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Marmot British Ultra
Taking place on the remote Islands of Islay and Jura off the West Coast of Scotland, the Marmot British Ultra is one, if not the, toughest multi stage footrace within the United Kingdom. Although tents and food for subsequent days are transported to the camps by the organisers to limit the amount of weight the competitors are to carry, all athletes are required to carry nutrition for the day, clothing, stove & fuel, sleeping bag & mat and emergency kit for the week.
Pain with Beauty
As the inaugural event, entries were limited. 24 set off on day one, 19 made it to the end. The relatively small numbers ensured the disruption to local wildlife and fauna was minimal and competitors became good friends, motivating each other to the very end. Conditions were kind in some respects - Wall to wall sunshine meant navigation was never an issue and the views were breathtaking. However, dehydration was a constant worry with some athletes suffering early on into the competition. Aside from the normal bodily aches and pains of any Ultra Race, competitors also had to contend with sunbathing Adders, blood sucking, disease carrying sheep ticks and the infamous Scottish Midge!
Fancy entering yourself? If after reading this you are mad enough to even contemplate entering this race next year, go to britishultra.com for information, including results and more images from this years’ event. |
The event sees athletes cover 192.5KM over six days taking in high mountains, exposed coastal cliffs, isolated tracks and unmarked rough terrain in one of the more remote environments that Britain has to offer. The longest leg is on the 5th day -Already drained from four days of grueling mile after mile, the athletes will need to dig deep into their reserves in order to complete the 57.1Km demanded of them.
A consolation for all the mental and physical torture endured is being immersed in beautiful scenery and wildlife. During the early stages of the event the views reach to Antrim, Donegal and the Mull of Kintyre with the splendid skyline of the Paps of Jura coming into sight late on the first day. The bulk of the race will be on the Isle of Jura from where competitors will be spoilt for scenery with stunning seaward views of Colonsay, Mull and rugged Scarba – and of course a close up view of the beauty of Jura itself. The West coast of Jura is uninhabited by man and probably as a consequence extremely rich in wildlife. Herds of Deer and Wild Goats roam freely and Otters and Mountain Hares are regularly seen around the coastline and hillside. Overhead, Golden Eagles & Hen Harriers are frequently seen soaring in hunt of prey while out to sea, whales of all descriptions and Basking Sharks can be seen on a clear, calm day.
