Red flares light the start as the 100km runners get underway in Lady Grey
TRAIL RUNNING
Bit of a Balloch Shock
Arriving at Snowden was a relief , as we were greeted by the ever-cheerful Saffy ( race organiser Adrian Saffy ) and his crew , and got to replenish our water in the cool spring . The only source of water for the next 22km would be the Balloch stream , on the stretch between Snowden and Balloch that includes the epic climb to the highest point , called Avoca ( CP4 – 2756m high ). I wanted to call it ‘ Apuka ,’ as I was feeling nauseas at this stage – probably due to a combo of energy bars , energy drinks and high altitude . I am sure this is a section where most people start questioning why they are doing this .
Author Dave McCullough arriving at the Balloch checkpoint
From Avoca it was a great run downhill to Balloch ( CP6 – 58km in ), and before reaching Balloch , I stripped down and took a cool dip in the stream , which helped ease the pain in my legs from the steep descent to the river . Arriving at the Balloch checkpoint in 10 hours 45 minutes , I was ahead of schedule , and knowing I was seeing my second and receiving a hot meal , I decided to take 45 minutes instead of the planned half hour .
Balloch is a buzz of activity , but before proceeding into the cave , I had to pass the medical check . Standing on the scale , I weighed in at 57km , meaning I ’ d lost 7kg , more than 10 % of my body mass . I was worried I would not be allowed to proceed , whereas the nurse was absolutely certain I wouldn ’ t proceed . It turns out she still had the chart of the guy just in front of me , and he had weighed 81kg the day before , so she completely freaked when she saw my 57kg , an apparent loss of 24kg ! Luckily , that was sorted out , and after the BP test and questionnaire about my urine satisfied the medics , I was through . A hot shower , hot meal and new kit , plus an emotional farewell from my second and I was off on the second stage , with the imminent Wall as the next challenge .
A welcome drink from the Balloch Stream
Runners try to stick together up in the mountains
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