West Highland Way Race 2026 Twenty Goblets

Training has gone well this year with good outings at Falkirk 6 hour Ultra, Devilla Forest 8 hour Challenge and the Devil O’ the Highlands, I focused on hills, quite often using Sherps Brae in Valleyfield which is a long steady slog, included reps up and down the steps into the wee Industrial Estate, not running them but a strong controlled stride up two steps at a time, advice from Pauline, this was part of her training when she set Scottish records in 24 hour races so there was no disputing it would help, some tempo work, as well as battering down all the hills I came across in training including the fire track down to Fort William at the end of the Devil. That felt the smoothest, easiest and probably the fastest I’d ever done that section, so a great boost that my training was heading in the right direction. 

My crew this year was similar to previous years, working two shifts with Pauline and Val for the first night, handing over Saturday afternoon at Tyndrum to Allan, bringing Gillian and Jon (lovely to have the newlyweds back after not being available last year), also Ken and Sue joining at Tyndrum after one night at home after volunteering at the Summer Spine. Clara was happy to run with me again after her first time supporting me last year (Collective noun for a big team - A celebration).

On Thursday I had everything packed and ready, just leaving a few wee bits of food prep for Friday morning, Val popped along in the afternoon to go over my stuff, pack Allan’s car which would be used as the support vehicle, she timed it nicely to dodge the heavy rain. They would just need to swap car keys at Tyndrum, instead of unloading and repacking all my gear into another car when they handed over. My race food was in a large clear plastic box to make it easy to see where everything was. The clothes I was likely to wear were also packed into another clear box, all placed in zip-lock bags and labeled according to contents and the checkpoint where I probably was going to need them, hopefully making things easy for the crew to lay a hand on them easily.

Then it was the long wait. I had a lie down in the bedroom with the curtains closed for a wee while, not sleeping but resting until Val and Pauline picked me up at 9.00pm. 

I always try to make registration a quick affair with no hanging about or chatting too much, and when jokingly asked for my photo ID I whipped out my Bus Pass, respecting the rules, there might have been someone volunteering I hadn’t met before. It’s lovely to get quick catch-ups and hugs, then going back to the car for a final faff before heading to the start. This being my twentieth West Highland Way Race I felt under pressure to make sure I was successful, not really pressure from anyone else, I hoped anyone who knew what I was attempting would be willing me on through the early checkpoints and on to the finish. I just did not want anyone to be disappointed on my behalf if I failed. On a positive note, the weather looked promising, not anything extreme and hopefully it would stay that way.

1.00am. Deep breath, we’re off! Don’t trip on the steps out of the tunnel! The shouts and cheers of support along the street, sending us on our way were loud and exciting. Turning down towards Mugdock, the path seems very quiet after the noise of the start, with just a few words with folk around me, Neil MacRitchie passed me, never to be seen again until the finish. I was working on Pauline’s summary of my race plan - Run fast and don’t fall! - Never taking my eyes off the path in front and moving the best I could. I carried a sheet with previous splits and mini time checks at various points to make sure I was on target for the Beinglas cut off, pushing a hard but hopefully not a crash and burn effort. Going out like the Charge of the Light Brigade and finishing like the Zombie Apocalypse isn’t a race technique that suits me, this tends to be a rookie error or the silly man thing, I much prefer to have a steady maintained effort from start to finish with a bit of a push at the end, that feels more within my control. But if I end up having to be a walking corpse to be successful, so be it. I was bang on my time check turning onto the road after the Carbeth Huts. On the long straight path of a thousand gates, the heavy rain on Friday took its toll, there weren’t just puddles, with the footfall of the hunners of runners in front of me the soft ground was beaten, whisked and blended like a horrible cake mix leaving it like a glooping, slimy black porridge. Even though I was on a mission, I pussy-footed around trying to keep my feet dry, it was too early for soggy tootsies and the problems that that can cause, or to embarrassingly skite on my arse. I made it unscathed to Garness still on schedule with my time checks and phoned Val to say I was about half an hour away from Drymen where they were meeting me. 

On the road, I was chatting with Jon Steele. It's lovely to see him back. Although it was still fairly dark, mist was lying luminously in the fields below and a few bats flitted about. I wasn't pausing for photos but locked the images in my mind’s album. There was a marshal blocking the turning into the field with a big arrow pointing us along the road. This was an unexpected surprise but it was to avoid cows and their calves, I’ve never been this way before so a novelty to do a slightly longer detour along the road, Pauline and Val were waiting for me at Drymen, I left them my head torch and picked up a banana milkshake, also reassuringly I was four minutes faster than last year. I kept a good steady effort up the forest track with Paddy, running his eleventh West Highland Way Race, he’s also done the Challenge and we chatted about how the route differs heading south. We were to see each other throughout the race, usually him passing me again after a checkpoint. 

It was good to see work being done on the climb up Conic, over time footfall and heavy rain has gouged a trough in the path, at least this year it wasn’t raining, in previous years I’ve felt akin to a salmon swimming up river! The weather was good and looked like it would stay settled, the sun was starting to rise and hopefully it would burst above the hill bringing light and energy. 

 

Yay! I love when that happens!

Once over the shoulder of Conic I phoned ahead asking Pauline and Val in Balmaha to get the kettle on for my porridge and mug of tea. As much as I was pushing on, at the start of the crazy paving I would take it very steady going down, even though I’ve done it a few times now I still feel the new path is a head injury waiting to happen.

I made it down safely, Pauline was waiting for me with my pot of porridge just above the checkpoint so I could walk through shovelling in my breakfast and smoothly swapping to a mug of tea at the car without breaking stride and head along to Rowardennan, I took advantage of the facilities at Milarrochy and had a civilised toilet stop, settling into one of my favourite sections. My nerves were calming and I felt good and strong, moving well though the woodland’s swoops and climbs, even up the long climb of the steps. 

At Rowardennan Pauline and Val were ready for me, I was having a sit down for a change of socks, Pauline sorted my feet while I spooned in a tub of semolina with some smooth peanut butter added, this was a new one for me and a change from rice pudding, it was going in nicely, a great suggestion from Sue.

We swapped my water and Tailwind bottles and I took with me a couple of sachets, baby food and custard then headed off along the loch side. I was relieved that this year we were doing the high road since the low road was closed for repairs, it’s around the same distance but not technical, just a steady climb and descent on a wide forest track but for someone with an eye on the Beinglas cut-off, a saving of at least ten minutes. 

I kept a good strong working effort along to Inversnaid, and was absolutely delighted to see Keith. A bittersweet moment, we had planned to run together this year until injury sidelined him, he poured some Coke into my wee squishy cup and walked out a wee bit with me. I was still stressing Beinglas and asked Keith to confirm how long I had to get there, “You’re fine, loads of time!” but being a bit thick, I think I muddled the twelve hour limit to mean twelve noon cutting an hour off the limit. I've never been particularly numerate and even worse when running, stressing myself more than necessary!  Eejit! 

photo credit - Keith Hughes

I also make another error regarding Inversnaid, I knew there wouldn’t be drop bags this year but I forgot to carry enough food from Rowardennan that would see me to Beinglas, there were a few snacks available but I can’t eat the usual stuff after being treated for mouth cancer thirteen years ago, I ended up using the emergency gels that live in the bottom of my bag which are usually well out of date and probably been carried for at least a thousand miles! I’m sure they helped a bit! 

As long as I made good steady progress on the narrow, scrambly terrain along the side of the loch I shouldn’t need to panic, a lot of the rocks and tree roots were covered in a slick of wet mud from previous runners, and the erosion of the route doesn’t help, I’m sure in future, paddling will be needed if more path falls into the loch.  After last year’s fall I was extra wary, I wasn’t going to risk another accident and moved as cautiously as I could without wasting time. There were a couple of runners behind me, I asked if they wanted to go by, Ben said “No, I’m fine, happy to watch where you put your feet.” (I didn’t mention that it might not be a good idea to follow me, after giving myself a bloody sair yin, bashing my bonce but luckily a jaggy bush saving me making a splash in the loch last year) We had a good old blether along, and at one point we came to a wide stretch of very deep mud, a walker was paused in the centre with her poles holding her steady probably questioning her life choices, Ben made light of the situation and said “This is like Indiana Jones!”  and started singing the tune… “Aw wait, that’s the A Team!” Seconds later we were all laughing singing the proper Indiana tune. (I don’t think I’ll ever see a clip of any of the Indiana Jones films without smiling at this memory now) 

Yay! The flat grassy bit and no falls! Time to ease the legs back into running and head up to Dario’s post, but before that I had to find a quiet spot away from the path, Andy Cole ran past, it was great to see him but I didn’t think it was good etiquette to attract his attention and shout hello mid wilder-pee, hopefully I’ll get a chat later.  

The safety boat was cruising along close to shore, what a boost to hear Keith shouting loud and clear, I waved back with a massive smile. Laura and I were together for the climb up to Dario’s post, it was lovely to have her company sharing a wee dram, pausing a moment with an old friend.    

photo credit - Laura McKay

I knew exactly how long it would take to reach Beinglas, no need to panic, just a good, steady effort and I’ll be fine. As I approached Jean-Paul shouted “No.2 Queen of the Race!” I laughed out loud then was surprised as a wee bit of emotion bubbled up, I have made the tight cut-off. 

Another surprise, Keith was in Beinglas! He helped me with my drop bag and sent me on my way. I enjoyed a chocolate milk shake and another sachet of baby food.  

I was relieved to get through the checkpoint and could relax a bit, but wasn’t letting go of the effort to get the next bit done. I'm not sure why, but I’ve never really liked the section towards Derrydarroch much, although there are some flat easier going bits, it still feels hard! Maybe once I’m over halfway I’ll be pulling in the finish and it’s psychologically easier. Still pushing a steady effort I trotted on, the sooner I got to Tyndrum the sooner I’ll get some more grub and pals to run with. It was great to see David and Alison at the gate above Bogle Glen at the start of the rollercoaster.

photo credit - Alison Downey 

David reassured me I still had plenty of time since I no longer trusted my own mental arithmetic. With the forest being harvested it does look different, but the ground will recover and native trees, shrubs and heather will soon replace the barren landscape. The steep swoops up and down haven’t changed, still challenging enough to make you scream! I gave gravity free rein to pull me down at a good pace and stomped the ups, happy to make the final descent down to a hug from Donna and her wee oasis before crossing the road. I scanned the table of snacks but again there was nothing I could manage apart from coke, I tipped out the remnants of my water bottle and felt a wee bit greedy asking if I could have it filled to the top instead of having some in my wee cup, it was generously given. As I walked away, I gave the bottle a gentle shake to knock out some of the fizz but I opened the nozzle a bit too much. Wahay Vesuvius! Glad I wasn’t holding too close to my face, I would not have enjoyed a nostril irrigation and not the most efficient way to get some fuel on board! 

I planned to phone ahead when I wasn’t far away from Tyndrum, but it wasn’t necessary, Pauline and Val tooted and waved as they drove past while I was waiting to cross the road. I gave them a cheery wave back, looking forward to seeing everyone. After sending me on my way at Rowardennan they could relax and have a second breakfast/lunch in Callander. It's a slightly longer journey for them, but a worthy detour with a choice of quality bakeries to pick up filled rolls, also it's a less stressful drive than the A82. They will be handing over to the rest of the team, who have driven up, hopefully, after a long lie and a good night’s sleep. I tootled on through Auchtertyre which seemed very quiet with the checkpoint being moved to Tyndrum. 

Great to see Robin W. at the timing table as well as all the team. I couldn’t remember what I’d put on my food list and asked if they had an Ensure Plus milkshake to hand, “No, but here’s your soup!“ Hmm, ok, it was my own home-made ham and lentil, a staple in my diet, but on a warm afternoon, feeling a wee bit queasy, still needing to catch up on calories it wasn’t going to be the easiest to get in. Pauline was quite animated in telling me to keep a hard effort going before she and Val stood down, and headed off to our accommodation in Fort William. But I was no longer racing the clock, I now had the luxury of time, I could relax, get my nutrition back on track with a minimum effort, savouring every moment, no longer a race but a celebration. 

photo credit - The Real Food Cafe

Clara was joining me, what a joy to have her bubbly enthusiasm with me. I was struggling with my soup, it was catching my throat and making me cough, that doesn’t usually happen, but I’m not usually hoofing up hill trying to eat it! After managing around half of it I’ll just save the rest for later and have the wee sachet of custard instead. The views were opening up, the air was so clear, the profiles of the hills were sharp and popping out in contrast to the sky, the sun casting shadows giving even more definition, I don’t think I’ve ever seen the route so vibrant. It was 3D on steroids! 

Clara encouraged me to run some bits and we were steadily moving towards Bridge of Orchy. We were a bit wary going by the cattle but they were quite sedate and no problem.

What a lovely welcome into the checkpoint, this year using the Community Centre with tea, coffee and snacks available, I politely declined, my crew were waiting over the Bridge but I did have another civilised toilet stop, washing my face as well, on leaving I received a hug from Robin P, I felt I had to explain my wet face was clean and not manky sweat! 

Over the Bridge, I had my second sit down for a change of socks and shoes, I had a couple of wee blisters, but nothing needing attention. I knocked back an Ensure Plus milkshake (these are designed for medical purposes, but work well for running, I first got them on prescription during cancer treatment, a complete replacement meal of 300 calories, 12.5gms of protein in a teeny 200ml bottle.)

I followed this with another tub of semolina with peanut butter then a mug of mocha coffee, finally catching up with some substantial fuel. Clara came with me up and over Jelly Baby hill, Mike saved his last Vimto Jelly Baby for me and gave me the brilliant news that Neil flew through hours ago.  

My legs were in good shape, still supple and moving strongly down to Inveroran, the team were waiting, Clara was stopping here, Gillian was coming with me to Glencoe, I had more to eat and picked up my headtorch, I haven’t seen Gillian in ages and it was lovely to have a good blether and catch up, mostly walking the steady climbs, with a wee shuffles thrown in on the level and occasional downs. The sun was going down on superb scenery as we headed down to Glencoe, Mia and Llinos welcomed me to the detour up to the checkpoint with hugs, I hugged Chris after dibbing in. Walking to the car, Ken smiled and said “You know you’d be quicker if you didn’t stop to hug every marshal at every checkpoint!” 

“Och, It would be rude not to, and besides PB’s were so twenty years ago!” I had another wee sit down and finished the soup I didn’t manage earlier. I added a few layers, sticking with tradition, the blue fleece I wore during my PB in 2007 (twenty years was an exaggeration, it was only nineteen!) Ken and Jon were joining Gillian in accompanying me to Altnafeadh, we all took turns in slagging off the rough, eroded path that pointlessly climbs up away from the road just to come back down. Sue was waiting to go with me all the way to the finish. 

I had more soup before we headed up. As much as my legs moved well, I had no oomph. After the lovely comfortable tootle from Tyndrum I was going to have to re-engage a concerted effort, I’d been too busy enjoying myself to notice a bit of fatigue setting in, it shouldn’t have surprised me as much as it did, I knew I was heading into the second night with no sleep and 75 miles in my legs. Ooyah beastie! I better get on with it then! I felt very slow going up, there were two marshals at the cairn, in the dark I didn’t recognise Karl until I heard his voice. What a lovely surprise and massive hug! Once having gravity on my side I regained a bit of spriteliness heading down at what I’d like to call a scamper, (I probably moved more like a sack o’ tatties, but it felt like a scamper) and with the smoothing out of the steep winding track we ran all the way down and made our way to the Kinlochleven checkpoint. I didn’t hurry out, with a visit to a proper loo and splashing water on my face again to freshen up, having a wee seat while eating a porridge pot and a mug of tea, then a hug from Julie on my way out. 

Clara was ready and joined Sue in keeping me company to the finish. I was dreading the climb out of Kinlochleven after making such a meal of climbing the Devil, but the thought was worse than actually doing it. Yes, it was slow but we steadily reached the top, where we had another glorious sunrise.  

I was weary moving along the long ribbon of Lairig Mor but I wasn’t a walking corpse, I joined in the conversation, keeping a steady stride still moving fairly well, although not so precious about keeping my feet dry at this stage I was still jumping the water streaming over the path , it’s just nicer not to have cold wet feet.  Oow! What was that? We were lucky enough to see a Water Vole scurry across in front of us. I’ve never seen one on Lairig Mor before. Brilliant! 

Lundavra always takes ages to reach but with Gillian in charge of the crew I knew they wouldn’t still be dozing when we arrived (unlike last year) and I was confidently looking forward to getting my mug of tea and custard creams, the elixir of life and cure of all ails.  

photo credit - Donald Macleod

After the climb up from the checkpoint the sun was getting higher and bringing warmth, we needed to pause so I could take off my loads of layers, wooly hat, windproof jacket, fleece, long sleeved top and my cut-off wind/waterproof breeks (zero points for aesthetics but top marks for efficiency) easily wheeched on and off without having to faff with shoes. The home straight has a few cheeky climbs and descents. I was working a bit harder, pulling in the finish, Clara reminded me to keep my head up, demonstrating good posture rolling her shoulders back with her enthusiastic smile. I did! We kept a good steady march through what once upon a time we called the spooky woods, now recovered from being harvested into a bonny woodland, the only slight drawback, you can see the last steep climb up onto the firetrack!  

I was encouraged to see if I could run. I tried a gentle wee shuffle, loosening into a better stride with the aid of gravity, surprising myself by keeping it going all the way down to the bottom until it levelled off. Wow! I have never felt so good coming down here at the end. I am no fine specimen of sporting attributes or ability, just the same shuffling sack o’ tatties I’ve always been but the sense of what I was achieving overrode any fatigue and discomfort. Through Braveheart and onto the pavement I didn’t feel the need to push on, just to cruise in and savour every final moment was enough. At the Leisure Centre Sue sprinted on to press the button at the pedestrian crossing, but the lights weren’t working, the road was busy so she instructed me to run faster when she shouted. “NOW!”  Yikes! I made it!  I still find the new finish clunky, concentrating going up and down pavements, dodging passengers round the train and bus stations but what a joy to see the Nevis Centre and Neil looking fresh from having finished the day before.

I lengthen my stride and push a sprint effort, over the road, down the side of the building, trying not to cry into the finish.

Keith dibs my final time, Ruth hugs me, I’m a bit dazed as folk congratulate, hug and sort me out. Sue handed me a custard cream, I said thanks but I’ll wait until I have a cup of tea to have it. She looked down at my other hand and said “What’s that then?” Oooow, magic, how did that get there! Was that you Ruth? My apologies if I didn’t thank you when you gave it to me.

Pauline escorts me off for a shower, what bliss to be clean and in fresh clothes. Back in the hall I sit quietly, taking time to gather myself and my thoughts ready for the prize-giving. I’m still a bit of a rabbit-in-headlights trying to take in the congratulations of the ovation Neil and I received when we were presented with our Goblets and Vase.

photo credit - Stuart Macfarlane

photo credit - Stuart Macfarlane

Neil - What a belter of a performance, proof that going out like the Charge of the Light Brigade can work! But only if you’ve got the class and calibre, you have both by the bucket load. Congratulations on running a PB in your twentieth West Highland Way Race.  

I was delighted to see new friends I’d had the company of this year receive their first Goblet and equally pleased to see old pals add to their crystal collection.

It is with heartfelt gratitude that I thank the race team and volunteers for putting in the hours to make this race safe and successful. I have good friends willing to give up a weekend to look after me, taking the photos and pandering to my requests. I could not have achieved what I have without your support over many years, Pauline, Val and Allan, Ken and Sue, Gillian and Jon, and Clara, thank you all. It would be appropriate to sing the theme for The A Team now!