Midsummer Highland Relay, Saturday 21st June 2014 – a relay within the West Highland Way Race

Midsummer Highland Relay, Saturday 21st June 2014 – a relay within the West Highland Way Race

The Midsummer Highland Relay is a 3 person, 43 mile relay covering the northern sections of the West Highland Way from Tyndrum to Fort William.  It takes place as part of, and on the same day as, the full 95 mile West Highland Way Race.

The 2014 Midsummer Highland Relay takes place on Saturday 21st June 2014.  It starts at 12 noon from Tyndrum (beside Brodies store on the north side of the A82) and finishes at Lochaber Leisure Centre in Fort William, the same finishing point as the full race.  Registration takes place at By The Way Campsite, Tyndrum between 10.00 am and 11.30 am on the morning of the race.  By The Way Campsite is approximately a 5 minute jog from the start.

There are 3 legs, as shown below.  That means that changeover points are at locations with no parking problems, and which are already set up for the full WHW Race.  To minimise congestion relay competitors and supporters are asked to avoid other areas, particularly Bridge of Orchy.

• Leg 1 – Tyndrum to Glencoe (approx. 17.5 miles);
• Leg 2 – Glencoe to Kinlochleven (approx. 10.5 miles);
• Leg 3 – Kinlochleven to Fort William (approx. 14.5 miles).

Relay runners will use their timing card to register at each changeover point, then pass it on to the next runner.  Teams are responsible for their own transport between checkpoints and have primary responsibility for the safety of their own team.  Whether they wanted to have a designated driver, or have runners car share and drive different legs is up to each team.  No transport is provided by the organisers.  The full safety support infrastructure of the WHW Race will be in place.

The entry fee is £75 per team.  Entries are limited to 75 teams on a first come first accepted basis.  There is a prize for the first male or mixed team, and a prize for the first all female team.  All finishers will receive a race garment.  Individual team members do not need to be finalised until one week before the event, but no refund is payable if a team needs to withdraw.

If you are not familiar with the route, please be aware that although the majority of the route is on runnable trails, there are some mildly technical rocky stretches and a few steep climbs.  It is run in stunning scenery but in remote areas with the only event support at the changeover checkpoints.  All runners will be expected to carry their own drink and snack supplies, and carry or wear appropriate clothing as detailed in future race communications.

All enquiries regarding entries to Ian Beattie
Email: ianbeattie@westhighlandwayrace.org
Telephone: 07939 535523