THE ''70 wild miles'' race celebrates its tenth anniversary this summer with organisers Gordon Gooch and John Allan preparing to welcome more than 100 competitors to Glencoe. It's a rigorous event which offers a significant glimpse of much of the area's natural splendour.
Participants start with a 47-mile cycling time trial from a point close to the Kingshouse on the A82. The route takes them over the top of Rannoch Moor to Tyndrum before turning west through Glen Lochy and along the Pass of Brander to Taynuilt. From there they transfer to canoes for a 10 mile paddle of Loch Etive before running the final 13 miles through Glen Etive by way of a narrow track which finishes back in Glencoe.
It's breathtaking in both a physical and emotional sense. A tough competition held in spectacular surroundings. Last year's event was won by Stirling's Ian Duncan who completed the route in five hours and two minutes.
For those who don't feel too confident about tackling the whole thing, there is the option of sharing the load as part of a three-person relay team. As with many noble ventures, the idea of holding the 70 wild miles originated in a pub. Gooch and Allan, hill-walking and climbing enthusiasts from Edinburgh who regularly visit Glencoe, got talking one evening and decided to organise the race as a challenge for a small group of friends and to raise money for charity at the same time.
''It just took off from there,'' said Gooch. ''Originally it was going to be a one-off event. Eighteen folk did the first one but it's gradually grown and a few years ago we had over 100 participants. Last year we had our first overseas competitor from Canada, and now that the race has a website we are getting enquiries from the United States.''
Cystic Fibrosis and Cancer Research have been significant beneficiaries over the years with race participants raising over #130,000 for the two charities. This year's event takes place on June 6. Entry details from John Allan, 40 Newmains Road, Kirkliston EH29 9AW or by email at GogiG@aol.com
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