Wow, it was a tough one! 40 mph winds that seemed to be in my face almost all the way round - tracks very slippery, muddy and narrow, but I made it running (slowly!)all but the serious cross-country bit. Views at times were breathtaking.
Thank you all so much for continuing to make this such a memorable event, year after year!

What a fantastic day, though the 25 mile run was indeed a toughy, l can't thank the teams of marshals, catering and countless bodies behind the scenes enough. Marshals- even though you told fibs..ie "your looking fresh", you folk were fantastic, jokes were dodgy but HEY they kept our spirits up..Food through and after was just great. Well done, you made my run a bit easier. Could you do something with that wind though for next year? congratulations every one of you. Thankyou.

I always knew that all of the volunteers who have helped on the Wilderness Challenge over the years were great folks and yesterday experienced this for myself. Unfortunately half way round on the 13 mile I slipped and fell breaking my fibula just above the ankle.Luckily it wasn't too far from the half way checkpoint.
Thank you to the folks who stopped to help me and went back to the checkpoint for assistance.
Within minutes two of Dundonnell MRT were on site taking care of me and organising the PDG helicopter to come and uplift me back to Poolewe, thank you chaps much appreciated. Once in the hall I was seen by the local GP Dr Ramsay and very well looked after by the ladies there until Eoghain returned from Shenavall and took me through to Raigmore. Thank you all again very much and I look forward to taking part again next.

The Wilderness Challenge is truly one of the greatest journeys that I have ever taken. From the moment when I first read about it in a Runner's World, I knew it was the greatest run I would ever do. It was worth traveling 6000 miles to do it. The people of the Highlands, the terrain ( including the 'Bad Bog'), and the charity - the Highland Hospice, make it truly one of the great moments in my life. As a runner/slogger who didn't start running 'til age 52 and definitely a 'flat lander', the hours spent practicing were worth every moment.

For anyone thinking of making the trek to the Highlands, schedule it NOW.

It is with great sadness that I have not been able to participate the past couple of years, however know that my heart and soul are with all of you as you run/slog/walk thru those beautiful hills.

Stay strong and may the wind be on your back!


Bari from across the pond

Just clocked your website for the first time. I remember walking this path in reverse several years ago - a superb long day in really dramatic surroundings. Must say it felt longer than 25!! Some day I would like to enter your event and do it the "right way".

Greetings from a Dutch walker and runner to all involved in this great event! I have walked in the Highlands many times over the last fifteen years. Work and (a shortage of) money has made this more difficult, but reading about the GWC makes me want to jump on a plane again.

Scotland is a beautiful country with great people, I will try and meet the GW Challenge in 2010!

Andre Hilhorst
Driehuis, the Netherlands