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Take the Hebridean Challenge

Jon Brooke / 16.06.2004

Race Director Jon Brooke has been putting the finishing touches to for this year’s One.Tel Hebridean Challenge and sent through this preview of the race.

“With less than a month to go before the race, the course is pretty much complete bar the odd detail. In fact I spent much of May on the islands checking out some of the checkpoint locations and I thought I would post a few photos taken from locations on the course, as a taster for those who are coming or to nudge any last minute waverers to get their entries in. Those who have done the event before might recognise one or two of them but others might not be so obvious.

Because the event takes place a little later this year, in the main tourist season, it is now vital that any teams that haven’t done so already book their ferries. There is still room in the race for late entries but there may not be room on the small ferries between islands for much longer, though some space is still being held for the race.

As usual the race will be stopping each night at a local community hall for a three course meal and a general reorganisation by the teams for the next day’s racing. Once again we will have our superb masseurs Katy and Catriona on hand to ease sore muscles, not least to keep racers in shape for the after race ceilidh in Stornoway on the last night of the race.

As well as our title sponsor One.Tel we are also grateful to a number of other companies for providing prizes. Once again Macpac are supporting us with prizes of some excellent gear that will be given to a randomly selected team and solo competitor. In addition to the trophy the winners of the overall race and various individual sections will get prizes from the Hebridean Brewery Company, and there is also a special prize of a weekend’s advanced kayaking course for the best kayaker without a racing background, provided by P&H kayaks.

With pre-race event centre situated between two beautiful beaches on the island of Vatersay, the teams will be in a superb location to prepare for the race. The route (barring a few special stages) will be sent to the teams on 25th June so that checkpoints can be plotted in comfort – there may even be a bit of time for teams to enjoy the surf for an hour or two before the race this year, or to take part in the Barathon half marathon on the Saturday of the pre-race weekend.”