Friday was one of the longest days of my life. I was awake reasonably early (of course) and couldn’t get back to sleep (obviously). I spent the day making sure that I had everything I needed… at least six times! I cooked potatoes and sausages to add to my collection of race day food, checked everything again, then attempted to get some more sleep… not a chance!
Mum and Dad arrived early evening, which broke the time up a bit, and we discussed the race. Dad sat next to me with a beer whilst I had a sports drink, then he ate fish and chips whilst I ate yet another huge bowl of pasta… not fair! The football helped pass the time. Turkey and Croatia were even considerate enough to take the game to penalties, thus taking us to almost time to leave for the race.
I got ready, the car got packed, and we were off, arriving at Milngavie train station just before 11:30. I went straight off to registration, collected my dog tag race ID, my goody bag, and was weighed. We were to meet back in the hall at 00:30 for final race instructions. I still wasn’t feeling nervous and enjoyed seeing everyone that I have met on our training runs. Pete arrived in the support team vehicle and all the race gear was switched to his car. Willy was also with Pete having decided to join us for the whole duration of the race (a decision he was pleased he made).
After the final briefing we all left the hall and headed towards our cars, and ultimately the start. This was
when I finally got nervous. It was a really bad churn of the stomach nerves, but it lasted only a short period of time as I chatted to Mrs pacepusher, and spotted various familiar faces. Somehow there was nothing to worry about. The people I was racing against were all friends, and I wanted them to all attain their goals, be it faster or slower than me. This race is a personal challenge against the clock, if I was 4 hours or so faster, then maybe things would be different, but I knew that I was only racing Father Time. The distance never bothered me, I knew physically I could get to Tyndrum (53 miles) and believed that mentally I had the strength to complete the full distance. Injury was my only worry, but that’s a bridge to be crossed when you come to it!
So, Buff and head-torch in place, I was standing at the start line chatting to friends, and waiting for the magic hour…
01:00 95 miles 21:08:01
…are you sitting comfortably?
Milngavie to Drymen 12.19 miles
1:55:16 Average 9:27 min/miles
I didn’t hear a countdown, a gun, a whistle, or even a shout of go, people just started running, so like a sheep I followed!
It seemed almost surreal at first. All these like minded nutters wearing head-torches and running through the centre of Milngavie past pubs full of people starting to head home drunk! We were soon on the WHW trail though and things suddenly seemed a little more normal (if running 95 miles starting at 1am can be normal). I was running with Davie Bell and we chatted away as we chalked off the miles. I could see WHW Runner just ahead of me, Brian McIntosh slightly further ahead, and Sonic leading the way. I felt I was in the right place in the field (remembering WHW Runner’s advice to have a look around and see who you are running with to assess if you’re doing what you should be!), I wasn’t next to Sonic which was the main thing! JK was behind me, I expected this (“sloooow aaand steeeadddy” eh JK?) and suspected he would pass me later on, but Thomas was also behind me. I was expecting to see him ahead of me, near Sonic.
We were soon at Beechtrees Inn and the first chance to see my support team. I wanted to grab a fresh bottle of sports drink here. Mrs pacepusher also had Jelly Babies for me but I hadn’t eaten the ones I had yet. I was worried as I approached the Inn as it was really hard to make out who was who ahead due to the head-torches. Pete was standing near the front, and although I didn’t see him, I heard him shout out where Mrs pacepusher was standing. I swapped over bottles with her and kept going.
The field was now starting to spread out more, I’d lost Davie when he made a toilet stop, I had chatted to WHW Runner briefly but then passed him (I didn’t see Davie again until Sunday morning, WHW Runner I saw at Kingshouse… to be explained later), I chatted to Brian a few times, then I was running with people I didn’t know, making small talk. Suddenly I spotted Tim ahead. I couldn’t believe it, firstly, he had dropped back behind me near the start, and secondly, I hadn’t seen him come past me again. Thirdly, if I was going too fast, he certainly was! Still I picked the pace up a little and had a chat with him over the final stretch into Drymen. So far so good…
Drymen to Balmaha 6.82 miles
1:15:04 Average 11:01 min/miles
I had a quick stop at Drymen, although I didn’t lap my watch. I grabbed a jam roll and a banana and headed off up the path. I carried my food and ran until I reached the left turn up the hill, using the steeper sections to eat. I was very much alone now, the field had spread out considerably. I couldn’t see anyone behind me, and for a long time, there was nobody ahead. Heading through the forest towards Conic Hill though I spotted Tim again. He hadn’t stopped at all in Drymen. We chatted for a while, I was more concerned about his early pace than he was, then I pushed on. We had both turned off our head-torches by this point, about 3:30am and already it was light enough to see.
It was just before Conic Hill that I really started to feel tired. The adrenaline was wearing off and reality kicking in. It was approaching 4am and not only had I not been to bed yet, but I was about 77 miles away from sleep! I went up the hill without giving it too much consideration, and even ran some of the flatter sections. It was almost full daylight now and sadly there had been no spectacular sunrise over Conic Hill (third time lucky JK?). I was really looking forward to seeing my support crew at Balmaha, and having a short, but proper stop. Before I got there though, I almost ended my race. Having just come through the gate before the forest into Balmaha, I caught my foot in a tree root. I was chatting to a walker/supporter at the gate as I ran and wasn’t paying attention. It was a very close call and I was much more careful for the remainder of the race.
So, still in one piece, I arrived in Balmaha.
Balmaha to Rowardennan 7.86 miles
1:25:54 Average 10:56 min/miles
I had a break of 5:16 mins here. I’m not sure what I ate, I think beans and something else, but I remember not enjoying them and having to force them down. At this stage I was 20 minutes up on the 21:30 hours schedule, and feeling fairly good, but there was still an awful long way to go!
i headed off buoyed by the atmosphere around Balmaha car park. I was well and truly alone now and I liked it, but it gave me time to think. Was I going at the right pace? Was I eating enough? Were my feet beginning to blister? Was I going the right way? All questions which would help me reach the end of the race. The stumbling block, and the big question that kept popping into my head was, “Can I do this today?”. Not for the first time in the race, and certainly not for the last, WHW Runner was my inspiration. I remembered his words from the WHWR DVD, “Some times in the early stages you feel worse than later on… you think to yourself, if I’m this tired after 20 odd miles, how can I run 95?” (or words to that effect!). I thank WHW Runner for this as it overcame a huge negative in my mind. I would have kept going, but your words kept me going with a smile on my face! Thank you.
Those words kept me going through this section until I caught up with some runners closer to Rowardennan. One of which I think was Brian again. As I approached, I saw the other guy point to his right, my eyes followed his gesture. He was pointing out one of the most beautiful views I have ever seen of Ben Lomond. The cloud was hanging just below the summit and there was an early morning hue in the colours. It was fabulous. I remember thinking, “This is why I’m doing this!” and ran on with a smile. I caught Brian, chatted, then left him and caught a couple of other runners. I was trying to be cautious on the downhills but wanted to enjoy myself. I ran into Rowardennan side by side with another runner (don’t know his name… nice guy though), as I called out “94″ to the marshals at the check-point, he followed it with “95″. The big question though was where was runner number 93, JK? I hadn’t seen him since we started running.
Rowardennan to Inversnaid 7.33 miles
1:26:16 Average 11:46 min/miles
I only had a relatively short stop here. I changed my top and drank a Lucozade Alert. I don’t remember eating anything although I may have had a rice pudding. I had my support crew have my hydration pack ready for this section, and this was the first time I would be wearing it. The midges were terrible and as Willy said, “If you needed a reason not to hang around…”. He was right, I shouted “94 away” to the marshals and headed off along the Loch side. I wouldn’t be seeing my support team again until Beinglass Farm some 14 miles away. I knew I was going to be seeing some support on the way though.
As I headed away there was a runner in front of me run/walking. I put my head down and just kept running for as long as I could. I passed him and kept going. I tried to run as much as I could walking only on the steepest of hills, I knew the terrain would soon mean I wouldn’t be able to run much and wanted to make the most of the good path. The midges were irritating me and I used my Buff to cover my head and ears, which made things more bearable, although I was too hot! I had passed (I think) 3 runners by the time I was about a mile short of Inversnaid. This was where i saw my first supporters over the section. Mrs pacepusher’s Uncle Colin and Aunt Vivien were staying in the cottage there and were ready with a bottle of Lucozade Alert as requested. I chatted to them for a while and laughed at their gorgeous dog ‘Louie’ who was so excited by all the runners. It was great to see them at this point so thanks both. I was tempted to take Colin’s cigar with me as I left to help fend off the Midges! I had dropped four places having stopped to chat (the three runners I had passed and the eventual female winner of the race, American, Donna Utakis). I plodded on and caught a couple of the runners before Inversnaid. I had actually quite enjoyed this section, I had woken up, and enjoyed knowing that I would be getting support in a remote area where nobody else would.
Inversnaid to Beinglass Farm 6.66 miles
1:31:14 Average 13:42 min/miles
I had more support at Inversnaid, Mrs pacepusher’s Aunt Lesley, Partner Billy and their, also gorgeous, two dogs. They had already collected my bag of supplies and had a bottle of chocolate milk for me as requested - Thanks both! I chatted and drank for probably about 5 minutes (despite the horrendous Midges), filled up my water bottle, and headed off again. The other runner’s that had been with me had all had shorter breaks so I had people to pursue. I caught them quite quickly and covered most of the section in a group of four runners. It was great to be with people over this - in my opinion the worst - section of the route. It kept me going and chatting took my mind off it. I asked Donna about her previous experience. She had done several 100 mile races back in the states. Ultra running is much more popular in America, there are many more races, and people seem to understand what it’s all about a bit more. This was also evident later as I ran past many American walkers who were great with their support/comments.
A mile or two short of Beinglass Farm, I finally needed the toilet. I’d struggled with stomach cramps a bit since the start of the race and it was a relief to need to go! I disappeared into the bushes, and lost a few places in the process! On my return I discovered Brian had past me again. i was really pleased to see him still running well and shouted some friendly abuse in his direction. He slowed a little and I caught him. We chatted and ran the remainder of the way into Beinglass Farm together. I really like Brian. We only really knew each other through our blogs prior to the race, but got on really well, and ran a lot together throughout the day.
Brian had been busy with the mathematics of timing. He had realised that with the time we would arrive at Beinglass Farm, we could cover the rest of the route at 15 min/mile pace and still achieve a time of 21.5 hours. This seemed very feasible, and I realised I was well capable of attaining my sub 22 hour gold target.
Beinglass Farm to Auchtertyre Farm 9.71 miles
2:18:06 Average 14:14 min/miles
I had been looking forward to seeing Mum, Dad, Boyracer, and my support crew at Beinglass. It had been a long section and I had decided I would have a reasonable break and get plenty of food on board. Alas however none of them had made it. I’ll take the blame. I was now well ahaed of schedule. I was obviously disappointed, but was more worried as to when I would see them again. Team Kynaston were there and Katrina filled up my water bottle - thank you - and we arranged that when JK arrived, they would phone Mrs pacepusher with instructions to meet me at Derrydaroch Farm. After just 1:28 minutes I headed off, feeling low in energy, but confident I would see them soon. As I left, I saw Mrs pacepusher running up the track towards the farm. I shouted to just meet me at Derrydaroch Farm (no point in going back now I thought - hindsight though!) and plodded on. This section was a real low for me though and I lost a lot of time.
I was very relieved to see the farm, and even more relieved to see Mrs pacepusher further up the track with
supplies. I took a pot of beans and walked to the farm with her eating them. At the farm I changed my top, and had another bottle of Lucozade Alert. My feet were getting quite bad with blisters, but we decided to worry about that at the A82 underpass when Mrs pacepusher could also have fresh socks for me.
I ran quite well to the underpass but was still struggling a little. When I got there, we tried to put Granuflex on my feet, but couldn’t get it to stick. I applied lots of Vaseline and put fresh socks on - that would have to do - and off I set on the next section. As I climbed the hill I heard a shout of “here’s John”. Number 93, JK had almost caught me!
I pushed on. I knew he would catch me but was going to make him work for it. Brian had also past me again and was now some way ahead. It wasn’t long before I was running with JK. He recorded the moment on his camera, and told me the sad news about WHW Runner. Unbeknown to me, WHW Runner had dropped out of the race at Rowardennan. he just wasn’t feeling right (probably a virus on the wrong day of the year!). I really felt for him, and was disappointed to know that at least one of the people I had trained with for so long wouldn’t make it to the finish. WHW Runner has been a valuable source of information, support and motivation leading up to the race, and as mentioned, he had already helped me twice during the race. I was gutted, though probably not as much as he was! It shows what a strong character he is that he and wife Allybea followed the race to Fort William, rather than going home, and attended the prize giving on the Sunday.
I plodded on with JK until just before the forest above Crianlarich. At this point I told him to go on as he was looking much stronger than I was feeling. He never really got away though and I past him at the top of one of the hills when he stopped to walk and eat. I started to enjoy the downhills and got my mojo back, catching Brian. Unfortunately though, I felt a twinge in my knee. Determined not to DNF myself, i walked down a couple of the hills and gave my knee time to recover. JK caught us again and the three of us ran on to Auchtertyre together, JK just ahead, using the gates as weapons to try and take myself and Brian out of the race!?!?!?
Auchtertyre farm to Bridge Of Orchy 9.4 miles
1:59:28 Average 12:42 min/miles
Everyone was at Auchtertyre waiting for me this time, and it was good to see the crowd. I was weighed in 
and then went round to the car to eat and drink. I needed a good break here and had at least five minutes. I forgot to stop the clock though. Brian was at the car next to me and we had a good laugh, mocking him as he stood their in his underwear!
I headed off alone again and had a really good section to Tyndrum, running most of it and feeling revitalised. At Tyndrum I was joined by Willy (my support runner) and we headed off up the hill. I wouldn’t have a support runner this soon again, and was probably one of very few that did. That’s nothing against Willy, i enjoyed his company, I just think it was too early. We ran well, being Joined by Brian (again) and the three of us made great progress, running most of the section.
Bookseller, Mrs Bookseller, her Dad, and Baby Bookseller, had all joined the support crew now (I now had 11 adults, 1 baby, and 2 dogs as support - I had already had 2 different adults and a different dog previously - Thanks to everyone for giving up your time to support me!). Baby Bookseller was brought to see me as I sat to eat some more cold baked beans. He grabbed my finger and looked at me as if I was stupid. I now had a problem. My beans were in my left hand and he had my right. How was I going to eat? I decided I had to be nasty and made him let go so that I could eat. I had about a 5 minute break, again forgetting to stop my watch.
At Bridge Of Orchy I was sitting in 14th position and was warned about support if I was to get into the top 
ten. I didn’t see this happening, but the marshal scared me a little. He said that if I did get into the top 10, I would be disqualified as I had had a support runner already. This was not my understanding of the rules. Mrs pacepusher discussed this with Stevie (JK’s support) at Victoria Bridge and it was decided he was wrong. The rule being that if you make it into the top 10, then you must drop your support runner, or be disqualified… something JK needed to worry about more than me. He had concerned me though and I left Bridge Of Orchy alone.
Bridge Of Orchyto Victoria Bridge 2.64 miles
36:37 Average 13:51 min/miles
I enjoyed being alone over this section, although my mind was consumed with fear of disqualification. Should I slow down in case I get too close to the top 10? Did it matter now if I did have a support runner as I had already anyway?
American walkers took my mind of things. As mentioned previously, they seem to understand ultra running a bit more than us Brits, and they were great with their comments. “You’re doing great”, “looking good”, “keep it up”, “you’re amazing”, and my personal favourite American line, “good job!”. I ran down the hill, my knee feeling much stronger, and all the way up the road to meet my support at Victoria Bridge.
Victoria Bridge to Kingshouse 9.17 miles
2:03:12 Average 13:26 min/miles
I had already decided that I would take Boyracer over Rannoch Moor with me, so when I was told about the discussion with Stevie I was much more relaxed about it all. I really didn’t want to do this section alone.
So off I headed with the Boyracer. We walked the majority of the first long incline, just running occasionally, then picked targets to run to throughout until reaching the top of the hill. Boyracer was superb at keeping me going. He was even praising my walking pace! There were more Americans offering the same encouragement, and one wee Glasgow ned who did his best, “go aun big man, ya dooing well, gud luck!” At least I think that’s what he said. it wasn’t offensive, and he was sober, so well done to the lad! The contrast between him and the Americans was comical though.
Once we reached the top of the hill I happily started running and ran pretty much all the way to Kingshouse.
The main road held me up a bit. It was busy and I was concerned about, not just my judgement of speed, but also my ability to run quickly when a gap appeared! I made it safely across, and we passed a runner just before the check point. I was surprised that nobody had passed me over this section. Brian had been a short way behind which helped motivate me to keep moving. I learned later that it had helped spur him on too!
Kingshouse to Devil’s Staircase 2.94 miles
59:19 Average 20:11 min/miles
I stopped at Kingshouse for 6:04 minutes. It was a much needed break. WHW Runner was there and I felt it was important that I speak to him. I have no idea what I ate and drank at this stop, other than a big cup of water! I remember suddenly feeling terrible, I had been elated when I arrived but as I stopped I became dizzy at felt out of it. I couldn’t work out why I was now 15th either. I had passed one runner and nobody had gone past me… should I not now be in 13th?
Mrs pacepusher was joining me for the section to the Devil’s Staircase. As I left Kingshouse I realised I had two problems. Firstly, my blisters were now really sore, and secondly I had no energy left. The last section had drained me. As I considered the prospect of a very long walk to Fort William, and a time of nearer 24 hours, I uttered those immortal words for the first time, “I AM NEVER DOING THIS AGAIN” I would have signed a declaration to the effect there and then!
We made very slow progress for a while as I tried to summon some strength to run. After we’d reached the top of the climb I began to run whenever I could. My feet were now agony, and as I ran through some puddles my right foot got wet and something happened to my blister. I could barely put my foot down. I sent Mrs pacepusher ahead to organise some form of treatment. I battled on over the last mile, running as much as I could, which wasn’t very much! I was desperate and even considered taking off my trainer. That would help how?
Arriving at the foot of the Devil’s Staircase, i had lost a lot of places and time. I was also starting to think for the first time that finishing might be a problem. I spotted Lesley, Mrs p’s aunt who’s a nurse. I was so relieved. I thought I had seen them for the last time at Kingshouse but thankfully they had carried on a bit. Lesley fixed up my feet with Granuflex (similar to Compede but not available in the shops) whilst Billy held my legs in the air. Mrs pacepusher and Pete then replaced my socks and shoes. Thanks to you all. After 75 miles this can not have been a pleasant task!!!
I had been stopped for probably about 10 miinutes and a lot of people had past me, last to do so being Brian. With Bookseller leading the way I followed Brian up the hill.
Devil’s Staircase to Kinlochleven 6.15 miles
1:26:29 Average 14:04 min/miles
I had been dreading this climb but it seemed surprisingly easy. It didn’t bother me at all, maybe as I’d had a 
long rest at the bottom, or maybe just as it was a break from running, I don’t know, But it was a huge relief. It also meant that I wasn’t worried about leaving Kinlochleven later on. we’d caught Brian before the summit and ran on together. Bookseller was leading the way, and doing a great job of pulling us along. I was really enjoying it, as was Bookseller, and I had a new lease of life. Brian stuck with us until the main drag down the hill. As I pushed on past Bookseller, and he followed, Brian dropped back to a runner and their support that we had just passed. I really enjoyed running down here and chatting to Bookseller. A couple of times I had to pull us back a bit as the pace was hitting 8:00 min/miles!
We arrived in Kinlochleven in 1:26:29, much to the surprise of my support who were clearly expecting to be waiting a while. I must admit, I was a little surprised myself after the state I had been in during the last section. At Kinlochleven, I was weighed again, I’d dropped a bit too much weight but they said it was fine. I also got into trouble as the Bookseller was carrying my water. I was threatened with disqualification! I know rules are rules, but I had never even considered that this would be a problem. It was only water. What’s the difference between that and a support runner running out a mile to join you with your supplies? It would be a shame if the rules had to be tightened any more than they are as that would spoil the feel of the race. We are all honest competitors and would not knowingly do anything that would be considered as cheating. Yet twice marshals had raised issue with my honest interpretation of the rules. I promised to carry everything myself from then on and the issue was dropped.
Kinlochleven to Lundavra 7.46 miles
1:59:50 Average 16:04 min/miles
I had stopped at Kinlochleven for 5:02 minutes, and was leaving with Mrs pacepusher and Willy. We ran to the start of the climb up to Lairig Mor then started to walk. I hate this climb as you can never see the summit, but like the Devil’s, it didn’t bother me. I think Willy was affected more by the severity than I was! Once at the top my surprising recovery continued, and if I’m honest, I actually enjoyed this section (there’s a first time for everything eh?). I was enjoying being with Willy, he had loved the whole experience of the day and was just amazed at the speed we were running at after so many miles, which made me feel good. I was also delighted to be running the last 14 miles with my wife. As she heads off for her own summer experience in Malawi on Friday, I was glad that this was an experience we could share together. It was my 
day (as Boyracer kept saying “It’s all about you!”) but Mrs pacepusher was a huge part of my day, in her role as back-up and support runner, and I wouldn’t have wanted anybody else in her place. She was a star, and my Goblet is as much hers as it is mine. She can even have the box it came in all to herself!
Anyway… heads down and the best of two very bad feet forward, we ploughed on to Lundavra and Duncan’s fire. As we arrived I was starting to see the very realistic possibility of a sub 21:00 hour finish.
Lundavra to Fort William 6.64 miles
1:56:46 Average 17:34 min/miles (times not accurate as forgot to stop the GPS)
This race was 6 miles too long for me. I had peaked just too early. Boyracer was taking over from Willy at 
Lundavra and I raised the possibility of sub 21:00 hours. It was 8:15 when I arrived at Lundavra. I had been running for 19.25 hours. I had 1 hour 45 minutes to make it to the leisure centre. I worked that out at about 14 min/miles and felt it was easily doable. Boyracer and Mrs pacepusher agreed and after only a short break we set off. I left my hydration pack behind, I wanted to be carrying as little as possible. It didn’t take me long to realise I had nothing left. Like after Kingshouse, running seemed impossible. My eyelids were getting very heavy and I started to feel very sick and dizzy. I was done. With hindsight, I should have taken a decent break at Lundavra and refueled properly. I may then have been able to push and achieve the sub 21:00. As it was I resigned myself to the fact that it wasn’t going to happen.
The right hand side of my groin had been getting more and more sore all day and was now restricting my movement. I managed to run (I use the term loosely) all the downhills, but the flats were like hills and the hills were like mountains. I was suddenly very thirsty too and had no water. Sports drink was no longer quenching my thirst and was making me feel even more sick. I just wanted it all to be over. A few people past me over this section and I didn’t care, I just said well done to them as they passed.
I ran all the way down through the Braveheart car park hoping Pete would be there with the car, like he had on all the training runs. He wasn’t, but Willy was waiting there to run in with us. He very kindly (Thanks Willy) ran back to the leisure centre as quickly as he could and returned with a bottle of water. Whilst he was gone, I was running for the count of 100 then stopping again. Each time as I made it to about 50 my groin tightened up and it was a huge effort to move my right leg forward till I finally reached 100. Willy arrived with water and I gulped it down. I was then told (you’ll make a great PE teacher Boyracer!) that I was running from the roundabout. 10 meters before it I was told to run, I said “when I get to the roundabout”. When I got to the roundabout I said, “I meant the other side”. By the other side I had no more excuses and broke into a run. Much moaning and complaining followed but I made it all the way to the leisure centre, even managing a comparative sprint through the car park to the doors.
Once inside I stood waiting for the women at the reception. She was speaking to two ladies at the desk. I don’t know if the clock was stopped when she finally acknowledged me or when I came through the doors. In the grand scale of things it doesn’t matter, but if I had been given a time of 21:00:01 I may of had some strong words!
So that was it. 21 hours 8 minutes and 1 second. 22nd out of 127 entrants, 97 of which finished. 50 people broke the 24 hour mark and it was the highest percentage of finishers ever.
Sincere thanks to my support team, Pete, Mrs pacepusher, Boyracer, Willy and the Bookseller. I could not have completed this race without you all. To those that came to support me on the day, Mum and Dad, Mrs Bookseller, Baby Bookseller, Ian, Shelley, Lesley, Billy, Colin and Vivien, and the three gorgeous dogs! You all made each check point more special (Lesley I really might not have finished if it wasn’t for you!) To other back-up crews, especially Katrina who provided me with water and a sympathetic ear at Beinglass Farm, and to all the other runners, whether I ran with you or not (a special mention for Brian - I enjoyed your company throughout), you all made the race special. And to all those who text throughout the day, and all those that wished me luck from afar. It was all appreciated.
Heart felt commiserations to all those that couldn’t finish on the day, especially WHW Runner, Thomas, Ian King and Dave Waterman. Congratulations to all that finished, especially if you had to deal with injuries and/or the crazy weather which darkness brought. That takes a special mental toughness.
This race was a year in the making… preparations for 20th June 2009 start now!
