"Friday the 13th and over the Bridge to Skye"    

Friday the 13th is usually regarded as a day which brings bad luck but not for some of the 'Kilbarchan boys' who were filled with excitement for the 25th Isle of Skye Half Marathon, due to take place the following day.   I was brimming with enthusiasm as I departed Stirling on Friday morning with two family members (my mother & sister) travelling alongside-an enthusiasm both for the event itself and for the prospect of venturing up into the beautiful highlands of Scotland.  The weather was sunny and ultimately tame as we travelled up towards Fort William via the dramatic and mysterious Glen Coe, towards our first 'coffee venue' at Glencoe village on the banks of Loch Leven. Some coffee and home made scones were the order of the day before continuing on northwards towards Skye.  

As we progressed through the mighty Glen Shiel - which yields itself on it's western side to a beautiful vista of Eilean Donan Castle - there was ample time for a small detour to Plockton - the 'Jewel of the Highlands'. Here I enjoyed another caffeine boost beside the Palm tree lined promenade. It was now time to drive 'over the bridge to Skye'. It is a short crossing but one which encompasses a long departure from Mainland Scotland. Skye, or 'the misty Isle' as the locals call it, is an enchanting place and an awe inspiring setting for a race.    

Having arrived in the islands capital of Portree I went to register and thus collect my race number at the local swimming pool.   Who did I happen to meet but the man himself? - Stevie Hards. Stevie is what one might call an 'Isle of Skye half marathon veteran' - having ran in 21 of the previous 24 annual races. That's quite an achievement!   We talked about what would be his 22nd undertaking of the event (and only my 2nd) whilst suddenly suffering from an invasion of midges. We were truly in North-West Scotland-midge territory!    

SATURDAY the 14th and race day itself!  

I fuelled up with a hearty breakfast and then met Stevie & his son Kieran down in the town square around 9:30am - thus allowing time for a gentle warm-up and some pre race chit-chat.  As the race drew ever closer we bumped into John MacInnes who put Stevie & I to shame with his dark tanned skin. With cool sub-June temperatures and a fair breeze there was little chance of Stevie & I capturing much of a 'racing' suntan!            

There was now just enough time for a 'Kilbarchan pre race photo' which included Stevie, Eddie Lyons and myself. I presume John & Kieran were too busy enjoying the ambience and vitality of Portree square at this point.      

10:30am and we're off! - the 25th Isle of Skye Half marathon

The guys will all agree that there was a real buzz of adrenaline and excitement at the start due in no small part to a fairly large crowd of spectators and a wonderful well organized pipe band playing live for 'us' - all 251 of 'us' athletes - and that is not including a large contingent of youngsters about to take part in the annual fun run. The Isle of Skye half marathon is a special event for a variety of reasons.      

The obvious reason is that the race is not actually a 13.1mile half marathon at all but an unusual and quite unique 13.8mile run.   What adds to the occasion is the wonderful scenery. The course heads out of Portree and onto quiet, rural country roads for the first 7miles or so before gradually altering direction and heading-mile by mile-back down into Portree along one of the main roads.

The most important factor however, is the people, the athletes. 2008 was only my second participation in this event but I already recognized many of the athletes taking part since they had ran in 2007. There is a great sense of fun and camaraderie amongst the athletes. People who I barely knew felt like long standing friends and thus made me feel very welcome indeed. Perhaps it is an island thing or perhaps it is simply unique to Skye, but all 'us' runners felt like one big family running in a challenging yet rewarding event on what would be a memorable day.  

As we negotiated the first hill of the race-a short but steep incline towards the 1mile marker-Kieran and his fellow runners were just setting off on their 4k fun run. I heard afterwards that the fun run was a big success and Kieran himself told me that he really enjoyed it. These are the 13.8mile runners of the future!  The first half of the race was quite demanding this year given the fairly strong headwind blowing against us. Nevertheless we battled on through the delightful scenery along the undulating country roads and out into the local countryside.    

The sight and sound of a small organized pipe band (fully dressed in tartan outfits!) playing live for the runners as we passed between the 5&6mile mark gave us a great lift.    The wind was probably at its strongest during he 7thmile, which involves a tough steady uphill stretch. Stevie later told me that he employed 'cunning tactics' at this point-sitting in behind a fellow athlete thus sparing him from the full brunt of the strong breeze.    

Just before the 8mile mark the route changes direction and heads towards the village of Borve whilst heading gradually back to Portree. Although well into the race at this point I actually began to feel fresher and managed to pick up the pace, principally because the wind was now more or less behind me.  With the 'eleventh mile' - as I call it - upon the horizon i continued on, gaining momentum and enthusiasm from the small crowd cheering me on at the roadside water station. This 'eleventh mile' hill is the longest and most demanding uphill stretch on the course.    

However one is safe in the knowledge that after this hill the course drops down all the way into Portree. Essentially this is the final uphill stretch of the race. Besides, the view down towards the bay from the top of the hill is outstanding! The scenery can give you a big lift during the Isle of Skye half marathon, such is the beauty of the island. Stevie, John & Eddie will probably share my opinion that the last 3miles or so were very smooth this year. The wind was behind us, the sun was shining ever so slightly and we had successfully overcome the 'eleventh mile' hill.      

Down into Portree then and the FINISH! At the edge of a small, ordinary looking roundabout near Portree town centre a man stands and calls out your time to you. Why? Well, because at this stage you've just completed an official half marathon! Only 0.7of a mile to go. Despite natural fatigue setting in at this point we all find an extra gear, an extra drop of fuel as we turn left towards Portree square. The pipe band is playing and the crowd is cheering.

The atmosphere is electric and, as I turn the final corner and see the 'FINISH' banner in sight, I try to savour the moment. The last few metres pass quickly and I cross the line feeling elated! The last few moments of the 'Skye half marathon' will live long in my memory. It really is a wonderful race and one is filled with a great sense of achievement upon completing the course.      

Having crossed the line in 72minutes33seconds-feeling tired but very content with my performance – I gather my thoughts (and my breath!) I chatted with Kieran and caught up on his 4k race report. Before long Stevie is striding through to the finish line, giving a little wave as he does so. I guess he knew that the camera was upon him! He completes his 22nd Isle of Skye half marathon in 89minutes 38seconds - an improvement upon last years time!      

Stevie and I then enjoy some post race chat whilst cheering on John MacInnes who finishes in 107minutes 08seconds. Looking a little tired but highly satisfied John asks Stevie and I how we performed. We talk not of our times nor of the brilliant course. No. Instead we talk of that one ever-present Scottish element-the wind! Next up is Eddie Lyons who comes into Portree square and across the line in 111minutes 53seconds.    

All in all a great race on a beautiful island with a special 25th anniversary atmosphere! A great day for the Kilbarchan boys!  After an entertaining and traditionally slightly delayed prize giving ceremony we go our own way for the afternoon.  Unfortunately Stevie and I didn't catch up with John or Eddie later that evening but I believe they probably enjoyed a well earned relaxing night-perhaps with a beer or two as well!    

Whilst Stevie and Kieran headed out to Dunvegan castle, my family and I ventured out to Carbost on the western part of the island-home to the Talisker whisky distillery and that all important 'water of life'. We enjoyed the fun and interesting guided tour before driving along Glen Brittle (home to the mighty Cuillen range) then up north to Dunvegan and the top end of Skye where one can enjoy uninterrupted views across to the western isles.      

With my legs slightly tired we arrived back in Portree around 7:30pm via the east coast of the island. It was time to eat-'Scottish style!' We treated ourselves to a good wholesome Fish & chips then walked up to the local gathering hall for the evenings entertainment - a Ceilidh!      

This turned out to be an excellent evening and the perfect manner in which to finish off the weekend. My family, Stevie and I enjoyed a few lagers and drinks whilst Kieran enjoyed some softer drinks.      

Kieran proved that he can dance as well as run while Stevie and I proved – well - that we can't dance! We might be able to run but it appears that our dancing talents are rather limited!      

Above all a good light-hearted evening in true Scottish style-a fun and memorable weekend up in Skye!              

Written by Paul Arcari