Great Wilderness Challenge News

Newcomers to the GWC - Skye & Lochalsh Young Carers - produced a fantastic fundraising performance for their charity this year, the best per head of any charity team (so far) in GWC history. Our congratulations go to the eight participants whose collective sponsorship together with our own ‘top up’ resulted in Marjory Jagger and Pat Walsh of SLYC group being presented with a cheque for £27,500 by GWC co-founder Mairi Mackenzie at a ceremony at Kyle of Lochalsh in November. 

Photo courtesy Willie Urquhart/WHFP

We are saddened to announce the passing earlier today of our good friend Murdo Maclean,following a lengthy illness, which he bore with great patience and fortitude. Murdo was GWC chairman from 1994 to 2008, when he stepped down but continued as a committee member. Despite failing health, Murdo assisted with organising the recent Kintail event, and happily was able to attend the event on the day. Murdo was pre-deceased by his wife Sheena in February.

We are pleased to learn that our 2 casualties at Kintail - Jimmy Glennie and Graham Laing, both from Inverness - have received treatment and are now well on the road to recovery. Hopefully see  you both back in Poolewe next year, lads! Top marks to Kintail MRT personnel who brought them safely off the hill.

Matt Sullivan (Shettleston Harriers) won the gruelling GWC 18 mile hill race at Morvich today. This was his second GWC victory in succession, having won last year's 25 mile race in Poolewe. His time of 2-20-47  was 8 minutes ahead of the field. 18 year old Calum Macleod (Inverness Harriers) won the accompanying 8 mile race in 54:45. Both are inaugural records at this venue. Full race results now on site.

It is still possible to enter the event on Saturday 20th August, with places available on 18, 10 and 8 mile walks and 18 and 8 mile races. Please contact Pat Ross (see home page) to book places.

Friday Evening (19th): Local ceilidh band The Ale Is Dear will be performing in the Kintail Lodge Hotel. The hotel is situated on the A87 just 1.5 miles from Event Centre.

Saturday Evening (20th): Post-event Ceilidh/Dance will be held in Event Marquee in Morvich, from 7.30 pm till late. Music by the popular Cast Ewe Ceilidh Band. Proceeds to MacMillan Cancer Support and Kintail Mountain Rescue. Admission:Adults £5, Children free.

Gerald Box sadly passed away suddenly in Raigmore Hospital on Wednesday 6th July. Gerald was a long-standing member of the Inverness Harriers club, and also an enthusiastic supporter of the Great Wilderness Challenge, which he completed on sixteen consecutive years  -1992-2007 - as a runner in the 25 mile race. Our sympathy goes to Jean, Karen and Gavin at this sad time.