Runduro 2017
Someone once said "If variety’s the spice of life, then the No Fuss Fort William Runduro was a vindaloo of an event." No Fuss launched Runduro in 2015, a cheeky 21km trail race with a twist, the route consists of 8 special stages linked by 7 transitional stages, with final results based solely on the total time taken for the special stages. You can see full results here.
The route is now well established and includes some of the Outdoor Capitals classic trails. Each special stage has it’s own unique character. These first special stage, the so called “King o’ the Hill” – is a brutal 174m of grassy vertical ascent up the front of Cow Hill. The weather for 2017 was untypically mild with some squally showers, the first challenge was what to wear? (My bum always looks big in running tights.)
The more experienced Runduro participant use the transitional stages as an opportunity to catch their breath, relax and chat to fellow competitors. It really can be quite a social thing this running! Stage 2 – “The Descender” a fast, sweeping 222m descent. Finishing in beautiful Glen Nevis, and a quick refresh and water intake, in previous years runners have enjoyed the panorama of Ben Nevis in full winter glory alas for 2017 it was just l a bit driech.
Stage 3 : “Smash It”, a combination of nicely angled ascent followed by mighty steep descent, Stage 4 The much loved "To Hell and Back”, an evil climb , known locally as heart attack hill followed by a fast, singletrack descent on the ever improving Ben Nevis footpath. Stage 5 “Up, Up and Away”, perhaps the longest climb of the day, the food stop at Braveheart is always a welcome distraction before this stage. Stages 6 "Short and Sweet" and Stage 7 "Keep Truckin" welcomes the runners back to Fort William before the final lung buster Stage 8 "The Sprinter" the only road section of the day and a 750m flat out sprint along the sea front to the finish line.
Once finished it is only a short walk back to the event registration at Cotswold Outdoor store and the instant results service provided by Sportident, followed by a welcome bowl of warm soup at the Tavern. It really is a cracking event aided in no small way by the quality and variety of the trails, and the enthusiastic marshals along the route. BIG Thanks to them!
