Ultra Scotland – Weather steals the show

Ultrarunner magazine speaks to Race Director Laura Hutchinson on this year’s second edition of GB ultras Ultra Scotland and the decision to cancel the 100mile race due to extreme weather. This was GB ultras second edition of Ultra Scotland 50 and 100-miler with the first edition being early on in the year. After a very successful first edition, Scotlands weather had a very different plan in store for the Race Directors this time round.

Laura explained that the reason GB ultras decided to do two editions of this race in one year was due to Covid restrictions in Scotland. The first edition had to have a limited number of race competitors, which also had to be started at staggered intervals. With Covid restrictions being reduced later in the year allowed ultra Scotland to function more or less per normal standards.

“With no staggered start and with spectators allowed to attend the event atmosphere for our competitors was so much better. “Nothing beats a big cheer and around of applause at a start line.”

GB ultras 50 and 100 miler competitors started at the same fantastic location at St Johns Town of Dalry, Town Hall. Laura tells us that the race for both distances started extremely well with a proper race on our hands on the 50-mile distance. The top 3 males were at a touching distance for most of the race but in the end, Samuel Jones crossed the line in, first place, with a new course record in a time of 9hrs 29mins.