This note is intended to provide you with some information about the race that I hope you will find useful. However please do not hesitate to contact me at ianbeattie@westhighlandwayrace.org if you have any other questions, or if anything is not clear.
Race sponsor
We are delighted to announce that Ronhill, which has supported the race for many years, has decided to extend its support and is going to become the title sponsor of the race. The race will therefore be known as the Ronhill West Highland Way Race. We have also secured support from Honey Stinger, who will become the race’s nutrition sponsors. Long term sponsors Run and Become and Glencairn Crystal have also confirmed that they will continue to be involved. Run and Become our retail partner are again offering an ongoing 10% discount to all West Highland Way Race runners both in store and online with the code WHW2015. We are really grateful to all of these organisations for their support, and would ask you to support their businesses if you get an opportunity to do so. Check out their products and websites below and keep an eye on the race Facebook and Twitter feeds for some special offers over the coming weeks.
http://www.ronhill.com http://www.2pure.co.uk/our-brands/honey-stinger/ http://www.runandbecome.com http://www.glencairn.co.uk
Facebook, twitter, website and podcasts
The race has its own Facebook page called ‘West Highland Way Race Family’, which is a useful source of information and general discussion. Anyone interested in the race is welcome to join, and can access the group via the following link https://www.facebook.com/groups/8333525165/ The race is also on Twitter @WHWRace and has its own website www.westhighlandwayrace.org Regular podcasts are produced by the race and details of these can be found on the website, Twitter page and Facebook page.
Training and Inspiration evening (in association with Run and Become)
A Training and Inspiration evening is being held on Tuesday 17 March at the Tollbooth Arts centre, Jail Wynd, Stirling FK8 1DE, starting at 7pm. This will be an informal evening of advice and inspiration for anyone taking part in the race, their support crew, or indeed anyone with an interest in the race or an interest in ultra marathon running in general. The race doctor, Dr Chris Ellis, will be one of the speakers, along with someone from Honey Stinger, and a few previous competitors. There will be a small charge of £3.60 to cover costs, and places are limited to 150. Places can be secured via Entry Central at the following link http://www.entrycentral.com/event/103576
Training weekend
A training weekend is being held at By The Way, Tyndrum, on the weekend of 23 – 24 May. More details will be given nearer the time, but if you would like to book accommodation please phone By The Way on 01838 400333 and say you are attending the WHW Training Weekend.
Withdrawing from the race
Unfortunately, experience shows that a number of people on the entry list will not make it to the start line on 20 June, either because of injury or some other reason. If you need to withdraw, please let me know by e-mailing me atianbeattie@westhighlandwayrace.org A £60 refund will be made to anyone advising me of their withdrawal on or before 31 May; no refund will be made for withdrawals notified after that date. It is not possible to defer any entry to next year’s race.
Future communications
Around the start of June, you will receive an e-mail giving final instructions about the race, and asking for details of your support crew. Remember that having motorised backup support of at least 2 people is a condition of entry to the race, and no-one will be allowed to take part without it. I would appreciate if you would provide the information requested on time and in the format requested; it significantly reduces my admin at a very busy time if everyone follows the instructions. Please note that this year we will be asking all competitors to provide photographic ID at race registration, but more details on this will be included in the final instructions.
Race marshalls
We are still looking for a number of helpers for the race weekend. If you know of anyone who would like to be involved, please ask them to send an e-mail to Sean Stone sean_stone1@tiscali.co.uk, giving their details.
Good luck with your training over the next few months, and I look forward to seeing you at Milngavie on the evening of Friday 19 June, if not before. It’s less than 4 months to go…
Ian Beattie
Race Director