800 get set for Highland Fling

Wednesday 26th April 2017

Last year, as host to the GB trial and the Scottish Ultra Trail Championships, the Highland Fling Race attracted a depth of talent never seen before in the UK ultra. Both the men’s and ladies’ course records were smashed by Donnie Campbell and Beth Pascall.

This year’s starting list of over 800 will once again include some of ultra-running’s finest athletes, as well as the 200 relay runners.

The race along the West Highland Way is arguably the UK’s biggest and most competitive ultra-distance race.

The 53-mile distance is long enough to challenge the most experienced of runners, but it’s short enough to unearth some raw new talent. It’s especially popular for ultra-newbies and speedy marathon and hill runners moving up to ultras.

Records smashed in 2016

In the men’s race, New Zealand international athlete Vajin Armstrong will have his eye on the prize. Vajin has a wealth of ultra and mountain running experience. Closer to home Michael Jones and Neil Kirby could be battling it out for a podium finish.

Other ones to watch are Rob Sinclair, Mark Sutherland (Jedburgh Three Peaks winner), James Appleton, Daniel Hendriksen, Damien O’Looney, Evan Davies, Hugh McInnes, Andrew Horrobin and Donald McPartlin.

In the women’s race Edwina Sutton from the Centurion Running team will be heading over from her hometown of Morzine.

Local runner Nicola Adams-Hendry will be looking for a podium spot. Finishing 5th last year, taking gold in the Scottish Ultra Trail Championship, she went on to win our sister race, the Devil o’ the Highlands, in August.
Colorado runner Helen Cospolich has 14 years of ultra-experience and nearly 70 ultra-races under her belt.

Morgan Windram-Geddes may have mixed it up at the front end, but with her Scotland team debut at the 2017 Anglo Celtic Plate only a few weeks away, she’ll be under strict instructions to keep a lid on it. Other ones to watch are Caroline McKay, Carrie Craig, Madeline Robinson, Aisling Allum and Angela Reid.

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