Last Tango in Harris

(Credit to Gillian for the title!)

A small group made the trip for the final race of the Heb half-marathon series, on Harris. Dean, Gillian and I drove up on Friday afternoon and met Nick and Susan at the campsite in Uig. I was relieved that Nick hadn't gone to the pub, as I had no idea how to put up the tent he had given me!
 
After a quick visit to the campsite pub it was time to get some sleep. Everyone else was soon in the land of nod but I lay awake for most of the night and was treated to some tractor-like snoring from the other side of the campsite, followed by the dawn chorus. I was lucky if I managed an hour or two of sleep.
 
We woke to brilliant sunshine on Saturday and made our way to the ferry where we met Stuart for the crossing to Tarbert. The sea was very calm (apparently in contrast to the Barra voyage a week earlier!). As the ferry approached Harris, I was surprised (and slightly worried) by how hilly the island appeared - with good reason as it turned out!
 
After registration, we were taken in a fleet of buses over the race route to the other side of the island. The journey seemed to go on for ages and much of it was either ascent or descent.
 
Starting by a pristine beach, the first five miles were gently undulating before turning to begin the climb. Described by a Dean as "a hill race on tarmac", the next four miles were almost relentlessly uphill, before passing a phone mast near the top of the hill. At about nine miles, the road levelled out to provide a stunning view over Tarbert bay. The last four miles consisted of fantastic downhill sections, sweeping bends and just a couple of slight inclines to test the weary legs. The final obstacle was a cattle grid within sight of the finish, which reduced me to a walk, before the final plunge down a Kaimes-like hill, then round the corner to the ferry terminal.

Unfortunately, Susan was unable to run after her mountain bike accident but, along with Jim Bruce, provided tremendous support and took some great photos as they appeared at various points en-route.

I had started by running beside eventual series winner Dave Wright (HBT) behind the leader. We passed him after about three miles and I then pulled away from Dave on the climb and managed to stay in front till the end.

Everyone else ran very well on what must be one of the toughest courses, particularly Gillian, who finished runner-up in the women's series and was a given a piece of Lewis slate engraved with the islands and the "Hebridean 3" logo.

The results are not online yet but I think that we might have been second team, behind the all-conquering HBT.

It was then time for fish and chips, followed by the pub. Nobody was too upset that the return ferry was late: it just meant that there was time for an extra drink!

I only did two of the races but I can see why they are such an attraction. The location, and the atmosphere in which they are held is quite special. Hopefully I'll manage three races next year and get one of those fancy T-shirts.