The Heb Calling

Pyro / 20.04.2009

There are some things about the Hebridean Challenge that draw UK Adventure Race veterans back year-after-year: The rugged exposed terrain, the tough mountain navigation, the amazing scenery, the camaraderie of the overnight camps. Few who have raced here will ever forget their experiences, the sheer scale of the race, and the fun, friendly atmosphere in which it's undertaken.

These same factors, and more, are also the reasons why 'The Heb' is the perfect race for any aspiring expedition racer: Six days of racing in some of Scotland's most beautiful landscapes, with big mountains, amazing singletrack, white sand beaches and open moorland; complex logistical racing, relay-style but with extra points for multiple runners; Overnight camps and an evening meal together with the other teams, it’s one of the friendliest races on the UK calendar. The Hebridean Challenge is a logical step for any racer wanting to progress from weekenders to longer distance races.

This year's organisational team, consisting of race director Joe Faulkner, course planner Gavin Earons and organiser Stef Sargent, have been working hard to make the race even more accessible than in previous years. To start with, the first two days of the race will be available as a stand-alone weekend race for pairs, and for the first time ever in the race's history, the race will start on Skye!

Sunday and Monday will be spent racing around the biggest and best venues that Skye has to offer, Black and Red Cuillins, the Storr and the Quiraing, Loch Coruisk and Blaven. Camping for the registration and kayak testing before the start of the race will be within spitting distance of the Skye Bridge at Kyleakin Hall, and Sunday night will be spent near the world famous Sligachan hotel, right in the heart of the island. Plus, if the weather and sea conditions allow, starting from Skye will also make for a truly epic paddling stage for the full-week racers - a group paddle across the Minch to Harris.