All 250 places snapped up for inaugural Race to the Base challenge from Lochinver to Suilven
All 250 places for a new half-marathon in north-west Sutherland were snapped up “weeks ago”, organisers have said.
The inaugural Race to the Base will take place on Sunday, May 11, and is being billed as Scotland’s most scenic half-marathon.
The 13.1 mile out and back trail race runs from Lochinver to the base of the north face of Suilven, one of Scotland’s most iconic mountains, and passes through glens and moorland and by lochs, and rivers.
It is a mixture of stone and mud trails, with some tarmac, finishing at Lochinver harbour. The trail climbs to 1540ft.
The challenge was initiated by two friends, Oliver Appleby and Paul Redgewell who both live and work near Lochinver.
Oliver is a senior health support worker and Paul is the manager of Lochinver Leisure Centre.
In July last year the pair ran “The Wall”, an ultra-marathon foot race between Carlisle and Newcastle, following the route of Hadrian’s Wall for its entire 70 mile course.
The challenge raised funds for the Assynt Mountain Rescue Team and the Assynt Kids Nature Area in Culag Wood.
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Race to the Base is fully waymarked, insured and marshalled, and the £30 entry fee includes water, finishers’ medal and an exclusive Race to the Base snood.
Such was the demand for places that an extra 100 were added - but these were also soon taken.
Mr Appleby said: “The event has 250 places, and unfortunately they all sold out weeks ago, which is great, but we’re gutted we can’t offer everyone who wants to run a place.”
He added: “We’d love to put on a 10k and possibly even an ultra marathon, if Race to the Base is successful. There’s clearly great
demand for this sort of event in Assynt.”
For more information on Race to the Base, visit https://racetothebase.co.uk. The event also has a social media page.
