All Change on the Hebridean Challenge

Rob / 09.10.2002

Entries are being accepted from now for next year’s the One.Tel Hebridean Challenge. In a deal with Scottish Natural Heritage, to protect nesting Golden Eagles, the race has moved from it’s traditional time in early May to the end June. That’s not the only change either – there is new Race Director.

Race dates are now June 23-27 and the entry fee is still £300 per team (one opposite sex member to be eligible for any prize), but there will be no solo section in 2003. In recent years it’s just not had the support and any would-be solos are being asked to consider joining a team.

With Martin Stone ‘stepping down’ the new Race Director is Gary Tompsett, best known for his involvement as planner for the Scottish Adrenalin Rush 2001 and with the Red Bull Northern Exposure on the Cairngorm plateau in early spring this year. Gary is also, of course, a fine racer in his own right. He always brings his own unique flair to course planning so there might be a few significant changes this year.

The Hebridean Challenge Community Trust, which organises the event, has expressed its thanks to founding Director, Martin Stone, without whose huge input the event would not have begun. With the growing use of Sportident electronic timing Martin will have more involvement with lots of other races in 2003 and in June will continue to concentrate on the Lowe Alpine Mountain Marathon.

The race will again be a qualifier for the British Adventure Racing Championships and racers will meet on Saturday and Sunday June 21/22 to participate in an extravaganza organised for the local community of Stornoway by race sponsors One.Tel. Racing in earnest will start on Monday June 23 from Stornoway and on Thursday/ Friday the teams will reach the finish on the beautiful Isles of Barra. In yet another radical change this is the reverse direction through ‘The Long Isle’ to previous races.

Anyone interested in competing should watch the web site for further information or phone Local Organiser Stephanie Sargent on 01851 870716 or temporary phone number 0141 434 0778. We’ll publish full calendar details soon.