The opening event in the 2008 Buff SkyRunner World Series took place from Berga, Catalonia, Spain on Sunday at the Mountain Marathon of Berga.

This gruelling event over 37km involved an elevation gain of 2960m.  Our experienced SkyRunner Andy Symonds placed 4th overall in the 2007 World Series and Andy has got his 2008 campaign of to a superb start placing 5th overall and leading GB runner in 3.31.32 at this opening event in the six race series.

Well done to the Hillbillies who enjoyed a great day out at Ben Lomond. The weather was kind and the views were great.

26 Sandy Bennet M40 01:24:44
63 Judith Taylor F 01:36:43
86 Alison West F50 01:49:25
87 Garry Taylor M40 01:49:30
96 Neil Campbell M40 01:53:31

Full race results HERE

5 Harriers headed to Scotland’s most southerly MUNRO to compete in the Ben Lomond Hill race. The Taylor’s (us!) were joined by Sandy Bennet, Alison West and Neil Campbell. On the approach to Rowardennan, Loch Lomond was like a mill pond, the sun was shining brightly but the top of Ben Lomond was shrouded in heavy cloud as if saying, ” COME UP HERE, IF YOU DARE”

With all gathered for the 1pm start the sun dimmed it’s intensity but left a very muggy feel, almost as though thunder and heavy rain was about to appear. The horn went and the slog commenced. The first rise up through the woods then over the rock strewn paths splits everyone up into a very long conga. It is so strange to see the walkers watch in disbelief as you go by them and you can almost see the thought bubbles above their heads saying “YOU MUST BE MAD”.

The race covers 9 miles and the organisers take you off the easier tourist path on two occasions, just in case you start to enjoy yourself too much !!. Each route change took you up very steep grassy slopes rather than the zig zag path until you reached the summit cairn where the cloud had now cleared and the sun was shining. You also began thinking to yourself, “NOW I HAVE TO RUN DOWN NEARLY 3,200ft!!!”

On the way down Mr Taylor managed to go over on his ankle which brought tears to his eyes ( poor soul I hear you say!!!!)

All the 5 Harriers completed the event and first home in 1hr 24min 44secs was Sandy Bennet (26th place) followed in 63rd position and 3rd Female Senior in 1hr 36mins 43 secs was Mrs Taylor. Alison West having passed the hirpling Mr T was next in 1hr 49mins 25secs (86th) with Mr T just 5 secs behind in 1hr 49mins. 30secs (87th). Neil Campbell was 96th in 1hr 53mins 51secs.

Gaz & Jude