The West Highland Way Race

Lucy Colquhoun

Mar 24, 08 - 1:25 AM

Cateran Trail - a cautionary tale

Saturday saw the inaugural 64 mile Cateran Trail race. For anyone considering doing it in future, it comes with a heavy caveat: unless the organisers get their act together to make it safe and..er..organised, I'd steer clear. Firstly, well done those who finished (not sure if it was just Richie and Colin, as I can't find any results posted). I didn't finish, for multiple reasons. There had been heavy snow overnight and at the race 'briefing' 20 mins before the start there was confusion as to whether it would go ahead. First we were told we would only run a 16 mile route, then a 23, then possibly a 28 and at the last minute (once several runners had phoned their support crew to cancel them), we were told it was back on again. Not a great way to start.
Going over the hills to Glenshee involved wading through snow drifts up to my waist (no exaggeration). Given that we were the group at the front, I dread to think how those nearer the back of the run managed, as it was pretty hard going, difficult to spot the route and not particularly safe. There were 4 support crew for a 64 mile race, who apparently complained that the runners were slower than they'd expected - they apparently planned to wait at the Glenshee point for only an hour, which would have meant abandoning slower runners coming over the pass. It was only when my support crew told them that was dangerous that they reconsidered.

Anyway, at each 'checkpoint' the information changed - the race might finish at x, it might finish at y. I was asked what I wanted to do - all I wanted was for the organisers to take a decision. After 30 miles I was told that all runners apart from the first 3 (me, Ritchie and Colin)had been stopped, but that we could continue if we wanted. That's when I decided to finish as it seemed a bit half hearted and disorganised and not worth risking a further c.6 hours in snowy conditions if only 2 others were running. But even that information turned out to be untrue, as a further 5 (?) had been allowed to carry on.

For me the whole thing was a fiasco. Bob Ellis needs to realise that a 64 mile race taking in Scottish hills in winter is potentially dangerous, that he needs far more marshalls, back-up, radios and the ability to make a clear decision and stick to it. It's a pity - I'm sure it's a good route but one I'd only do again if I had confidence that the race was organised by people who were fully aware of the safety implications.

Rant over. Well done to the finishers. With any luck next year's race - if it goes ahead - will be much improved.

Hope everyone's training for WHW is going well.

Lucy

George Reid

Mar 24th, 2008 - 3:51 AM

Re: Cateran Trail - a cautionary tale

I cant remember the last time a was so upset about something. The guy wants shooting I have sent you an email with a copy of my comments I intend to send in to him and to SA.

Tim

Mar 24th, 2008 - 4:40 AM

Re: Cateran Trail - a cautionary tale

More than somewhat galling I'm sure for those who stopped must be the publication of results in today's Herald.

George Reid

Mar 24th, 2008 - 5:42 AM

Re: Cateran Trail - a cautionary tale

I have sent an email to bob will be intresting to see if I get a reply.

Its here if you want it Lucy rsellis@pkc.gov.uk

Ian

Mar 24th, 2008 - 10:12 AM

Re: Cateran Trail - a cautionary tale

I spoke to Dario last night who had very similar concerns. I agree entirely with Lucy's comments. A 64 mile event over the Scottish hills at this time of year is a serious undertaking, and the event organisation needs to be of a sufficient standard to cope with any problems. It sounds as though it fell well short on this occasion. Provides us with yet another reminder of how well organised the WHW race is, and why it is so important for the race organiser to set rules and then apply them consistently.

adventureracer

Mar 24th, 2008 - 5:05 PM

Re: Cateran Trail - a cautionary tale

just a word of thought!!

Richie Cunningham

Mar 25th, 2008 - 7:45 AM

Re: Cateran Trail - a cautionary tale

ok, I'm fed up with reading all the moans about this race. Here's a response to a post by George Reid on the SAL forum which I am going to put on here because I'm not an SAL member and Tim Downie who wasn't even at the Cateran race felt a need to put a link to this thread!

This is an e mail which I sent to someone privately, but sums up my take on the race and I hope might give a more balanced view :-

"What a fiasco! I'm actually wondering if Colin and I won the race or not!

We did our side of the deal, turned up equipped for the worst with all the relevant experience/training under our belts, did what we were told by the race authorities, ran our socks off, believed we were still legitimately competing to the finish picked up a prize and went home(no mention of anyone being stopped, they had all dnf'd so we were told - then later we were told there were 5 runners some distance behind us!)

Then the next day I see the posts on the forum, decide to set the record straight and wow, the phone hasn't stopped ringing, e mails are piling up and my other half is going to kick me out if I don't stop talking about "The Cateran Bloody Trail!"

Ok Bob Ellis needs to sort out some issues.

Why wasn't there enough marshalls?
What were the official checkpoints?
How was he keeping track of each and every runner and making sure the rules were being adhered to?
What were his procedures for passing on emergency info to runners spread out over a long distance, and how did this go wrong?
What were the rules?
Shouldn't there have been a kit check?

All BIG issues I know!

I don't think it was entirely Bob's fault things didn't go to plan. It was the first ever race so it was inevitible there would be problems. The weather was the worst Easter weather for 20 years (it wasn't that bad though, Ive trained in a lot worse) he had no control over that. He tried to react to things as the situation developed, which I think was quite brave because it allowed some of us to make a race of it, rather than if he had dug his heels in and insisted the race be called off. This probably would have resulted in myself, Colin, Mad Jim and others who were mumbling, scattering over the hills to do the route anyway and if something had gone wrong then, what would be said?

I think some people are annoyed because after being told to withdraw they have now realized they might have been able to finish. Sometimes that's just the way it goes, I would have been gutted had it happened to me, but it would be sad if everytime a race organiser made a mistake he was reported to SAL. Our sport is in real danger if the busy-bodies get in and it gets over-regulated.

The man did his best in difficult circumstances, major issues need to be resolved, and then we'll have a cracker of a race on our doorsteps. I think we should try to be positive about this and ask the right questions of Bob Ellis so that he gets it right next year.

So, in summary an absolute cracker of a course, a fantastic race(if organised properly), a must for next year but don't under-estimate it!"

I am really reluctant to get involved in a public debate about this, if people have concerns then they should go through the correct channels instead of sounding off on forums.

I also know that my views on the race are shared by others who are sympathetic to the predicament the race organiser and officials found themselves in. These people are volunteers, put in a lot of work and don't deserve to be treated like this in public.

We have a lack of long/ultra distance races in Scotland, look at the races down south in the Vasque series, we could easily have plenty of races of that quality up here. Also, I see cock-ups in races everywhere, but people just get on with it. So lets see a bit of support here for a race which I hope will be allowed to grow into a classic like The Fellsman or similar and not go the same way as The Two Bridges and Speyside Way races.

Richie

Brian Mc

Mar 25th, 2008 - 8:09 AM

Re: Cateran Trail - a cautionary tale

I don't have any views on the Cateran trail as I wasn't entered and wasn't there.

As a Scot living down south though I do wonder why there aren't more ultra distance races in Scotland. The terrain is cracking, arguably the best in the UK for very long distances that mix up trail and fell.

Is it more difficult to get a permit to organise a race in Scotland than in England? Or is the ulra running community not quite at critical mass yet?

Tim

Mar 25th, 2008 - 8:17 AM

Re: Cateran Trail - a cautionary tale

"I think some people are annoyed because after being told to withdraw they have now realized they might have been able to finish. Sometimes that's just the way it goes, I would have been gutted had it happened to me, but it would be sad if everytime a race organiser made a mistake he was reported to SAL."

Ritchie, I fully accept that as someone who wasn't there I can't directly comment on anything that happened there but I felt that given the very serious safety issues raised by several of the runners in a SAL permitted event, the SAL forum was a reasonable place for dialogue to take place. I don't think anyone is suggesting that race organisers should be reported to the SAL for anything less than grave errors.

Tim

Mar 25th, 2008 - 8:20 AM

Re: Cateran Trail - a cautionary tale

"Is it more difficult to get a permit to organise a race in Scotland than in England? Or is the ulra running community not quite at critical mass yet?"

I suspect the latter. I'm converting as many members in my club as I can but it's a slow process.

John King

Mar 25th, 2008 - 8:45 AM

Re: Cateran Trail - a cautionary tale

Well nothing i have seen said of this race has put me off of entering next year should it happen i just wish i could have made it for this years race.

After all i would have thought runners entering an event of this nature at this time of year would relish the potential of some adverse conditions and prepare accordingly, (i know i would right down to carrying X country ski`s if allowed)

Maybe some constructive comments can be retrived from the forum postings which will assist the organisers in the future.

i will shut up now as i wasn`t there and have no real right to comment, and all to often i find myself being hauled through the coals for just having an opinion.

Good luck all

George Reid

Mar 25th, 2008 - 9:06 AM

Re: Cateran Trail - a cautionary tale

I have followed the correct channels and done what I felt was correct if we all do that we will have a great race next year.

I totally agree with you regarding public debate its time to move on.

Cheers
George

Dario Melaragni

Apr 11th, 2008 - 11:24 AM

Re: Cateran Trail - a cautionary tale

Update on situation. Things have moved on somewhat, following an apology by Bob Ellis to each runner I contacted bob and suggested a meeting to assist in suggesting some structure to future years Cateran Trail races/events.
Lets get some things clear, yes it was a disaster in every respect and a lesson on how not to organise an event, what could go wrong went wrong, and just about any bad decision that could be made was made. BUT Bob has been huge in admitting all of this, he has held up his hands and said, it was all my fault, all my mistakes, all my responsibility and I am sorry. I for one respect him for this and although we cant turn the clock back and salvage our ruined Easter weekend we must draw a line under it and look forward to trying to make this event as good as it can be, and I for one think it could be one of the best ultra races in Scottish athletics.
A few final points on the 2008 farce that we didn’t know, after Bob made the first correct decision in scaling the race down to a 16 miler, like others he made a few calls. Some runners stopped their support from travelling, as they did not now require them. Bob did the same! Except his support were marshals!!
So when he made one of the most stupid turn arounds in athletics history by declaring the full race back on, he did 3 things, overturn a sound decision, let his heart rule his head, and aware he did not really now have the man power, he winged it! All irresponsible, but the point is, before hand he did in his opinion have the required marshals. He just sent them home!
As for stopping the race, at the time it was eventually the right decision, making right the fact it show not have started, however, just to follow the trend of making things worse, once a few had decided they wanted to run on unofficially, he then thought that as the race was concentrated to a few at the front he might salvage something. He acknowledges this was wrong. But again this hopefully expains why it appears it was stop start.
I have a fruitful 2 hour meeting with Bob, in order to put 2008s event to rest this will end the thread on this years race. He will acknowledge the misrepresentation in the local press by trying to get them to update the real story.
Meanwhile I will start a new 2009 Cateran Trail race thread to symbolise moving on to next year and give you the proposed suggested race format.

RichieC

Apr 13th, 2008 - 1:20 AM

Re: Cateran Trail - a cautionary tale

"once a few had decided they wanted to run on unofficially, he then thought that as the race was concentrated to a few at the front he might salvage something."

Just to set the record straight, myself and Colin Hutt were never at any point told the race was stopped. We were told we were the only ones left running because everyone else had dnf'd. Had we been told it was abandoned we'd have gladly chucked it as the conditions were horrible and basically it was agony!

I think to have carried on unofficially would have been pretty irresponsible of us and just want to make it known that that isn't what happened at our end of the race.

Glad to see there's some positive stuff going on with regard to next years race, well done Dario for getting together with Bob and pointing him in the right direction.

Cheers

Richie

Tim

Apr 13th, 2008 - 3:11 PM

Re: Cateran Trail - a cautionary tale

Yep, I'm sure we're all grateful for Dario's input into next year's race. Got to be good for Scottish ultra racing.

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Lucy Colquhoun Mar 24, 08 - 1:25 AM	Cateran Trail - a cautionary tale Saturday saw the inaugural 64 mile Cateran Trail race. For anyone considering doing it in future, it comes with a heavy caveat: unless the organisers get their act together to make it safe and..er..organised, I'd steer clear. Firstly, well done those who finished (not sure if it was just Richie and Colin, as I can't find any results posted). I didn't finish, for multiple reasons. There had been heavy snow overnight and at the race 'briefing' 20 mins before the start there was confusion as to whether it would go ahead. First we were told we would only run a 16 mile route, then a 23, then possibly a 28 and at the last minute (once several runners had phoned their support crew to cancel them), we were told it was back on again. Not a great way to start. Going over the hills to Glenshee involved wading through snow drifts up to my waist (no exaggeration). Given that we were the group at the front, I dread to think how those nearer the back of the run managed, as it was pretty hard going, difficult to spot the route and not particularly safe. There were 4 support crew for a 64 mile race, who apparently complained that the runners were slower than they'd expected - they apparently planned to wait at the Glenshee point for only an hour, which would have meant abandoning slower runners coming over the pass. It was only when my support crew told them that was dangerous that they reconsidered. Anyway, at each 'checkpoint' the information changed - the race might finish at x, it might finish at y. I was asked what I wanted to do - all I wanted was for the organisers to take a decision. After 30 miles I was told that all runners apart from the first 3 (me, Ritchie and Colin)had been stopped, but that we could continue if we wanted. That's when I decided to finish as it seemed a bit half hearted and disorganised and not worth risking a further c.6 hours in snowy conditions if only 2 others were running. But even that information turned out to be untrue, as a further 5 (?) had been allowed to carry on. For me the whole thing was a fiasco. Bob Ellis needs to realise that a 64 mile race taking in Scottish hills in winter is potentially dangerous, that he needs far more marshalls, back-up, radios and the ability to make a clear decision and stick to it. It's a pity - I'm sure it's a good route but one I'd only do again if I had confidence that the race was organised by people who were fully aware of the safety implications. Rant over. Well done to the finishers. With any luck next year's race - if it goes ahead - will be much improved. Hope everyone's training for WHW is going well. Lucy Email: kippershouse@btinternet.com
George Reid Mar 24th, 2008 - 3:51 AM	Re: Cateran Trail - a cautionary tale I cant remember the last time a was so upset about something. The guy wants shooting I have sent you an email with a copy of my comments I intend to send in to him and to SA.
Tim Mar 24th, 2008 - 4:40 AM	Re: Cateran Trail - a cautionary tale More than somewhat galling I'm sure for those who stopped must be the publication of results in today's Herald. Email: timdownieuk AT yahoo.co.uk Website: http://whw08.blogspot.com/
George Reid Mar 24th, 2008 - 5:42 AM	Re: Cateran Trail - a cautionary tale I have sent an email to bob will be intresting to see if I get a reply. Its here if you want it Lucy rsellis@pkc.gov.uk
Ian Mar 24th, 2008 - 10:12 AM	Re: Cateran Trail - a cautionary tale I spoke to Dario last night who had very similar concerns. I agree entirely with Lucy's comments. A 64 mile event over the Scottish hills at this time of year is a serious undertaking, and the event organisation needs to be of a sufficient standard to cope with any problems. It sounds as though it fell well short on this occasion. Provides us with yet another reminder of how well organised the WHW race is, and why it is so important for the race organiser to set rules and then apply them consistently. Email: ianbeattie1@hotmail.co.uk
adventureracer Mar 24th, 2008 - 5:05 PM	Re: Cateran Trail - a cautionary tale just a word of thought!!
Richie Cunningham Mar 25th, 2008 - 7:45 AM	Re: Cateran Trail - a cautionary tale ok, I'm fed up with reading all the moans about this race. Here's a response to a post by George Reid on the SAL forum which I am going to put on here because I'm not an SAL member and Tim Downie who wasn't even at the Cateran race felt a need to put a link to this thread! This is an e mail which I sent to someone privately, but sums up my take on the race and I hope might give a more balanced view :- "What a fiasco! I'm actually wondering if Colin and I won the race or not! We did our side of the deal, turned up equipped for the worst with all the relevant experience/training under our belts, did what we were told by the race authorities, ran our socks off, believed we were still legitimately competing to the finish picked up a prize and went home(no mention of anyone being stopped, they had all dnf'd so we were told - then later we were told there were 5 runners some distance behind us!) Then the next day I see the posts on the forum, decide to set the record straight and wow, the phone hasn't stopped ringing, e mails are piling up and my other half is going to kick me out if I don't stop talking about "The Cateran Bloody Trail!" Ok Bob Ellis needs to sort out some issues. Why wasn't there enough marshalls? What were the official checkpoints? How was he keeping track of each and every runner and making sure the rules were being adhered to? What were his procedures for passing on emergency info to runners spread out over a long distance, and how did this go wrong? What were the rules? Shouldn't there have been a kit check? All BIG issues I know! I don't think it was entirely Bob's fault things didn't go to plan. It was the first ever race so it was inevitible there would be problems. The weather was the worst Easter weather for 20 years (it wasn't that bad though, Ive trained in a lot worse) he had no control over that. He tried to react to things as the situation developed, which I think was quite brave because it allowed some of us to make a race of it, rather than if he had dug his heels in and insisted the race be called off. This probably would have resulted in myself, Colin, Mad Jim and others who were mumbling, scattering over the hills to do the route anyway and if something had gone wrong then, what would be said? I think some people are annoyed because after being told to withdraw they have now realized they might have been able to finish. Sometimes that's just the way it goes, I would have been gutted had it happened to me, but it would be sad if everytime a race organiser made a mistake he was reported to SAL. Our sport is in real danger if the busy-bodies get in and it gets over-regulated. The man did his best in difficult circumstances, major issues need to be resolved, and then we'll have a cracker of a race on our doorsteps. I think we should try to be positive about this and ask the right questions of Bob Ellis so that he gets it right next year. So, in summary an absolute cracker of a course, a fantastic race(if organised properly), a must for next year but don't under-estimate it!" I am really reluctant to get involved in a public debate about this, if people have concerns then they should go through the correct channels instead of sounding off on forums. I also know that my views on the race are shared by others who are sympathetic to the predicament the race organiser and officials found themselves in. These people are volunteers, put in a lot of work and don't deserve to be treated like this in public. We have a lack of long/ultra distance races in Scotland, look at the races down south in the Vasque series, we could easily have plenty of races of that quality up here. Also, I see cock-ups in races everywhere, but people just get on with it. So lets see a bit of support here for a race which I hope will be allowed to grow into a classic like The Fellsman or similar and not go the same way as The Two Bridges and Speyside Way races. Richie Email: rc.739@hotmail.com
Brian Mc Mar 25th, 2008 - 8:09 AM	Re: Cateran Trail - a cautionary tale I don't have any views on the Cateran trail as I wasn't entered and wasn't there. As a Scot living down south though I do wonder why there aren't more ultra distance races in Scotland. The terrain is cracking, arguably the best in the UK for very long distances that mix up trail and fell. Is it more difficult to get a permit to organise a race in Scotland than in England? Or is the ulra running community not quite at critical mass yet? Email: b.mcintosh@cranfield.ac.uk Website: http://runningmiscellany.blogspot.com
Tim Mar 25th, 2008 - 8:17 AM	Re: Cateran Trail - a cautionary tale "I think some people are annoyed because after being told to withdraw they have now realized they might have been able to finish. Sometimes that's just the way it goes, I would have been gutted had it happened to me, but it would be sad if everytime a race organiser made a mistake he was reported to SAL." Ritchie, I fully accept that as someone who wasn't there I can't directly comment on anything that happened there but I felt that given the very serious safety issues raised by several of the runners in a SAL permitted event, the SAL forum was a reasonable place for dialogue to take place. I don't think anyone is suggesting that race organisers should be reported to the SAL for anything less than grave errors.
Tim Mar 25th, 2008 - 8:20 AM	Re: Cateran Trail - a cautionary tale "Is it more difficult to get a permit to organise a race in Scotland than in England? Or is the ulra running community not quite at critical mass yet?" I suspect the latter. I'm converting as many members in my club as I can but it's a slow process. Email: timdownieuk AT yahoo.co.uk Website: http://whw08.blogspot.com/
John King Mar 25th, 2008 - 8:45 AM	Re: Cateran Trail - a cautionary tale Well nothing i have seen said of this race has put me off of entering next year should it happen i just wish i could have made it for this years race. After all i would have thought runners entering an event of this nature at this time of year would relish the potential of some adverse conditions and prepare accordingly, (i know i would right down to carrying X country ski`s if allowed) Maybe some constructive comments can be retrived from the forum postings which will assist the organisers in the future. i will shut up now as i wasn`t there and have no real right to comment, and all to often i find myself being hauled through the coals for just having an opinion. Good luck all Email: john-jackie@madasafish.com
George Reid Mar 25th, 2008 - 9:06 AM	Re: Cateran Trail - a cautionary tale I have followed the correct channels and done what I felt was correct if we all do that we will have a great race next year. I totally agree with you regarding public debate its time to move on. Cheers George
Dario Melaragni Apr 11th, 2008 - 11:24 AM	Re: Cateran Trail - a cautionary tale Update on situation. Things have moved on somewhat, following an apology by Bob Ellis to each runner I contacted bob and suggested a meeting to assist in suggesting some structure to future years Cateran Trail races/events. Lets get some things clear, yes it was a disaster in every respect and a lesson on how not to organise an event, what could go wrong went wrong, and just about any bad decision that could be made was made. BUT Bob has been huge in admitting all of this, he has held up his hands and said, it was all my fault, all my mistakes, all my responsibility and I am sorry. I for one respect him for this and although we cant turn the clock back and salvage our ruined Easter weekend we must draw a line under it and look forward to trying to make this event as good as it can be, and I for one think it could be one of the best ultra races in Scottish athletics. A few final points on the 2008 farce that we didn’t know, after Bob made the first correct decision in scaling the race down to a 16 miler, like others he made a few calls. Some runners stopped their support from travelling, as they did not now require them. Bob did the same! Except his support were marshals!! So when he made one of the most stupid turn arounds in athletics history by declaring the full race back on, he did 3 things, overturn a sound decision, let his heart rule his head, and aware he did not really now have the man power, he winged it! All irresponsible, but the point is, before hand he did in his opinion have the required marshals. He just sent them home! As for stopping the race, at the time it was eventually the right decision, making right the fact it show not have started, however, just to follow the trend of making things worse, once a few had decided they wanted to run on unofficially, he then thought that as the race was concentrated to a few at the front he might salvage something. He acknowledges this was wrong. But again this hopefully expains why it appears it was stop start. I have a fruitful 2 hour meeting with Bob, in order to put 2008s event to rest this will end the thread on this years race. He will acknowledge the misrepresentation in the local press by trying to get them to update the real story. Meanwhile I will start a new 2009 Cateran Trail race thread to symbolise moving on to next year and give you the proposed suggested race format. Email: dario.melaragni@virgin.net
RichieC Apr 13th, 2008 - 1:20 AM	Re: Cateran Trail - a cautionary tale "once a few had decided they wanted to run on unofficially, he then thought that as the race was concentrated to a few at the front he might salvage something." Just to set the record straight, myself and Colin Hutt were never at any point told the race was stopped. We were told we were the only ones left running because everyone else had dnf'd. Had we been told it was abandoned we'd have gladly chucked it as the conditions were horrible and basically it was agony! I think to have carried on unofficially would have been pretty irresponsible of us and just want to make it known that that isn't what happened at our end of the race. Glad to see there's some positive stuff going on with regard to next years race, well done Dario for getting together with Bob and pointing him in the right direction. Cheers Richie Email: rc.739@hotmail.com
Tim Apr 13th, 2008 - 3:11 PM	Re: Cateran Trail - a cautionary tale Yep, I'm sure we're all grateful for Dario's input into next year's race. Got to be good for Scottish ultra racing.