2023 Race Report
I think it’s fair to say that when we (Jenn, to be clear) agreed to take on the organisation of the Isle of Jura Fell Race, we didn’t quite know what we were letting ourselves in for. As organisers, we are responsible for arranging travel and accommodation for a 16-strong support crew; the prize list is longer than my arm; we had to temporarily upsize our car to fit all the race paraphernalia in, and it still wasn’t big enough; and neither of us had even done the race before.
Finlay Wild approaches the finish line. (c) Sarah Thurlbeck
Fortunately, we weren’t at it alone. We had the backing of the best small-to-medium sized hill running club in the West of Scotland, a great hand-over from the previous organiser Emily and, crucially, lots of local support. The likes of Mountain Rescue, SPORTident and RAYNET have also been on Jura several-to-many times before.
Carnethy runners Ali Masson and Tim Morgan greet Selwyn Wright, the official race commentator and father to injured runner Jack. (c) Sarah Thurlbeck
After a tough shift on Friday setting up the village hall and briefing marshals, we felt quite prepared as dawn broke on Sunday. Registration went smoothly thanks to a small army of Westie kit checkers. Although we had several withdrawals in the days leading up to the race, there were only a handful of no-shows on the day, resulting in 233 runners on the start line. Our official starter, Aila, had everyone off at bang-on 10:30 - so far, so smooth.
Eleanor Johnstone approaches the finish line. (c) Sarah Thurlbeck
As the race got underway, the professionals took charge, with RAYNET on comms, Martin Stone of SPORTident managing the timing chips, and Oban and Arrochar Mountain Rescue and Rescue Medics in position. It’s hard to remember exactly what we did for the next few hours, but it definitely involved breakfast rolls from the Antlers bistro.
Sarah Clark beat her previous record for fastest female Ileach. (c) Sarah Thurlbeck
The weather had closed in following a fairly clear start to the day, and the Paps were shrouded in clag - down in Craighouse we were really feeling for the marshals and runners on the hill. A few hours into the race we heard the bad news about an injured runner, followed by a second – both having connected head with rock. Things got a bit hectic for a while, but fortunately both runners received the medical attention they needed and are OK - thanks in no small part to the actions of other runners out on the course who came to their aid. Off the hill, particular thanks are due to Andrew Fulwood who picked Jack up from the QE hospital in Glasgow and put him up for a night, and to Jill Darroch who helped us get James treated on Jura, avoiding an overnight stranding on Islay.
The weather had closed in following a fairly clear start to the day, and the Paps were shrouded in clag - down in Craighouse we were really feeling for the marshals and runners on the hill. A few hours into the race we heard the bad news about an injured runner, followed by a second – both having connected head with rock. Things got a bit hectic for a while, but fortunately both runners received the medical attention they needed and are OK - thanks in no small part to the actions of other runners out on the course who came to their aid. Off the hill, particular thanks are due to Andrew Fulwood who picked Jack up from the QE hospital in Glasgow and put him up for a night, and to Jill Darroch who helped us get James treated on Jura, avoiding an overnight stranding on Islay.
Robin Wilkins, winner of the John Dare Shield, is piped home to a sub-4h finish. (c) Dawn Waugh
By the time prize giving came round, the sun was back out, Tom’s voice had totally gone, and the last of 224 finishers were making their way along the ‘Craighouse parkrun’. The overall winners were Finlay Wild (3:07:07) and Eleanor Johnstone (4:18:43). Special mention to Sarah Clark who beat her previous record for fastest female Ileach whilst also stopping to administer first aid. The Westie men's team sportingly forfeited their prize in favour of the Carnethy runners who stopped to help Jack, and Harry Pulham (who reascended Beinn Shiantaidh to get help for Jack, then proceeded to finish the race) was slowed down enough to finish in 50th place, taking home our special 50th anniversary prize. The women’s team prize went to Westies after strong performances by Ellen Downs, Ella Foreman and Leyre Flores.
There are lots of other stories to recount, but we’ll finish with a quick note on female participation (more to follow). 66 women completed this year’s race – that’s a 68% increase on the year before. In terms of gender split on the start line, we think 2023 was a record year for the race (28% female).
Many, many thanks to all those who helped and supported the race with their time, prize donations, advice and enthusiasm!
See you next year,
Jenn & Tom