FLASHBACK: Great Wilderness Challenge 2024 in pictures
HUNDREDS of people flocked to Wester Ross last weekend for an event which has raised a remarkable £4.3 million for charity in its 37-year history.
The Great Wilderness Challenge takes place amidst some of the most beautiful scenery in the Highlands and offers a broad range of routes which include a 25-mile Dundonnell to Poolewe (walking or running); 13 miles from Aultbea to Poolewe (walking or running); a 13-mile circular from Poolewe (walking only) and a 7-mile circular from Poolewe (walking only).
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Check out these amazing achievements from Great Wilderness Challenge down the years
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A small army of well-drilled volunteers take care of everything from registration, en-route checkpoints, teas, coffees and soups to overseeing a post-event ceilidh in Poolewe.
Charities supported this year include: Highland Hospice (main beneficiary); Samaritans Inverness; Highland Senior Citizens Network; Gairloch Aid and Mobility Support; Cardiac Risk in the Young; DEBRA and Skye and Lochalsh Young Carers.
Organisers hailed it “an absolutely incredible day”, telling participants: “You guys are amazing.
“A huge thank you to everyone who took part and all our wonderful volunteers. The community spirit that surrounds this event each year is truly special. Thank you again from us and all our wonderful charities for another incredible day.”
Secretary Pat Ross said afterwards: “We were all very pleased with the way it went especially as the weather had been quite a concern the previous day.
“Our aim is to get all sponsorship in by end of October so that we can make our donations in November. Participants can send cheques directly to me or make payment by bank transfer.”
Bank details are available on the website.
Organisers were inundated with good wishes from satisfied participants.
Veteran Easter Ross runner Thomas Matheson said: “Although my body didn't enjoy the uphills, my mind loved the downhills! Thank you, to everyone involved in this year’s GWC. Every volunteer that I met was awesome. The organisation was, as it usually is, slick and efficient . I couldn't face much food afterwards, but I enjoyed a coffee and cheese sandwich in the hall.
“At the moment, my achy body can't promise to be back next year, but after a decent recovery, who knows. Once again, Thank you, so very much.”
Alli Bielby posted: “First time for me doing this. Everyone was so friendly and supportive. Did the 13-mile walk from Aultbea. Special thanks to Mike and Chris (the sweepers). They were great craic and helped me with my challenge. The lovely team of ladies who did all the food at the barn and back at the hall. Honestly, just a great effort by everyone.”
Tamsin Horsler echoed those sentiments: “My daughter Lizzie suggested we do the 13-mile run to end our visit to Scotland. What a fabulous event, route beautiful, well organised, loved the soup at the end. Walkers were great in their encouragement. Thanks to all the organisers and volunteers. Enjoyed the ceilidh - apologies to any one I trod on or accidentally barged into. A great day.”
Louise Harrison posted: “Thank you for putting together such a fantastic event. The community really pull together to welcome and support participants. Thank you for all the delicious food! It's a very special place and we loved it.”
FASTEST FINISHERS
Harrison Stubbs of Westerlands CCC was first in the 25-mile race with a time of 3:05:08, followed by James Appleton (Ullapool) on 03:08:54 and Tom Owens (Shettleston Harriers) on 03:15:09. GWC veteran Doug Batholemew for fourth with Gairloch’s Siobhan Killingbeck fifth.
Edderton’s Ruaridh Gollan was first over the line in the 13 mile on 01:24:06 followed by Norman Ferguson (Stornoway RAC) on 01:31:52 and Jack Weatherall (Ross County AC) on 01:38:47.
Steve Worlsley of Inverness was first in the 10km on 47:34 followed by Seoras Alliod of Grantown on Spey on 48:34 and Ross Bannerman of East Sutherland AC on 50:50.
