Events

Overall score		80%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		100%
PB potential		20%
Atmosphere		100%
Organisation		80%
Value		80%
Beginner-friendliness		80%

In short: Coll-ectivly the best race this year
In full: myself and fellow springburn harrier Thomas Doctor headed off from Glasgow at 3am on a saturday morning to drive up to Oban for the ferry to Coll. Leaving behind the dancers and bright city lights it was to be one of the best weekends I've ever spent running. 7am ferry to Coll hardly a seat to be found, 10.40 arrival and a mile walk up to the camping site and the start line. Tent set up and wee half hour sleep, then it was preparation time. The 5k and half marathon walkers and 10k'rs got set on thier way earlier. 2pm was the race start time a gentle warm up jog down to the ferry terminal and we were on our way just in time for the start too. The forecast had been for rain, thunder and everything else that scotland can throw at you in one day however a fair breeze coming towards us was all that we met, on a scottish island thats a strong wind your running into. Being the team mate i am i shouted to tam to tuck in behind to cover the head wind other runners had the same idea though. Through the course there were various and plenty water stations all in thier own particular fancy dress, special mention though to the James Bond station and thier water of life ;). Nicely timed as we entered a run through the sand dunes. Tough going with some very long inclines, we did feel that there were definitely more ups then there ever was downs on this course. I cannot say enough about the community spirit with every household on the way seeming to offer water for the runners. The final push on to the finish coming in at 1:44:28 delighted to have done this race not concerned about beating a pb 6mins slower because running somewhere like Coll shouldnt be rushed. Tom came in at 1:52:12 great performance and like any respectable Glasgow Team mate there was a cold can of lager waiting for him. Fabulous food afterwards topped off with a Ceildh at night and yes ourt legs were still good for it. Well done to the people of Coll I'm sure to be back with more runners in tow so better build that new Community Hall quick :)
Date of review: August 24, 2011

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Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		100%
PB potential		60%
Atmosphere		100%
Organisation		100%
Value		100%
Beginner-friendliness		60%

In short: Unique location; stunning scenery; fantastic support; legendary after race party and a trip to the inner Hebrides
In full: 4 hours driving to get to Oban, 2 and a half hours on a ferry, 1 mile hike to get to the campsite all to run a half marathon on a remote Scottish island, was it worth it?
Absolutely and unequivocally yes, yes, yes.
This isn't just a race it's an experience, with a population of 200, virtually the entire island must have been involved in supporting the events one way or another. I did the half marathon, but there was also a 10K a kids fun run and a half marathon for walkers, so every-one was catered for.
Free camping was included in the race fee, and the vast majority of participants took this option, camping right next to the finish line. I've never seen so many water stations on a race, all dressed up in fancy dress, at one station I even had to do a double take as I was offered water or a baked potato!, unique.
The only very minor downside was the surprise that on a flat island, there were an awful lot of ups and downs and the wind added to the challenge, so whilst there were some pretty good times, it's not terrain I would class as easy.
T shirt and a medal for all finishers, bar and food tents also right at the finish line, then to round of the day an outstanding Ceilidh in the evening with a great band and no matter how weary and footsore, everyone was dancing into the wee small hours.
Thoughtfully some of the locals were even selling bacon butties the following morning to aid your post race recovery.
So get your diary out and mark out the weekend for next years race, this really is a MUST DO event.
Date of review: August 23, 2011

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