17 September 2010

The fourth and final event in the inaugural McCain Mountain Running Challenge, incorporating the Senior Home International, takes place at Aonach Mor, near Fort William in Scotland, on Sunday 18 September.

The 6.4km route – a continental style uphill-only race – starts off relatively tamely from the lower Nevis Range Gondola Station (100m), climbing at a gentle gradient for 2.5km on the lower forests trails before hitting the infamous Nevis Range World Cup Downhill Mountain Bike track.

The middle stage forms the main climb of the race up to the Upper Gondola Station, a very challenging route of varying gradient and terrain.

From the Upper Gondola Station, the route continues to the Nevis Range ski slopes for a final sustained climb to the finish at 850m.

The national teams of Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales will comprise five senior and two under-23 men, and four senior and two under-23 women, with individual and team medals at stake in addition to cash prizes on offer linked to the McCain Mountain Running Challenge Series.

Gareth Raven (Sale) and Olivia Walwyn (Altrincham), the current McCain Mountain Challenge leaders, will be looking to defend their positions, and while it’s a close competition on the men’s side with seven athletes within range of equaling or overhauling Raven in the final race, only Victoria Wilkinson (Bingley), winner of the first two Challenge races, is capable of taking the women’s title.  

Full details on the current McCain Mountain Running Challenge standings can be found on dedicated section on the UKA website.

The Aonach Mor Mountain Run is an open event, and the organisers welcome runners of all abilities to take on the challenge of a continental style uphill race. You can pre-enter, or enter on the day, and entry details are via the scottishathletics website.

For more information on the event check out the Scottish Hill Runners website.