Last chance to enter Great Wilderness Challenge in Poolewe, Wester Ross

LAST-minute applicants have only a few hours left to enter a popular annual Ross-shire charity race.

Now at its 34th edition, the Great Wilderness Challenge (GWC) will take place this Saturday in Poolewe, Wester Ross, with registrations remaining open until until Thursday at midnight.

Initiated by the charity Highland Hospice, the challenge features a variety of races to allow participants from all fitness and health levels to participate, from the 25 miles main event to limited mobility 2.8 and 1.4 milers, as well as a 13 and 7 milers and a 10k Fun Run added for the first time this year.

The organisers have received more than 450 registrations so far, raising the tally above that of 2018.

Due to the fundraising nature of the event, participants must pledge to raise minimum £100 for adults or £50 for children aged between 12 and 17 years, with GWC collaborating with fundraising platform Just Giving to help racers raise their funds quota.

Kenny Mitchell and John Maclellan from Poolewe have completed all 33 long-distance races to date and will participate this year to hold onto their record.

Throughout the event, there will be hot and cold food served, with a prize giving ceremony and an evening ceilidh at 8pm to complete the day.

Over the past three decades, the event has raised almost £4 million in funds for charities, with Highland Hospice set to be one of the biggest beneficiaries, having raised £1.4 million since the start of the race in 1986.

Everyone willing to participate can get in touch with Pat Ross at 01445 731516 or email registration@greatwildernesschallenge.info.

More information will be available on GWC's website.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.