The race has been run and the washing has been done, that leaves only one thing to do, crack on with writing the very first blog for the podcast and digest what unfolded over the past 48 to 72-hours! Nestled amidst the breath-taking Scottish Highlands, the now annual Loch Ness 24 event has once again wrapped, completing its second successful year. This year’s event has certainly been a true testament to the human spirit's indomitable will. Runners from across the globe, Ireland, Germany, Spain and South Africa to name just a few, once again gathered near the mystical shores of Loch Ness to partake in this ultimate test of physical and mental resilience, tackling a gruelling 24-hour race against not only their fellow competitors but also the relentless forces of nature. The Loch Ness 24 has undeniably secured its place in the endurance running event world for being a true test of strength and determination!
The premise is simple: run as many laps as possible around an initially straight forward looking 7km course within a 24-hour timeframe! I say a straight forward looking course but it quickly shows its true colours as a challenging and true monster of Loch Ness! The breath-taking scenery and the enigmatic presence of the loch itself provide both a distraction and a source of inspiration for the participants, as they battle fatigue, pain, the dreaded midge and the ticking clock. The addition of relentless rain for the day leading up to the starting gun and the first 12 hours of the run made the challenge even more…challenging!
As a finisher of the inaugural event in 2022 and the torturous sun and heat that accompanied it I can say that the rain was perhaps more bearable however the mud…the mud made for a completely different beast altogether! The elements ultimately chose to once again play a prominent role in shaping the event's narrative. The weather gods unleashed their might, drenching the course with relentless rain, turning sections of the trail into a treacherous labyrinth of mud and puddles. What was once a relatively straightforward route quickly became a slippery, challenging ordeal. The competitors faced not only the physical strains of running for 24 hours but also the mental game of navigating an unpredictable, changeable and demanding terrain. Although many competitors were sensible in their selection of footwear, opting for the preferable ‘trail’ shoe for a trail event, some like myself went for the road shoe option. Neither footwear choice ultimately mattered as the thick mud and deteriorating ground made it difficult for all.
Despite the weather's determination to create hurdles, the spirit of camaraderie among the participants remained unshaken, especially within my team, the phenomenal and certainly not a cult, Who Dropped The Dibber! The spirit of "we're all in this together" permeated the air as runners shared encouraging words, exchanged knowing glances, and sometimes even offered a helping hand to a fellow competitor stuck in the mud. The shared goal of conquering the elements and completing the race forged a unique bond among the runners, turning the event into more than just a race – it became a shared journey of resilience. With 23 competitors amidst our ranks we certainly made up a good proportion of the competitors, even with the full complement doubling from the previous and inaugural year, a true sign of success for the event!
The spirit of triumph over adversity was undeniable. The inclement weather may have added an additional layer of challenge to an already daunting task, but it didn't deter the competitors. Instead, it seemed to ignite an even fiercer determination within them. Each step through the muddy trail was a testament to their grit, a declaration that they were not going to let the weather dictate their fate.
As the hours ticked away and the rain finally came to an end the finish line became a symbol of both physical achievement and mental fortitude. The cheers of a growing crowd and the sense of accomplishment that awaited provided the fuel needed to power through exhaustion, complete those final few laps and achieve the previously believed unachievable!
The Loch Ness 24 - 2023 will be remembered not only for the extraordinary physical feat of running for 24 hours but also for the unyielding spirit of the participants. The weather's determination to challenge did nothing to dampen the runners' resolve; if anything, it amplified their determination to conquer the course, the clock, and the elements. In the face of adversity, the runners showcased the epitome of human potential. They embodied the essence of pushing boundaries, embracing challenges, and coming out stronger on the other side.
The Loch Ness 24 is not just a race; it's a celebration of human spirit and the embodiment of the belief that with determination, even the most challenging conditions can be conquered...but perhaps in 2024 a deal can be struck with the weather gods for a cross-breed of 2022 and 2023 for ultimately the perfect weather conditions!
If you enjoyed this glimpse into the 2023 Loch Ness 24, stay tuned for my upcoming blog entry. In the next submission, I’ll be delving into a "Who Dropped The Dibber?" perspective! I’ll do our best to convey the stories, challenges, and triumphs that unfolded within the team and our associated friends. Stay connected, stay inspired, and stay tuned for more stories of determination, camaraderie, and the unbreakable human spirit. Until then stay safe, enjoy your runs and you’ll hear from me soon!
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