Introduction to Mountain Running
- Lasts 300 minutes
This guided running session is aimed at road or trail runners who would like to venture into the mountains. It is led by ultra-runner and Mountaineering & Climbing Instructor Giles Ruck, assisted by a local hill runner.
OVERVIEW
Distance - 13km
Highest Point Gained - 874m - Goatfell
Total Ascent - 880m
Session Duration - 4 - 5hrs
Terrain - Forestry tracks and trails, rough and rocky mountain paths, steep ascents and descents.
Technical Rating - Moderate
Endurance Rating - 4
Cost - £25
Date - Saturday 18th May 2024
Meeting Time - 11.15am
Meeting Place - Cladach (Wineport car park)
RUN DESCRIPTION
This session is perfect for trail or road runners who are keen to experience running in the mountains.
Whilst the plan is to head up Goatfell, the route may be amended depending on the conditions on the day and on the group’s ambitions. Despite largely being an “out and back” route, it offers plenty of different terrain of varying steepness to learn about running techniques, with the added thrill of scaling the island’s highest peak fast and light! There are numerous forestry tracks and trails to choose from lower down to add diversity to the route.
Participants can expect to be out for 4 - 5 hours, longer if perfect weather means there are more stops to take in the views. The pace will be modest to moderate, probably averaging about 4 km/hr during the day (about twice the typical hillwalking pace, once in this terrain).
Expect a total of around 900 metres of height gain (and descent!) during the outing, but steep sections will be hiked rather than run on the ascents. There will be some clambering over rocky ground, within the Arran Mountain Festival ‘moderate’ grade.
The session includes advice to help equip aspiring mountain runners with the necessary knowledge, such as clothing and route choices, simple navigation, nutrition and hydration as well as some coaching on hill running techniques.
This walk is organised by the Arran Mountain Festival, a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation SC 052229, supported by Auchrannie Leisure Ltd.