New Loch Ness race pits human against horse
For years man has been pitting his wits against the area's mythical monster, but this spring South Loch Ness offers an exciting new animal challenge in the form of the inaugural Man vs Horse Challenge.
Taking place on Saturday May 5th, the South Loch Ness Man vs Horse Challenge offers a unique opportunity for athletes and equestrians to compete over a 26km course against a spectacular backdrop of stunning Highland scenery.
Starting from the Foyers Pier on the southern shore of Loch Ness, the runners and riders will set off on staggered starts to cover sections of the Trail of the Seven Lochs and the South Loch Ness Trail.
Competitors will climb up the challenging 'Corkscrew' beside the stunning crag of Dun Deardail before tackling the Fair Haired Lad's Pass, which will lead them through the lovely landscape and back down to the loch side.
The race will finish at the home of the hosts, Loch Ness Riding, at Drummond Farm in Dores, where competitors will be welcomed across the finish line with tea and cakes before the prize-giving ceremony, including the Jacobite Warrior perpetual trophy for the fastest overall competitor and a Quaich cup to keep for the winners of each class. There will be medals and rosettes for all runners and riders.
Organiser Candy Cameron of Loch Ness Riding explained: "This event offers a unique opportunity for people to discover the lesser known side of the loch, while enjoying their own favourite active pursuit.
"The challenge is a great way for runners and riders to learn more about all that South Loch Ness has to offer them - and making it competitive adds a little excitement for everyone."
The race will be run under the Scottish Endurance Riding Club rules, with rider places being subject to the Organiser's discretion and a vet will be on hand to monitor the fitness of competing mounts. Places for runners are limited to just 30 which will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
Riders who wish to uncover the delights of the course without competing will be able to follow the route later in the day, after the tracks are clear of contestants, although anyone wishing to take a pleasure ride along the route is asked to register their interest in advance as well by emailing candy[at]lochnessriding.co.uk.
Spectators whose appetites for exploration are whetted by the stunning surroundings will be able to ask advice from members of local access groups at the finish line about the best ways to uncover this amazing area - whether on foot, on horseback or by bicycle.
The Man vs Horse Event is sponsored by the South Loch Ness Tourist Group and is supported by Destination Loch Ness (visitlochness.com)
Entry form for runners wishing to join the Man Vs Horse event can be found here:
doresonlochness.co.uk/man_versus_horse
Entry forms for riders are available from the Highland Branch of the Scottish Endurance Riding Club and can be found here:
serchighland.org.uk/manhorse.asp
Loch Ness Riding is Part of the British Horse Society's Horses Welcome scheme, offering a staging point for equestrians looking to explore the Loch Ness area with their own mounts.
The South Loch Ness Trail Opened in 2011 linking 28 miles of track along the southern shore of the Loch for the first time - offering unrivalled access for those to explore the area - further details can be found at:
visitlochness.com/south-loch-ness-trail/
