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A Dae at Drumlanrig

John Laughlin (Wan Dae Organiser) / 30.04.2007

Once again superb weather greeted racers on arrival at the stunning Drumlanrig Castle in Dumfriesshire, for the first race of the 2007 Wan Dae Adventure Race Series. Many of those turning up to race were first time racers and planner/director John Laughlin had recognised this fact with a much reduced race area compared to last year, enabling more teams to reach more of the activities on offer.

The format of the race has become standardised this year, with a completely score format allowing racers to choose when and if they go to each of the activities. With the running and kayaking sections being optional activities (worth good points though), novice teams could choose a route to their liking, while the faster teams could take in a bit of everything.

Once again there was the option to compete in the 5 hour Simply Blended Class or the 8 hour Cask Strength Class, and the fastest teams in the latter stood a reasonable chance of clearing the course, while most of those in the 5 hour race would still be able to take in both kayaking and running sections.

There were starts at 10am and 1pm for the 5 and 8 hour races respectively, so that both finished at the same time. Both races began in the same manner with a follow-the-leader style run to stretch the field out.

North Shore Runners

John Laughlin took delight in leading the merry dance on foot around the ‘North Shore’ obstacle bike loop in front of the castle, knowing full well that he could relax for the rest of the day while it was only the beginning for the racers. Many would find the fast start hard to maintain in the heat of the day but initially other things were their minds, as once again the bikes that had been deposited in front of the castle had been gleefully jumbled up by the marshals while the teams were busy running!

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