Isle of Skye Half Marathon 14th June 2014 – Report by Sarah Attwood
On the 13th of June, we (my parents, husband and I) decided to drive 428 miles up to Portree, to run the 31st Isle of Skye Half marathon. This was the 3rd time that I had run this fantastic race which is held annually on the 2nd Saturday in June. The Isle of skye is one of the most stunningly beautiful places that ive ever had the pleasure of visiting, for anyone who has never been…the long journey is truly worth it.
We set of just after 7am on the Friday and after 3 brief stops, arrived in Portree just before 6pm. We went straight to Portree High School (where the race starts and finishes) to collect our numbers, timing chip and technical t shirt before going to our B&B. You need to book a B&B quite early on in the year as they do tend to get booked up quite quickly. After unpacking we walked into the centre of Portree to sample the local food and drink and meet up with friends that we have met on previous years.
The following morning (race day) we woke up to perfect race weather, it was cool, over cast and there was a fine drizzle in the air. Unfortunately as the start of the race approached the clouds had parted, the sun had started to shine and the refreshing drizzle has disappeared. This year the race saw a record number of entrants (449 starts for the main race, 148 for the 2 mile fun run) and was giving all entrants a technical T shirt and all finishers a medal. I did like the look of the new T shirt, however I was slightly disappointed that I wouldn’t be getting the previous years Isle of Skye whisky glass and small bottle of Talikser…I had a little collection going!
We walked the short distance from our B&B back to the school and arrived just in time for the piped band. Every year they lead the runners from the school to the start of the race which is on the road next to the school. After a count down from 10 the race (an undulating 13.1 mile single loop) began.
The first 4 miles was tough. Im not sure if this was due to the long car journey the day before, running two races earlier in the week, the unexpected heat or just the hills (which seem to get bigger each year) but my legs hurt. Several times it crossed my mind that I could always end the discomfort and instead of racing, run around with my husband instead who was taking it easy after doing no training (he had decided to run because he liked the T shirt and medal). Luckily I didn’t give into the temptation and by mile 5, (after a nice down-hill section and passing the piped band again) I started to loosen up and the legs stopped aching.
I soon forgot about giving up and instead started to enjoy the race, taking in the stunning views and soaking up the friendly atmosphere. Many locals were out cheering us on, providing sweets and one family provided water showers from their garden hose. Despite feeling better I only picked up my pace slightly saving my energy for the long drag uphill, roughly miles 8-11. Despite the sun being out, there was a moderate breeze to cool us down. There were also plentiful water stations on the course providing both water and Lucozade (roughly miles 3,5,7,10 and 12).
At mile 8 I started the steady climb which becomes progressively steeper until you reach the “top”. On this section I managed to pass several runners who were starting to slow. They cheered me on and encouraged me forward. Everyone talks about the “big” hill at the end of this climb but every year I seem to find it less painful, despite it being steep there are several drop down bits in it that do allow a small amount of recovery. On the top of this hill you are able to see the sea and finish in
portree down below..it’s a very welcoming site. Having strategically saved some energy on the long drag uphill I was able to pick up my pace on this fantastic down-hill section. I passed several runners including one lady, putting me in 4th lady position. I managed to finish with a chip time of 1:33:02 and a course PB by 18 seconds. I was surprised to see that my average pace had dropped from 7:15mm at the top of the last hill to 7:05 at the finish.
At the end of the race I was presented with my medal and some chocolate. After cheering on the rest of the runners we all went back inside the school to eat the free lunch that was put on for us by the local B&Bs, pubs, restaurants and locals. Whilst we were getting stuck in the results were put up on to the notice bored and prize giving began.
The first 5 men and women received a prize, as did the first male and female of each age category, the first local male and female, the best dressed, the oldest runner and the first 3 male and female teams. I was honoured to have my prize presented to me by Ally K (the gentleman who recently raised £32,000 for cancer research by running 132 miles around Skye).
Despite the uncomfortable start I thoroughly enjoyed the race. The atmosphere is fantastic, the scenery is gorgeous and all the runners and supporters are so friendly. The only negative about the race that I can think of is that the roads are not closed, however drivers tend to avoid the roads on the first 8 miles of the race and if they are using them they park up and watch the race. The road from mile 8 to the finish is busier but again the drivers tend to slow down and drive on the other side of the road to avoid you. I didn’t have any problem with this but a friend found it unnerving.
I really cant recommend this race enough. It was, and still is my most favourite half marathon.
At the end of the race with our finishers medal and friends we’ve met at Skye