Jack Scott – Southern Upland Way FKT

Conquering the Southern Upland Way 214 Miles Non-Stop

214 miles of coast-to-coast trails taking the adventurous through a wonderland of dense forest, rolling mountains and unruffled waters. The Southern Upland Way is known to be one of the most difficult trails Scotland has to offer, but the unspoilt landscape attracts hikers and ultra-runners alike.

In 1988 Mike Hartley made his way through the arduous course, setting the record for fastest known time, a best that would stand for over 30 years, that is, however, until 26 years old, Jack Scott set his mind on the title! Speaking with Ultrarunner magazine Jack details his 55 hour and 45-minute contest with gruelling terrain, harsh climates, severe exhaustion, and hallucinations to snatch the claim.

Jack Scott: It was inevitable. That moment had been waiting for me long before I ever stepped foot on the Southern Upland way trail. I had tried to prepare for that predictable crash of physical and mental strength, sought to formulate a strategy. Yet, on paper and in action, what is possible are two very separate realities, and for all my preparations, in that make or break moment, self-doubt started to make way. Inner chatter reminded me of times past, where I had been stung by my own poor judgments. But giving into that was simply not an option, I needed to break down that wall and get myself to the big crunch! The recovery from Glyndown way, a few months prior, had been a fantastic affair, healing quicker than I could have ever expected. I was in the best shape of my life! I had taken two records earlier that year and I was determined to push myself and make this my third.

The first 75 miles had been comfortable. I was confident. The plans I had made for the attempt were holding up well and I was certain that the record would be mine. In fact, I had been holding back, trying to move steadily and keep on schedule. I had so much more in me. I was dying to just move, to let speed take over, take me to that place in my soul where nothing exists but me and the trail. But I had to be mature and think of the bigger picture. I had to keep reserve for the impending moment where everything would rest on the speed of my feet. I knew that was further down the line and so I calmed that deep yearning and continued with pre planned purpose. The middle 80 miles were the warm-up for that championship leg, I was in survive and maintain mode, anticipating those critical, final 35 miles.