Speyside Way 50KM Race Report by Kathryn Fairfield
I decided in late 2023 that once Belfast was out of the way in May 2024 I wanted to run my first ultramarathon. With so many to choose from it took a little time however I settled on the Speyside Way 50km as I love the Moray area of Scotland and the date worked well for other plans and family commitments. The race is part of the Moray Way Ultra series and there was also a 100km option – I’m a bit mad but I’m not that mad!
After Belfast the plan was to keep the running fitness at a decent level and continue to build the endurance and strength, especially on trails and off road terrain. I was only a few weeks into this when I tripped over a tree route in the woods at the back of my house and went down really heavy on my left knee. Long story short I ended up not being able to run for several weeks right at what should have been my peak training weeks and wasn’t sure I would make the start line. Four weeks to race day I went out to walk/run for 3 hours, with the plan being if I couldn’t manage then the race was off. It was ok so I decided to do the race and accept it would be harder than I would like but would be doable.
Fast forward to Saturday 17 August and I left Kayleigh snoozing in our hotel in Cullen whilst Kenny took me to the bus at Buckie which would whisk me to the start line at Tamdhu. He then headed back to enjoy a lovely cooked breakfast whilst I tried to keep my nerves under control on a very winding bus journey. We got dropped at Tamdhu and arrived even before Kyle and Debbie Greig the race directors! The atmosphere was quite subdued but friendly and I was feeling ok. I then saw Dawn Wilson and Kevin Davie appear – I had totally forgotten that Dawn was also signed up. With all her ultra experience I took comfort from knowing she was there for any last minute questions and to give me some words of wisdom. It was also good to know that I would also see Kevin at various points on the route, as well as Kayleigh and Kenny….albeit I didn’t realise at that point he was going to choose to pop up at some very choice hilly parts!
The race got underway at 9am sharp and the first section was the same as The Dramathon which I did a few years ago. It’s an old railway line so nothing tricky or technical underfoot and pretty flat. The runners thinned out reasonable quickly and I settled into a wee trail conga line of Dawn, then a woman Helen who was turning 50 the next day and wanted to do 50 for 50, then me.
First check point was at Craigellachie at 15km in which I started to really look forward too….mainly because I had started to need the toilet and also so I could see my support crew! We arrived there and Kenny and Kayleigh were on hand to point out my drop bag and also where the toilet was….only to be told that they were shut! Wild wee it was….then back to them for my refilled Active Root flasks. No time for a chat as I saw Dawn heading off and I knew that she knew the route quite well and I was paranoid about getting lost. I did have the GPX file but that doesn’t mean I can navigate! I left the check point with my bag of Mini Cheddars in hand (thanks for the top tip Emma Collins), a flapjack stuffed in my vest and tried to get Dawn back in sight. I could see her up ahead and as this was a hilly bit I ran/walked whilst eating and we eventually ended up roughly beside each other. The route then evened off a bit before we had a descent which took us to the sign for Ben Aigan. I knew from the race handbook, and from speaking to others who had done it, that this was the worst part in terms of elevation. They weren’t wrong! It was forestry type track and a hill that just seemed to go on forever. However it was a chance for Dawn and I to get a good blether about all sorts!! When we finally got to the top the views were incredible and it had also started to get pretty warm.
The route then generally descends on a variety of trails, fields and wooded areas until another sharp rise before Fochabers. At some point, where I can’t be sure as it’s all blended into one a bit we also arrived at a sign saying ‘Live Shooting Range’ and there was a big red traffic light. That spiced it up a bit for sure as I could hear gun shots through the trees. As if the excitement of gunfire wasn’t enough we were then presented with a steep set of wooden steps to get down in one piece. Dawn was right behind me again and told me to take care, not break my ankle and then it’s a sharp right turn at the bottom. I was then totally surprised to see Kenny and Kayleigh again and as we passed them by, and turned up another stinging wee hill who was there? Of course it was Kevin offering some Haribo and words of wisdom which probably weren’t reciprocated. In my head I thought we should be nearing Fochabers at about 19 miles but I couldn’t see any sign of the town and I had almost finished my fluids.
At almost 21 miles I reached the town and a bit of a confusing, series of paths until the checkpoint appeared. Kayleigh and Kenny surpassed themselves here having already picked up my drop bag from the volunteers and laid out all the snacks, and extra choices, in the boot of the car. They filled up my flasks, I threw some full fat Coke down my neck, grabbed some strawberry pencils, got a cuddle and a selfie and got back on the road knowing I was now two thirds done.
The route from here took us through some woods and then into farmland and fields. It was really starting to get tough for me from this point and I was getting really tired. I also started to worry about tripping over as I knew my running form wasn’t exactly textbook. I began to deploy a bit of a run/walk strategy. I knew I was nearing Spey Bay as the ground underfoot was getting sandy, and from here I knew it was ‘only’ about 5 miles to the finish. I wasn’t expecting to see anyone until then so got a boost from seeing Kayleigh running in the distance to what was clearly the path I would take.
There were also lots of tourists at this point so a really good buzz. By now I could only see two runners up ahead and again the plan was to keep them in line of sight in case of navigation issues!
From here I knew it was pretty much flat until the very end so used this as an opportunity to try and gain some momentum and I kept thinking of Sarah Marshall’s mantra she sent me ‘relentless forward progress’. I kept repeating that in my head with some added swear words for good measure! As I got through Port Gordon the path forked and I couldn’t tell which way was the right way. I stopped, took out my phone to look at the GPX and also turned around. I could see Lena, who I had overtaken leaving Spey Bay and also Dawn. I shouted to ask them which way they thought it was and Lena pointed right. I headed off and very quickly saw the sign for Buckie – never have I been so pleased to see a sign in my life! And of course who appeared again – Kevin! I knew Dawn was right behind me at this point as the moment
I passed him I could hear him encouraging her. Dawn then appeared alongside me and passed me looking super strong. I still couldn’t see or hear the finish and was absolutely blowing out my backside.
And then FINALLY as the road was becoming really steep I realised I could see Dawn making the final turn to the finish line. I could also see Kayleigh screaming at me, and I couldn’t make out what she was saying but she seemed very excited. I pushed up the hill and on to the orange carpet and crossed the line with a smile on my face. Kyle Greig was right across to congratulate me and give me my medal and then someone told me I was third female. I grabbed Dawn for a hug and told her she was second female and I don’t think either of us could believe it. I was totally overwhelmed and still am to be honest.
A few minutes later the ‘podium’ presentation took place and we got our trophies and prizes. If you’d told me 10 years ago I would one day do an ultramarathon and finish third I would have laughed in your face. I struggled to do 5km then.
So would I recommend this race? Yes absolutely! Lovely route, challenging but not ridiculous or particularly technical. Very friendly and welcoming. I know other Harriers have done this and also other races in the series too.
Will I do another ultra? Well I said never again on Saturday…..and on Sunday. It’s now Monday and my legs are still very sore so defo not any time soon…..but never say never!
Photos courtesy of Stuart Ross Media, Kenny and Kayleigh