This is a copy of the new page from the old whw web site so the links won't all work but will give you an idea of what was posted in the build up to the 2013 race and the few months afterwards.
Wednesday 7th August 2013
Appeal by Jim Drummond re his disqualification from the 2013 race
During the 2013 West Highland Way Race, Jim Drummond failed to reach the Auchtertyre checkpoint within the 15 hour cut-off and was disqualified. He did not accept this decision and continued to Fort William. After Auchtertyre he was no longer regarded as part of the race and his times from Auchtertyre were not officially recorded.
In the week following the race, the committee received a 17 page complaint from Jim Drummond. This covered a number of issues, including an appeal to be reinstated as an official finisher, and questioning the basis for the cut-off times at each checkpoint. We asked Sean Stone, who was not at the 2013 race and could therefore be considered to be more independent than the other committee members, to investigate Jim’s complaint and report back to the committee. The committee met on 30 July to consider Sean’s report, and following a lengthy discussion Sean’s conclusions and recommendations were accepted in full. In particular, the decision to disqualify Jim from the 2013 race was upheld and it was agreed he would not be reinstated on the official list of finishers. However the committee did agree, as a gesture of goodwill and in attempt to resolve this dispute, to offer Jim a finisher’s goblet. It was also agreed to review the cut-off times for each checkpoint, prior to opening the entries for the 2014 race.
The committee believes it has handled this issue fairly and objectively, and that it has taken every reasonable step to resolve the dispute. Jim has been notified of the decision and been given a copy of Sean’s report.
A full copy of Sean's report
Ian Beattie
Race Director
7th August 2013
Friday 2nd August 2013
History of the race updated following the 2013 race.
Wednesday 24th July 2013
Race reports page updated with a number of reports from the 2013 race.
If I missed any please let me know johnkynaston@westhighlandwayrace.org
Thursday 27th June 2013
The all time whw results sheet has been updated and now there is just one list of times which includes all races from 1985 to the present.
Wednesday 26th June 2013
A short video of the start taken from the runners and the spectators perspective ....
Tuesday 25th June 2013
Updated whw all time list added to results page
Monday 24th June 2013
Podcast episode 46 is now available.
In this episode you can follow John Kynaston's 2013 race with live updates from the course. Plus interviews with Ian Minty and David McLure after their successful completions of the 2013 race.
Sunday 23rd June 2013
GIBLIN SETS NEW RECORD FOR THE 95 mile WEST HIGHLAND WAY
Paul Giblin from Paisley, in an outstanding display of committed front running, has set a new record for running Scotland’s iconic long distance trail, the 95 mile West Highland Way. His time of 15 hours 07 minutes and 29 seconds, bettered the existing record set by Terry Conway in last year’s annual event by over 32 minutes.
The Scottish ultra distance international, set off in determined fashion from the start. By the first checkpoint at Balmaha, on the shores of Loch Lomond, reached in 2.30.23, he already had a lead of 8 minutes. By Beinglass Farm(40 miles) at the top of the loch Lomond reached in 5.58.12. His lead was over half an hour.
Reaching the 50 mile point at Auchtertyre Farm near Tyndrum (7.30.53), he was showing no signs of flagging, and indeed maintained his steady pace down to the 60 mile point at Bridge of Orchy, (8.51.58). The Glencoe Ski Centre checkpoint (71 miles), reached after crossing Rannoch moor on the old drove road, was hit in 10.33.45 almost an hour ahead of second placed Marco Consani (Garscube Harriers).
As in a standard marathon the last third of the race is where things can go pear shaped, and in the last third of the West Highland way this is compounded by the two toughest stages, over the Devils staircase to Kinlochleven (78 miles), and then the long haul, up to, and across the stony trail of the Lharig Mhor. Giblin, seemingly had no problems and reached Kinlochleven in 12.27.36 and with victory, and a new course record seemingly assured, still maintained a steady pace to the finish.
His finishing time also eclipsed the 15 hours 26 minutes recorded by Edinburgh’s Dave Wallace in one of the very early editions of the race in 1989, set when the trail was slightly different and some have argued harder. Current records have been kept for The Way since the early 1990’s when considerable upgrades and some minor changes to the trail were made.
Consani, had beaten Giblin, in March when they both represented Scotland at Perth in the annual Anglo Celtic Plate 100k international. He finished almost an hour behind in second place with 16.03.48. He had the consolation of setting set a huge PB by over 2 hours also realising that his time would have won the race on many occasions. Two time former winner Richie Cunningham , showed his consistency, by finishing in 3rd with 16.27.30
In the ladies race, 2012 winner Rosie Bell from Strathaven Striders, retained her title and improved her Pb by over 40 minutes but was pushed all the way by first time Competitor Lorna Mcmillan from Glasgow. Macmillan held a 20 minute lead at Bridge of Orchy. At Glencoe this had been reduced to 10 minutes and at the final checkpoint at Kinlochleven the gap between them was down to a minute. Bell proved the stronger over the final stage and won comfortably in 19.27.04. McMillan held on well to record 19.46.00, a sub 20 hour clocking in her debut , showing she could be one to watch in the future.
Altogether 149 runners finished the 95 mile trail, the longest event to receive a permit from Scottish athletics, in the 35 hour time limit. Full results available at the www.westhighlandwayrace.org.uk
Wednesday 19th June 2013
It's not always easy to hear the Race briefing at 12.30pm just before the race so here is the transcript Ian Beattie will be reading out.
Sunday 16th June 2013
The official SPORTident timing page is at
http://live5.sportident.co.uk/westhighlandwayrace
Thursday 13th June 2013
Podcast episode 45 is now available.
In this episode John Kynaston interviews Caroline McKay and there is a blog post of the week and an item from Andy Cole.
Tuesday 11th June 2013
Start list with race numbers now available.
Sunday 9th June 2013
Podcast episode 44 is now available.
In this episode John Kynaston interviews Ian Minty, David McLure and the latest Waterman's Piratical Ramblings.
Saturday 8th June 2013
Message from Ian Beattie, Race Director .....
IMPORTANT. There have been a few posts on facebook about cattle on the route, particularly on some of the farms between Beinglas and Crianlarich. I have been liaising very closely with the National Park people on this and a number of other issues. They are fully aware of the issue, and are working with the farmers to try and find a solution that meets everyone's needs. We all have to remember that these are working farms and that needs to be respected. However the National Park Authority are planning to send a full team out over the route a week before the race and check whether there are any problems on the route, and if so look at addressing them. It is great that they are committing the resource to do this and I greatly appreciate it.
It would not be helpful at all for anyone to e-mail, phone or otherwise contact the National Park people directly, particularly on their private mobile phones. I have had feedback that some of the contact made with the National Park people so far has been verging on the abusive, and I am concerned that if this continues the race could lose the goodwill that has built up over many years. You should be aware that everyone at the National Park Authority is hugely supportive of the West Highland Way Race, and is working with us to address this and a number of other issues. Part of the reason we have built up this strong relationship is that people involved in the race are a credit to it and understand how to behave properly in the countryside, respecting the rights of many different groups who use it. I know this will continue but please, leave the discussions to me and don't get involved in e-mailing or phoning.
Thursday 6th June 2013
Follow the whw Race live on the internet ....
This year we are using SPORTident Timing which means that you will be able to follow the race from the comfort of your home! Here is the link to follow the race ....
http://live5.sportident.co.uk/westhighlandwayrace
Monday 3rd June 2013
Runners instructions for the 2013 race added to race info page.
Plus Race Merchandise order form
Sunday 2nd June 2013
Podcast episode 43 is now available.
In this episode John Kynaston interviews Thomas & Silke Loehndorf.
The DVD of the 2005 whw race 'Closing Distance' is now available ....
Thursday 30th May 2013
Short video of the route between Balmaha and Rowardennan as some people have asked which is the correct route. Hope this helps ....
Tuesday 28th May 2013
Podcast episode 42 is now available.
In this episode John Kynaston interviews Ryan & Becki McKenzie.
Saturday 18th May 2013
Podcast episode 41 is now available.
In this episode John Kynaston interviews Marco Consani.
Wednesday 15th May 2013
From Ian Beattie, Race Director .....
Dear WHW Race entrant,
As I write this note the website is showing there are only 37 days and a few hours to go until the start of this year’s race. I hope your training is going to plan and that everything is on course for a strong performance on race day.
I thought it would be useful at this stage to update you on a few issues about this year’s race.
Detailed race instructions:
The detailed race instructions will be e-mailed to all runners towards the end of May, and will also be posted on the website and on the Facebook site. When this is sent out it is important that all runners read the instructions carefully and pass on all of the relevant information to their support team. The e-mail will contain a link to submit details of your emergency contacts and support team. Please ensure you complete these details when requested by using the link and not in any other way, as it makes it much easier for us to access the information on race day. Details on the available race merchandise and how to place an order will also be included within the e-mail. We hope to have a few new items in the range this year!
Electronic timing:
This year, for the first time, the race is going to use electronic timing at each of the checkpoints and at the finish. It will allow your friends, families and other supporters to follow your progress online throughout the race, and will provide the race organisation team with even better information to monitor things from a safety perspective. Full details on how the electronic timing will work will be included in the final race instructions.
Beinglas Farm:
We are delighted to have secured access to Beinglas Farm for this year’s race. Beinglas Farm will be a compulsory checkpoint, i.e. your support team will be required to meet you there, but because of space restrictions we will be insisting that only one car per runner goes into the checkpoint. The same one car per runner rule will also apply at the Auchtertyre Farm checkpoint.
Withdrawing from the race:
If you need to withdraw from the race, please advise me by sending an e-mail to ian@westhighlandwayrace.org . You will receive a refund of £55 if you advise me of your withdrawal on or before 31 May. No refunds are payable for withdrawals notified after that date, but it is still important that I am advised. Please note that it is not possible to defer any entries to the following year’s race.
If you have any questions in the meantime please e-mail me at ian@westhighandwayrace.org . Good luck with the final weeks of your training.
Ian Beattie
Race Director
Tuesday 14th May 2013
Heather Ohly, a Registered Nutritionist with a personal interest in sport nutrition, has produced a paper covering nutrition strategies for the West Highland Way Race.
The paper recognises that every runner will have to develop their own strategy based on their own experience, but presents the basic principles. Hopefully it will be of interest to those running the race, and to their support crews.
Sunday 5th May 2013
Podcast episode 40 is now available.
In this episode John Kynaston interviews Race Director Ian Beattie
and Sandra McDougall.
Tuesday 30th April 2013
With less than 8 weeks to go before the 2013 race the start list has been updated with the latest withdrawals.
If you do have to withdraw remember you can get a £55 refund up until the end of May 2013.
Sunday 29th April 2013
Podcast episode 39 is now available.
In this episode John Kynaston interviews Stuart Mills before and
after the Hoka Highland Fling.
Wednesday 24th April 2013
Podcast episode 38 is now available.
In this episode John Kynaston interviews David McLure and
Ian Minty.
Nick Smith has designed a really helpful online tool to help runners
plan their split times based on their predicted finishing time.
Have a look at Nick's web site.
Monday 25th March 2013
Podcast episode 37 is now available.
In this episode is part 2 from Tuesday 19th March 2013 inspiration night,
John Kynaston's talk on How to get the best out of your whw race and then interviews with Rosie Bell and Paul Giblin.
Saturday 23rd March 2013
Podcast episode 36 is now available.
In this episode you can listen to Stan Bland's talk on support
and Dr Chris Ellis' talk on medical matters from Tuesday 19th March 2013
inspiration night.
Videos of the talks from Glasgow .....
Dr Chris Ellis - Medical Matters
John Kynaston, Rosie Bell & Paul Giblin - whw race preparation
Part 1 - John Kynaston
Part 2 - John Kynaston interviews Rosie Bell & Paul Giblin
Monday 11th March 2013
Podcast episode 35 is now available.
In this episode John Kynaston interviews Ian Minty and Jon Steele.
Thursday 7th March 2013
Podcast episode 34 is now available.
The main feature of this one is John Kynaston interviewing Caroline McKay.
Saturday 16th February 2013
Details of two nights of Inspiration ...
Tuesday 12th March 7.00pm - 9.30pm
Run and Become 20 Queensferry Street Edinburgh EH2 4 QW
Tuesday 19th March 7.00pm - 9.30pm
Glasgow Cathcart Trinity Church Hall
More Details
Wednesday 13th February 2013
Podcast episode 33 is now available.
This one features John Kynaston interviewing Race Director, Ian Beattie.
Thursday 7th February 2013
Podcast episode 32 is now available.
This one features John Kynaston interviewing Ian Minty plus Dave Waterman's latest Piranical Ramblings.
Thursday 31st January 2013
Podcast episode 31 is now available.
This one features Iain Wallace interviewing Matt Moroz about his plans
for the year and the whw race in particular.
Sunday 27th January 2013
Short video of the whw training run ...
Thanks to all those who came for the weekend. A great day was had by all ....
More photos on the whw facebook page.
Monday 21st January 2013
Update on ‘WHW training weekend’ on 25th & 26th January 2013
at the Oak Tree Inn, Balmaha
We are looking forward to seeing everyone who is coming this weekend. The run on the Saturday will start at 10am so people should meet about 9.45am at the Oak Tree. The plan is to run to Inversnaid and back but anyone can choose when they turn back. There is nothing formal planned for Sunday but people are welcome to do their own thing.
Tuesday 15th January 2013
Podcast episode 30 is now available.
This one features an interview with David McLure and a discussion on footwear by Andy Cole.
Thursday 10th January 2013
Update on ‘WHW training weekend’ on 25th & 26th January 2013
at the Oak Tree Inn, Balmaha
The following accommodation is still available for the training weekend ....
3 twin rooms, 1 superior and 5 deluxe doubles
Anyone interested should contact the Oak Tree directly.
For details go to Training Weekend Page
For those joining us for the run on Saturday 26th January 2013 we will start at 10am, and anyone who wants to come along for the run only is very welcome and should meet outside the Oak Tree at 9.45am
The full run is 30 miles, from Balmaha to Inversnaid and back, people welcome to do less if they prefer. We would advise and encourage everyone to carry a headtorch.
Tuesday 8th January 2013
Sale on last year's merchandise now on the shop page.
First come first served so be quick!
Friday 28th December 2012
John Kynaston has sent out an email asking for each runner to send in a profile with picture. The profiles have started to come in so check them out on the 2013 start list page. Keep returning as they will be updated regularly.
Monday 17th December 2012
2013 whw race start list added to web site.
Breakdown of runners by category ...
Breakdown of how many whw races have runners completed ...
Friday 7th December 2012
From Ian Beattie, Race Director, regarding entries for 2013 race ..
'We have now reviewed all the entries for the 2013 race. There were 279 entries in total. 3 of those withdrew before the closing date, and 11 were considered to have insufficient experience at this stage. That left 265 'qualified' entrants, and we have had to have a ballot to reduce this to 250. Sorry if you were one of the unlucky 15, but the race will be here for quite a few years yet so there will be plenty more chances to take part. Everyone will be notified of their own position over the weekend.'
Wednesday 5th December 2012
Podcast episode 29 is now available.
This one features an interview with 8 time whw finisher Keith Hughes.
Saturday 1st December 2012
2013 whw race entries are now closed.
There are 279 applicants. The committee will consider all the applicants and will inform everyone in due course. Please be patient!
Wednesday 14th November 2012
Podcast episode 28 is now available.
This one features an interview with 2 time whw winner Richie Cunningham.
Wednesday 31st October 2012
Entries for 2013 West Highland Way race are now open.
Remember you have until 30th November 2012 to enter.
Further details on the Entry Page.
Tuesday 30th October 2012
FOR YOUR ATTENTION ... We are holding another WHW Training weekend at at the Oak Tree Inn, Balmaha on 25th and 26th January 2013.
All the details including prices and how to book added to
BOOK EARLY to avoid disappointment!
Saturday 6th October 2012
Podcast episode 27 is now available.
After a break the whw podcasts have started again. The aim is to do one a month for the next few months. In this episode Iain Wallace interviews Matt Moroz.
Monday 24th September 2012
Entry criteria added to entry page.
Please note you have the whole of November 2012 to enter.
Thursday 20th September 2012
Entries for the 2013 race will open during the month of November 2012.
The entry criteria will be published on this site by the end of September 2012.