In a continuation of a recent theme, the weather dawned dry and hot on the morning of the race. The organisers had opted for an 1100 kick-off, which allowed for a nice breakfast and leisurely start to the day, but allowed the heat to build in a way that definitely felt like it was going to be a factor. With all the race proceeds going to the Assynt Development Trust and Assynt Mountain Rescue, there was a buzz around the registration point at the Assynt Leisure Centre, and North Roast Coffee delivering the final boost ahead of the race. 

From there, one of the most remarkable start processes I've ever been part of, where the runners and spectators were walked round to the start line at Culag Park, behind the Ullapool District Pipe Band! From the start line the route is a straight line out and back up Glen Canisp. As anyone who has been out there, the climb here is anything but gradual with a very rough track undulating with short but punchy climbs climbs on rough ground. Having said that, the views were spectacular, I am fairly certain I spotted an eagle in front of Suilven heading deeper up the glen towards the turnaround point. 

On the outward leg I found myself concerned by the pace. I had found myself in a small group, somewhere between 15th and 20th overall: also known as miles further up the field than I am used to being at this stage (or any stage) of an event. As we headed further up the glen it became apparent that the same drying effect of recent weather that was impacting the rest of the country was making itself felt here too. On what is frequently a boggy and puddly path, the ground was open and cracking, desperate for water which would not be coming any time soon. At least us runners were offered a chance to rehydrate and grab some jelly babies at the turnaround point which involved touching a ribbon across the path. It's worth noting that when the eventual winner passed me on his return, he was so far ahead that I couldn't even see anyone else coming back OR the turnaround point. 

Unusually for an out and back, the return journey had almost as much ascent as the way in, and how I cursed the road from Glen Canisp Lodge back to Lochinver, as despite the fact that it is returning to sea level, it continues to offer climbs that I did not appreciate at the time. The bonus of the out and back of course is running back through the field, and what an incredibly supportive field it was, as I exchanged some form of greeting with almost every runner coming along the path towards me, which was a lot of fun. It also gave me an idea of my race positioning, given that some of them were counting us back! So I knew I was somewhere around 21st, having been passed near the turn by a few runners. 

The final sting in the tail of the Race to the Base is that it's not a pure out and back. The final couple of kilometres take you away from the finish on the harbour breakwater, and instead into the community woodlands of Culag Wood, which feature one final pair of short but steep climbs as well as some fantastic wildlife. The upside of this was that for the first time we were in some shade. Sally and Cluanie had walked into the woods to cheer the runners back in and with the energy of that a final burst of energy came from nowhere and I managed to pass a pair of runners on the final hill before kicking for the finish assuming I would be chased down again, but thankfully it wasn't to be. A final 100m out into the sea along the harbour wall and it was done. Medals, buffs and sweeties from more great volunteers and the timekeepers tracking finishers with a clock and a notepad really made it feel like a great community event. There's no need to complicate these things! 

While we had been out running, the Angry Seagull fish and chip van had arrived, as well as a spectacular ice cream van. Both of which I took the opportunity to sample as recovery is very important. I really can't recommend this race enough, espcially if you make it part of a longer trip to the north west. The race organisers Oliver and Paul are to be commended on bringing such an event to the area and of course all the  volunteers that helped make the day a success, including the Assynt Mountain Rescue Team who spent the day out in the glen making sure everyone was safe and looked after. 

Race to the Base will be back in 2026, as well as Reach the Beach, a 10k event to Achmelvich Beach which will take place in September this year. You can join the mailing list now for an alert when entries open. 

In the end, I was 19th overall in a time of 2:03.29, only 25 minutes behind the winner ;)