walk to conserve energy. I adopted a walk/run strategy at this point, knowing that when I reached the top, the majority of what remains of the route is ‘mainly’ downhill. Once at the top of the hill at Kingshouse, we descend for a few miles, to again cross the A85 and then have a good few miles on some lovely leave coloured tracks, and it feels like we are on the homeward stretch.

Then comes the wee kick in the tail, the stinger. The dreaded switchback uphill appears, testing our mental fortitude at the marathon mile mark. I adopt a walk-run strategy again to manage cramping in my legs, aware that others were struggling as well.

Fortunately, the rain continues to hold off as I make it to the top of the switchback and we start to make our long descent back to Killin along cycle route 7, again running along the Glen Ogle viaduct, accompanied by some curious wild goats. This section is not particularly steep or hilly, but is a mental slog fest, reminiscent of the return section of the Alloa/Dunfermline cycle path! It’s monotonous, yet with beautiful views, as your mind starts to question why you are running well over 26 miles! Sub 5 hopes faded at this point, but it did not matter, as I was enjoying the run and the surroundings.

Soon I arrive at the last checkpoint, at approximately 29 miles, and a welcome boost from Pauline Walker that Paul Foster is not too far ahead, so I speed up, kind of!

I cross the A85 once again, and onto a nice downhill section back to Killin. Although the downhills are welcome at this late stage, even they are tough on legs that have ran almost 30 miles already. Only 4ish miles to go!

We approach the village, after a slog along a lovely, wooded trail, and again across the Falls of Dochart (which are just stunning). There are a few folks dotted about clapping and cheering. 1k to go, and then the infamous loop through the park adding a final twist, before I cross the finish line in a respectable 5 Hours 13 minutes, in 64th place and am presented with a lovely wooden medal, my 4^th Glen Ogle. I never did catch Paul, no where near, as he was packing his car as I headed into the park for the final loop.

Post-race discussions highlighted the surprisingly mild conditions compared to previous years, and we all agreed it was a fantastic event. The area looked stunning in its autumn glow.

The first Harrier across the line was Paul Foster, in a great sub 5 time of 4:57:58. Alan Murray followed as the second Harrier in 5:13:16, with Clara Kay next up at 6:05:50.  Fiona Rennie, 6:27:41 and Niall Paterson 6:30:30 were next across the line, while Andy Brown popped his Ultra cherry in a great first time of 6:39:05. Karl and Jen knocked 60 mins of last years’ time finishing in 6:41:00! Donald McLeod 7:31:40, completing his first point to point ultra, and Jane McLeod 7:55:14, completed the Harriers finishers. Well done all. Super effort.

Congratulations to all Harriers for their outstanding performances and personal bests!

I cannot recommend this race enough and is a great step for those looking to dip their toes into the Ultra scene. See you next year!

Thanks to Fiona Rennie and Heather Patterson for the images