Tell us about the day! How was the weather, did you run with other Cairngorm Runners? What did you think of the route? How did your run go? What was your time? Was it a milestone? What was the most challenging part of the event? Anything else you can think of?

This was a new event for me. I think it’s in its 3 or 4th year and organised and ran by Golpsie Rowing Club to raise club funds. There are options to run, hike, or bike and run around the 3 highest peaks above Golspie. 13miles run or hike, 19 miles bike & hike. I’m not much of a cyclist so opted for the run.

Registration was at the Golpsie seafront with option of a bacon roll purchase for pre race food prep after an early drive to get there having also stopped by the Harry Gow bakery at Kessock Bridge- what’s not to like!

The run briefing focused on reminding entrants to tell a marshal if they pulled out so the run numbers could be retrieved as they were on loan ????- none of this flimsy paper, proper plastic numbers with reinforced pin holes! We then got bused to around 200m near the base of the highest peak at Ben Horn (520m) . A fairly brutal uphill start on track followed a shotgun start! Soon you were off the track and among heather and bog to the waiting marshal at the top. Back down hill for a long spell on track to then climb up again all the way by track to Ben Bhraggie (396m) with a fine monument on top to aim for. The views from the top out to sea were immense. Especially on the hot clear day that it was. Back down off the summit on a challenging stepped narrow route (whilst the cyclists retraced their steps (pedals) back down the main track. Through some forestry then on to the final ascent of Silverburn hill, only a little un at around 250m, but by then I was pretty gubbed! And the last ascent was again through heather and bog. A fine downhill run off the hill and through the village back to Golspie sea front centre. Ready for optional burger and/or ice cream purchase. And a dip in the sea if required to cool down.

Would you recommend this event to others in the club and why?

This was an ace event from start to finish. Friendly, well marshalled, food, fun, and a compete bargain at only £20. They could easily charge more given bus transport also included in the entry fee. It was family friendly, and dog friendly if you so wanted to run with one. A small event but that made it even better as there were only around 30ish runners, 70ish hikers and some runner/bikers.